Mawkin would advance into the bash against his skull, watching Cupid try to attack on his left side, being quick to grab and strike back with a gut punch, such straw flying out as a result. As the blood drained away, it would feed into and empower the Farmer, allowing him to advance again and follow up his previous attacks. Itanos would retaliate, but such an attempt would result in that sensation again, that pain resonating across his heart. Pushing through it, he'd allow Mawkin to deliver a heavy blow across his chest, using the impact to send such straw away so he can be free for a judo throw over his shoulder, before following that with a stomp onto his arm, letting it break.
What he thought would hear screaming and whimpering, he was only met with silence, as the Farmer pushed on and tackled into the Mentor. Something was completely off.
Mawkin's memories flew past by him as he'd recover and continue his assault, pinning Itanos down so every attack he throws results in a rain of straw that would seep in like worms. He'd recall in a similar position, doing push-ups until his arms began to break and wear down. He'd recall taking such a kneeling position to make his runs, sprinting across kingdom to kingdom, until his legs felt they were ripping at the seams. Such thoughts dash away as soon as he was shoved off, taking on such a sprinting position and running ahead. Cupid would jump over the Dhampir, keeping watch to ensure he wouldn't be able to take advantage of his burden as he'd try to take off as many layers as possible and being free of as much straw in his system as he had.
Mawkin kept pushing on, however, aiming for a sweep to launch such straw in a wave, a barrier to box Cupid in and pin him into a wall, all to let himself slip in and strike into his body further, keeping the spread consistent. "He's moving completely different..." Cupid thought, unable to get a proper view, only able to sense it by the area around him. The final condition hasn't been reached yet, a drastic measure may be in need. Mawkin's mind flies by once again, recalling the treacherous mountains he would scale for weeks on end. He could remember the cold winds that blew past when making his way up, as well as the harsh rainfall that would sweep him back down to the bottom if he slipped off. His mind would wander as he'd continue his attacks, seeing the many paths he took to ensure he'd be less seen as a 'son'
And more as a 'sword.'
What lied beyond such sight was of Mawkin's will. His eyes were a crimson red, darting around to take in as much detail as possible for the most opportune path. For the sake of bringing his father that very peace, he is willing to give everything.
SHIKK!!!
A direct hit, a stab straight through Cupid's stomach, barely missing the organs. Cupid's blood coughed up and stained the Farmer's overalls, yet neither would care. The Mentor smiled as he'd grip into the man's forearm. "You... did well. Alas..." He'd pause himself, letting the soft glow act as his continuation. The Dhampir looked on in concern as he'd see the fifth condition properly met, where one's close to death. An intentional throw to get himself that needed position. "Had... Ack... You continued... to play defense, I wouldn't Cough-Cough... Get the proper chance."
"So you're willing to let yourself die for a tie?" Mawkin's tone was the ultimate indicator for Cupid. It was calm, as if he's endured war after war with no breaks, no freedom. Something has changed in the Dhampir, a spark that ignited in his soul. Mawkin simply nodded as he'd set up the seal, the markings embedding into the walls, the ground shaking before the two. "...Would it even work in your favor? You'd only be taking down the 6th rank here."
"And...? It is still a Hack!...Shadow Mage."
Such confidence grew as the beast emerged, reaching outwards, the segmented ornate limbs clicking off, a Dogu's head emerging outward. As Cupid would kick the Farmer off and make a new seal, wrapping around his arms and binding him, forcing him to gaze up at the threat, a light would be forged, aiming straight ahead. To the Mentor's mind, he's won. His body bleeds profusely, struggling to keep himself standing, yet his smile was visible. Blood trailed down from each edge, but he could care less. Right as he would bask and break his way out of the temple to focus on healing himself and avenging the fallen, he'd feel it once more, a third time in this bout.
His heart was struck once again.
What he wasn't able to know, much less understand, was of Mawkin's straw scattered across the hall. His own determination was visible, as he faced oblivion before him. "I have my own Safety. I've never done this sort of thing before, but I think I have an opportunity to be the first in surviving your guaranteed kill. My Straw has been littered across every part of this temple, a temple made from your magic. I let my energy come out in our exchanges. Thank you..."
Confused, Cupid would shift his feet to see if he was telling the truth. He'd be shocked to learn that such flesh was still intact, his own body tethered away, as the light began to brighten further and further. "...You used me to cast your own magic..."
"Had you not resorted to ripping yourself apart... I would be dead now. My magic has everything tethered to you. I win." A bold declaration, followed as the light came down, enveloping the area, erasing everything within it. The temple would be broken apart, shattered and scattered across the ruined towns, freedom at last.
"This boy... nay, this Caster. He's achieved so much in so little. He must've had the eyes of a diamond, shimmering with valor. He knew the prices would be too big, and yet he is willing to pay it. I wonder... will I truly die? Will my soul no longer exist? Will I finally be given the gift of sight... to see what awaits me beyond?" Such were the thoughts of the Mentor, as the world felt still in his touch, in his breath, in his heart.