Sunlight filtered through the emerald canopy, casting dappled shadows on the soft moss below. In the center of the clearing, Aurelya stood with one hand raised, a faint shimmer of mana curling around her fingertips. Across from her, Lumberling crouched behind a tree stump, frowning in concentration as his own mana fizzled out with a weak puff.
"That's the third time it sputtered," Aurelya said, her golden eyes twinkling with amusement. "Are you trying to scare mosquitoes with your mana flare?"
"At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if the elements just hated me," Lumberling said dryly, flicking his hand once more. As expected, nothing.
Aurelya smirked and stepped closer. "It's not rigged. You're just hopeless."
He gave her a pointed look. "Funny, coming from someone who still refuses to reveal her element."
