Everything happened way too fast; the Priest's fumble was beyond the Monk's understanding, leaving him unable to cast any spell.
One must remember that their cooperation had always been seamless, even in life-and-death situations, capable of tackling the strongest of foes without crumbling.
Recall when faced with hundreds of Fishmen and over a dozen Elite Fishmen, they couldn't capture them instantly, ending in heavy casualties, only penetrating their defenses using that special Extraordinary Equipment.
Fortunately, the Priest's protection descended at the last moment, allowing him some room for maneuver.
But as the Mendicant Monk clambered up from the ground in disarray, he saw that man smiling.
Indeed, under the dim night, with wavering flames illuminating him for a moment, he saw a slight curve at that man's mouth.
Seemingly mocking his overestimation...
But before he could react more, that man moved.
