Ian steadied his breathing, feeling the mana humming beneath his skin like a restless tide. The look on Eve's face said it all...she hadn't expected him to turn the tables so quickly. The cheers from the crowd had quieted to murmurs now, a mix of awe and disbelief. Only minutes ago, they had laughed and called him a coward. Now, no one dared to interrupt the blazing storm forming between the two of them.
But Ian knew the truth....this wasn't even close to his real power. He wasn't an initiate like the rest of them. He wasn't some inexperienced student still fumbling through basic spells and incantations. His control ran deeper, his connection to mana sharper, almost instinctual. The only problem was his combat experience...and now he has adapted a little.
