"Feels like your buffs are wasted," Thomas said, his tone skeptical.
"Nah," Ludwig denied, shaking his head. "Though they're mostly physical-enhancing buffs, they're still useful for maneuverability." He raised his hands, his fingers crackling with magical energy. "[Fire Ball!]"
Ludwig knew he couldn't use any of his sword skills without a sword, so he switched back to magic. Time was ticking, and he didn't have much more time left in the clock.
A powerful explosive ball of fire shot forward from Ludwig's hands, hurtling toward the lion with blazing intensity. The lion, now wary of Ludwig's tricks, swatted the fireball away with a massive paw, bursting it apart into a surge of flames that harmlessly brushed past its stone body. But Ludwig wasn't done.