The A/D 3 skill definitely needs to be worked on. The shadow step towards the enemy does not seem to provide anything but the possibility to hit D5. Perhaps an Idea could be to make axe a range-and-melee weapon? Like if you are within range of the enemy, make a melee attack. And in that, make melee a chain and last hit gives initiative. That way, there is also an incentive to stay in melee for a short period after A/D skill 3.