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Surtr's doubt was making me grow slightly mad. The kid had talent and strength but doubted about everything too much. So in my anger, I decided to start the fight right away by punching him. I held back, naturally.
But even a held back punch from someone like me was prone to bring a tremendous shockwave of power. So much that I felt slightly guilty, and as my fist reached him with a loud bang, I got my healing magic ready for him.
However… As the smoke dissipated from the impact, I found out my fist impacted a huge shield made out of several black and red scales, which quickly crumbled into pieces, leaving Surtr's arms covered on blood.
But aside from that, he seemed fine.
"Hahhh… Ungh…! I-I was able to take that hit?!" Surtr's red eyes opened in shock. His flames quickly covered his wounds, beginning to regenerate them.
"Well done! Didn't I told you that you had the talent?" I laughed. "Now, this is just starting!"