Chapter 49: Devil’s Due
My body convulsed involuntarily, a chill running down my spine as vivid memories of the false sun flooded my mind. Holy Star replicated the purifying power of the sun to weaken the powers of demons and suppress their ability to draw on mana. I groaned as my fingers brushed my side, meeting a tender ache pulsating through my ribs - a painful reminder of the fracture I’d incurred at Davin’s hands.
My heart raced, tempting me to cast Dispel Magic, but a flicker of rationale restrained the impulse. I lowered my shaking hands and took a deep breath. My skin crawled at the thought of receiving the spell, but I knew I had to face it. No second-circle spell should break me, especially not before it was even cast.
As the thoughts raced through my mind, Selena finished chanting, and a glowing sphere appeared above her staff. The holy light bathed the sparring circle in a radiance that transcended the sun, proving Davin’s to be barely more than a cheap replica. Was this the difference in casters?
A sharp breath escaped my lips as the luminous glow pierced the Aegis, slithering across my skin like a repugnant, oily serpent. Swiftly penetrating my soul, the light clashed with my mana, and I marshaled all my strength to resist. The struggle inflamed my already taxed soul, and a fiery pain shot through my body, straight to the tips of my fingers and tail. A few desperate thoughts flit through my mind, encouraging me to give in. Surely, Selena would hold back if I showed her how much pain I was in.
Burdened by my own weakening will, I staggered, nearly falling to my knees. What would Soltair think of me, if I gave in? Strengthened by the thought, I persisted and endured the pain and sickening light, until, gradually, the Holy Star’s grip weakened. As the conflict eased, my soul relaxed and the near-crippling pain faded. The renewed flow of mana filled my soul, purging the rest of the holy influence from my body.
Although the light still shone, I was finally free of its effects. Elated, I looked up at Selena but found my triumph squashed as another spell hovered at her staff, activating the instant I noticed. Howling Winds surged from the magic circle, churning the air and crashing against the Aegis spell. Using the time bought by the shield, I used the Eyes of Fate to confirm its power level, my eyes widening slightly as four magic circles appeared.
The Aegis shuddered, draining my mana at an alarming rate. In times past, I was restricted in my spells, and could only rely on a few low-level tricks to survive encounters. The crippling helplessness had haunted my nightmares time and time again, but I was not the same mage now.
I chanted a third-circle spell, one I’d learned rather recently. "Earthen Roots!"
A magic circle manifested underneath my feet, emitting a steady, calming light. As the Aegis shattered, the winds tore forward, tearing at my hair and clothes. I poured mana into my spell, and Earth Magic surged upward, steadying my footing and supporting me against the wind. Although the air currents still raged, everything around me was calm, like the eye of the storm.
Serena nodded and clapped her hands, showing her approval. "I was expecting something a little flashier, but Earthen Roots is an excellent choice for any low-circle wind magic. Now, let’s see about these ones."
For the next several minutes, Selena continued to attack me with all types of spells, ranging from first to fourth circle. No two were the same, and even their speed and direction varied, forcing me to respond differently each time.