Chapter 28: Stronger
With a single thought, the circle in Lian’s mind shrank. If it had previously been as large as an open hand, it was now no bigger than a clenched fist. Drawing a smaller circle required less time, but Lian had not considered one critical issue: a smaller circle demanded far greater precision in its creation.
However, for the task at hand—striking a stationary target—the risk was worth the reward. The crooked-teeth worm, with its searing aura, remained immobile, a perfect mark for Lian’s new approach. With remarkable speed, he traced the smaller circle in his mind.
Just as he was about to complete the gesture—
"Ignis Arde, Ignis Globus," he proclaimed with unwavering resolve, the arcane incantation flowing from his lips like a sacred vow.
The spell took shape, and it was no longer a mere fireball. It was something smaller, swifter—a fiery projectile, akin to those launched by Sera during their journey, a blazing dart that cut through the air with lethal intent. The chanted formula had amplified the spell’s potency, rendering it far more deadly than Lian had anticipated.
[Accuracy: 63%]
Despite it being his first attempt with this new circle size, Lian had performed admirably. The fiery projectile streaked through the air, swift as a bolt of lightning, and struck the immobile worm directly in its abdomen, a precise hit that sent a shudder through the creature’s grotesque form. At that moment, the worm had been preparing another fireball of its own, but Lian’s strike sent it tumbling several meters across the sand.
A small cloud of black smoke erupted, partially obscuring the monster. However, due to the projectile’s lack of explosive force, it did not kill the worm outright, though it inflicted significant damage.
"Well done!" Lian thought, clenching his hand into a fist, a surge of pride swelling in his chest. He had successfully executed his first spell variant with notable effectiveness, a milestone that felt like a beacon of hope in this desolate wasteland.
Without wasting another moment, he unleashed two more fiery projectiles in rapid succession. "Heh, not so fun now, is it?" he taunted, his voice laced with defiance.
The projectiles sped toward the worm, striking its abdomen again, further enraging the crooked-teeth beast. Its body oozed blood, and its movements grew sluggish. It attempted to dodge the incoming strike, but its injuries hindered its mobility.