He had to save her.

He couldn’t charge in blindly. He couldn’t afford any more mistakes. If he wanted to stand a chance against the swarm, he needed a plan. More than that, he needed power—control over his abilities, and a strategy that would allow him to outmaneuver the wasps’ overwhelming numbers.

Caelum closed his eyes and focused inward, summoning his Arcane Insight. His mind expanded, reaching into the deeper parts of his magical knowledge, drawing on his experiences. Every battle, every close call, every spell he had cast flashed before him as he analyzed his abilities.

I need to be faster. Stronger. Smarter.

The wasps had coordination, strength in numbers, and raw physical power. Their hive was fortified, their Queen commanding them with terrifying efficiency. If Caelum was going to infiltrate that nest and rescue Aurelia, he had to work with what he had: stealth, magic, and speed.

Water Magic and Wind Magic were his best chance. They wouldn’t win a head-on battle, but they could help him move through the nest undetected, give him the agility he needed, and keep him from getting overwhelmed by the swarm.

He stretched his limbs, letting out a slow breath as he visualized the spells he needed to master. First, Water Magic. He had used it before, but never with the precision he would need now. The air in the nest was likely to be thick with venom and toxins, and he needed a way to shield himself. Water could neutralize some of that. He could also use it to create distractions or slip through tight spaces, masking his presence in a cloak of mist.

Caelum raised one of his small limbs, focusing his mind as he summoned the magic. Water began to pool from the moisture in the air, swirling into his palm. It was weak, a trickle compared to the torrent he needed. He gritted his mandibles and concentrated harder, pulling more moisture from the earth around him. The water responded to his will, forming into a small, controlled sphere.

Good. Now, make it move.

With a flick of his mind, the sphere of water shot forward, twisting into a thin stream. He practiced controlling its direction, moving it through the air with careful precision. It was still unstable, but it was getting better. Slowly, he began shaping the water into various forms—blades, shields, waves. He would need to be quick, adaptable.

For hours, Caelum practiced. His body was exhausted, but he couldn’t stop. Not yet. The more he worked with the water, the more control he gained. He could manipulate it faster now, shaping it into defensive walls or launching it as projectiles. But it wasn’t enough. He needed to blend it with other elements.

Wind Magic.

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Wind would allow him to move faster, quieter. The wasps relied on their speed in flight and their ability to coordinate. If Caelum could disrupt that, if he could outmaneuver them, he might have a chance.

He closed his eyes again, feeling the flow of the wind around him. The gentle breeze that rustled the leaves above him was almost imperceptible, but it was there, waiting for him to harness it. He focused, channeling his magic.

A soft gust swirled around him, lifting the leaves from the forest floor. Caelum’s mind sharpened as he directed the wind, pushing it to circle faster. It obeyed, forming into a small vortex around him. He could feel the currents, the pull of the air as it rushed past him. But this was just the beginning. He needed more control, more finesse.

Faster. Sharper.

He stepped forward, pushing the wind outward as he moved. His limbs became lighter, his movements quicker. He darted between the trees, letting the wind carry him, guiding him like an invisible hand. His Movement skill kicked in, enhancing his agility as he sprinted through the forest. Each step felt smoother, more controlled, as if the wind was an extension of his body.

But it wasn’t just about speed. He had to avoid detection. The wasps were relentless, and any mistake would lead to another swarm hunting him down. He couldn’t afford that.

Instinctive Dodge.

Caelum activated the skill, letting his body react on its own as he pushed harder, moving faster. His limbs moved with an almost automatic precision, his body twisting and dodging imaginary attacks. The wind wrapped around him, softening his footsteps and making his movements nearly silent.

He was fast. But he needed to be invisible.

Caelum paused, panting as the exertion took its toll on his body. He had been practicing for hours, his magic draining him with each spell cast. But he wasn’t done yet.

He needed to combine his skills. Water and Wind could work together, masking him in a thin layer of mist as he moved. He focused again, gathering the moisture from the air and blending it with the wind. The water formed a mist around him, cloaking his small frame. As the wind swirled, the mist spread, hiding him within a shifting cloud.

He moved again, this time barely visible as he darted between the trees. The wind covered his movements, and the mist concealed him from view. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a start.

Caelum collapsed to the ground, his breath coming in heavy gasps. His body ached, his magic nearly spent, but he had made progress. His control over Water and Wind had improved, and he had begun to develop a strategy.

Infiltration wasn’t about power. It was about precision.

He would use the water to neutralize the toxins in the nest. The wind would carry him through the hive unseen. And if he was discovered, his Movement and Instinctive Dodge would help him escape.

But I need more time, he thought, staring up at the canopy. He didn’t have the luxury of more time, though. Aurelia was still trapped, and every moment she remained in the nest was a moment closer to whatever dark ritual the Queen had planned.

“I’m coming, Aurelia,” he whispered to himself, his determination burning brighter than ever. “I’ll save you. I promise.”