Dread Mage

Sonder readied herself. She lifted her arms and concentrated, and as there was constant talking around her, she could focus better than if she were alone.

The other apprentice was just waiting for her to finish her turn.

She thought it strange that he would just drink two vials and then do nothing at all.

Forcing those thoughts out of her head to have a clean slate to focus on her actions instead, she gathered the force that was within her, just like Mrs. Limerence had taught her.

It started at her heart and went through her shoulder and arms into her hands, all the while passing through her golden bracelets.

She felt it in her hands. It was warm to her, but if she were to release it fully, then it would be burning hot.

Her opponent was only looking at her, almost daring her to attack.

She breathed in and out and tried to lessen the power with which the mana would come out.

It radiated out as a cone from her left hand, the one she had aimed at her opponent. It was almost like blue light, but it had more of a physical presence.

Flying fast and hot as it created steam in the air, it was on its way to hit the Ahsepian apprentice square in the chest, but he firmly stood his ground, not even budging an inch.

It hit him, and he staggered back slightly, but to the surprise of everyone, it bounced back, seeking its original caster.

The spectators gasped collectively as the mana reversed its course, a missile of blue energy hurtling towards an unprepared Sonder. She hadn't expected this. Who would have?

She wasn’t even trained to wield magic, much less deflect it. What was she supposed to do?

But Mrs. Limerence's teachings echoed in her mind, "Magic isn't about overpowering. It's about understanding and adapting. You must learn to dance with it, not against it."

Sonder extended her right hand, the golden bracelets gleaming under the luminescence of the magic. She had to guide the mana, not fight it.

The mana responded. It swirled around her in a spiral of dazzling blue, encasing her in a radiant cocoon. The heat was intense, but Sonder held her ground, guiding the magic with the steady motions of her hand.

She almost had it under her control when her mind slipped for just a second, as she couldn’t muster all of it due to worry of what would happen if she failed.

The force hurdled her back, and she lost her footing, sliding back on the stage, almost down the stairs.

Her dress bore slight singe marks, and despite not needing to breathe, she felt a sudden loss of air. Nevertheless, apart from these minor effects, she remained unharmed.