The wind blasts began to vary in intensity and direction, attempting to find weak points in Sam's defenses. Eric's strategy was clear: wear down Sam's mana reserves while creating openings for his attacks. Despite the pressure, Sam remained steadfast, his experience and mastery of magic allowing him to anticipate and counter each assault.
Eric's relentless assault was met with Sam's calculated responses. Not only was he defending, but he was also conserving his mana for a strategic counterattack. As the wind blasts persisted, Sam's moment of opportunity approached.
Finally, as a particularly potent wind blast surged toward him, Sam reacted. He channeled his mana into a concentrated burst of fire magic, creating a scorching wave that combined with the air pressure to create a controlled explosion. The explosion intersected the path of the wind blast, neutralizing it in a burst of heat and force.