You chose to stand your ground and face the Serpent of Shadows head-on. As you tighten your grip on your sword, the beast lets out a deafening hiss, its crimson eyes fixed on you with malice. With swift movements, it lunges towards you, fangs bared and ready to strike. In a daring move, you dodge its first attack and retaliate with a powerful swing of your blade, causing dark ichor to ooze from its wound. The serpent recoils, enraged by your defiance. Your courage is put to the test as you engage in a fierce battle against this ancient foe, each clash of steel echoing through the courtyard.