4 Bugs/Errors Hold Back This Gem
1. ALL enemies can reach farther than you can
2. Your own weapon's reach never increases
3. You need a save feature
4. You automatically lose the 9th fight, but only on the version which is up here on Newgrounds. The version on your site allows you to continue beyond that point, so don't use it as reference for testing this.
Having lost many a time, (mainly to the deplorable 9th fight bug) I resorted to thinking somewhat outside the buggy combat system. Rather than trying any more trial and error of luck, I moved into developing strength,agility, and stamina only, and aiming completely for pushing my opponents to their deaths. All I needed then to worry about was having enough health as not to be 1-shot by their 'magical' swing from 5 feet away, which happened much too often. Thank you for listening, and good luck to other players. 8)