I climbed on top of him, attempting to catch him off guard. His hand swiftly maneuvered between my arms, gripping the back of my neck—a peculiar position, yet he seemed to have a strategy to evade any potential harm I might cause.
I struggled against his grip. Even with my heightened mana strengthening, freeing myself from his hold proved challenging. His movements were deft, his defenses well-constructed.
Suddenly, I collided with the floor, a grunt escaping my lips as he released his weight, causing me to topple over him. Wincing momentarily, I seized the opportunity, turning the tables by straddling his neck.
Despite my position, he appeared rather composed—his face slightly flushed, but otherwise showing no signs of concern.
Forming a fire bolt in his right palm, he aimed it towards me, attempting to strike—confusion flickering across his expression as my own plan unfolded.
