It was difficult to deal with this guy. Raon kept jumping in and out of the lava, while all I could do was play on defense.
"It appears that Alt is on the ropes." [Ross]
"What do you think, Vincent?" [Urth]
"He can turn it around. That is IF he plays smart." [Vincent]
So he says. I never expected any good advice from Master anyway.
("Let's try something else.") [Solace]
I observed my surroundings and tried to piece together a plan.
("Okay, so I'm stuck on a circular platform. I don't know where Raon will appear from. The only thing I can do is react based on reflex.") [Solace]
Then it hit me.
("React?") [Solace]
I had forgotten about it. All I needed to do was react, right?
("|Imbue Alarm|.") [Solace]
I used a skill I obtained from sneaking out of Fina's manor. I wasn't too sure how it worked, but I was certain it would be better than looking blindly.
("...Be patient.") [Solace]
Silent as can be, I waited like a hunter stalking prey.
("There!") [Solace]
The alarm rang in my head. I'm not sure how to describe it. It's like hearing a "ding" sound and knowing exactly which alarm rang. Maybe like how someone would know if a microwave is done cooking.
"Get over here!" [Solace]
I spun around to face Raon, who was well equipped with a rocky substance on his arms again.
"|Shattering-" [Raon]
"|Vortex Arts|!" [Solace]
My hands became a blur as they spiraled towards Raon's arms. Within an instant, the rocky substance, and even his gauntlets, turned to shreds.
"What?!" [Raon]
"C'mere, you annoying prick!" [Solace]
I grabbed him by the collar and reeled him in.
"|Explosive Arts|!" [Solace]
I unleashed an explosive punch into Raon's gut, causing him to convulse with pain.
"Guh…! |Enrage|!" [Raon]
Strength surged within him. He pried my fingers off him and raised a hand.
"|Lava Conjuration|!" [Raon]
His palm filled with molten lava.
"|Molten Fist|!" [Raon]
As I began to step away, I realized one thing.
("Oh. This is the end of the platform.") [Solace]
Without much space left, I blocked with one arm and countered with the other.
"|Blazing Fist|!" [Solace]
We struck each other at the same time. This was around the time I wished I didn't block since I felt a searing pain against my arm.
"Argh!" [Solace]
The molten lava seeped into my gauntlets and oozed down onto my bare skin. It felt like my arm was getting cooked alive.
"You have gained |Experience|. |Experience| limit reached. |Fire Resistance| has gained a level." [Spirit Guide]
The Spirit Guide repeated that a few times, causing the pain to lessen. It was still concerning since it was suddenly difficult to lift my arm, much less close my hand.
"Why won't you fall?!" [Raon]
That was a good question. I was in so much pain that it wouldn't be surprising if I passed out.
"Figure it out yourself!" [Solace]
We both swung. There were no skills embedded in our punches, but they each hit home.
"Argh!" [Raon]
"Urgh!" [Solace]
It was difficult to put up a fight here. I only had access to one arm, while Raon had two.
"Forfeit already!" [Raon]
I focused on evading and deflecting with one hand. Of course, I ate a few hits in the process.
"|Wind Edge|!" [Solace]
I made a slicing motion with my hand, but Raon sidestepped it and kicked off of my knee.
("Huh?!") [Solace]
Raon had jumped pretty high, but it wasn't enough to surprise me. It was that he was raising his leg at a 90 degree angle.
"|Executioner's Drop|!" [Raon]
"...Bruh." [Solace]
I felt like I got hit by a checkmate. If I dodge, my platform is gone. If I take it, I might lose an arm. All I could do was risk something.
("Man, screw it.") [Solace]
"|Revolving Shell Arts|." [Solace]
From my experience, the skill uses my strength in proportion to the attack to deflect. Just like how I wasn't able to move when trying to deflect Vanport's attack. I can only hope it works with one arm.
"Stand your ground." [???]
As an unknown voice echoed through my mind, my hand collided with Raon's leg.
"Ugh!" [Solace]
The weight was almost unbearable. I pushed and pushed, barely managing to let Raon's attack slip by. Unfortunately, I think it tore my arm muscles.
("That friggin' hurts!") [Solace]
My arm went limp, so I did one last act of defiance. Headbutting. The force of Raon falling, and me slamming my forehead into his face decided the match. That is, with him passing out and me standing there unable to move my arms.
"It appears the match has been concluded." [Vincent]
"Staff, please call healers and earth magic specialists. We will begin the next match shortly." [Wilharrow]