Ethan successfully borrowed the artifact [Duel Cage] and asked about its usage. According to Aphrael, the artifact's use is simple: just turn the magical switch on the bracelet and throw it to the ground. The bracelet will transform into a hemispherical magical barrier with a diameter of about 15 meters, trapping the two people inside. This barrier is not a protective or elemental magic but a spatial magic. It may look like an ordinary iron cage, but it cannot be broken by force. Once activated, it remains until one of the trapped individuals dies.
However, the [Duel Cage] cannot trap everyone. For example, spatial mages and curse sorcerers can escape. Spatial mages can travel wherever they want within their domain, making them nearly impossible to trap. Such mages are extremely rare, perhaps seen once in a century, and even if encountered, one might not have the chance to activate the [Duel Cage] against them. Therefore, Aphrael specifically warned Ethan not to use the [Duel Cage] against curse sorcerers. Curse sorcerers could transform the [Duel Cage] into a [Curse Cage], enslaving the person inside and making them a puppet to do their bidding, including suicide.
Hearing Aphrael's warnings, Ethan felt even more fearful of mages and regretted not having a magical talent. When he underwent the magical aptitude test at the academy, the test crystal usually reacted to everyone, indicating whether they had magical potential or not. But when it was Ethan's turn, the crystal didn't react at all. The instructors shook their heads, and some even accused Ethan of lacking reverence for the gods, which they believed was essential for magic.
There was a myth that all magic in this world was a gift from the ancient gods, and a lack of reverence supposedly severed one's connection to magic. Despite this, Ethan suspected the crystal was faulty and tested himself secretly with a wand, hoping for a different result. He was disappointed to find no magical talent whatsoever. He finally accepted his fate as a close-combat fighter. Fortunately, only a few out of hundreds of test-takers showed any magical aptitude, which offered him some solace.
Ethan wasn't gloating but rather comforted by the fact that reverence for the gods wasn't the determining factor for magical talent. If it were true, he would kneel and worship the gods daily. However, he dismissed such notions and focused on remembering Aphrael's advice, never to use the [Duel Cage] against curse sorcerers.
After acquiring the [Duel Cage], Ethan was eager for the knight to come, hopefully that very night. His excitement kept him awake all night. Early the next morning, he woke up with panda eyes, eager to test the [Duel Cage].
Opening the door, he found everything covered in white. "It's snowing!" Ethan breathed in the cold air, tightened his fur coat, and stepped outside. As a southerner, Ethan loved snow. He had been too busy at the academy to appreciate it. Now, he could finally enjoy the snowy landscape.
Not forgetting his duties, he sent Little Yellow Feather to scout the territory. Then, he leisurely descended the ship's ladder to explore. Passing the bow, he saw Robert hanging weakly from a crossbeam, barely breathing. "Life is strange—sometimes as fragile as paper, sometimes as tough as iron," Ethan mused, seeing Robert still alive.
Walking over, he softly asked, "Ready to talk now?" Robert, eyes downcast, mustered some strength to glare at Ethan but remained silent. "Wow! A tough guy! I like it!" Ethan said, turning to leave.
Seeing Tibbers and Andrei waking up to start their chores, Ethan instructed them to take Robert down, warm him up, and feed him. Andrei was shocked and quickly objected, "Lord Ethan, forgive my rudeness, but we can't release Robert. I thought about it all night and realized he planned to set the fire once it snowed, so even if we weren't burned alive, we'd freeze to death. He's heartless. Please don't show mercy!"
Ethan sighed, lamenting Andrei's slowness. Such a simple reason took him all night to figure out. It was obvious to Ethan immediately. It confirmed that Andrei, while diligent, lacked the sharpness needed for strategic roles. He decided he needed younger, sharper people in the future.
Smiling, Ethan replied, "Just do as I say. Once Robert is warmed and fed, hang him back up. Be cautious—don't let him overpower you." Both men were puzzled but obeyed, knowing Ethan had his reasons. "Yes, Lord Ethan."
Watching them work, Ethan felt both gratitude for their diligence and frustration at their lack of initiative.