From a certain standpoint, the battle between Conservation and myself was a classical battle between mages.
Carefully observing the enemy, testing attacks that were more about leaving no chance for reprisal rather than succeeding, looking for any minute signs of weakness, defending against potential enemy attacks and scouts, and repeating this cycle over and over. And of course, there were also sudden attacks that were more than capable of turning into the final killing blow.
That was why a battle between mages would usually be quite boring to watch. Both mages would typically first start by summoning cannon fodder, then cast defensive spells so that they wouldn't die. Only then would they begin testing attacks against the enemy, or begin by destroying all of the enemy mage's cannon fodder, or attempt to break through the enemy's defenses. The first mage who exposed their own weakness would be the loser.