When Phoenix attacks Reavers and modulates to 5, then Reavers triggers to move the defending unit away, does Phoenix modulate back down to 3 before the showdown and become vulnerable to Gust?

Ruling: No, Phoenix remains at 5 Might and retains attacker status even after the defending unit is moved away by Reavers. The Phoenix does not modulate back down until combat ends.

Sequence:

• Phoenix attacks and modulates to 5 Might
• Reavers triggers and moves the defending unit away
• The moved unit loses defender status because it's no longer at the battlefield
• Phoenix retains attacker status because attacker status lasts until combat ends
• Combat doesn't instantly end just because there are no opposing units
• Phoenix remains at 5 Might throughout

Nuances:

• Only the defender loses their status when moved away, not the attacker
• Gust can be played in response to Reavers trigger, but Phoenix is already at 5 Might as an attacker at that point