Damien was clearly learning his lessons today, as he was beginning to realize that fact. It was different than learning from Guy or Robin, both whom had been from a medieval period of warfare. He could tell Levi was different, from a world where threats existed far worse than corrupt kings or armies of human men. Monsters. In the earlier talks he had expressed concern of taking a partner on patrol hunts.. but now? Damien could see more than ever that the fighter was quite capable on his own, especially if the sparring so far was any indication. And the feint was deflected moderately well, another good sign. "The side, well," he answered, sword held at ready, grip tightened in readiness, "I'd have to be able to adapt quickly, switch positions at a moment's notice. Some would say hope to get lucky, but luck isn't an accurate factor. Man's skills from experience and training decide a win or loss." And then Levi was moving again. He saw him moving, going faster while the right blade stayed connected to his, yet getting closer, spinning left. His defense was being circumvented, moved aside as Levi got ever closer while doing his skillful moves.
His eyes caught movement of the left blade. He reacted, turning aside, making his sword slide longways along the right blade and withdraw as he turned right, swinging his sword from a horizontal to an upward slanted position, holding it closer to himself so as to make the raised metal block the left bladed attack. Only.. just barely. He did make contact, but missed the angle of the attacking blade by a few inches. There was a clang, but the sword had indeed stopped just so very short from his neck. There was a sharp intake of breath from expecting another cut but fortunately this was just a short distance but enough to prove the victor. Were this a true fight, he knew that strike would have been the end of it all.
He felt sweat on his face and brow, than let out a few breaths as he steeled his composure to normal. Calmness under pressure was best in these types of workouts. "Damn, that's a good move," he admitted in acknowledgment. He'd have to try that one out at some point in the future against a threat. "I think my error in defense was not enough speed.. or more force in the block, or just had to pivot a little more and I probably would have deflected it better. But what would be your tactic to defend against it?"