Chapter 66: The Exchange (Part 2)

Merlin smiled subtly and, with a slight flick of his hand, revealed a relief sculpture.

The Great Chief's body shook as his gaze locked onto the relief in Merlin's hand.

Seeing the shock in the Great Chief's expression, Merlin knew he had guessed correctly. Calmly, he spoke, "You recognize this relief, don't you?"

After a long silence, the Great Chief collected himself, a newfound ease in his demeanor. Now that he knew Merlin's objective, he felt reassured. At least, Merlin wouldn't harm him before obtaining what he wanted.

"I never thought you'd possess a relief as well. And you must be able to see the strange postures on it, correct?"

The Great Chief paused, looking Merlin over from head to toe. However, practicing the postures from the mysterious reliefs didn't visibly change one's physique, so he couldn't gauge Merlin's physical condition.

"Yes, I have reliefs—three of them, in fact! I've hidden them in a secure location. If you let me go, I can exchange one of my reliefs with yours."

Now calm and composed, the Great Chief began negotiating with Merlin.

Merlin shook his head, his tone still steady. "I've no intention of killing you. If I did, your bandit followers would slaughter everyone in this convoy. Even if I fought, it would be in vain. The reason I brought you here is simply to make a trade."

With that, Merlin conjured several fireballs that circled the Great Chief, emitting intense heat and slowly melting the ice crystals that encased him.

Soon, the ice melted into droplets, freeing the Great Chief's body, which he tested with small movements, finding himself unharmed.

Though free, he didn't attempt to flee. Instead, he stayed seated opposite Merlin, his gaze lingering on the relief in Merlin's hand, clearly eager to acquire it and further enhance his physical abilities.

"I want all three of your reliefs," Merlin said, his demand catching the Great Chief off guard.

The Great Chief chuckled bitterly. "Respected spellcaster, you may have spared my life and still hold it in your hands, but do you truly think a single relief is a fair trade for all three of mine?"

The Great Chief clenched his fists, preparing himself for any attempt by Merlin to overpower him.

"I can make you a spellcaster," Merlin stated softly. This casual declaration hit the Great Chief like a bolt of lightning, leaving him momentarily stunned.

"What…what did you say?"

"I can make you a spellcaster," Merlin repeated, watching as the previously composed Great Chief began trembling slightly, his hands gripping tightly as he struggled to contain his excitement.

"My name is Greaves Keane," the Great Chief said, standing abruptly with a faint flush of excitement on his face.

"I accept."

Greaves Keane agreed without hesitation. By giving his true name, he expressed his sincerity.

Keane understood the power spellcasters wielded. Living on the border of the Black Moon Kingdom, he had heard countless tales of spellcasters. Despite possessing three mysterious reliefs, which had brought him to the peak of level-three elemental swordsman strength, he had still been subdued effortlessly by Merlin, proving the superiority of spellcasters.

Becoming a spellcaster was an unimaginable prospect for him, and this exchange, merely for the reliefs, was too good to pass up. He had already memorized the postures from the reliefs, so parting with them was not a great loss.

"Spellcaster…" Keane began, but then hesitated, realizing he didn't know Merlin's name.

"Wilson Merlin," Merlin added.

"Merlin, the three reliefs are in a hidden location. Will you come with me, or shall I retrieve them for you?"

Keane jumped from the carriage, turning to Merlin for his response.

Merlin considered briefly before saying, "I'll go with you."

Keane smiled knowingly, understanding Merlin's caution. With Merlin beside him, he wouldn't dare try anything reckless.

"Let's go."

Keane nodded, motioning to the bandits' second-in-command, who, after a moment's hesitation, approached with a few bandits.

"Merlin, what is going on?" Old Wilson frowned, puzzled that Merlin was allowing the bandit leader to leave.

Unable to fully explain, Merlin simply replied, "Father, it's a misunderstanding. Keane and I need to leave briefly. I'll explain everything when I return."

With that, he had Moss drive the carriage, following Keane and moving slowly toward the bandits.

Since Merlin had not yet learned to ride a horse, he had faced many inconveniences during the journey and resolved to master riding once they reached the Black Moon Kingdom.

"Stop!"

A furious voice called out, and Merlin lifted the curtain to see Prince Benning of the Firebird Knights blocking Keane's path, his face twisted in anger.

Pointing a finger at Keane, Prince Benning shouted, "You despicable bandits killed so many of my knights, and now you think you can just leave? Deputy Commander Wayne, kill these vile bandits immediately!"

Keane glanced at Merlin, seeing that he showed no change in expression, and sneered. "Fool."

Without sparing another glance at Prince Benning, Keane led his men back toward the bandit ranks.

Merlin sighed, shaking his head, then looked over at Princess Sherris. Prince Benning, still a child, didn't understand the reality of the situation, but Princess Sherris surely recognized that Keane was Merlin's captive, not a prisoner of the royal family.

Princess Sherris bit her lip, understanding that Merlin must have struck a deal with the bandit leader without involving the royal family.

Taking a deep breath, she regained her composure. Unlike Prince Benning, she knew they were in a dangerous position. The Firebird Knights had dwindled to just four hundred, many of whom were wounded and lacking in strength.

The priority now was to reach the Black Moon Kingdom and establish stability.

"Baron Wilson, thank you for rescuing us! However, we must continue on our journey and cannot stay. Please forgive us," Princess Sherris said, biting back her frustration, deliberately avoiding even a glance at Merlin as she led the remaining Firebird Knights away.

"Good, that solves a lot of problems," Merlin remarked to Old Wilson. With the royal entourage gone, he felt relieved, as it meant Old Wilson wouldn't feel compelled to protect them on their journey to the Black Moon Kingdom.

With that, Merlin had Moss drive the carriage, following the large group of bandits as they gradually disappeared from sight.