The training field beyond the academy was scarred with old impact marks, remnants of spells long forgotten. Frieren stood at the center, hands tucked into her sleeves, watching the students line up before her.

“Today,” she said calmly, “you’ll practice Zoltrax.”

Stark stiffened. “Outside? That bad, huh?”

“Yes,” Frieren replied. “The buildings are fragile.”

Fern was already focusing, mana gathering steadily. Sein observed quietly, eyes sharp. Tola looked excited, Mitis tense, and Reina tried to steady her breathing.

“Control comes first,” Frieren continue “Power comes last. Reina—begin.”

Reina stepped forward and cast. The beam fired too wide, carving into the dirt.

“…Too much hesitation,” Frieren noted.

Mitis tried next, producing a narrow but weak spell. Frieren nodded once. “Acceptable.”

Stark’s attempt fizzled out entirely. “I hate this spell.”

“That’s because you rush,” Frieren said.

She demonstrated then—one motion, silent release. The beam vanished after piercing a distant stone pillar clean through. Everyone froze.