[h3][color=thistle]Io[/color] at Kazenosuke's House[/h3]

[@PaulHaynek] [@Nakushita] [@AzureKnight]

Io watched as the first exchange of blows traded between the fighters. Io wondered if there were some environmental factors that lead to the exceptional capability of humans on Shizuyama - not just Shizuka, but also Kazenosuke. Perhaps her impression of humans were colored by mainly interacting with recluses who had dedicated their lives to the pursuits of the mind rather than that of the physical. That, or the island was situated on some convergence point of profound natural (or magical) forces that imparted strength into the people. The theory was absurd, but anything was possible.

The theory could wait. While the slashes Kazenosuke dealt out didn't look like they'd end the fight, Io wouldn't let her teammates be worn down. She quickly mouthed an incantation of minor healing, seeking to heal back what the first wave of attacks had done. "[b][color=thistle]Be ready. I have an idea.[/color][/b]" Io said to her fellow task force members as the healing magic washed over them.

Yuki proved with her surprise attack that while he was fast, their opponent wasn't untouchable. If Io could slow him down, the others could seize the advantage. His swords could easily deflect anything aimed at him... But what if the attack was meant for the swords? Io's grimoire glowed as she prepared another spell. '[color=thistle]How well can he handle the swords if they're frozen over?[/color]' Spinning was a delicate procedure, after all. Io leveled a pointed finger at Kazenosuke, casting a thin ray of freezing magic at him. The attack would obviously be dangerous to him if it passed his swords, but Io made no attempt to have it evade them. Instead, she planned for it to collide with a blade, freezing it over and making it unbalanced and awkward to handle. With any luck, it would provide an opening for her teammates.