It had already been established that the earth element was different from the elements he had learned so far.
They each still had the same underlying principles, but their process of manipulation was different.
Atticus had identified that the new earthen spikes Terran had shot towards him were actually crystals. They were made from earth molecules but arranged and structured in a different way.
To manipulate any earth, Atticus would first have to identify how they were structured before he could form a connection with the collective group of molecules.
From the first time he had controlled Terran's spikes, Atticus had been able to figure out all of this.
He didn't have to close his eyes, nor was a single second wasted.
The crystal spikes crossed the distance, each of their forms coming to an abrupt stop in front of him. Their numbers were substantial, and more spikes kept being added to their ranks.