"Keep the ice up, the water will freeze and force open cracks. I can use fire to melt it, then slam it with water again. I can spare the spells for now."

ANd spells were easier to target in this space for him and in this moment than a weapon.

And speaking of the 'it'. The thing stood now, fully, and raised cobbled fists that were actually cracking a little. It moved toward Nida, not Ignis, swinging at his head.