Throughout this entire exchange, Kahn aka Atreus was evenly matched against Hodag, a mythical beast who was on the same level as him. But due to it being a descendant of a godbeast, it was as strong as a 6th stage saint based on physical stats alone.
To others, it would appear like Atreus was handling it easily but no one could imagine that just bearing the brunt of psychic attacks that would instantly drive even a 5th stage saint mad was no easy matter.
Kahn was using multiple defensive abilities to withstand the opponent's pressure and also used some of his unique skills while attacking the opponent that wouldn't expose his identity.
All the skills he absorbed from Cthulhu were just on the surface. He also used Defense Breaker, Royalguard, Wrath of Vajra, Lycan Tyrant's Roar, Lucid Reality and the new abilities he gained after becoming a saint Brawler warrior.
