Lucas hadn’t realized it at the time, but the book Lagrand was holding was actually a large channeling device that had been fashioned to appear as a book. After being struck by the first skull, Lagrand had quickly erected a water barrier. When the second skull came at him, the Water Wall burst into existence and completely nullified the second and third skulls. A moment later, Lagrand casually stood up and stepped through the water shield, fully extinguishing the flames covering him.

“What gives you the right to tell her who she is?!” Lucas continued. He flung out a Static Web in Lagrand’s direction and hoped that the water would supply extra conductivity and thus extra damage. “Who said that, just because she works under you, she’s your property? That you can just decide what to do with her? Let me tell you right now: She’s not yours, you selfish, sanctimonious bastard!”

Lagrand didn’t have a chance to respond. He was too busy erecting defenses and counter-attacking. He shot a Rock Lob at Lucas, and the small clumps of dirt easily passed through the Static Web, scattering the spell and forcing Lucas to dodge out of the way lest he be struck as well.

“Don’t lecture me, boy!” Lagrand shouted. “It doesn’t take anyone more than a second to see that her true face is disfigured and ugly. You’d have to be a liar or an idiot to say otherwise.” Lagrand laughed heartily as he followed up his first Rock Lob with two more. “You come in here trying to act self-righteous, but look at you, lying like a hypocrite!”

Lucas wasn’t sure if he could counter Lagrand’s spell, but he knew he had to try if he was ever going to have any hope of regaining the offensive. So, as the third Rock Lob came at him, he countered it with an Exploding Tear just to see which one would win. The ball of water struck the first tiny rock from Rock Lob and instantly exploded in all directions. The other balls of rock flying directly for him were knocked away.

“A second? Five seconds? In a hundred years I’d never think she’s ugly,” Lucas countered. “Liu is beautiful as she is.” He channeled out a second Exploding Tear and fired it off at Lagrand, who blocked this one with another Rock Lob, effectively canceling both spells.

“You’re just lying to yourself. You’re a hypocrite. You and I both know her other avatar was way more beautiful!”