As the light of the fifth-circle array fell upon him, Vithrass dove aside, gathering his mana in a defensive magical technique. His face was pale and his tail stiff, surprise coloring every corner of his expression.
"Impossible!" he gasped, "You're only fourth level!"
I took a deep breath, ignoring his question and soaking in the power emanating from the spell. "Blade Ward."
The spell resolved with another flash, bathing me in the comforting golden light of Fate Magic. A translucent, glimmering shield solidified around me, forming a sphere that felt as solid as the ancient mountains of Heartland themselves.
"The hell?" Vithrass asked, bewildered. Slowly, the panic drained away, replaced by a cruel, mocking grin. "A shield? I don't know what the hell you're trying to do, but do you think such a pathetic imitation can withstand an attack from the real deal? I'm a true fifth-level, remember?"
