A Duel With the First Ascendant

Anwar stood before them, his presence unwavering, the glow of his woven light casting long shadows across the training hall.

He spread his hands slightly, and thin threads of golden light shimmered between his fingers like strands of silk.

"Attack me," he instructed. "Adjust based on your opponent."

Aiden didn't hesitate. Fire roared to life in his grip, and he lashed out with his whip of flames, aiming straight for Anwar's chest.

At the same time, Sevan sent a sharpened spear of water hurtling forward, while Adrian melted into the shadows, circling to strike from behind.

Anwar barely moved.

With a flick of his wrist, light surged outward in a controlled arc.

Aiden's flames wavered, disrupted by the force of the magic, while Sevan's water spear was caught mid-air, suspended by shimmering strands.

Adrian, lunging from the darkness, found himself repelled before he could land a strike, his body thrown backward.