Even though the youths had already burned into "fireballs," that did not prevent them from signing a contract with the "Soulwood Casket."
Only a single drop of blood was needed to complete the contract.
Though the fiercely burning "fireballs" were ferocious, they could not evaporate all of their targets' bodily fluids in an instant.
What Master of Open Stratagems had to do was retrieve blood or other bodily fluids from those pitiful "fireballs," even at the risk of catching fire himself.
He rushed forward. Worried that the "Soulwood Casket" might be caught up in it, Master of Open Stratagems placed it within a "safe distance."
That way, even if he unfortunately caught fire and died, he could safely revive from the "Soulwood Casket" within that "safe distance."
As soon as he planted the "Soulwood Casket" on the ground, Master of Open Stratagems heard a fierce whoosh behind his ear.
Master of Open Stratagems could not help swearing under his breath. He ducked and rolled away like a tumbling gourd.
He had only just scrambled to his feet when he saw that enormous claw wrapped in scarlet flames.
Master of Open Stratagems craned his neck and yelled at the top of his lungs:
"You big idiot! I'm saving your companions, you know that?"
"Attack me again, and I'll leave them to it!"
Master of Open Stratagems knew that arguing with an "NPC" at a time like this was a complete waste of effort.
Still, he could not help bursting into curses.
Whether it was the "plot" at work or the "NPC" could truly understand the players' language, he did not know.
In any case, after Master of Open Stratagems finished shouting, the frenzied Tailed Beast actually changed targets and went off to attack other buildings in Hozuki Castle.
Open Stratagems froze