Ever since they were children, from the teachings of their families, the sight was by far the most important one among all the senses when it comes to fighting. After all, without sight, how can they see and attack their opponents?
And usually, that would be the case for those who are unable to detect the presence of magic.
But since Inna can detect it, being both a magic-user and a fighter can enable her to close her eyes and still be able to 'see'.
It's because, as what Raghnall have taught her, closing her eyes can eliminate all distractions. But aside from helping her focus on the movements of her opponent, it can also make her fully aware of the magical particles of her opponent in a certain radius, helping her detect instances where they begin to cast spells.
So, Inna had no qualms about closing her eyes.
But it seemed that Rhys didn't like her doing it.
He clicked his tongue in annoyance as soon as he saw her closed eyes.
That girl truly learned from Raghnall, alright.
Seeing Inna, he was reminded of his bitter past where, whenever he fought with Raghnall, that guy would always close his eyes before fighting him.
He knew it was part of a strategy but it was still hellishly annoying because, for the people who didn't know any better, they see it as Raghnall not taking him seriously or giving him a handicap.
And so, whenever Raghnall wins, the people always see him as a joke in the end.
So, with Inna closing her eyes, he was reminded of those memories and he couldn't help but grit his teeth in frustration.
Wrong move, little girl.
At first, he just wanted to test her out a little. But now that she reminded him of something annoying, he couldn't help but want to punish her a little.
He smirked and silently casted a timed spell.
Three moments.
Just three moments until the spell he casted will activate.
He's going to give her those moments to try and actually defeat him.
But once the time runs out, then he will no longer be kind.
Inna felt a sudden fluctuation in Rhys's surroundings and she furrowed her brows in confusion.
Was he seriously casting a spell?
Wasn't this supposed to be a physical match?
Was that fucker actually cheating by using a spell?
After a second, the fluctuation disappeared and she no longer sensed any magic being used.
Huh? Did he change his mind?
Inna was tempted to open her eyes to confirm but then, she no longer had a chance. That's because, in just a second, Rhys shortened the distance between them and with the same hand, he tried to slash her again.
But Inna saw him coming and after bracing herself, she roughly grabbed Rhys's robes and threw him over her back.
Rhys was momentarily shocked at her action.
He couldn't believe the fact that he actually wasn't able to evade her grab.
She's fast! Faster than before!
It must be because her reaction time improved from her closing her eyes.
Rhys gritted his teeth as he twisted his body in mid-air in order to land on his feet.
His hands were now clenched into fists as he once again dashed towards Inna. He was determined to avoid her grab and land a blow to her side.
But when he closed the distance between them, Inna suddenly seized his torso and flipped him on his back.
Thankfully, before his head could get in contact with the ground, he was able to break free and move away from Inna.
Orion and the rest of the guys just realized what she was doing and they couldn't help but cheer for her noisily.
Rhys knew what she was doing as well.
The little raccoon was actually wrestling with him!
He clicked his tongue in irritation again.
Wrestling…
One of the things he hated the most…
Sticking close to each other's body and rubbing each other's sweaty skin all the while smearing sweat on the ground…
Disgusting…
Rhys refused to go along with her wrestling moves as he continued his usual attacks.
He dashed towards her, ready to punch only to be met with a grab on his arm and being swung full force to the ground.
It went on and on and luckily, he was able to break free before he met with the ground.
Inna was starting to get frustrated as well. After having so many close shaves, who wouldn't be?
So, she decided to ditch the wrestling bit and instead, she went for the classic punch and kick style.
But Rhys wasn't aware of her change of technique so when he dashed again, he expected her to grab him hence, he readied himself with a counter attack.
So when Inna lunged, he thought he was going to be grabbed by the torso and was about to maneuver himself to dodge it when a fist suddenly connected with his face.
Everyone fell silent.
Rhys… was hit… in the face…
Despite the vast area of where they fought, everyone felt the sudden drop of temperature. Orion and the guys looked at each other and gulped. They instinctively took a step back as they warily looked at Rhys's shaking form.
Inna felt the harsh collision of her fist to Rhys's cheek and the pain made her open her eyes in shock.
"Oh fuck, I forgot that punches hurt!"
She frantically shook her hand, hoping it would somehow lessen the ache in her knuckles. Then, she blew on it as she tried to check on Rhys. He flew a few feet away from her but he was still standing, only that he had his face turned to the side, exposing the place where she hit him.
Upon closer inspection, she saw his shoulders trembling. And when she looked at the spot on his face where she landed her hit, she stared at her red knuckles, unable to accept the fact that she was actually able to hit him after he dodged all her attacks before.
She wanted to say sorry because she knew that she placed all her strength in that one punch. Anyone who would collide with it would've felt like he collided with a tank.
But the words were lost in her throat when she saw him smiling.
"Oh boy, how long has it been…"
Rhys laughed but it held no humor in its tone.
"To think someone would touch my face…"
He smiled at Inna, his eyes shining with mischief and a hint of something else that made Inna unconsciously gulp.
Rhys felt the strange yet familiar metallic taste pool in his mouth and trickle down his lips. He spat it out and wiped his mouth with the sleeve of his blue robe as he tried to prevent his smile from getting any wider.
It's been a while since he was able to taste his own blood.
"My tutor truly is very amazing, isn't she?"
Rhys smiled towards Orion and the guys, but the empty eyes that stared them down made them freeze in fear.
Orion recognized the look in Rhys's eyes and he could only pray that Nana could win against him without having any of her limbs broken.
Because when he's like that, Orion knew that Rhys was utterly and undeniably angry.