A/N: I rewrote this chapter for better clarity.
****
The arrow screamed through the air, wind currents spiraling around it. The Fire Mage twisted aside just in time—the shaft grazed his cheek before detonating into the dirt with a thunderclap of compressed mana.
The Knight seized the opening. He lunged, spear shattering through the weakened wall, stone exploding as he drove for the Earth Mage's chest. The mage staggered back, too slow to fully recover.
The Archer covered him. Another arrow flashed from her bow, streaking toward the Fire Mage's exposed side. With a snap of his wrist, flames whipped outward, incinerating the shaft midair. But the distraction was enough—the Knight's spear carved across the Earth Mage's shoulder, leaving a bloody gash.
Snarling, the Earth Mage dropped to one knee and slammed his hand down. The ground jolted violently, jagged ridges bursting upward. The Knight's charge faltered as the terrain bucked beneath him, throwing off his balance.
