Reinforce This!

I walked into class hoping for an easy day. That hope died immediately.

The desks were pushed back. The usual quiet murmur of students settling in was replaced with the low hum of magic being tested. Small bursts of energy flickered in the air as students practiced reinforcement spells on themselves, their hands, their weapons. Looked like a combat lesson, this would be fantastic, I can't even use my daggers. Could I at least use my fists?

I rubbed my temple, playing up the lingering concussion act. It had bought me time before. Maybe it would work again. The professor stood at the front, waiting for everyone to fall in line. His gaze passed over me briefly but didn't linger. Good sign.

"Today, we'll be applying reinforcement spells in combat scenarios," he said, tone firm. "We've studied the theory. Now, you'll use it to defend yourselves against incoming magic."