There was a reason why the Royals had asked Orion to craft a perfect version of Lith's joke blade for themselves. Orion had made his creation capable of being infused with the elements, amplifying the effects of fusion magic.
The gravity field, now also amplified by Ruin's enchantment, allowed Lith to make the sword heavier when it hit and lighter when it moved. Ruin amplified Lith's abilities and vice versa, tipping the scales in his favor.
Soon Gaaron was forced on the defensive just to keep himself from being overwhelmed by the raw strength and speed of each attack. The few times he attempted a counter, Lith pushed his blade back so far that Gaaron almost lost his grip and life.
'Dammit! I spent too much time in politics and too little on the battlefield.' Gaaron thought. 'I'm rusty, but my battle experience is way superior to his. To overcome raw power, I must set my pride aside and use my brain.'
