In fact, Benjamin did not mean to spite his opponent with his words.
He did not care as much about a simple duel. Moreover, his opponent was so eager to give him things. It would be uncourteous of him to spite his opponent in return.
He was also unclear of Richard’s motives behind this duel. So he merely thought that this was a friendly duel requested by a rather combative mage. Therefore, he also responded in a similar way.
In addition to that, he was wholeheartedly complimenting his opponent’s strength.
This magic ‘Pillar of Steam’ was almost used by Benjamin as Wind Magic, but its true nature was still Water Magic. It posed a certain amount of restraint on Fire Magic. But in this case, the flames of the Fireballs still did not die out even with this immense flow of steam. This was truly a difficult thing to do.
And this made Benjamin’s impression of him change.
