Oh, that is not a rise in ability brought out by a miracle and the power of friendship, that is some classic Avan holding back bullshit that Popp's been falling for months..! He can't even be mad about it, he's just glad to see Avan saving the day in action, relieved to see that hanging out with Popp for all this time instead of fighting Hadlar hasn't set back his talents, and there's just a little bit of heartache about the Avan haunting their whole relationship. The differences are apparent, but he's getting closer to his own future all the time. But look, he's doing great, and Popp cheers him on from the sidelines. Without all those flails, it doesn't stand a chance!

...Popp winces against the sound, and yelps at the sudden monster appearance, but doesn't drop the glasses to cover his ears. When it becomes apparent that he is, actually, going to need his hands free, he slips them on instead. Yeah, these things are not doing anything to or for anyone's vision. All he needs to do to keep them safe is to not get hit. Easy.

"It's two on two, I've had worse odds!"

Battle position, hovering above the sand but somewhat behind Avan. Is he going to elaborate on how those odds tend to turn out for him? Ha ha no absolutely not! He's thinking very quickly about battle styles and weaknesses (there are not a lot of... swordable... areas on either of these new opponents) and comes up with a quick answer.

"I can take the elemental! Keep that crab off my back, okay?"