Zane's smile widened. "Come on," he said softly, "give me everything you've got."
Cedric narrowed his eyes. "Don't regret it."
With a burst of mana, he cast a strengthening enchantment on himself, his speed increasing as wind whipped around him. A sharp gust erupted beneath Zane's feet.
"5th Circle – Tempest Snare!" Cedric shouted.
A swirling mini-cyclone formed, pulling Zane off the ground and suspending him mid-air. His coat flapped violently as he floated, hair ruffled by the fierce wind. Yet, Zane's expression didn't waver—he was still smiling, almost amused.
Around them, more mages and knights had gathered in secret corners, trying to observe unnoticed. Lucen and Zane both noticed—Zane with a casual glance, Lucen with an annoyed sigh.
Cedric moved fast, forming his next spell, chanting under his breath as mana surged around him.
"6th Circle – Eye of the Storm!"
