There was no time to think.
Mahiru's body reacted faster than his brain-he rolled to one side, swift and clean, like a startled cat. The instant he left his spot, a thick jet of water blasted through where he had just stood, gouging a deep trench into the stone slabs.
It had shot out of Max Elephant's trunk.
It plowed a long furrow across the Combat Arena floor, the spray glittering coldly in the sunlight.
Mahiru rolled twice, dropped to one knee, and looked up.
But Max Elephant's thick, long trunk was already swinging straight at him.
This time, he had no time to dodge.
The massive trunk, carrying crushing force, slammed squarely into him.
"Bang!"
Mahiru flew straight out from the middle of the Combat Arena like a leaf swept away by the wind. Sky and ground spun alternately through his vision, the wind howling in his ears. His body traced an arc through the air toward the edge of the Combat Arena.
Fortunately, he kept his head.
He flicked his fingers in midair, sending a seed flying toward his predicted landing spot. The seed burst open instantly, and vines surged from the ground like an outstretched arm, catching him securely.
Mahiru landed in the woven net of vines, bounced twice, then stopped.
He lay on the vines, staring at the blue sky and white clouds overhead as he gulped for air, then sat up.
His gaze crossed the Combat Arena and settled on the boy standing on Max Elephant's back.
Judging by what had just happened, which had gone beyond his calculations-
This guy probably hadn't stopped at taming his seventh shikigami.
Worst-case scenario-he had already tamed them all.
Mahiru's brow furrowed deeply. If Zhiyan had already tamed all ten shikigami, then his strength was no longer at