There was someone in Rhea's team who recognized Eren as soon as he was hit with the latter's soul sense.
He had followed the developments in Edin closely and was up to date with Eren's identity. Among all the rising heroes of Edinburgh who came into the limelight after the battle of Edinnica Arena, Eren left a deep impression on people. After all, Grimdawn was praised by King Emil himself and bestowed with a memorable title.
This man wanted to let Rhea know she was about to clash with a bona fide titleholder. But Eren's soul sense made him incapable of voicing his thoughts. No voice came from his mouth even when he opened his mouth to speak.
"You all stay behind as well," Rhea commanded firmly, her gaze fixed on Eren. "Let the leaders of our teams negotiate and find common ground."
Her words carried an air of wisdom and experience, understanding the futility of continuing the team-based battle under such overwhelming odds. Rhea's decision was a testament to her unwavering leadership, as she prioritized her teammates' safety and well-being above all else.
She recognized the incapability of her comrades to face Eren and his subordinates, their spirits and bodies weakened by the crushing weight of his soul sense.
Eren's gaze met Rhea's, a flicker of respect shimmering within his predatory eyes. He admired her resilience and strategic thinking. But that didn't stop him from seeing her as a punching bag to vent his boredom.
Eren's commanding gesture beckoned Rhea to follow him, a silent understanding passing between the two Expert rankers. They shared a mutual desire to protect their respective ships and subordinates, unwilling to subject them to unnecessary risk during their impending clash.
With unwavering determination, Eren gracefully stepped upon the water's surface, invoking his movement spell. Unlike his usual choice of Blitz Steps, he opted for Aqua Steps, a more suitable choice given the watery surroundings. This spell granted him precise control over his movements without compromising his agility.
Rhea mirrored Eren's actions, keeping a close distance behind him, their ships receding into the distance as they ventured further away. Once Eren judged the distance sufficiently, he turned around, his eyes fixed on Rhea. Before continuing, he issued a final warning, his tone laced with caution and a hint of surprise.
"Expert Rhea, I hope you understand that in my current state, I am simply not inclined to take our confrontation lightly. Are you still determined to proceed? I must admit, I'm surprised Master Sorin hasn't called for your return to Port Erbaia."
Rhea responded not with words, but with a resolute action. She unsheathed the sword that hung behind her back, gripping it firmly with both hands. While aware of Eren's formidable strength, she possessed an unyielding spirit that craved battles capable of stirring her blood.
She refused to back down, at least not until she was left with no other choice. However, she possessed the survival instincts necessary to retreat if the odds became overwhelmingly against her. It was this balance of a ferocious beast fighting until its last breath, and the swift retreat of a cornered prey that defined her peculiar individuality.
"Suit yourself," Eren replied, a wicked smile playing upon his lips. With his soul sense, he effortlessly gleaned Rhea's inner thoughts and intentions. He recognized the dichotomy within her nature and relished the opportunity to teach her a valuable lesson—that one cannot always flee from battle when faced with an opponent capable of delivering instant death.
Eren's surroundings erupted into a whirlpool of Aqua Storm as he seamlessly melded his water-element spell with Blitz Storm. In an instant, his body ascended, lifted thirty meters above the river's surface by a tempestuous storm of lightning-charged water.
Rhea's apprehension grew as she gazed upward, witnessing Eren's awe-inspiring spell-casting. As a water-element Expert ranker herself, she could discern Eren's profound mastery of the water element. However, her confidence remained unshaken.
"Hmph! The Way of the Elements is not everything," Rhea thought to herself, her resolve solidifying. "I may not match his water element attainments, but my weapon comprehension is not to be taken lightly. Plus, I have Trump Cards of my own. Let's see who wins."
With determination etched upon their faces and the clash of elemental powers imminent, Eren and Rhea prepared themselves for a battle that would test their skills, resolve, and the limits of their individualities.
With unwavering resolve, Rhea channeled her expertise, casting her spells with practiced precision. Her first incantation invoked her trusted contract beast. In an instant, the air crackled with energy, and as the haze cleared, Rhea found herself atop the head of a colossal water-element snake.
This magnificent creature was her loyal companion, a Red-Lipped Sea Krait—a venomous giant snake that dwelled in the depths of the River Lithe.
The Red-Lipped Sea Krait possessed a unique inherent spell: its very presence had the power to transform the surrounding water into a crimson hue, resembling the color of blood. From this scarlet pool emerged a multitude of sinuous tentacles, endowed with a deadly purpose. These appendages hungered for their enemies, seeking to ensnare and constrict their prey within their venomous grasp.
The Bloodweaver clan members had a heritage of using Red Lipped Sea Krait as their companions. It was because of this tradition that they were called Bloodweaver in the first place. Rhea followed her clan's tradition.
The water-element ranker commanded her formidable contract beast to elevate itself above the water's surface, matching Eren's lofty altitude. Beneath her, a pool of crimson water rippled with anticipation, its tentacles coiling and writhing with an ominous glimmer. It was as if each tendril yearned to stretch out towards Eren, craving the opportunity to ensnare and subdue him.
The scene was now set for a clash of elemental powers and the indomitable will of two Expert rankers. Rhea, astride her powerful contract beast, exuded a commanding presence as she surveyed the battlefield with steely determination. With her venomous companion and its blood-red tendrils poised for action, she awaited Eren's next move, prepared to unleash her own torrential assault upon him.
