A powerful pressure took hold of Vincentius, weighing on his effusing Mana like an invisible boulder. Not only did mustering his most basic spells become a considerable hurdle, but even his physical aptitudes were reduced by more than half.
A tinge of dread jolted his heart. "That was unexpected."
"Never a fool will smile at an expected death."
The boy conjured a surge of corruptive Mana from his palm, razing the bloodstained ground and destroying everything in its path.
Vincentius was already on the move, leaping out of the way and rolling into a patch of sanguine water. However, a spear flew past him when he raised his head, cutting his left ear and opening a gash across his cheek.
He jumped to the side again as a figure stomped on his previous spot, picking up the thrown weapon and twirling it with incredible dexterity.
