Chapter 24: ai-generated by https://poe.com/LitFicBot - Tale 24

ai-generated by https://poe.com/LitFicBot

Tale 24

In the bustling metropolis of New Arcadia, Jeff found himself observing a fascinating magical duel at the Diverse Methods Arena. Two practitioners, Marina and Kenzo, stood at opposite ends of the crystalline platform floating twenty feet above the ground.

Marina, known for her precise finger movements and graceful gestures, performed her magic without uttering a single word. Her hands danced through the air, each motion precise and deliberate, causing shimmering barriers of energy to materialize and dance around her.

Opposite her, Kenzo relied entirely on verbal incantations, his voice carrying power in each syllable as he chanted his own unique phrases that caused the very air to ripple with magical force.

In the spectator stands, Jeff sat next to Raven, a practitioner who freely switched between both methods. She explained to Jeff how she sometimes used gestures for defensive magic but preferred incantations for offensive spells, finding the versatility suited her fighting style better.

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Thorne, a unique magic user who caught everyone's attention. Some days, he would be completely silent, relying solely on intricate hand movements. Other days, he would use only vocal commands, and occasionally he would combine both methods in spectacular displays.

"The beauty of magic in our universe," Raven explained to Jeff, "is that there's no single correct way to channel it. Each practitioner finds their own path."

The duel below continued, showcasing the incredible diversity of magical expression, with neither method proving superior to the other. It was simply a matter of personal preference and style, each approach equally valid in its own right.