As the battle was joined, Idrialite leaned forward, more than a little eagerly. Not only was the show visually pleasing, it was above all a good show: two Generals, equally matched, going at each other. Clearly with no real intent to do serious damage, but that was hardly the point. It was a display of clever tactics and intelligent strategy, not bare brute force. That made it far more interesting than brute-forcing it would have.
Blows were traded, combatants knocked to the ground--Idrialite noted the recoveries with interest; although he couldn’t teleport yet, it was good to see it used as a tool both for engaging and retreating. He’d have to keep that in mind for when he could manage it, and he didn’t have to rely on physically escaping.
He hoped, vaguely, that his musket would evolve into something a bit more like Quartz’s staff, if he couldn't have any kind of ranged capability. It was fascinating to watch blows exchanged and what advantages Quartz’s reach gave. Idrialite was taller even than his mentor; he suspected he would make good use of a polearm. Besides, it would be nice to have something that he already had some idea of how to use, just from observation. He already wielded his musket like a staff, since it couldn’t shoot, and he had a feeling it wasn’t going to magically become able to. He’d seen few officers armed with ranged weapons; the Negaverse’s preference seemed to be this sort of close-quarters scrapping.
He could hear others cheering Quartz on with much enthusiasm, and it made him feel less bad about punching the air and calling out. “You’ve got this, General! Show him what for!” He shouted, though he wasn’t sure how well it could be heard over the gathered and growing crowd.
It probably sounded moronically poncy, anyway, but Idrialite didn’t care. This was fun.
