Mirabelle said nothing more. She sat in a chair in the observation area, folded her arms across her chest, and gave a slight nod to signal that he could begin.
He Xi raised a hand, and blue arcane light gathered swiftly at his fingertips.
Whoosh—
A Magic Missile shot out and struck the marked spot on the Training Dummy's chest, landing with a dull thud.
Mirabelle nodded. The casting motion and its effect were standard. Nothing unusual.
But then, a moment later—
Thud. Thud-thud. Thud-thud-thud. Thud-thud-thud-thud. Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud...
The unbroken series of impacts made Mirabelle slowly lower her folded arms.
The weariness in her eyes gave way to puzzlement. Her gaze shifted from the Training Dummy to the young mage who was only level 22.
His movements were smooth and steady, his breathing as even as ever. There was none of the change in magical fluctuations that should have followed repeated casting.
She wondered whether he had a magic item that stored power, or had taken a potion to enhance or restore his magic beforehand.
He had been recommended by Flora, a legendary mage. It would hardly be surprising if he had such things.
But if that were the case, why keep firing volleys that consumed more power instead of single Magic Missiles?
Bzzz—
A sudden hum in her ears interrupted her thoughts.
In that brief span, he had launched Magic Missiles so quickly that the endless impacts had merged into a high-pitched roar.
She turned toward the Training Dummy by instinct, her eyes widening. "Wait! Take a break!"
He Xi lowered his hand as instructed, and the blue light at his fingertips faded.
He asked, puzzled, "Instructor, is that enough? I'm fine. I don't need a break."
"I meant let it rest—"
Crash! Before Mirabelle could finish, the poor Training