Irene rushed forward again, her body becoming a bluish blur. Julian activated his extended senses and suggested to the water mana in his own body to disperse once more. He became frosted mist and passed through his mother's attack without resistance. He materialized three meters further away, his sword already in motion.
"Not bad for a start," Irene said in a calm voice. "But your understanding remains mediocre."
She raised her hand. The humidity in the air around her gathered instantly. Filaments of water appeared, thin and transparent, then hardened into swirling ice blades. These blades did not fly in a straight line. They followed the natural currents of mana in the forest, seeking to encircle Julian.
Julian sensed the danger. He did not block with his sword. He opened his pores as Irene had taught him. The forest's water mana entered him freely. For the first time, he did not force the spell. He simply suggested it to the world.
< Art Frostvine : Cocoon of Frost >
