Aetherbound: The Cosmic Magi

The Elemental Gauntlet: Part III

As Kael approached the heat section of the gauntlet, he couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. Heat was the natural enemy of nature magic, with fire easily consuming plants and vines. He knew that any constructs he created would likely be incinerated almost instantly, even the pouch he had crafted for the orb around his chest.

The oppressive atmosphere emanating from the enchanted braziers that lined the walkway was palpable, and Kael hadn't even left the safety of the neutral zone. He knew he had to act quickly, and his mind raced back to the water he had gathered in the previous section.

His arms were lined with leaves, suctioned to his skin and filled with water. Using his nature magic, he commanded the leaves to slither along his arms, up his torso, and onto the orb. They enveloped it, creating a protective layer of water that he hoped would shield it from the intense heat. He could only hope that the water wouldn't evaporate too quickly, leaving the orb exposed.

With a de