"Earth Release: Rock Lodging Destruction!" Before anyone could react, Linton struck again. With a loud crash, the walls of the pit began to collapse, and massive rocks tumbled in from all sides, quickly filling the giant pit with rubble.
The other four were stunned by the terrifying magic. If they had been buried under those rocks, each weighing tons, they would have been crushed. Even Barry thought there was no way he could survive that unless he dodged before getting hit.
Princess Yalan was even more shocked. As a magician herself, she couldn't comprehend how Linton had done it. This seemed to defy the fundamental principles of magic she had learned. "This... this is impossible! What magical catalyst did you use to release this spell? Are you wearing a catalyst ring?"
"Sigh, why don't you believe me? It's just a simple fire stick to release magic. Isn't that common?" Linton shrugged.
"That's impossible..." Princess Yalan couldn't resist checking Linton's hands, but she didn't find anything resembling a magic catalyst. Linton was completely clean, without any accessories—of course, because he was poor.
"This..." Princess Yalan started doubting her understanding of the world. The others had also snapped back to reality, especially Reina, who, although not a magician, knew enough about magic to recognize what she saw. Linton had cast two spells without chanting a word, a hallmark of a star-level magician. So why had the Melover family spread word that Linton was useless? This wasn't just a matter of him not being useless; he seemed more like a secret weapon. Could the Melover family have some hidden agenda?
"Anyway, this is how I plan to trap the Flame Beast. Any questions?" Linton asked.
"Based on what we've seen, there's no room to chant, right? If you strike suddenly, the beast wouldn't even have time to escape," Gassain remarked.
"Hey, did you not notice how fast that thing was?" Linton said. "Sure, there's no casting time, but from the moment it notices me to when it starts running, it can escape my spell range in just fractions of a second. Your job is to buy me those fractions. Don't think it'll be easy."
"Hmm." Barry nodded. "Given that creature's speed, it could definitely escape in that time. We'll have to hold it for just one second."
"Alright, you've seen the situation. So, are you in on the plan?" Linton asked.
"I think it's worth a try," Barry was the first to agree. After witnessing Linton's magic, he clearly believed it could work.
Barry's agreement prompted the others to exchange glances and nod. Although they were still curious about Linton, the Flame Beast took priority, and they could deal with Linton's mysteries later.
"Since we're all on board, let's discuss the issue of compensation," Linton suddenly said.
"Compensation?" The others were taken aback.
"Hey, what's the deal? I'm putting in all this effort, and you expect me to work for free?" Linton said.
It seemed reasonable, but something about it felt off. Working for the princess and asking for compensation? Surely the royal family wouldn't shortchange him. Why bring it up now?
"What kind of compensation are you asking for?" Princess Yalan asked directly.
"The king's special decree can annul engagements, right? I want that decree," Linton said.
"Huh?" They all froze.
"Not just that. I also don't want anyone arranging marriages for me ever again," Linton continued.
"That... that's impossible. There's no such decree," Barry quickly said.
"Well, in that case, how about this? After we're done, you, Princess, can imply to the king that you've taken a liking to me. That way, no one will dare arrange any marriages for me," Linton said immediately.
"What?!" Everyone shouted, and the princess blushed.
"You... you scoundrel!" Reina shouted furiously.
"How is that scoundrel-like? I'm asking her to imply it, not actually marry me. It's just to stop people from setting me up. Once I get married for real, the matter will end," Linton explained.
"But this would tarnish the princess's reputation!" Reina yelled.
"Oh, come on. We're risking our lives to catch this beast, and you won't even risk a bit of reputation?" Linton retorted.
"Alright, I agree." Princess Yalan suddenly spoke.
"Your Highness!" Everyone stared at her in shock.
"I thought it over, and this isn't such a bad idea," she said. "You're troubled by marriage, and honestly, so am I. But are you sure about this? Aren't you afraid my father will have you executed if he finds out?"
"I looked into it. Your father seems to be a reasonable king," Linton replied. "I can handle the fallout. It's better than constantly worrying about this marriage stuff."
"Alright then, I agree to your terms," Princess Yalan nodded.
"This..." Barry didn't know what to say. He understood the princess's point. She was already 17 and at the age where the king was likely searching for a suitable match. Royal marriages were often political, and Princess Yalan was likely expected to marry a nobleman's son or be wed off for an alliance.
Despite her delicate appearance, Princess Yalan was quite strong-willed and would not take kindly to such arrangements. By implying she had feelings for Linton, she could use him as a shield, deflecting any unwanted suitors. Of course, this would harm her reputation, and the king would likely be furious.
Since the princess had made up her mind, Barry and Reina had no more objections. Gassain, however, looked at Linton with amazement, recalling how Linton had once mentioned wanting to marry the princess. Was he actually serious?
"Deal's done. Let's get to work," Linton said with a wave. "Let's find a good ambush spot and see how it goes. If it doesn't work, we'll try a few different places."
With the Flame Beast as the priority, the group set aside their doubts about the special decree and began scouting for suitable ambush locations.
They needed a spot with firm ground, surrounded by cover for hiding, and an open area in the middle for the bait. After some searching, they found a suitable place: an open clearing surrounded by trees. It was their first attempt, but they were prepared to try other locations if needed.
Once the site was set, it was time to place the bait. Everyone turned to Linton, who had earlier claimed he'd handle the baiting.
"So, about this strange fire you mentioned..." someone began.
"Stand back, I'm about to do something impressive," Linton said with a wave.
Everyone immediately stepped back, and Linton looked at Gassain, saying, "You… take a few more steps back. You've got that magic-attracting constitution..."
"That's nonsense! You're doing this on purpose!" Gassain shouted, but still took a few more steps back.
Linton wasn't sure how accurate this skill would be. His fire techniques had been unpredictable, but his earth spells had worked consistently. This time, though, the technique was different—it wasn't based on breathing but sight.
He focused, closed his eyes, and when he reopened them, his pupils had turned red, with black tomoe spinning within.
"Amaterasu!"
With a bang, a black flame shot from his eyes and landed on the ground in front of him. Linton breathed a small sigh of relief—it seemed he could control *Amaterasu* after all. So, it really did come down to focus.
Without any special fuel, the black flames burned on the ground as if the rocks themselves were fuel. The fire not only didn't go out but grew fiercer.
The strange black fire left the others in awe. Gassain and the others were intrigued, while Barry, sensing danger from the flames, instinctively felt this was no ordinary magic.
"Don't touch it," Linton suddenly grabbed Princess Yalan's hand. She had been mesmerized by the fire and was about to reach out. "This fire is extremely dangerous. Once it latches onto you, it won't go out until you're reduced to ashes."
"This is the strange fire?" the princess asked in shock. "I've never seen flames like this before, and my teacher never mentioned them."
"I told you, read more books," Linton replied. "Now, let's get ready."
(End of Chapter)