Chapter 5: Water and Fire
Ethan followed Ignatius's instructions with the kind of desperation usually reserved for drowning men clinging to driftwood. He couldn't afford to mess this up. Not now.
The classroom was quiet, the only sounds being the distant chatter of students leaving and the faint hum of magic from the runes lining the walls. Professor Ignatius had leaned against his desk, his arms folded across his chest, eyes gleaming with that maddening mixture of amusement and genuine interest.
"Alright, Mr. Wycliffe," Ignatius said, his voice smooth and reassuring. "If you want to make it through the examination in one piece, you're going to need more than just a half-baked fireball. What you need is versatility. And for that, we're going to start with a simple but effective water spell called Aqua Sphere."
"Aqua Sphere?" Ethan repeated, his curiosity momentarily overriding his nerves.
Ignatius nodded. "Exactly. It's a basic water spell designed for offense, defense, or even support, depending on how you use it. It's not flashy, but it's versatile. Which is something you desperately need."
"Yeah, I kind of figured that out when I almost set my own hand on fire," Ethan admitted, feeling his cheeks burn from embarrassment.
"To be fair, that was actually an impressive display of power. Poorly controlled power, but power nonetheless," Ignatius said with a grin. "Which brings me to the most important part of today's lesson: Control."
Ethan straightened up. "I'm listening."
"Good. Now, pay attention." Ignatius extended his right hand, his fingers slightly curved. In a matter of seconds, a sphere of water formed above his palm, swirling gently in the air like a miniature ocean contained within an invisible barrier.
The sight was mesmerizing. The water shimmered with faint hints of blue light, the surface rippling as if it were alive.
"Aqua Sphere is all about flow and cohesion," Ignatius explained. "Unlike Fireball, which relies on intense bursts of energy, Aqua Sphere requires you to gradually gather your mana, let it build up, and then shape it into form. Think of it like guiding a stream, not lighting a match."