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[@NarayanK] [@Write] [@FlitterFaux]


Two roots, one from above and one from below. 

Most of the students were evading, like his own first instinct instructed him. But classes were for learning, and the new paradigm his shield brought with it was not about getting out of the way. It was about stopping the threat in its tracks.

And besides. He was the tip of the formation. Bad form to back down.

The first root [i]cracked[/i] down and he stepped [i]into[/i] it, catching the tendril on Joyous Guard’s surface. It hit harder than he expected, the shock traveling through the shield into his forearm behind, but his defense held. The shield had traveled up to meet it, intercepting and forcing it aside; a movement that opened up his front, a break in his defenses the Dionaea sought to exploit. Its second root darted in and up, seeking to throw him into the air, but a second [i[crack[/i] resounded from the barrels on Caletfwlch’s hilt. The blade rocketed forward at an opposing angle, intercepting and batting away the vine-like threat. The blade had bit hard, but not deep enough; despite the deep cut in its surface the root held. Disappointing, but not entirely unexpected.

But now it was the [i]Grimm[/i] that presented an opening. Ben pressed forward with several steps, sword and shield already drawn back into his guard. He could see the unused roots ahead, no doubt prepared for this very advance, but he would deal with them when they came. 

He didn’t check behind him, despite the urge to make sure he was covered. Nuit, Sangue, even Skye. They had his back. He entrusted it to them, as much as they trusted he would mind their front. It was his job to punch right this those defenses, and he’d damn well do it.

[color=00aeef]”Everyone alright so far?”[/color] He asked casually, feeling the familiar surge of adrenaline start to kick in. Doubtful it’d attack the same way twice, he needed to focus.

But a little banter kept everyone’s spirits up.