The warm-up was over.
The lightning-fast exchange just now looked like a dance on a blade's edge to outsiders.
But for Finn, it was merely an extent of body movement.
They stared dumbfounded as Ais rode the wind and, in the space of a breath, was forced back by the wind.
The master of movement and technique among Level 6s was living up to his reputation!
"Hoh hoh, Finn is deliberately putting pressure on Ais."
Gareth stroked his beard, showing understanding for Finn's composure.
"His mobility is probably inferior to Ais's, so waiting for the opponent to attack first is the best choice."
"Compared to a rapier, Finn's long spear has a greater range. Furthermore, he can compensate for other shortcomings with technique."
Riveria also analyzed the unmoving stance, causing Lefiya's eyes to sparkle with admiration.
She marveled at the Captain's cunning.
At the same time, she felt even greater reverence for Ais, who could make such a formidable opponent take a cautious, defensive stance!
In the center of the arena, a smile remained on Finn's lips. The shaft of the long spear next to him was nearly twice his own height.
Yet, that small figure seemed to have an instinctive rapport, integrating perfectly with the weapon.
In Finn's hands, height, arm span, and strength were never an issue.
He was skilled at using various methods and marvelous techniques to level, or even surpass, all of it!
Shala...
Ais's breath passed over the ice-cold blade, and her golden eyes were filled with caution.
Just one exchange had confirmed it.
If she had been her former self, she would definitely not have been able to defeat Finn; she wouldn't even have been able to make him use his real power!
Even if she activated Ariel (Wind Spirit Dash), which allowed her to fly through the sky and traverse the earth, it would have been the same!
From the force Finn used to suppress her, she clearly felt that tried-and-true mastery of technique.
At least her current self could not reach that level.
Fortunately, I met that person.
Ais clenched her fist.
Eugene's mischievous smiling face flashed by.
A stranger from the future, who loved her deeply, yet brushed past her.
Now, the burden on my shoulders, the reason I must overcome what's ahead, has increased by one!
Whoosh!
Thinking this, a surge of magical power on the golden-haired girl's body instantly soared!
The quality of the cyan wind swirls began to feel heavier.
And the light colors quickly darkened until they completely transformed into a pitch-black like the deepest night!
Black Wind State!
Everyone's eyes narrowed sharply as they looked at Ais, and their breathing stopped simultaneously!
This was the dark power of Ais, once regarded as a taboo, the power she could not control!
But now, the revenge fire that corroded everything was no longer burning fiercely on her body.
The illusory black wings spread out freely, showing no sign of wickedness or distortion. Instead, they were filled with solemn holiness!
Like a protection cast by the Goddess of Night.
"She used it so quickly?"
Tiona was shocked. She had witnessed firsthand how difficult it was for Ais to enter this mode back then.
Threatened, induced, tempted, and angered, she reached the brink of collapse in a desperate situation.
At that time, a black storm swept the world, and the atmosphere of despair made anyone who saw it empathize.
But now, the speed of Ais's transformation was unimaginably fast, as simple as deciding on a thought.
"She, after all, went through those things," Tione's eyebrows slightly furrowed. Seeing Ais's resolute expression, she felt a pang of sadness.
The hidden purpose of that mischievous man turned out to be so profound and loving.
Seriously, even I can't quite forget him.
"Very good, your choice is decisive."
Finn praised Ais's change.
When a frontal confrontation is unfavorable, there is no need to waste time. Moreover, the Black Wind state consumes a lot of energy, so a quick resolution is the best choice.
"Coincidentally, that's what I intended!"
As he spoke, he twirled the long spear, gripped it with both hands, and pointed the golden spear tip straight ahead!
That point of gold on the spear blade, facing the swirling black storm, seemed so small, yet so powerful!
Activating the Skill Cattleya Phalanx!
The Development Ability Lancer is in effect, increasing the proficiency of the corresponding technique!
Activating the Skill Pallum True Nature!
When in an adverse situation, greatly enhances the effect of Magic and Skills!
"This is the kind of tension I need!"
The small Pallum with golden hair and blue eyes issued a challenge to the girl who was ready to strike before him.
"Come on!"
Whoosh!
The moment his words fell, Ais's body surged forward. The black storm that moved with her was like an enraged monster starting up!
Wherever she passed, the hard stone slabs on the ground were all ripped apart, even cracking and shattering into large pieces!
With all attributes massively enhanced, Ais swung that formidable sword once again.
This time, even Finn had no luxury to casually block!
He moved his feet, stabilized his stance, and ducked to avoid the sword, simultaneously thrusting the end of his spear into the ground.
The other end was suddenly raised, accurately piercing toward Ais's eye!
!!
Ais did not anticipate this surprise attack. She dodged by tilting her head, a strand of hair being cut off.
Her vision rapidly spun back, but Finn was nowhere to be seen!
Tap.
The wind's warning made Ais realize the attack was coming from the side. She spun a graceful arc in mid-air, dodging Finn's continuous spear thrusts several times, then flicked her wrist up, successfully deflecting the spearhead that had been inseparable from him.
But to her surprise, Finn used the force to easily rotate the long spear. The other end, with an equally sharp tip, attacked again!
Ding, ding, ding, ding!
Despite being a long-range weapon, it was wielded like a whirlwind. Golden light dots connected into threads in the air, and these threads formed a three-dimensional painting!
Finn was in the center of these golden lines, while Ais seemed perfectly synchronized with him.
One side was absolutely safe, the other was a deadly step at every turn!
"Hey, hey, no way!" Bete was dumbfounded, watching Ais, who was fighting with full power, still unable to gain an advantage against Finn.
It was the first time he had seen Finn use such exquisite and swift technique.
On expeditions, Finn, as the Captain, was often in a core position, with few opportunities to strike.
When he did, it was usually a full-force magic spear throw.
This kind of dazzling and deadly dance, utilizing his small physique and footwork to the absolute limit, was truly unprecedented!
People were deeply captivated by Finn's performance.
His every step was beyond expectation, and every offense and counterattack was so sharp, with peculiar angles!
To witness such an exchange was more than just a lesson.
It was a personal show that shook the heart and soul—
Shhhla!
This naive idea was shattered as the balance broke.
For the first time in the fight, the opponent was struck.
It was Ais.
"Huh, that state can even improve judgment?"
Finn looked at the torn clothing on his chest and gave a wry smile.
"I'm truly envious!"
Ais, meanwhile, adopted a completely new stance.
Her appearance brought back memories for Lefiya, Tiona, Tione, and Loki simultaneously!
That last attack was definitely not a move Ais had used before.
The moment she struck, she made the tip of her sword, wrapped in black aura, rapidly vibrate, giving Finn the illusion that her sword's reach had shortened.
That move was clearly something she had learned from Eugene—
Sun Breathing, Eighth Form: Solar Heat Haze!
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