Back at the military outpost.
The last Mana Vortex Magus stood his ground. A dozen flaming blades hovered around him, his mana rising as he prepared to make a final stand.
Valerian moved first. A streak of gray light shot forward, circling the Magus instead of attacking him directly.
His movements were quick and erratic, just enough to pull the enemy's attention, forcing him to hurl the flaming blades at the wrong target, to react a moment too late.
That moment was all Ulric needed. Concealed by the young dragon's illusion magic, he closed in from the enemy's blind spot.
His grip around the twin axes tightened, his steps were silent and precise, and his eyes gleamed with a cold light.
The Haynam Magus suddenly felt a chill crawl down his spine. He turned to the source of danger. His flaming blades faltered under the sudden shift in focus.
At the edge of light and death, he quickly decided to shift his focus to Ulrich, who was almost upon him and now clearly visible.
