Garret’s movements had to be flawless. Even the slightest mistake could lead to disaster, as the next strike might not hit his shield but rather target his chest, eyes, or even more vulnerable areas. His expression remained focused and serious as he methodically moved his shield, creating a blur of motion that seemed effortless but was the result of countless hours of practice.
Each of the eagle’s attacks was expertly parried, but Garret didn’t smile. The precision of his movements brought back memories, some painful, some cherished. His flawless technique was honed through years of rigorous training, and it all began with his father.
After returning from the battlefield, Garret’s father had been a quiet, withdrawn man. Not long after, he started subjecting Garret to harsh training, drilling every movement into perfection. At the time, Garret couldn’t understand it. They had finally become nobles; shouldn’t they be enjoying life?
He often rebelled, sneaking off to avoid the grueling routines. But his father always found him, and each time, he was met with the sting of the whip. The sharp pain and the welts it left behind only deepened his resentment.
It wasn’t until years later, during a drunken night, that his father revealed the truth: his time was running out. The years on the battlefield, the countless wounds and illnesses, had drained his vitality. His father’s despondent expression, as he confessed this, felt like a dagger to Garret’s heart.
That night, his father shared stories of his time as a scout—how he had survived countless near-death experiences to deliver vital information back to the army. His father’s training, Garret realized, was born out of a desperate desire to pass on all the survival skills he had learned, hoping to keep his son safe in the future.
The next day, Garret was changed. The carefree attitude was gone, replaced with a determination to endure the rigorous training. Every time he completed a session, his father’s smile was the greatest reward.
Now, years later, that smile was the most precious memory. The pain of the training had long faded into obscurity.
As Garret parried yet another attack, a sudden opportunity presented itself. He intentionally left his back exposed for just a moment. The eagle seized the chance, slashing his back with its talons, leaving six deep wounds.
Garret, though breathing heavily, allowed himself a small smile. The risk had paid off; it was better to take some damage than to remain passive.
Meanwhile, the female eagle was faring no better. Every few moments, a massive stone seemed to appear out of nowhere, forcing it to dodge and preventing any chance of a close-range attack. The relentless pressure from Rhett’s Stonefall Spells was driving the eagle closer to the Red Flame Tree without it even realizing.
Rhett’s precise spellcasting allowed him to manipulate the battlefield, gradually pushing the eagle into a more vulnerable position.
Garret noticed this and frowned. He didn’t like the idea of the mage being too far from the main group, but Rhett’s proficiency seemed undeniable. The female eagle was struggling under his constant barrage, leaving little for Garret to worry about. He decided to focus on his own opponent.
He quickly came up with a plan. Spotting a rugged section of the hillside that suited his needs, Garret dashed toward it, leaving the safety of the group behind. The eagle, blinded by rage, followed him into the rocky terrain.
Rhett, seeing Garret’s movement, paused for a moment. He had been contemplating how to land a decisive blow using his Stone Spikes, a spell that could strike from any angle. But the spell’s use would raise too many questions. If people knew he had access to such a spell, they might suspect he had taken a rare and dangerous bloodline potion—a luxury that even royal family members found difficult to obtain.
As Rhett struggled with this dilemma, Garret’s sudden retreat into the hillside provided an unexpected opportunity. The distraction was enough to ease Rhett’s decision, allowing him to focus on the female eagle.
In the end, Garret's choice created a blind spot in the battle, but Rhett knew how to turn it to their advantage.