"Uh, I say... Li Lin, could we use a cleaner type of magic next time we fight?"
Thor's tone was more than just a complaint, looking at the dry smoked meat (note) in his hand. His eyebrows were furrowed as if he were confused by the dried meat strips. Finally, he let out a long sigh, stuffing the dried meat, which could have been used to fight off hunger, back into the dry food bag.
The bit of hunger he had painstakingly accumulated was dispelled by the smoked meat. Though Thor had previously been bothered by the sudden pangs of hunger, now, he longed for the feeling that tempted him to devour almost anything edible—even an unsalted roasted head of cattle (note 2).
At this moment, any scent of meat was destroying Thor's appetite. Let alone his mother's homemade meat jerky—even fine food prepared by royal cooks couldn't stir up the slightest interest from the big eater.
"I have to say that magic is utterly disgusting."
Following Thor's comment, Tyr joined the chorus of complaints. The elves who had similarly lost their appetite gathered around.
Since everyone's appetite was ruined anyway and the trading... due to the sudden violent incident and Li Lin's overly stimulating live explosion show, everyone in the market avoided them as if dodging a plague. As soon as they saw this unsightly crew, they would pack up their stalls and close their windows. The counterfeit money trader also postponed the transaction due to unforeseen circumstances. With nothing to do and unable to wander around for sightseeing, complaining was at least a way to pass the time and help regain a sense of hunger.
"I've seen bodies after magical attacks. But like yours ... uh ... making people's bodies explode ... I've never heard of such a thing."
Brynhild's face was very bad, turning pale when she mentioned "bodies exploding", like she was about to vomit. Unable to come up with any words to describe the bizarre scene she had uncovered for the first time, the high-elf girl suppressed the nausea rising in her throat and spat out the disgusting part of the narrative as one would a repulsive glob of saliva.
Like the other elves, she didn't want to recall those terrifying moments, not even the faintest hint or phrase that could trigger such a memory.
Bodies hacked to pieces by a Wind Blade, charred corpses left by lightning or fire attacks, or ashes scattered in the wind were all cruel and terrifying—the "masterpieces" of magic. Yet Li Lin's magic—the Burning Crucible, without any taste for subtlety—fully transcended ordinary attack magic.
Under the eyes of everyone, a man swelled like a pig's bladder inflated with too much air or water and then exploded with a pop.
It wasn't just the head steward and thugs previously causing a commotion who were scared away, their faces splattered with blood and flesh; many onlookers vomited on the spot.
If a person hadn't witnessed such a scene before, they would undoubtedly feel a natural uncomfortable reaction after seeing the whole process unfold; it's inevitable. However, if they knew the joke stringing together "human bomb," "paradise overflowing with milk and honey," and "72 virgins," they might feel a little better—or possibly even worse.
The Burning Crucible—with its bloodthirstiness, cruelty, and disgusting degree—elevated the standard and prowess of attack magic in this aspect to a whole new level, leaving numerous competitors in shame. For a considerable time to come, it is doubtful that any magic could challenge that fearsome champion's seat.
Li Lin didn't care about his outstanding contribution and achievement in advancing the Wisdom Species' savage culture—a feat that many people and governments were obsessed with repeating, rushing to break the record or establish new standards. However, Li Lin was not the kind of individual immersed in evil culture; such honor and title were destined to not grab his attention, let alone foolishly proclaim how fierce his accomplishments were.
He would cleverly justify his actions so that others wouldn't oppose him.
"I lost my temper then, my apologies."
The mask of helplessness and remorse showed no sign of a casual lie, and a touch of lingering anger blended into it.
"But if I had to do it again, I would do the same. If anyone accuses this act as too cruel or sympathizes with that scum, they should split some of that sympathy to the innocents who were killed, whose bodies were dishonored, and who couldn't rest in peace after death. And to the parents wailing as they held the skinless corpse. At least that would be somewhat fair."
The weighty retort made the elves silently swallow their complaints. Although they didn't see themselves obligated or needing to sympathize with an unknown human, expressing sympathy for the scum would undoubtedly be a desecration to the dead. The naturally good-natured elves wouldn't recklessly utter words that blur fundamental moral concepts out of hostility towards humans.
"I'm not interested in the disputes of the human world. I just want to know what your magic is."
Freya asked, lacking energy and appetite. Her slightly flushed face toggled a tiny bit of anger to Li Lin after experiencing the unpleasantness of vomiting and struggling with food. The substantial anger radiating all around her made even her companions feel it was tricky to get close.
Li Lin shook his head, raising a finger towards the disgruntled little wildcat.