"Can't argue with that. The couple of times I did rush off on my own, I always learned what a bad idea that was."

[He pauses over that offer. Not every day that someone offers to turn into a monster (or a demon) in front of him. He swallows once, almost ready to say no-

...And then decides, what the hell. Far be it for him to back down from any challenge. He's not about to turn coward now, no matter how much his heart rate is arguing otherwise.

So instead Akihiko settles for a single nod. And reminds himself to keep his hands well away from the Evoker. This is a different sort of challenge; not fighting, just keeping his nerves steady.]