STOP!

Just at that moment,

A figure suddenly appeared between Aldric and Lathel, moving so fast that the stream of mana that had just left Aldric's fingertip had not even reached its target before a foot slammed heavily into the stone pavement.

BOOM!

Black mana erupted and instantly shattered the force aimed at the back of Lathel's knee.

Aldric's eyes widened. Before he could even clearly see who had appeared, a fist rapidly enlarged in front of his face.

THUD!

The punch slammed directly into his stomach, causing the mana barrier around Aldric's body to flash once before shattering. All the air in his lungs was forced out, a choking "Urgh!" escaping his throat along with a mouthful of blood before his entire body was blasted more than five meters backward. His back struck the ground, and he slid another distance before finally stopping.

His wand also flew from his hand.