Even though he had personally experienced Ash's exaggerated strength, Gaeric had no intention of admitting defeat now.
Earlier, it was because it was their first encounter; he was unaware of just how outrageous Ash's physical capabilities were, which is why he took that punch head-on.
But having great strength and speed doesn't mean their battle skills are equally impressive.
As long as he doesn't continue to confront Ash head-on, using the skills honed over many years to dodge attacks and find opportunities to counterattack, he doesn't feel he'll necessarily lose.
After all... Gaeric doesn't want to lose in something he's best at!
Throughout the Hisui Region, his physique definitely ranks among the strongest.
Today, being suddenly floored by an unknown young punk, how would he ever face anyone again?
"Is that so?" Ash, seeing Gaeric still able to continue, let out a smile, "Then I'll carry on!"
This time, Gaeric was prepared in advance.
As Ash charged forward, Gaeric didn't face him defensively like before but immediately shifted sideways to dodge the incoming punch.
"Whew!"
Ash's fist grazed past Gaeric's front.
Gaeric moved quickly on his feet, repeatedly dodging Ash's attacks, while Ash used his speed to keep up, and soon they engaged in several rounds on the icy surface.
After gradually adapting to Ash's attack rhythm, Gaeric finally spotted an opportunity.
This is it!
Ash's punch brushed past his side, and Gaeric immediately crouched down, swiftly closing in on Ash.
Then, he stomped hard on the ice with his right foot, his torso driving his shoulders with power, launching a long-prepared straight punch forcefully at Ash's stomach.
The distance between them was extremely close.
In Gaeric's view, this punch would be difficult to avoid.
Yet just as the fist approached, Ash's left hand swiftly blocked downwards.
Smack!
Gaeric's wrist was instantly stopped.
"What?!"
Gaeric's expression changed dramatically.
Without much thought, Ash used his left hand to deflect the punch, his body spinning, and his right leg swept hard towards Gaeric using the rotary force.
"Bam!!!"
A spinning kick struck heavily on Gaeric's lifted defending arm.
The terrifying impact immediately lifted Gaeric off the ground, sending his body flying backward, eventually crashing hard into the giant ice mountain nearby.
"Ugh!"
Gaeric let out a muffled groan as he slid down along the ice surface.
Ash maintained his kicking posture, stunned for a moment before reacting swiftly.
"Oh no! Mr. Gaeric, I'm sorry!" He quickly retracted his right leg and ran toward Gaeric, "Just now, my hand... no, my foot was too fast!"
Cynthia: "..."
Irida: "..."
Adaman: "..."
His foot was too fast?
But clearly, now wasn't the time for sarcasm, and Cynthia and the others swiftly followed to the ice mountain.
As Gaeric sat up from the ice, Irida immediately went to her teacher's side.
"Master, are you alright?"
"I'm... I'm fine."
Gaeric inhaled sharply, flexing his shoulder while massaging the arm Ash kicked earlier.
There's certainly pain, but luckily the bones are unharmed.
After regaining his composure, Gaeric raised his head, eyeing Ash with a particularly complex expression.
"Kid, having great strength and speed is one thing, but how can your reflexes be so fast?"
"How did you train?"
Ash, a bit embarrassed by the question, reached up to scratch his hair.
"Well... it's just natural, hehe."
Gaeric: "..."
Natural.
He's been training in the Alabaster Icelands every day for years, enduring countless hardships.
And yet, with just one word—natural—this kid surpasses all his years of training.
Gaeric silently pondered for a moment, ultimately shaking his head in resignation.
"Natural... People will get frustrated comparing themselves to others!"
Still, this match clarified Ash's capabilities in Gaeric's mind.
He lifted his head again, his face soon breaking into a smile.
"I felt your justice in your punches! I agree to help you calm Avalugg!"
Upon hearing this, Ash's face lit up with joy.
"Thank you, Mr. Gaeric!"
He instinctively reached out to smack Gaeric's arm.
Smack!
Unluckily, Ash's hand landed precisely on the spot where his spinning kick had hit earlier.
Gaeric's entire face twisted momentarily.
"Ouch—!"
"You brat! Are you retaliating against me?!"
"Huh?"
Ash only then realized where he had smacked, quickly withdrawing his hand.
"Sorry, sorry! It wasn't intentional!"
Gaeric glared at him in annoyance, rubbing his arm while getting back up.
Since Gaeric had agreed to let Ash and Cynthia proceed to calm Avalugg, the issues with the Pearl Clan were considered resolved.
Everyone soon focused their attention on Adaman.
They had already met the warden of the Pearl Clan.
But they hadn't yet met the warden responsible for the Alabaster Icelands from the Diamond Clan.
With everyone's gaze on him, Adaman could only sigh in a bit of frustration.
"Alright, I'll take you to meet Wasabi first."
"Wasabi?"
Cynthia paused slightly upon hearing the name.
Wasabi? Isn't that a medicinal term? Why would someone use such a name?
This doubt flashed briefly through her mind, but Cynthia didn't specifically ask.
After all, it's someone else's freedom to choose their own name.
Just as Adaman was about to lead the group away, a piercing eagle cry suddenly echoed from afar.