"H-How... are you this strong?" Ashton panted.
Mazton stood before him, not a single bead of sweat on his head, while Ashton was sweating buckets.
Despite going up against countless A-grade beings, Ashton couldn't even last ten seconds against Mazton. The fight taught him many lessons, one of which was... the grade of someone is of no consequence as long as one can't execute his moves flawlessly.
It was Flintmace's idea to let the two spar, and he only had one motive for suggesting the spar: shattering Ashton's ego. Ashton wasn't even aware of it, but after defeating Phantom, he had begun thinking A-graders couldn't so shit against him.
When Flintmace suggested sparring between the two, Ashotn's exact words were something along the lines of, "It's too easy."
Back then, Flintmace only smiled and didn't say a word. Maybe he knew it was time Ashton got a reality check.
"Remember, use any means necessary to defeat Mazton," Ashton recalled Flintmace's words, "That's your first task before your actual training commences."
Back to the present, Mazton walked up to Ashton, his hands behind his back. Looking at the current Mazton, Ashton wondered what had happened to the jolly man he once was.
As soon as the spar began, his demeanour changed as if some other personality had overtaken him. This version of Mazton was much combat focused and strict.
"Not too easy now, is it?" Mazton taunted, "Or should I lower the difficulty more?"
Ashton was frustrated. But it was time to acknowledge his mistakes for assuming every A-grade being was the same—the vastness between the realm of A and S graders.
If Ashton were to compare their skills, Mazton was standing at the top of Everest while he was sulking in the ocean's depth.
"Fine," Ashton gritted his teeth, "Let's go all out!"
If he couldn't defeat Mazton alone, he would overwhelm him with numbers. Mazton jumped back as Ashton's summons lined up before him. Ashton spared no expense and even called Guilt to help him out.
Since Guilt and Drakon both were A-graders, the fight should turn in his favour, or so Ashton thought.
"Now, this is getting exciting." Mazton clapped before clenching his fists, "it's been a while since I used my hands in a spar. I hope they didn't get rusty. Come on, show me what you got, side characters!"
Everyone jumped at Mazton, but Ashton's smile turned into a frown when he saw Mazton swatting away everyone. Drakon, Guilt and Atlas were the only ones left standing as vanguards, while Sven and Celeste were sent back to [Valhalla] in a single punch.
"Now, Raven!" Ashton gave a psychic order, and Raven, hiding within Mazton's shadow, jumped out, dagger ready to pierce Mazton's shoulder.
However, instead of being surprised, Mazton smirked. He was well aware of Raven's presence from the moment the assassin blended with his shadow. As soon as Raven appeared, Mazton ignored everyone, grabbed the assassin's neck and squeezed it till Raven's head exploded.
Ashton was dumbfounded, and so were his summons. None of them could believe the strength Mazton possessed.
"Let's get rid of the small fries, shall we?" Mazton took a deep breath and roared!
His screams left the arena in tatters. Even the protective barrier couldn't hold up against it. As for the summons... they got ripped apart instantly.
Ashton was left in a daze, his ears constantly ringing from Mazton's wide-area attack, despite having a high tolerance for being stunned. Mazton's movements went unnoticed in his chaotic state, and it was already too late by the time he noticed him.
"No chance in hell!" Ashton exclaimed, holding his scythe.
No matter how strong Mazton's attack was, it wouldn't mean shit if he couldn't land it.
"Interesting choice of weapon," Mazton praised Ashton, "unfortunately, even the scythe would be of any use to you."
Mazton's comment left Ashton confused, and Mazton being the nice guy he was, ensured Ashton had no doubts after their spar ended.
To Ashton's absolute bewilderment, Mazton's punch connected with his torso, forcing him through the barriers and into the spectator's area. A barrier that could seemingly withstand the force of three nukes shattered in one blow!
Ashton's mouth kept spewing blood like a broken faucet. His chest would have been wholly shattered if he wasn't wearing the [Hydra scale armour]. Medics immediately rushed to aid the fallen mercenary.
Thankfully it was a private session, or whatever respect Ashton had cultivated amongst his peers would have shattered instantly.
Through his blurry vision, Ashton noticed Mazton running towards him. He overestimated Ashton's defence and used a third of his full strength in that punch...
"I'm terribly sorry, Reaper! I went overboard with the attack." Mazton mumbled while scratching his chin, "I'll make sure this is the first, and the last time something like this will happen."
"How..." Ashton wanted to ask him something, but the pain was too much.
"Don't talk now," Laihud mumbled, "otherwise your wounds might reopen."
"It's f-fine now." Ashton winced in pain, but his desire to know MAzton's answer shut off some of the pain, "How did you m-manage to hit me... while I was phasing-"
"Seriously, that's what you're concerned about now?" Mazton shook his head before laughing, "Very well then, I guess I could tell you about it."
While the medics were fixing Ashton, Mazton sat down next to him and explained whatever he wanted to know. He first explained to Ashton the different realms of strength among A-grade beings.
The gist was that there were roughly three hundred levels between A and S grades. While one would reach the A-grade around level 150, they'd have to reach level 450 even to be considered an S-grader.
That's where the difference between A-grade beings came into play. For example, Phantom was probably between levels 150-180, and that's why Ashton could defeat him.
While Mazton stood comfortably around level 214, which meant he was much stronger than Ashton's initial [Detection] skill had revealed.
"It's because the system established by Xyrans is to conceal their true strength." Mazton explained, "Unfortunately for them, people like Flintmace and me can also exploit these loopholes."
"I see." Ashton replied, "Now for my final question. How did you hit me while-"
"Think about it yourself," Mazton shrugged and got up, "think of it as your homework also, General, please don't help him this once."
[You got it.]
"Oi!"