Not only did the fire salamander emerge unscathed, but it was also enraged.
William expected this to happen, knowing that Fireball would inflict less damage due to its inherent weakness against itself and the Fire Salamander's resistance to fire attacks, but he hoped otherwise.
The salamander charged at William with hostility and managed to land a hit, sending him flying into a boulder.
Upon witnessing this, the other boy attempted to get the salamander's attention by shouting at and running towards it.
However, it was futile, as the monster continued its assault on William.
William struggled to his feet and prepared to launch another counterattack. Just then, he recalled some of his father's words.
"Remember, son: The potential applications of magic are vast and varied, limited only by one's imagination and creativity."
William knew that he could not beat the fire salamander alone with his current abilities and knowledge, so he decided to try something new.
He closed his eyes while retreating backwards for a few seconds, and a faint orange glow could be observed around his sword, but it dissipated in an instant.
He opened his eyes and evaded the salamander's fire breath attack.
"Yo! Can you buy me some time?"
William shouted to the boy, and he nodded, "Yes!"
The boy tried to get the salamander's attention again by attacking it. This time, however, the salamander noticed him and decided to take him out first.
The boy parried the salamander's incoming attacks with his sword, which broke after a few hits.
At this point, the salamander had grown impatient and rushed toward him again.
Unfortunately for the boy, his lack of experience combined with the unexpectedness of his sword breaking resulted in him being struck by a blow from his opponent's tail.
However, he knew he could not give up.
The boy stood up, and charged towards the salamander with strong resolve.
The two clashed with equal power, resulting in a stalemate as neither could overpower the other.
Or so the boy thought.
Fire Salamander easily pushed him back, and he realised he was quickly losing ground.
I cannot falter; my friend is depending on me!
The boy gained some momentum against his opponent, though the odds remain in the opponent's favour.
As their clash continued, the advantage shifted back and forth, with each momentarily gaining the upper hand.
For the boy, it meant gradually narrowing the gap between himself and his opponent, while the monster slowly solidified its lead.
While his ally was busy struggling against the salamander, William tried again.
This time, with all of his current magical energy and with his intense focus, the sword was enveloped in a glowing red flame.
However, he knew that he could not sustain this technique for long, as his energy was almost completely depleted.
"Thank you; I shall not betray your trust!"