Clash.
Light.
Redirect.
But Lucen was already preparing the sixth.
His hand didn't lift.
He didn't speak.
The system did it for him.
[Loop Cast Triggered — Shockweave Bolt (Variant VI)]
[Mana Cost: 0]
[Form Adjustment: Chain Lash / Autotrack Enabled]
[Casting: INSTANT]
The bolt detonated from Lucen's palm without warning. It split mid-air, forked, and the first branch snapped behind Varik, catching wall. The second curved, impossibly tight—and struck low. Just enough for the blade to miss it.
Varik shifted his foot.
Only slightly.
The impact struck clean across his shin. No real damage. But it connected.
Lucen didn't gloat. Didn't smile this time.
He shifted his weight forward and let the rhythm change.
The spell was spent. The loop broke.
He chose a new one.
[Frost Spire]
The glyph formed fast, easier than usual. His system recognized the intent now, didn't force precision. It just helped.
The spire grew sharp under Varik's boots.
