Not all fighters were better at close-range combat than long-range, and not all mages were more proficient at medium or long-range battles.
However, Dristel was a spear fighter and focused on the battles that took place within reach of his spear. And from what he had seen, Toz was better at long-range battles since he had learned two spells suitable for that. Toz's lightning and space magic also made it easy for Toz to keep the distance between himself and his target.
Dristel was confident in his assessment of Toz and in being able to strike him down before Toz could escape as long as he made an opening, which was why he used the two Piercing Gales to grab Toz's attention.
Dristel's spear flashed through the air. Since Dristel didn't know what Toz had done with Stris, he decided to maim Toz. Maiming Toz wouldn't instantly render him victorious since Toz would still be able to use magic, but it would be enough for Nester to wrap his chains around Toz.
