Practice

[18:19] Sapphire would perform a brief curtsy to Cleo, her opponent.

"I'm going to be practicing focusing my mana. Please, don't hold back." She'd speak, rising, and unsheathing her sword.
(Sapphire Ashfall)
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[18:21] Cleo'd respond with a nod and polite bow. Respect begets respect of course.

"I didn't intend to. I expect you to do the same." With an exhale, an aura of blood would form around him.
(Cleo)
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[18:29] Sapphire was calm and composed during this battle, in comparison to that with the Demon. Her movements were defensive, as she focused on gathering her mana, evading the strikes of Cleo. It was honestly a prolonged battle, and it only ended when she'd finally channeled all the magical power she could contain.

A hand was raised, and a flash of holy light would erupt, a cannon of cleansing energy that would bring the spar to a close, and Cleo to their knees.

She took a deep breath. "Phew! That was close. Honestly, once you figured out what I was doing, you realized you were a lot stronger than me!" She'd commend her opponent, coming over and offering them a hand.
(Sapphire Ashfall)
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[18:35] Similarly, Cleo additionally kept himself cool and composed across the battle. Typical for him, though maybe ironic considering his Rhoynish blood and magic in, well, blood. The fight itself was tricky for sure; this being his first encounter with nature magic, getting a read on the woman's movements and strategy was surprisingly difficult. The moment he'd find an opening though, Sapphire would be faced with a quick onslaught of his own ferocious mana.

It wouldn't be enough, however; the teen would find himself knocked to the floor. Looking back up towards his foe, he'd gladly accept her hand, picking himself up to his feet and shaking it.

"I wouldn't say that; your mana use is pretty crafty, and it could wipe the floor with someone who doesn't see it coming. You're pretty good."
(Cleo)
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[18:37] Cleo says, "Hm, I'm not sure I caught your name."
[18:38] Sapphire Ashfall says, "My name is Sapphire. Sapphire Ashfall, I'm a Priestess at the Church."
[18:39] Cleo says, "Mm. Call me Cleo. I'm with the Flame-Keepers, and I'm looking into becoming a Cadet at the Order."
[18:40] Sapphire Ashfall says, "Honestly, I was surprised I won. I have a tendency to be more of a shield than anything else."
[18:41] Sapphire Ashfall says, "The technique Kircheis described... Was useful."