Chapter 140 - 129 - Unfair
"At least he's not a water," Mila commented.
"Earth, no advantage to press," Shouri noted.
The pair stood in their designated box while the loudspeaker overhead went over the battle rules. It broke down to don't do anything to seriously maim your opponent, listen to the referee, etc. Pretty standard stuff especially considering Shouri himself was a referee only two weeks ago.
"Remember when we touch-cast as kids?" Shouri asked.
"Yeah?" Mila looked to her current Maestro.
"I've been told my rhythm is… a lot. Just don't lose focus," He advised.
Mila considered those words. She had been on the receiving end of his spells from that fire fox of his. She nodded. "I'll keep that in mind."
And with that, she stepped onto the battlefield, her opponent, an earth-element canine of some sort matching her step.
When the two Resonators met in the middle of the court they sized each other up.
Mila was small and lithe – she could easily be mistaken for a piercing element from her build. Her opponent stood taller than her, an average thing by all considerations, they could be either a slashing attribute or one of the non-noble attributes.
Either way, not much changed about the game plan in Shouri's mind. Mila was a Shielder with strong willpower. The average Resonator would have a bad time dealing with her combination of traits.
"Maestros! This is a one-on-one battle with no substitutions! Goal is seventy-five percent rhythm remaining! Let the battle begin!"
Mila opened strong, throwing a haymaker towards her opponent. They dodged the cat's initial thrown fist, but in an instant, found themselves receiving the blow anyway. Mila had ignited her fist and used her wrist flames to change the trajectory of her attack.
"Oh." Shouri noticed it wasn't just her fist, but her footwork – when she threw the punch, she deliberately took one foot off the ground, then when she missed her weight shifted to her heel. The result of this allowed her whole body to whip around and face the new direction of her attack.
"Glad Lyle is an idiot, damn." Shouri whistled, impressed.
The earth Resonator realized in an instant close quarters combat with this cat was dangerous and quickly cleared the distance between them.
"I venti che battono il sahara !" the earth Maestro commanded.
"L'Ordine di Gabriele, Allegro!" Shouri countered.
Mila channeled the rhythm she received from Shouri, taking on a slight glow. The spell choice was well-informed as the earth dog kicked up a sandstorm contained within the arena's walls.
Shouri raised an arm and narrowed his eyes, trying to keep the swirling sands from getting in them. He glanced down at the tuner in hand.