Unbound

A sword wider than most benches lifted up from the ground, stopping a hairsbreadth from the lead Master mage’s throat.

“Let’s see who’s faster, yeah?” A boulder of a man stood up from a bench, a single hand holding that immense blade. Darius Reed sneered. “You cast your spell, and I’ll cast Slice.”

All at once, purple and blue cloaks appeared at every exit, hemming in the crowded commonroom as they unveiled their Spirits. Everyone staggered, the majority pressed over tables and against the scratched walls, while the mages and their guards gritted their teeth.

“If you dare, you—you’ll make yourself an enemy of the Umber Tower,” the Master mage choked out.

“I’ll take my chances. Now,” Darius adjusted his grip, pressing the sword against the mage’s throat. Blood welled up across its razor edge. “Make your choice.”

For a moment, Felix was positive the guy was going to make a move, but the mage was smart enough to know when he was outmatched. His Mana cut off, dispersing into wisps of vapor before he lowered his hand. “Very well. We are done here, then.”

Darius dropped his sword, but only by a foot or so.

“You will rue this day.”

“You said that.”