OK. I have got something. The shift from quick reactions to strategy is due to Scion calming down. He is able to think more clearly, but now has to try harder to anticipate his opponent instead of relying on instinct and reflexes to make snap decisions for him.

The big change this brings, is that if Skallagrim does something he didn't anticipate, then Scion will have a much harder time countering it. He'll need to rely more on Dennis to counter unexpected moves.