[ Ace acknowledged his own limits, and no penchant for heroics would have been capable of making him partake in an unwinnable fight if that had been all there was to it. No, there was a reason why he belonged in there, at that particular point in time, a fact that no amount of reasoning could possibly make him question.

He accepted Tear's successful attempt at retaliation as a cue for him to act, effecting in a dull, metallic sound echoing through the air as the blade of his sword forcefully collided with the staff that the phantom wielded. While it appeared too sturdy to allow for as much as a dent, he could still hope to knock the weapon out of her grasp if he was smart about applying his strength.

It was only when he was fighting this peculiar battle for dominance that he could finally afford a brief response. ]

And leave you with her on your own?

[ The cadet leapt away, a pained sigh leaving his lips as he listened in to the ominous rumbling sound coming from the surrounding walls, certainly not used to sustain similar damage. ]

... This is a stalling game, and it's up to us to ensure no more lives will be lost today.