Zahir was preparing to cast a Level VIII spell, leaving the students stunned. Areyos, on the other hand, looked relaxed, his breathing steady and controlled.
"He's not seriously planning to absorb a Level VIII spell, is he?" Diana said, her voice tinged with disbelief.
"It'd kill him. His special reserve is already full of light mana. He's gotta have another plan," Eyline replied. "Given the dark blue color of the circle, Zahir's probably preparing a spell tied to space or void," she thought, analyzing the situation.
Areyos extended his arm toward Zahir and formed a Ki shield.