The water boiled as the energy coalesced between them, forming a giant sphere of fire. Erik created a barrier between them, but whether it held depended on how much mana the beast used compared to how much he used.
The thaid released the fireball. It struck the barrier, creating a shockwave that rippled across the lake's surface.
The barrier shattered from the impact, flames and heat surging outward where Erik stood moments earlier. He suspected that was going to happen, so he leaped sideways, given the barrier gave him enough time, and countered with a barrage of water bullets.
The creature roared, more annoyed than injured. Yet Erik understood how much he had to increase his mana expenditure to injure the monster.
"This thing's tough," Erik said.
He channeled more mana, creating blades of compressed water. The thaid charged again, its enormous claws tearing chunks from the shoreline each time it tried to reach Erik.
