Sacrifice: Time of Mine

It didn't take long before it was Long Hair's turn to be overwhelmed as he sustained injuries from their fearsome exchanges.

'I can't keep up with his speed nor can I deflect enough force so not to injure me. If he can just solidly me once, I'm gone for sure!' the old man thought.

He didn't know how to turn things around as Avion was just too mysterious.

'Does this kid have infinite energy or something!? I can feel the recoil from his every attack on his own body, but I don't see any spot of injury!'

Long Hair was truly in a loss.

Meanwhile, Avion was getting used to the old man's tricks.

'The art of not just manipulating the opponent's movement and body but also their mind. Is there a form of martial arts that is higher than this level?' he thought.

At one point, none of Long Hair's attacks can hit Avion.

"What!?" he exclaimed in disbelief, 'He's learning midway and integrating into his next actions. His talent is the same, if not more than, Marin!'

However, Long Hair didn't see Avion as gold but instead a monster with no weakness. Unlike Marin who is still a mortal and has flaws, Avion has unending energy and potential to continue until he breaks his limits and even his opponent's neck next.

'And I am that opponent!' Long Hair felt a sense of danger. He no longer considered his image in front of Marin.

'I need to escape!'

The old man suddenly gave his all with one final attack, temporarily stunning Avion, before he turned and went to get Marin.

Long Hair silently rushed towards her with haste.

"Come, we need to get out of here no-"

Pak!

Before the poor old man could even finish his words, he was interrupted but a foot on the face he didn't expect.

No, it was not from Avion, but instead from the person whom should be his ally!

"Marin!" Long Hair was angered at first as he held his face, however, fear overcame him as he realized that the worst-case scenario was about to occur.

'I'm too focused at Avion that I forgot about this possibility!'

"Insignificant old man, I thought you're strong, but to think that this is already your limit?" Marin spoke with disdain and even with some regret.

Before Long Hair could reply, Marin looked at Avion and said, "I know how to save your friend, Avion."

Avion stopped when he was confused by Marin's action but remembering Long Hair's words earlier and Jemer's situation, he planned to drag the old man back to the battle but then, placed his focus onto Marin.

Seeing that she caught Avion's attention, Marin continued, "However, I need you to do something for me, fight me!" she widely smiled.

"To... the death?" Avion raised an eyebrow.

"Of course not, just a spar."

"I will if you fix Jemer first."

Glancing at Jemer, Marin lightly laughed, "Don't worry about him, he's in no danger. He is just temporarily paralyzed. Words can be powerful and this old man can tell a lie without a bat of an eye."

'What?' Jemer suddenly stopped his inner struggle. Learning the truth, he suddenly felt his breathing fine.

'Did my own fear consume me?'

"I don't know if you'll trust me, but he's in no danger. He will move in less than an hour." Marin explained while stepping forward, wanting to claim the exchange for the information she gave.

Avion glanced at Jemer and thought, 'The old man is all about trickery after all. But I still couldn't trust her.'

"Okay, but what will you do if something really happened to him?"

Marin shrugged her shoulders, "Then it will be my responsibility to revive him later."

"Revive?"

"I'm a Goddess, after all."

"I really can't take your word."

"..." Marin squinted her eyes and rolled them to Long Hair, who was contemplating on a plan, "Old man, explain. Tell him the truth and I will come back with you."

Long Hair's eyes widened and sighed. Having no choice, he explained.

"Yes, she's right. Also, I can bring his senses back earlier than he should if you promise than you will obediently follow me back?" he solemnly looked at Marin.

"Avion, this is a fair trade. Fight me fist to fist and the old man will heal your friend. And actually, the exchange is fair. I have revealed one of my trump cards so in turn, you should reveal yours."

Marin spoke with confidence as if she has control over the situation.

Without any hesitation, Avion replied, "Okay"

Marin smiled and waved her hand at Long Hair.

Seeing how Marin treat him now, Long Hair sighed and went towards Jemer.

'I see that all that endurance was worth it before since she is truly arrogant to the core, only listening to the strong. But now that I have shown my weakness, she will never respect me again.'

After applying hard massages over Jemer's body, he abruptly sat up and subconsciously got away from Long Hair.

The useless old man from the lower mortal stadium was now someone Jemer fears, it was a very surreal feeling.

Avion saw that Marin didn't lie and was finally relieved as he asked, "So what do you want to know?"

"Your element, I want to know what it is..." Marin straightforwardly demanded.

Without holding back, Avion answered, "I don't have an element, what I have is the control of time."

"Control of time...?" Long Hair muttered while filled with doubt.

Jemer who came to Raff lightly reacted as he didn't even took Avion seriously. He knew Avion was a mysterious guy but control time? That's too much. It is the same for Raff.

However, it was different for Marin. She had a wriggly smile as if she was containing her excitement behind those lips.

She didn't doubt Avion's words. She slowly nodded and said;

"So that's why I feel familiarity in you."

Avion frowned, "Hm?"

"Yes... it fits perfectly. I have another question for you."

"What?"

"Why is it easy for you to say your power when it is best to hide it?"

"I..." Avion was about to answer but realized that he was loss for words, "Huh? Why?"

"I know why, Teller."