"You should know that this world isn't solely inhabited by humans… Besides humans, there are other races, such as: elves, dwarves… and Sky Elves…"
"The number of members in these races is far less than that of humans; it's possible that the population of a single human village already equals the total members of a certain race."
"Sky Elves, in particular, have the fewest members among these races. Their seeds are born in places with extremely rich natural magic, and they take hundreds of years of gestation to grow."
"They are born from nature, somewhat similar to magical lifeforms. Hmm… if any Mages of your generation become contractors with the Four Great Spirits, it would be easier for you to understand them. Sky Elves are similar existences to the Four Great Spirits."
The Clown explained the origin and background of the "Sky Elf" in his hand, "I obtained this unexpectedly in the Spade Kingdom while traveling the continent after leaving the Clover Kingdom. With long-term gestation in magic fluid, I expect it to fully materialize in a few more days."
Bai En lowered his head, pondering what the Clown said. 'Sky Elves… I don't have a very deep impression of them. The guardian of Elysia in the Heart Kingdom… seems to be a Sky Elf—a Tree Elf…'
'If what this guy in front of me says is true, being able to rival the Four Elemental Spirits, then obtaining her would undoubtedly make me stronger.'
'This current state is far from enough; I need to become even stronger!'
…Bai En stared intently at the Clown and asked him, "You said that if I defeat the magical beast you summon without using magic, I can obtain that Sky Elf's seed?"
"Exactly."
The Clown smiled, "It's an inherent talent and instinct for Mages to defeat enemies with magic, but isn't it more impressive to cast aside that innate talent and use a relatively weaker body to overcome an enemy?"
"If you have the courage to do so, I will prepare a sturdy weapon for you, so you won't go in empty-handed."
"I'm really looking forward to you doing that… A friendly reminder, don't try to be brave too easily. The magical beasts I summon are not weak, and without magic, it's very easy to… die!"
Warning words and playful laughter filled the empty Magic Palace, causing goosebumps.
Three black iron gates reappeared behind the Clown. Behind the opened gates, various massive magical beasts emerged: an unknown sharp-beaked bird with black feathers and wings, a crimson sludge covered in viscous mud and emitting a foul odor, a giant snake with a blazing crown of fire nearly twenty meters long… and a giant crocodile lying on the ground, exhaling frosty breath.
The four ferocious magical beasts stayed by the Clown's side, baring their fangs and claws, yet making no unnecessary movements, as if waiting for someone's command. Looking quietly, the Clown, who appeared incredibly small next to them, exuded the majesty and aura of a king.
Bai En observed the giant crocodile, the sharp-beaked bird, the giant snake… The thought of getting stronger that had been in his mind began to shift, and his chef's instincts started to take over.
They… seemed like they could be prepared as food. The cold-natured giant crocodile and the warm-natured giant snake, after removing their fishy smell with ginger and garlic, would both be excellent choices for soup or stir-fry. For stir-fry, adding the Star-Colored Peppers from last time would probably be much better than soup.
And that sharp-beaked bird, after plucking its feathers, would probably be very good for grilling?
Golden, oily roasted meat… the fragrant aroma of cumin… Hiss… Unnoticed by anyone, a faint, clear liquid drooled from the corner of Bai En's mouth. Soon, he shook his head, wiped his mouth with his hand, and refocused. 'No, I need to use them to break through my limits.'
'How can I let my thoughts drift towards eating?'
'Is this right?'
'…'
The Clown spoke up, "Who wants to try first?"
"I will!" Luck excitedly waved his hand, his smile unwavering.
He clearly hadn't had enough of the dice-snatching battle earlier, and now there was another fight to be had, which was incredibly comfortable. Luck scanned the four magical beasts next to the Clown and pointed directly at the giant snake.
"That slimy snake that looks just like Magna!"
"Huh? Luck, what the hell are you talking about? What do you mean 'slimy snake that looks like me'?" Magna clenched his fist and glared furiously at Luck, his punk-like demeanor with the rooster-comb hair fully on display at this moment.
"If you can't explain yourself, I'll definitely kill you, you bastard!"
Luck stroked his chin, thought for a moment, then pointed at the flames burning on the giant snake's body. "Both use Flame Magic, so they're very similar, don't you think so, Magna?"
"Just using Flame Magic makes us similar? What kind of eyesight do you have, kid? If you have time, hurry up and go see the Kingdom's Chief Healing Mage! You brat!"
"They're clearly identical, aren't they?"
"I'll kill you!"
The battle began amidst their uproar.
Contrary to Bai En's expectations, Luck, who was known for his love of combat, did not challenge the hidden stage given by the Clown as Bai En had thought he would. Instead, he maintained his usual Lightning Magic-armed style and engaged in a fierce battle with the giant snake.
It seemed he only wanted to win.
Luck's thoughts were far more subtle than his fervent expression during the battle. Amidst the overflowing lightning, he gazed at the giant snake with its blazing crown of fire on its head, deep in thought.
'The four magical beasts summoned by the Clown are all strong. Whether it's the magic power they emit or their massive, ferocious appearance, it's easily discernible.'
'If I were to challenge them without magic, just to satisfy my desire for battle, not only would it be difficult to win, but if I lost… it would mean the probability of obtaining the cure for Asta's arm from the Magic Palace would be halved.'
'Regardless of whether Magna can win, I must secure this round. While easing his burden, the method to heal Asta's arm will also be within reach.'
Magna also noticed Luck going all out. Just as he was thinking that guy was being reckless today, his thoughts suddenly shifted, and he muttered, "No way… that guy actually…"
"He's looking down on me a bit too much, isn't he…"
Bai En gazed at the lightning-flickering battlefield. The giant snake, its body wreathed in flames, constantly twisted its body and tail, attempting to swat away the annoying fellow who kept darting around it and occasionally giving it an electric shock.
But Luck was very fast, and the giant snake's attacks always missed.
Due to its snake scales and fiery body, the giant snake's defense and resistance were very high, and the piercing lightning did not unleash its full power.
The two fell into a stalemate.
The magical beast's intelligence was not low. After realizing its tail strikes were ineffective, it slowed its attack frequency. It began to wait for an opportunity, much like hunting in a vast forest.
Prey always gets exhausted, and that would be its best opportunity.
Luck, with his excellent combat experience, was naturally well aware of this. After several attempts to break through the giant snake's defense with his Swift Lightning's Collapse Orb failed, he began to search for the giant snake's weakness…