"I don't think it's a good idea Mane." Abe looked straight at his captain as he spoke. The seriousness of his words were backed by the steely look in his brown eyes. The twins nodded their heads at his words. They were very much in agreement with Abelard. Although they believed in Mane's strength, what the blue eyed boy had in mind was a suicide request in their eyes. Although Frederick and Selina said nothing, their lack of movements displayed their stance.
"So none of you are going to attack?" Mane said calmly as he began walking towards his team mates.
"I wasn't asking. It was a command I issued" he continued, his countenance reeking with authority. His aura stunned the newcomers. They hadn't seen Mane in his 'captain' mode yet. It was hard to believe that a ten to eleven year old kid could command such authority when he wasn't groomed by a royal family. Then again, this was the same kid whose aura had caused mayhem for them during their first meeting.
Still, his aura did nothing to change the current stalemate as none of them were willing to attack Mane first.
"I like your friends. Refusing to attack you when you are this weak is admirable" the 2nd said in a pleased voice. Although the other masters, including the 6th said nothing, Mane was sure they agreed.
"I don't think you understood what I meant when I said we were all here to train. Even if I have my energy drained to only the first level of the mortal realm, none of you would be a match for me. This is the only way I can also improve."
Mane's words were absolute, his aura climbing towards the peak. In a duel, most of the time the one who took the initiative to attack, gained the advantage. It was clear that Mane wanted to be at a complete disadvantage. Hence, his request for them to attack first. Though it was doubtful whether he would get his way or not.
Frederick's countenance changed upon hearing Mane's words. Such arrogance! The kid was looking down on them! He was at the fourth level of the mortal realm. Selina was a level above him, at the fifth level. The twins and Abe were at the above-mortal realm. Although he did not know their specific levels, he was certain that this line up was adequate to take on someone who was at the peak of the mortal realm! Yet this kid claimed that even at the first level of the mortal realm, none of them were his match. He was good natured, but even he had a breaking point. Mane's words acted as a trigger. The older boy launched himself violently towards Mane.
"Crippling palm", he shouted in fury as he struck Mane's chest with all his energy.
*bang*
His attack was dead on. Mane coughed up some blood as he was launched spectacularly into the air.
Abe's expression changed upon seeing this. Frederick's move was unexpected. With none of them expecting such an outburst, they were all slow to stop him. Although he also felt that Mane's words may have been overboard, he knew the blonde haired boy well enough to know that he never did or said anything in arrogance. His deeds were always backed by irrefutable evidence. So although he didn't know where Mane's confidence came from, he took his words seriously. As for the twins, they believed in Mane fully. They didn't doubt his words at all. Still, that didn't mean that they were going to attack him in this state. After all, being at the first level of the mortal realm and being a non-wielder were two very different things. Although they believed that Mane could cut them down even with a sliver of mortal realm energy, that trust didn't extend to him being in a non-wielding state.
Selina was just as surprised as the others when she saw Frederick attack. She shared in his feelings concerning Mane's words, but she had better grasp of her emotions. Not because she wasn't rash, but because she regarded Mane as just a child. Ironic, since she was still technically a child herself.
"Oh no", Frederick instantly regretted his actions when his palm came into contact with Mane's chest. He had been too rash. His attack had launched Mane into the air. He looked up and prepared to catch the younger boy where he fell. Yet what awaited him was an unbelievable sight.
"What the…"
"How is that even possible?"
"Astounding"
"Wow"
Each one said something different. Well, all except Jake who had his mouth wide open in surprise. Yet there was a common theme in their words- amazement. The boy whom they were initially worried about, flipped mid-air as streams of fire exploded from underneath his feet. The blazing heat made its way towards Frederick. It seemed to contain the fury of its master.
*Bang*
Frederick was quick to regain his composure. He dove out of the way and cat wheeled to land on his feet. The ground where he formerly stood was not so fortunate. The unrelenting flames had taken up residence on it, the grass underneath suffering the full force of its wrath.
"I may not be fighting as a wielder, but you must remember this. My understanding of the elements is good. And haven't I told you never to underestimate your enemies? Let me remind you why."
He had certainly told them that. At least, he had told Abe and the twins before to never look down on any enemy, even if that enemy was a weak looking old woman. They had obviously learned nothing. This time however, he was going to make sure that they never forget.
"Since none of you are brave enough to take the initiative, how about I help you out?" Mane said as he increased his pace. He opened his mouth and took a deep breath, involuntarily swallowing some of his blood, as the flames were drawn into his open mouth.
The newbies took their positions behind Abe when they saw Mane approach. Frederick to the left, and Selina to the right. This was part of the formation they had decided to use beforehand. Since the newcomers were the weakest, they were on backup duty. As for the twins, they were to act as interceptors. Abe had the duty of protecting the newbies. At least that was the plan before. Whether it would be the same throughout the match was yet to be seen.
Abe looked at the huge ball of fire that was flying towards him with a wry smile.
"Even at an advantage, we are still at a disadvantage."