revenge

Rudolf was no idiot, and taking advantage of Ben's apparent distraction, he mobilized his magic and attempted to create and throw stones.

He tried, because from Ben's body emerged streams of electricity accompanied by a mysterious blue aura.

[Lightning Field]

Names held power—an unbreakable rule of magic. Therefore, to cast a spell, everyone without exception had to say the spell's name.

Though it didn't have to be said aloud, it could be done as Ben did, in a whisper.

[Stone Spear]

Rudolf tried to create a stone spear, but the spear began to form with great slowness, and he had to focus all his attention on it.

When Rudolf lost concentration for even a second, the spear split in two.

"What's happening?" Rudolf panicked. "Why isn't my magic working?"

He looked at Ben, who was bathed in lightning and watching him with amusement.

"What did you do?"