Comments
Loading Dream Comments...
You must be logged in to write a comment - Log In
Two sorcerers (lightning arcing from the hands of one wizard and fire blasting from the hands of the other) dressed in robes (loose, white silk, black belts) battle each other with magic while standing inside a large arcane symbol etched into the majestic marble floor, row of columns engraved with glowing arcane symbols, hooded figure (white beard, black silk robe embroidered with gold thread, black belt, details) standing to one side, watching the two sorcerers battle :: in the style of Pino Daeni, Luis Royo, Tom Bagshaw, John William Waterhouse, Hoàng Lập, Justin Gerard :: full shot, eye level :: hyperrealistic, hyper detailed, photorealistic :: masterpiece, incredible composition, amazing depth, imposing, meticulously composed
No one present mistakes this for a duel.
The circle is inscribed to contain force, not passion. The spells are permitted, the
limits known, the floor repaired after each use. Fire and lightning are selected not for
spectacle, but because they reveal flaws quickly—hesitation, imbalance, excess.
What cannot be controlled here would be catastrophic elsewhere.
The candidates do not look at one another for long. Their attention is inward,
narrowed to breath, stance, timing. Victory is irrelevant. Precision is not.
The observers intervene only if the structure itself is threatened. Injury is acceptable.
Panic is not.
When the exchange ends, there will be no applause, no declaration. A name will be
entered into a ledger. Another will not. Advancement is recorded, not celebrated.
Power, after all, is easy.
What is rare—and therefore tested—is restraint, clarity, and the ability to act
decisively without needing to believe oneself righteous.
