Two massive balls of energy continuously canceled each other out. With a boom, the two locked figures exerted force at the same time and were flung backward, only to vanish again in the midst of their retreat.
Intertwining, separating figures flashed repeatedly through the air and across the ground at tremendous speed. Even the three peak-stage false gods watching the battle would have been unable to catch those high-speed trajectories without concentrating fully.
"Judging by strength alone, they're actually evenly matched." Though Michael said this, he looked entirely confident. "Unfortunately, that fellow's control over his power is far too crude. He can't compare to Raphael at all. And when it comes to controlling the flow of battle... Raphael is absolutely one of the most terrifying beings there is. Ending this fight in ten minutes shouldn't be a problem."
Gabriel frowned before he could speak, but Ben Hong spoke first. "Your vision is still as shallow as ever, Michael."
"Hmph! If you want to fight, I'll oblige, but I've no interest in trading barbs with a woman."
Michael's indiscriminate jab covered rather too wide an area. Gabriel gave an unhappy snort and corrected him, "A woman who plays petty tricks with poison. Watch your wording, Michael."
The corner of Ben Hong's mouth curled faintly. "The woman who keeps pretending to be profound with her eyes closed... ah, no, with her eyes open now—do you also think that he is certain to lose?"
"Not necessarily." Gabriel's answer greatly exceeded Michael's expectations, and Ben Hong's smile deepened.
"It's hard to believe you'd make such an erroneous judgment, Gabriel." Michael shook his head. "That fellow is indeed somewhat faster than Raphael. Several times, he fell into dangerous situations and barely managed to escape them. But you should know Raphael's abilities very well. Right now,