Aydin had become more than just an irritation, he was now a full-fledged burden strapped to Aldrich's side, one the latter couldn't cast off no matter how badly he wanted to. And to the LORD's did he want to. Desperately.
Commitments like this had never been Aldrich's forte. He'd never thrived under obligation, and dragging Aydin along was beginning to gnaw at the very edge of his patience. He needed to find a way to ditch him urgently so he could provide support to Valeria and Opius, who were currently clashing against Saldrich and Fiona.
But first, this.
Aldrich summoned the four of the five primary elements one at a time in his battle with Aydin. He manifested them with effortless control. Each element crackled and shimmered around him, elevated far beyond novice proficiency.
Aydin responded swiftly, countering each with its natural opposite. Fire met water, earth met wind. He held his ground, deflecting the assault with steady precision.
None of it worked.
