Humbert stared wide at the unexpected counterattack. Both Humbert and his partner were aware of the «consecutive hit skills» unique to the Aincrad-style, but linking one secret move to another certainly was beyond their expectations. Even Eugeo had no idea it was possible. He simply let his body move itself in the midst of battle. Humbert's wooden sword was instantly pushed back over five cen and the light from Lightning Flash Slash quickly vanished. His posture was also very much broken, with both his feet leaving the floorboards. However, that may have been for the best— His left shoulder would have been hit by Eugeo's sword had he stood firm; the force from the secret move, Vertical, rendered his entire body aloft, blowing him over three mel behind. If he fell onto the floor like that, the bout would be irrefutably Eugeo's victory, but he obstinately refused to fall down as expected of him and he took tottering steps. He bent his body as much as he could, preserving an insecure balance.