I start off simple. The Archmage wasn’t the best hand-to-hand teacher but I learned enough. I launch dozens of punches at Aren.

And what does he do? Smiles and closes his eyes! Aren skillfully evades all of my attacks without breaking a sweat. But wouldn’t last long.

I continue hounding him with attacks until I gathered enough energy in my right hand. Right when he dodged again in the position I knew he would, I let loose the energy in a beam of force. ...