Reinhard's breathing was labored as sweat coated his skin. His magic reserves, though sustained by the tide's endless supply, still required time to transfer from external source to internal capacity.
The constant switching between Beast Spirits drained energy faster than a single form would.
Charles showed no exhaustion. His breathing remained steady, posture perfect despite mutations distorting his frame. The Chimera body granted endurance beyond even normal Second Class Beast Master limits, multiple Beast physiques combining to eliminate weakness.
But he was being pushed backward, and gradually at that. Each exchange had forced him one step closer to the chamber's far wall. Reinhard's versatility with the three Beast Spirits, plus tide manipulation, plus Herald Mark skills, had created pressure that accumulated despite individual disadvantage.
