An expression of confusion and trepidation appeared on Grant's handsome face after he was struck. Because he panicked, the domineering phoenix of flames dissipated as its source of power had been cut abruptly, causing the sky to return to its normal color.
In the next instant, both sorcerers lengthened the distance between themselves and withheld any more attacks. It was as if they had both realized that the duel had long since gone astray of its original intention.
Grant still could not come up with any explanation for Baiyi's sudden appearance. He did not believe that Baiyi had any form of space-style magic to simulate teleportation; this was because he had watched the Soul armature naively try to protect himself with an elemental shield, and his psychic energy had never left Baiyi. If Baiyi had used any space-type magic, Grant would have been alerted to it instantly. Hence, there was no way Baiyi could have teleported behind him in those few seconds!
TL’S MUSINGS:
>> Baiyi would never use a tactic like that because he considered it a low blow...
This TL would like to say that in any kind of battle… she would totally do something like this. “Anything weird (‘— that doesn’t infringe on others’ rights’, but that’s a mouthful disclaimer, and is only there after I’d eased into #wokeness) to gain an edge!” That’s my motto. Hence, playing video game with my cousin exactly at the time his girlfriend was outside of the gate waiting for him to see her. Or loudly exposing the fact that my sister had a test due next week to my very Asian parents just when we were about to game.
...Not that the last one helped me! Even I was banned from playing in the end— Pops said something about solidarity between siblings. Pffft.
It’s quite a pronounced trait I had. When I was 8, I went to a theme-park that only operates on the evenings with my relatives. After watching a water show, I got separated from them as the crowd broke up. It was dark, and I was too young to own a cell. There were so many people, screaming wouldn’t have gotten me far, especially when there were other brats screaming around, too.
So I took a decidedly sympathetic spot and started sobbing in front of whom I had decided were parents and families. Not before long, a crowd had gathered around me, asking in concern of my parents or family and stuff, but I just kept crying louder and louder as the crowd grew…
And then I saw my uncle peering through the crowd. Upon seeing him, I dropped the act and smiled sweetly, “Hey! I knew you would be attracted to big commotions! Nosy as always, Uncle!” Boom! Got my uncle, got my relatives, I’m saved!
Poor bystanders were still standing there in a ring as they watched me just leaving the spot, grinning as I took my uncle’s hand. In retrospect, I should have said “thanks”, or well, “That was the last water show— a Child’s Crocodile Tears!”