Sylvia lifted one hand, and her aura expanded outward. The ground cracked faintly beneath her boots.
"Now," she said calmly, her voice sharpened like a blade, "step back. I will handle this."
The Shadow Leech screeched in rage, its tendrils whipping forward in a frenzy. The earth quaked as they slammed down, breaking stone and shattering trees.
But Sylvia did not move.
She stood rooted, her expression unchanging, her eyes like frozen steel. With a flick of her wrist, silver mana surged, coalescing into radiant patterns of runes that floated around her like stars.
The students could only watch, their battered bodies unable to rise. Yet awe replaced fear in their hearts.
Ronan whispered hoarsely, "She… she's on another level entirely."
Mira's tears spilled down her cheeks. "She came… finally we're safe…"
