How long has this been happening?"
"Since the academy on Athelas." Mira picked up her glasses and put them on—the familiar gesture seemed to ground her, sharpening her features back into their usual composed mask. "It got worse after I pushed hard during the Sector 3 exams. I thought it would stabilize, but..."
"But it didn't."
"No."
Kael studied her signature more carefully. The clash points were concentrated in her core—the central dantian where mana was stored and circulated. Every time fire and ice met, they cancelled each other out partially, but the residue was corrosive. Like acid eating through pipes.
"Why didn't you go to the medical wing?"
"I did." Mira's voice was flat. "They told me dual elementals like fire and ice are rare and their condition is poorly understood. They gave me painkillers and suggested I avoid using both elements simultaneously."
"Well, that's a bullocks since it greatly reduces your combat effectiveness."
"I know."
Kael was quiet for a moment.
