He opens his eyes to meet Istredd's gaze again. He can't hide how pleased the approval makes him, but it won't go to his head. Before the praise can inflate his ego, it has to deflate the specter of his self-doubt.

"Will practicing it on my own help? Even if nobody is pushing on it?"

It would be an easy thing to do. He could practice anywhere, anytime, and nobody would even know. Maybe he could try the incantation while training in the morning with Kyle. See if he can hold a mental shield while blocking punches and kicks. Strengthen his mind and his body at the same time. For the first time since he accidentally lit his bed curtains on fire, Wilhelm is not just overwhelmed by all the things he has to learn. He's growing excited by the possibilities too.

"I still want to show you my fire magic too. I've gotten better. And..." His jaw tenses as his nerves encroach on his face. "I think I want to try making my own fire again."