Need help for my mage

I think my eyes were playing tricks on me

 

Finale takes exactly 5 seconds to finish. with Impact, that's 6 seconds.
timing is the key to use it, and anticipation for moving targets.

when you can't use Finale, Lances is the most powerful magic attack in the game.
MDs have fast and strong auto-attacks, Staves can use sub-weapon skills.
of course they don't overpower your magic, unless you heavily focus on critical damage.

Shields are the easiest to use, since they focus on defense rather than additional attacks, and the Shield will activate the Guard Stance while casting Finale.
Arrows are probably the most difficult to use, since they lower your defense but don't grant Evasion like Daggers do.

another party member (or pet) to cover you is obligatory for most casters anyway.