"When you bind something, don't think about holding it long."
She blinked.
"…Then what?"
"Think about control first," he said. "Short hold. Clean cast. Release."
Althea's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…Short hold?"
Arthur nodded.
"You're forcing duration. That's what's draining you."
He raised his hand slightly, as if showing the idea.
"If you can hold it perfectly for even one second, that's better than struggling for five."
Althea's gaze sharpened.
"…Control before duration."
"Exactly."
She repeated it under her breath like she was testing how it felt.
Arthur continued,
"And for multiple targets…"
He paused, choosing his words carefully.
"Don't see them as separate."
She frowned slightly.
"…They are separate."
Arthur shook his head.
"Not really."
That got her attention.
"You're casting the same skill, right?"
She nodded.
"Then don't split your focus."
He pointed lightly toward her training area.
