Trial of Fire

Lucien barely had time to stand before Aldric struck again. A gust of wind magic shot toward him like a blade, slicing through the air.

"Ignis! Shield!" Lucien shouted.

The fire spirit whirled around him, forming a swirling barrier of flames. The wind clashed against it, sending sparks flying in every direction. The heat licked at Lucien's skin, but the attack was deflected — barely.

[Surviving for 10 seconds. A new personal record!]

"Not the time, system!" Lucien hissed.

Aldric's eyes narrowed. "Good reaction. But defense alone won't save you."

With a flick of his wrist, the ground exploded beneath Lucien's feet. He barely rolled aside in time, feeling the heat of the blast as dirt and flames rained down around him. Aldric wasn't just using wind magic — he was mixing in fire, and it was way more powerful than anything Lucien could pull off.

"Stay focused!" Aldric barked. "Your bond with Ignis is unstable. If you can't control your own spirit under pressure, you're worthless!"

Lucien gritted his teeth. "Ignis! Counterattack!"

The fire spirit cackled, spinning into a fiery wheel before launching itself at Aldric like a comet. But before it could hit, Aldric disappeared.

"—Behind you!"

Lucien spun just as Aldric's hand came down, a wave of wind magic slamming into his side. He hit the ground hard, pain blooming through his ribs. Ignis flickered angrily, circling defensively.

[If you don't do something, I'm pretty sure we're both going to end up as toast.]

"Working on it!" Lucien groaned.

He needed to think. Ignis was powerful, but its attacks were too wild — too easy to predict. He needed a strategy.

"Alright, Ignis — listen up!" Lucien whispered, eyes locked on Aldric. "We're going to hit him from two sides. I'll attack head-on — you go low and strike from behind."

Ignis crackled in agreement.

Lucien launched forward, fire sparking in his palm. "Ignis Flare!" he shouted, sending a burst of flames directly at Aldric.

As expected, Aldric dodged — but that's when Ignis struck. The fire spirit surged up from the ground like a serpent, flames wrapping around Aldric's leg.

For the first time, Aldric's eyes widened.

Lucien didn't waste the opening. "Ignis! Now!"

Both of them unleashed their fire at once, creating an explosion of heat and light. Lucien stumbled back, shielding his eyes — and when the smoke cleared…

Aldric stood there, his clothes singed, his face calm. "...Better."

[Translation: You didn't completely embarrass yourself.]

"But not enough." Aldric raised his hand. "Again."

The test went on for what felt like hours. Aldric's attacks didn't slow — if anything, they got faster and more brutal. Lucien and Ignis were pushed to their absolute limit, forced to dodge, defend, and strike back without a moment's rest.

By the time Aldric finally called it, Lucien was flat on the ground, his limbs trembling. Ignis flickered weakly beside him, looking about as exhausted as he felt.

Aldric walked over, staring down at him. For a long moment, he said nothing — and then, finally:

"You pass."

Lucien blinked. "...Wait, what?"

[WHAT?!]

"You still lack control," Aldric said, "but your ability to strategize and adapt is promising. Ignis responds well to you — and that's rare for a spirit. You've earned the right to use it in battle."

Lucien almost cried with relief.

[Unbelievable. You actually survived.]

Aldric turned, already walking away. "Training is over. Focus on your exam." He paused. "Don't disappoint me."

Lucien lay there for a while longer, too exhausted to move.

[So. How's it feel to be a certified spirit tamer?]

"Like I got hit by a cart. Repeatedly."

[On the bright side — you didn't die. Let's call it a win.]

Lucien groaned. Tomorrow was his last day to prepare. And he still had so much to study.

— To Be Continued.