Osgilia had just devoured Tris's magical fire with his own magic when, a moment later, a Disarming Charm nearly struck his hand.
Because of its particular properties, a Disarming Charm could be blocked by all sorts of magic or dodged, but once it hit, the wand would inevitably fly out of its wielder's hand.
Although Osgilia had long since mastered wandless magic, he still had no desire to take a Disarming Charm on the wrist. If a student knocked his wand away during a sparring match, what would be the point of fighting on?
With that thought, Osgilia flicked his wand with all his strength, enveloping himself in a Shield Charm.
With a bang, Osgilia flew backward four or five paces, but landed on both feet. Almost simultaneously, he flicked his wand again, sending a beam of red magical light at Tris.
A nonverbal spell.
Earlier, Osgilia had deliberately spoken his incantations aloud to demonstrate for the other students. Now, however, he could no longer afford to. He cast both spells in succession without saying a word.
Although nonverbal casting was easier than wandless casting, firing off two spells in rapid succession on such short notice meant he was showing his true ability.
Yet it did him no good.
Tris held a wand in each hand, rattling off incantations like a comedian delivering a rapid-fire patter routine, sending out one spell after another.
His incantations came so quickly that even Osgilia, with his immense knowledge of them, could not tell which spells he was using by listening.
Thus, despite speaking his incantations aloud, he was actually casting faster than Osgilia.
His magical power was no match for Osgilia's, but he had summoned a tortoiseshell shield. Spinning at high speed, it could withstand at least two or three ordinary spells, even