The shes of light from the darkened cloud instantly descended in a rush, lunging at Alphonse rapidly.


    KRAAAAACCCKKKKK!!!


    The lightning strike finally connected, crashing into the ground as it made deafening sounds of thunder, resulting in a massive explosion.


    BOOOOOOOMMMM!!!


    Right before my eyes, the destruction spread as I stood at a safe distance. The blinding ray of light, coupled with the cackles of electricity and the sizzling sound of heat melting the earth made me smile happily.


    “Looks like it’s a sess.”


    However, I didn’t ount for one fatal error… the explosion kept spreading!


    “Jared, get out of there now!” I suddenly heard my mother yell at me.


    I looked at her with a stunned expression, initially not understanding what she meant.


    The servants all around, a considerably safe distance from where I was all looked in horror, and I could see the frightened expression my mother made.


    Realizing something had gone terribly wrong, I turned my face back to the center of the explosion and saw the approaching danger.


    ‘Shit!’ My mind rang.


    The burst of lightning didn’t cease, as the charges kept ramming the earth, sending shockwaves and bursts of destructive light across the field. The devastating rushes began to approach me at a rapid rate.


    Seeing the explosion spread, I quickly created threeyers of protective spells to protect myself from the assault.


    “[Earth Wall], [Earth Wall], [Earth Wall]”


    Using Earth magic was the most efficient way I could ground the lightning bursts directed at me. It was also the most useful defensive measure in this situation.


    ‘Hopefully, the [Earth Wall] has enough capacity to absorb the electrical current!’


    Apparently, they didn’t!


    BOOOOOOMMMMM


    My defensive rock shields broke apart in the presence of an overwhelming might that was the lightning surge, and in only a few moments, I would be done for.


    As I watched the brilliantly destructive lightning currents near me, I instinctively knew it was the end.


    My remaining mana wasn’t enough to escape, and I didn’t have enough time to use Spellcraft. I could have pulled it off, probably… but, at that moment my mind drew a nk.


    In essence, I was too terrified to do anything.


    “Jared!!!” I heard my mother call out to me again!


    Her screams of concern, fear, and desperation rang in my ears. From her distance, there was no way she could reach me in time, though.


    ‘S-Shit! Looks like… this is the end…’


    FWOOOOSHH!!!


    Suddenly I heard a whooshing sound, coupled with a blinding light. In a sh, I felt myself being pulled by a force, and taken away from the destruction that ensued.


    The lightning explosion chased us, myself and whoever was carrying me. Everything was too bright and fast for me to catch with my eyes.


    SHIIIINNNNGGGGG


    A brighter light shone beyond whoever carried me, and suddenly, I saw something magnificent.


    A barrier, shaped like a massive field of light covered the lightning explosion, containing it.


    ‘T-this is…’ My mind rang.


    I had only ever seen it in books, and once in my past life. It was considered to be one of the best defensive spells a mage could use.


    “[Safe Haven]”


    SHUUUUUUUUUUU


    Finally trapped in the barrier, with no oxidizing element or air particles, the lightning sizzled, and finally ceased, leaving behind an entire field of devastation, charred grounds that emanated smoke, and burningyers of everything within a couple of acres.


    “Jared, are you okay?” I heard a voice rouse me from my deep thoughts.


    It was the same person who had saved me, and I was still locked in his arms. Looking up at him, I saw a distressed expression in his eyes.


    “Y-yes, Alphonse…” I mumbled, frankly still shaken by the whole thing.


    This was the first time… the first time I had messed up in magic.


    “That’s good then.” He heaved in relief, putting me on the ground.


    I nted my heels on the earth, making sure my wobbly legs remained firm in order not to appear weak.


    I looked at Alphonse. He was shrouded in a brilliant light that seemed to enhance his whole body. That must have been how he was fast enough to save me. As for the barrier…


    “Jared!!!” I heard another voice call out to me.


    It was my mother!


    Raising my head to the ce my mother sat at a high estate, I saw her looking drained. Her face paled, and she seemed to be having difficulty breathing. Our servants quickly tried attending to her, but she stubbornly insisted on calling out to me and in order to verify my safety.


    She rushed toward me, even in her weakened state, nearly copsing.


    ‘W-whats going on…?’ I was a little startled.


    “Jared, what the hell was that just now?” Alphonse asked suddenly, drawing my attention back to him.


    “E-Erm… I…”


    I didn’t know how I would exin it to him. I suppose this type of magic was overkill, one a twelve-year-old wouldn’t be able to perform.


    ‘Still, I must have impressed him with this. I won!’


    “D-does that matter? You’ve lost the bet, so-” I smiled, trying to wave off the suspicion that seemed to be building up concerning my abilities.


    “Who cares about that…?” Alphonse’s voice suddenly got deeper and more menacing.


    The look in his eyes startled me. The usual yful and cheerful demeanor was gone. He had a deep re, coupled with veins sticking out of his face as he clenched his fist. I could hear him gritting his teeth, making me feel an odd sense of unease around him.


    ‘B-but, I showed an impressive result. Alphonse should be dazzled and amazed right now. Yet… why does he look-”


    “… Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” He asked in rage.


    I was right, after all. My tutor, Alphonse, was angry!