Ron, Lia, Selene, and Jax stepped forward carefully, each of them placing a foot onto their respective elemental platforms.
The floating surfaces wobbled faintly beneath them, responding to their weight and mana signatures.
Ron stepped on firmly.
Lia followed with practiced grace.
Selene moved lightly, almost soundless.
And then—
Jax stepped on at the speed of a nervous snail, leaning forward, leaning back, testing the stability like he thought the platform might explode.
"…Jax," Ron said slowly, "you do know it's not going to bite you."
"No promises," Jax muttered, inching forward with exaggerated caution.
Lia covered her mouth, hiding a smile while Selene almost sighed.
But eventually—
he made it.
All four stood atop their platforms, tense but ready.
Ron took a breath.
"Alright. On my signal, we'll all start channeling mana. Three—"
"WAIT!!"
Jax practically yelled, his hands flying up.
Ron blinked. "What now…?"
Jax cleared his throat dramatically.
