Duncan popped out the top of his head.
"I wasn't trying to scare her... I was in there the whole time. I wanted to take a nap," argued Duncan, with a yawn.
Rina looked at him with amazement. She could clearly see him sitting under the tree, so what did he mean? Could it be that...
"Duncan, can you create illusions?" asked Rina.
"Illusions? What's that?"
"It's like creating something, but it's not really there. Like, creating a flower out of nowhere, but in real fact, it doesn't exist. And when you get closer, it disappears."
Duncan nodded and looked at Rina.
"Yes, I do create these illusions quite a lot. I spend most of my time alone and use these illusions to protect me when I sleep," elaborated Duncan, fully coming out from the shadows.
"And how so? How do you use your powers to protect you during sleep?" questioned Rina, genuinely curious about this small boy.
"I create another me when I fall asleep. And I'll always sleep in the shadow realm. I think that's why you thought you saw me sitting under a tree."
Ah, that made sense. Rina thought for a few moments before clapping her hands to get everyone's attention.
"Alrighty then! Let's switch up today's plans. First, I want you kids to attack me," instructed Rina, with a smile.
The kids looked at one another with confusion and worry. Finally, Nasima raised a tiny hand.
"But we don't want to hurt you..." replied Nasima, shyly.
"No worries! I can handle all of you. However, I do not want you to attack as a group. You'll be going in turns. I want you to launch everything you've got towards me. It'll be a good way to release pent-up Elemental Energy. Us adults do it too," assured Rina, patting Nasima's head.
"So it's like shooting a giant spell towards you?"
"Yep. Just imagine pouring all your Elemental Energy into a single spell that you think is the strongest you've created. After that, it'll be my turn to attack you. But do not be scared. I will not hurt you. I want to know how well you can defend yourselves from attacks."
The children nodded and awaited the next set of instructions.
"Let's have Circe show us her powers first. After that, the rest of you will be standing over there. I don't want any of you getting hurt during the duel," instructed Rina, pointing to a space a few distances away.
"How about I'll help you guys for a bit? I've got nothing to do," offered a voice, scaring everyone.
Rina felt chills down her spine as the voice spoke. It was a man's voice, but no one could see him. The kids freaked out and huddled with Rina to seek protection. All but one, which was Duncan. He gave another yawn as he looked to his left.
"Who is that? Reveal yourself! You are scaring the kids. If you are hostile, I will not hesitate to destroy your heart," challenged Rina, drawing out her spear.
"Are you sure you can destroy my heart when I haven't got one anymore? And is this the way to speak to your senior? My, my... How times have changed..." said the voice.
He then revealed himself to be standing beside Duncan. Rina quickly pulled Duncan's hand and to the group of children. The man had a build similar to Bryan, tall and skinny. But this man looked odd as he had an outline of aquamarine surrounding his body.
In addition, his skin was pale, and he had slightly long black hair. No, wait... He looked weird because he looked like he was fading in and out of existence! Rina pointed her spear at the mysterious man, ready to strike at his head.
"I demand to know who you are! But, unfortunately, giving me hazed clues isn't going to prevent me from striking you down!" ordered Rina, as her Elemental Aura flared up.
Her wings blossomed out from her back as the kids withdrew from the Butterfly Girl. Her eyes glowed in their natural color and changed her grip on the spear. Now she had her spear diagonally pointed to the ground. The man whistled and grinned.
"Are you sure that you want to challenge me? After all the trouble Mavy went through to call me back?" quizzed the man, as his Elemental Aura came into fruition.
The man's Elemental Aura was skyrocketing by the minute, causing Rina to worry about getting into a fight with this Mage. First, she didn't want any of the kids to get hurt. Second, the higher-ups did not want any major battles to be fought within the Old Chapel's space.
Thus, Rina was reluctant to duel with a Mage that had higher power levels than her.