"When did you learn magic?" The three of them were still advancing through the forest. After walking for a bit, Garthien found an opportunity and quickly pulled Linton aside to ask.
"I just casually picked it up," Linton replied. "Who knew magic was so easy? I didn't put in much effort, and now I'm suddenly invincible. It's truly lonely being unbeatable!"
"I…" Garthien was at a loss for words. He didn't really understand magic, so was it really as simple as Linton made it seem, dependent on talent? He was beginning to believe it. After all, unlike warriors, magicians didn't need long-term physical training, and there weren't many physical requirements. It had only been a few months since they last met, and Linton had already learned magic. Could Linton actually be a magical prodigy?
"Can you really use magic to find people?" Garthien asked after thinking it over. "Was that really a locating spell just now?"
"Is something wrong with your brain? I just randomly swung a stick around. How could that possibly be a locating spell?" Linton said. "Look, we haven't seen each other in a while, and you've grown bigger than me, yet you're still so gullible. How are you going to survive out there? I'm really worried for you."
"I've always been bigger than you! Don't make it sound like I aged a few years in just a few months!" Garthien shouted. "No, that's not the point. You're just bluffing. What if we can't find the princess? The captain will definitely chop our heads off."
"Like I said, with my protagonist's mysterious luck, just wandering around will definitely lead us right to this princess or whatever," Linton waved his hand dismissively.
"Where does this ridiculous confidence come from? Can you stop reading so many novels? You're going to be the death of me this time," Garthien complained. "Do you even know who the captain of the Maple Leaf Guard is? He's a legendary knight! And now I've helped you trick a legendary knight… My future is ruined…"
"Don't worry, don't worry. How could your uncle ever harm you?" Linton patted Garthien on the shoulder. "Do I seem like the kind of person who would lead you astray?"
"Does it not hurt to say that?" Garthien asked.
"Hey, look! There's a bear up ahead," Linton suddenly pointed ahead.
"What kind of random topic change is that!" Garthien yelled, but still looked ahead. It was the forest, and there wasn't even a trace of a bear. "Where's this bear you're talking about?"
"Come on, now. You're seriously underestimating me. I told you I wouldn't mess with you, especially since you're my real nephew. If I say there's a bear up ahead, then there really is a bear," Linton replied.
"I've looked all around and I don't see—"
"There really is a high-level magical beast up ahead, a level-four Unihorn Bear," Barry, who had been quiet, suddenly spoke up. He, too, was surprised as he glanced at Linton. With his strength, detecting the magical beast was easy, but how did Linton know? Was it some kind of detection spell? Barry wasn't very familiar with magic, and he had never encountered a mage like Linton. He was genuinely curious.
It wasn't that hard for Linton to spot the bear. Although the Sharingan didn't have the extreme scouting abilities of the Byakugan, it wasn't weak either. Since he was actively searching for the princess, he was frequently scanning the area. Ever since he bought the tailed beast's chakra, his mana level had risen to over 140,000, so maintaining his eye technique wasn't a big deal anymore, allowing him to detect things in advance.
"What? There really is?" Garthien said in shock.
"Hey, what's with that reaction? You believe him but doubt me? Whose nephew are you, anyway?" Linton said.
"Could you be a bit more respectful? This is Sir Barry we're talking about!" Garthien yelled.
"Come on, I'm a mage, he's a knight. By the rules of the world, we're supposed to dislike each other. Am I right?" Linton said.
"What kind of prejudice is that? Seriously, stop reading those weird novels," Garthien replied.
Barry, listening to their exchange, just smiled. He wasn't offended. In his eyes, Linton was just a kid, around the same age as his older grandson. Although Linton had a somewhat eccentric personality, Barry didn't find him disagreeable; in fact, he kind of liked him.
"Alright, you go on ahead," Linton suddenly patted Garthien's shoulder.
"Me?" Garthien was taken aback.
"Yeah, are you saying you can't handle it?" Linton asked.
"It's only a level-four magical beast, why wouldn't I be able to?" Garthien immediately said, though in reality, he had never actually fought a level-four magical beast. Such beasts were considered relatively high-level and rarely encountered. This also proved how deep into the forest they had ventured.
In theory, Garthien was at a level where he could go toe-to-toe with a level-four magical beast, but truth be told, he didn't have much combat experience, especially when it came to fighting magical beasts. However, he wasn't about to admit that in front of Linton.
"You idiot, this is the perfect chance to level up! Plus, there's a big shot here to back you up. He seems to have high hopes for you. If things get dangerous, he'll step in to help, right?" Linton said.
"You've got a point, but could you not say that in front of me next time?" Barry interjected.
"Huh?" Garthien looked at Barry in surprise. A legendary knight captain actually thought highly of him? This made him excited.
"Consider this training. Fight well," Barry said as he looked at Garthien. It was both practice and a test.
"Yes, Sir Barry!" Garthien suddenly felt a surge of adrenaline and excitement.
"Don't worry, I'll support you from afar," Linton added.
Garthien didn't really pay attention to Linton's last remark. Drawing his sword, he cautiously moved forward. Now, he genuinely wanted to impress Barry with his sword skills. Although he had fought before, those magical beasts were too weak, preventing him from giving his all. But this time, his opponent was worthy of a full display of his abilities.
As Garthien advanced carefully, he observed his surroundings. He still hadn't spotted the Unihorn Bear that Linton and Barry had mentioned, but Linton saw it clearly. Just ahead, not too far from Garthien, a bear was crouched down, ready to ambush. It had clearly marked them as its next meal and was preparing to pounce. The bear's ability to hide wasn't bad, using the trees for cover, making it hard to notice.
Suddenly, with a loud thud, the Unihorn Bear was the first to strike. Seeing its prey within range, it leapt toward Garthien. Although he reacted a bit late, his reflexes were sharp. If he hadn't been warned, this ambush could've been dangerous, but with Linton's earlier alert, Garthien was prepared.
"Hah!" With a shout, Garthien's body glowed with a red light, a sign of his full battle aura. Facing the charging bear, Garthien chose to meet it head-on.
Seeing this, Barry shook his head slightly. The Unihorn Bear was extremely strong, and going head-to-head in brute force wasn't a wise decision. Although Garthien's aura training was impressive, he lacked experience and strategy.
In an instant, Garthien's sword stabbed into the bear's chest, piercing its flesh, but before he could drive it deeper, the bear's paw slammed into the blade. The immense force sent Garthien flying. Midair, he coughed up blood but wasn't seriously hurt. He twisted his body, kicked off a tree trunk, and charged back toward the bear.
The bear, now injured, was enraged. Its horn began to glow.
"It's about to use magic," Barry warned.
Garthien was startled. He had never seen a magical beast use magic before. Lower-level beasts (1-3) had magical energy but couldn't release it, whereas level-four beasts and above could actually cast spells.
"Magic? I'll support you!" Linton suddenly shouted. He grabbed his stick, thrust it into the ground, and yelled, "Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Dance!"
In an instant, countless fireballs erupted from Linton in every direction. It was clear these fireballs had no specific target; they flew wildly everywhere.
The Unihorn Bear, initially about to cast its magic, saw the chaos and bolted in fear. Garthien, too, had no time to worry about the bear as a swarm of fireballs flew toward him. If they hit, there was no way he'd be unharmed.
Without hesitation, Garthien dove to the ground. But even then, it didn't seem like he could avoid the fireballs. At the critical moment, a hand reached out and pulled him to safety. Turning his head, Garthien saw that it was Barry who had saved him.
"Boom boom boom boom..." The sounds of explosions rang out, and in an instant, the surroundings turned into a sea of fire, with fireballs bursting everywhere. Even the caster, Linton, looked around in surprise. This was the most advanced ninjutsu he had learned from the Uchiha family. It seemed to be an upgraded version of the Phoenix Flower Jutsu, and its power was indeed quite impressive.
Looking at the flames around him, Linton held back for a moment before letting out a sigh: "Setting the mountain on fire... uh... that doesn't sound right."
(End of chapter)