Zaruma says, "Usiel."


Usiel Anauel asks, "What's up?"

Zaruma says, "I needed another demonstration of Garuda. This time, I think I'm near grasping the technique."

Usiel Anauel says, "Sure, sure."

Usiel Anauel says, "Follow."
The Valmasian came to an abrupt stop in the open plains, wide enough for testing. The only thing that was different about him this time was the armor he wore- a set that once belonged to Anaxes, perhaps familiar to the Archon.

"Right- so you remember most of it from last time, correct? This should be easy, once more, just a simple demonstration."

A hand would be raised to pinch the cigarette that lay in his mouth, another final puff before flicking it onto the ground.

"Just summon the winds around you, hell- I'm sure that gravity magic you know would help too, considering you can just zip around over fields that are encompassed with fire."

Winds would surround him, almost as if it was a shield, sure to protect him from any damage- be it redirecting projectiles or paving the way ahead for a quick, decisive move.

The grass would sway violently in response.

"Now, I assume you've tested this against mages,correct? Shall we see how you fare in combat against a swordsman?"
(Usiel Anauel)

The Archon heard every single word carefully, just as much as he observed the movement and magics used by Usiel- every single detail was taken in account, all to finally perfect and master this technique that was taking him years to grasp by now.

With the shroud surrounding Usiel, Zaruma was quick to repeat the trick; the same wind shroud appeared all around the Archon, making it seem as if he was slowly fading from this very world, combined with the trick of Afterimage to make him look transparent.

The trick of the wind shroud was, quite frankly, easy to Zaruma by now. It focused on deflecting everything that'd fly at him, combined with nullification of friction to allow the movement of Afterimage, all while the thrusters were made to accelerate him - both to move quick, and to enable dodging any magic that he cannot deflect.

On top of that, he always remained floating, so ground attacks were little to not effective against him.

A perfect defence.

"I've used this against mages, yes. Multiple times at that."

"This technique certainly helps them, although I can't imagine how it'd perform against another swordsman. I assume we could test this now."

A scythe was drawn. Not much other talking is needed here, he understood right away what Usiel referred to.
(Zaruma)

"Sometimes it'll cause a blade to swipe astray if you're lucky.. or potent. It seems more based on luck with how it's been for me."

Reaching over his shoulder, he'd grip the blade holstered upon his back- another treasure, this weapon belonging to Askilaad, the siren swordsman he once knew years back.

Raw energy would surge around him along with a blinding light- gold, ethereal wings forming upon his back. Truly a sight for any cosmic user, something that put such duress on the body.

"A quick bout wouldn't hurt, just for testing."
(Usiel Anauel)

The Archon was quick to focus himself appropriately before the fight would begin.

Not only he had to ensure his technique remains the same throughout the fight, he needed to make sure he makes use of it as much as possible- and moreover, not lose his stance while at it. If he would, that may prove an obstacle to force him into more years of education.

But Zaruma was ready. Steeling himself for encounter, he exclaimed.

"It shall not hurt. Do your best."
(Zaruma)

{RP BATTLE} (COUNTDOWN: 10)

{RP BATTLE} (COUNTDOWN: 9)

{RP BATTLE} (COUNTDOWN: 8)

{RP BATTLE} (COUNTDOWN: 7)

{RP BATTLE} (COUNTDOWN: 6)

{RP BATTLE} (COUNTDOWN: 5)

{RP BATTLE} (COUNTDOWN: 4)

{RP BATTLE} (COUNTDOWN: 3)

{RP BATTLE} (COUNTDOWN: 2)

{RP BATTLE} (COUNTDOWN: 1)

{RP BATTLE} (COUNTDOWN: Go!)

As expected of these two combatants, the fight was rather swift.

While the technique was not as useful versus another swordsman, akin there was no magic to deflect and the winds were not strong enough to halt a blade, it was still useful in a sense of making one move swifter, and their blows land with greater precision to strike firmly.

In a quick exchange of blows, Zaruma kept in mind to bob and weave as the Garuda user supposed to- every strike from Usiel was met with a masterful dodge, every cleave was met with a smooth flight that could almost go underneath such assault and disallow it to hit, and every bit of Energy or Cosmic magic was redirected.

All to put the practice of this technique to the next level.

But the fight was still far from over. Zaruma eyed his opponent after the final blow was made to cut the round to the end, if only to exclaim.

"We are to continue."
(Zaruma)

The Archon was quick to make use of his afterimage, zipping around the field at inane speeds- almost impossible to see what his next move was.

Unpredictable.

Unpredictability paired with fast movements, agile dodges, and utilizing the ferocity of wind was the key to the Garuda style. Simply put- he had certainly figured it out.

A few cuts and scratches here and there littered the Valmasian's body, the force of mournegale quick to send a few swipes astray from their target- his blade sent in opposite directions.

"..my, my. Well. I don't see how anyone can beat you now if you keep up what you're doing."

His panting was muffled, it was near impossible to catch up to the self proclaimed Tempest. Reaching over his shoulder once more, he'd sheathe his blade, the wings made of cosmic and energy surging around him would dim down to an absolute halt- dissipating into the air around him.

"I'm curious to see if you'll stick with this during the war, it seems to work well with you. I wish I was that fast, honestly."
(Usiel Anauel)

The speed was always key for Garuda style.

And Zaruma knew that very well by know. Rather than utilizing raw strength alone, the Archon was quick to make use of his agility more than anything, and he proved himself to be quite an adversity to deal with when it comes to the fight.

Even if it was a mere practice between the two, Usiel could have a good taste of Afterimage technique that the Tempest utilized at every possible turn- but while there was certainly quite the usage of that in the fight, he focused more on being evasive, avoiding any hit he could with the blade that he could manage.

And in the times when neither wind, nor his own speed would help? There was the final trick up his sleeve. Becoming absolutely transparent, and nullifying the hit entirely by letting it pass through him, almost entering ethereal plane to ensure he does not get harmed.

With the fight nearing to its end, the winds of Mournegale were quick to sweep Usiel of his feet, combined with the brutal strength of Zaruma's hits. The fight was over.

"Mm. It appears this technique would be most useful."

"And we'll see. The war is coming, and this sort of skill would benefit me a lot in my fight."

"Regardless, your time is appreciated."
(Zaruma)