There was a muffled "thud".
Dennis Elijah blocked the Boiling Water Elemental's attack with his shield. The colossal force of the blow, like the impact of a heavy hammer, left his left arm somewhat numb. Still, the Page managed to parry his opponent's attack without yielding a single step.
Dennis was well aware that retreating a few steps could better deflect the Boiling Water Elemental's onslaught, and the Militias on either side with kite-shaped shields would step in to help, allowing him to catch his breath. That would be a better coping strategy than stubbornly holding his ground and trying to prove his strength.
Yet Dennis didn't want anyone to see him retreat, not even the slightest bit.
Whether it was to avoid tarnishing his honor or simply out of pride, in Dennis' eyes, "retreat" was never a good word.
This was the Fourth Hot Spring, and Dennis had never taken a step back in all his battles.
