The dawn had barely tinted the sky of Tarnis with pink hues when I went to the blacksmith to pick up my sword.He held it before me with a reverence I did not expect, and when I took it, I felt its perfect weight in my hands. It was beautiful—more than I had imagined. The blade, forged in elven steel, gleamed with a silvery hue that caught the light like liquid mirror, its edge so sharp it seemed to cut the very air. The metal was etched with subtle runes that snaked from the guard to the middle of the blade, flashing with a faint bluish glow under the rising sun. The hilt, wrapped in braided black leather, fit my palm as if it had been molded for me, and a small gem, the color of twilight, crowned the pommel, pulsing with an energy I could not identify. It was more than a weapon; it was an extension of what I was beginning to become.
With the sword secured in a new scabbard at my waist, I led my new steed—whom I had named Shadow for his black coat—to the outskirts of Tarnis. I mounted in a fluid motion, feeling the strength of the animal beneath me, and headed north, toward Eldoria, the magical kingdom that promised answers to my questions. The plains stretched out before me, vast and green, dotted with wildflowers and streams that mirrored the sky. As I rode, I stopped a few travelers—a cart driver, a pair of merchants—to confirm the exact location of Eldoria. Their answers were vague, but sufficient: "Follow the Starry River to the hills, then look for the white towers." Raphael, ever efficient, was already charting a route in my mind, calculating distances and possible obstacles with a precision that made me smile.
I was excited. My mind had processed the knowledge from the Tarnis library, every page absorbed like a puzzle falling into place. The fundamentals of spells, the laws of magicules, the theories on elemental resonance—all of it was there, not just as words but as an understanding I felt growing within me. As Shadow galloped, Raphael interrupted my thoughts, her voice carrying a tone that, for her, was almost surprise.
[Observation: Your fire affinity has increased by 31% due to the assimilation of the studied theory. Understanding the laws of materialization has optimized your magicule channeling. Probability of summoning a stable flame: 82%. Congratulations, your theoretical approach yielded unexpected results.]
I smiled, raising one hand while holding the reins with the other. With a thought, I summoned a spark to my fingers, and it grew into a flame the size of an apple, dancing effortlessly. With a shift of will, I made it expand, stretching like a tongue of fire before shrinking it back to a compact sphere. It was a process, a dance between mind and magic that I was starting to feel as my own. But I knew I needed more. Finding a mage in Eldoria willing to train me, someone with real experience, would be the next step to turning this spark into something greater.
—"Raphael, do you think my body can learn new magic? Something beyond fire?" I asked mentally, letting the wind from the gallop cool my face.
[Answer: It is possible, but complicated. You are under the protection of Velgrynd, a True Dragon, and her fire magic is intrinsically tied to your magical core following the naming. This creates a dominant affinity that facilitates the use of fire-based abilities, but inhibits other magical branches. Learning, for example, water or wind magic would require reconfiguring your magicule flow—a process that could destabilize your core by 64% if not done precisely. You would need a specialized mentor and considerable time to overcome the resistance of your current affinity. Probability of success: 39% with sustained effort. Velgrynd's magic is both a blessing and a limitation.]
I nodded, processing her words as Shadow picked up speed across an open plain. It was difficult, yes, but not impossible. The idea of diversifying my magic, of not relying solely on fire, was a challenge that appealed to me. I could imagine it: combining flames with gusts of wind, or maybe learning to summon barriers like the ones I had read about in books. But for now, fire was my weapon, and with Velgrynd as my backing—even if she was a grumpy mentor—I had an advantage few could claim.
—"Difficulties are everywhere, Raphael. It just means I'll have to work harder," I said aloud, smiling as I tightened the reins. With a push, I urged Shadow to gallop faster, the wind roaring in my ears. Eldoria lay ahead, and with it, the promise of a mage, of deeper knowledge, and of a future I was beginning to build with every step.
...
After two days of travel, I arrived at the entrance of Eldoria, with the afternoon sun bathing the landscape in golden tones. I had spent some of my accumulated gold coins on decent food—crusty bread, dried meat, and some cheese that tasted better than I expected—and on a couple of nights in modest inns, where a hard bed was a luxury compared to the ground. Sombra, my faithful steed, was in optimal condition; I made sure to feed him well and let him rest in clean stables, though he seemed more interested in nibbling grass than thanking me. Now, standing before the gates of Eldoria, I felt a spark of excitement I couldn't contain.
The entrance was imposing, an arch of white stone carved with runes that glowed softly, as if they were alive. On either side, two slender towers rose into the sky, crowned with crystal domes that reflected the light in a kaleidoscope of colors. Magical vines climbed the walls, their flowers pulsing with green and blue flashes, and the very air vibrated with an energy that tickled my skin. It was more than a gate; it was a statement that this place was unlike any other.
I dismounted Sombra, leading him to a nearby tree where I tied him carefully. I stroked his head, feeling his coarse fur under my palm, and murmured:
—"Stay here, friend. This won't take long."
I walked toward the entrance, my eyes devouring every detail with almost childlike excitement. The inhabitants passing through the gate were a spectacle in themselves, far more extravagant than the practical humans of Tarnis. The elves were tall and elegant, with skin that ranged from pearly white to golden hues, their eyes glowing in colors that didn't seem natural: amethyst, sapphire, emerald. They wore flowing robes of enchanted silk that changed color with movement, embroidered with threads that seemed to sparkle like stars. Some had their hair braided with gems that floated lightly, defying gravity. The humans, though less ethereal, were no less striking; they wore cloaks adorned with runes, boots engraved with arcane patterns, and many carried staffs or books that emitted a faint glow. They all moved with a confidence that screamed magic, as if power was as natural to them as breathing.
[Information: The elves of Eldoria are a subspecies known as High Elves, with an innate affinity for elemental and spiritual magic. Their average longevity is 400 years, and their culture values arcane knowledge over physical strength. The humans here are usually trained mages or apprentices, integrated into elven society after decades of coexistence.]
Said Raphael in my mind, her voice a steady flow of data.
I smiled, nodding as I kept walking.
—"I already know, Raphael. I read about them in the library of Tarnis. The High Elves wrote the Compendium of Magical Currents, right? Quite useful, though a bit dense."
Raphael didn't respond, probably because she had nothing to add to my comment. I approached the guards at the entrance, elves in light armor that looked more decorative than functional, their spears pulsing with magical energy. The inspection protocol was quick but thorough: they checked my sword, asked questions about my purpose—"To study magic," I answered honestly—and passed a crystal over me that glowed green, confirming I wasn't a threat. With a gesture, they let me through.
I entered Eldoria, and my breath caught in my throat. The city was enormous, a tapestry of white stone and living wood intertwined in harmony. Slender towers rose into the sky, connected by enchanted rope bridges that floated with no visible support. Cobblestone streets wound between buildings carved with motifs of leaves and stars, many with stained glass windows that cast mosaics of light on the ground. Giant trees grew in open plazas, their branches heavy with luminous fruit, and magical fountains shot streams of water that danced in impossible patterns. The air was thick with magicules, a constant hum I could feel on my skin, and everywhere I looked I saw mages: some levitating books in front of them, others practicing minor spells that sparked or produced small clouds of mist.
As I walked, I couldn't help but compare Eldoria to Munich, my city in another life. It was almost the same in its vibrant energy, in the way people filled the streets with purpose, but more medieval, as if someone had taken modern hustle and wrapped it in a fairy tale. Where Munich had skyscrapers and trams, Eldoria had enchanted towers and carriages that floated a hand's breadth above the ground. Nostalgia pinched me, but the thrill of being here, in the heart of a magical realm, surpassed everything.
As I walked through the streets of Eldoria, my eyes stopped on a building that looked torn from a dream. It was a library, but not just any library; it was a colossus of magical architecture that dominated the plaza where it stood. Its walls were made of white marble veined with golden threads that seemed to pulse like living veins, reflecting the sunlight in a soft glow. Slender towers rose at each corner, topped with crystal spheres that floated and rotated slowly, emitting rainbow flashes. Huge stained glass windows covered the facade, depicting scenes of ancient mages manipulating elements—fire, water, lightning—with dragons and spirits dancing around them. The main entrance was an arch carved with runes that changed shape when looked at, and above it, a sign in elvish letters proclaimed: Archive of Eternal Light. I felt a tingling on my skin just standing nearby; this place wasn't just a repository of books, it was a sanctuary of knowledge.
I approached quickly, my sword lightly tapping against my thigh. My plan in Eldoria was clear: first, devour all the knowledge I could find in this library, then look for an adventurers' guild to put what I learned into practice. As I climbed the marble steps, excitement bubbled in my chest like a child on their first adventure.
As I crossed the entrance arch, my eyes widened, and a gasp escaped my lips. The interior was enormous, a space that defied logic. The ceiling rose so high it seemed to vanish into a luminous mist, with floating chandeliers casting golden light over everything. Shelves of living wood—carved trees that still seemed to grow—stretched in endless rows, their branches holding books that floated or moved on their own, as if searching for their readers. Spiral staircases made of crystal climbed upward toward higher levels, where more shelves disappeared into the distance. In the center, a giant sphere of energy rotated slowly, projecting holograms of runes and star maps that danced in the air. The floor was covered in mosaics forming arcane patterns, and the air smelled of ancient parchment mixed with a hint of ozone, like after a storm. Elves and humans worked at enchanted tables, their quills writing on their own as they whispered spells. It was more than a library; it was a world within a world.
[Full analysis: The Library of the Archive of Eternal Light contains approximately 1.2 million volumes, of which 73% are relevant to elemental, spiritual, and theoretical magic. Initial priority: 1) Fundamentals of Elemental Manipulation by Eryndor Vaelis, to consolidate your fire control; 2) Magicule Flow and Resonance by Liora Tethys, to optimize your magical core; 3) Principles of Minor Summoning by Tharion Kael, to explore possible skill expansions. Estimated time for basic study: 72 hours with minimal breaks. Projected retention with my assistance: 94%.]
Said Raphael, her voice vibrating with an efficiency that almost sounded like enthusiasm.
I was surprised by the precision, but I smiled and murmured mentally:
—"Thanks, Raphael. You're the best."
[Gratitude registered. Proceed with caution; the librarian has an 81% probability of reacting negatively to interruptions.]
I nodded, but excitement got the better of me. I ran toward the nearest shelf, searching for the titles Raphael mentioned, my boots echoing on the mosaic floor. An elven librarian, with silver braided hair and a robe that looked woven from light, looked up from her desk and shouted:
—"Silence, human! This is a place of study, not a marketplace!"
I ignored her, too absorbed in my mission, and began pulling books from the shelves, stacking them in my arms as a silly smile spread across my face. Fundamentals of Elemental Manipulation, Magicule Flow and Resonance, Principles of Minor Summoning—each one was a treasure, and I couldn't wait to devour them.
....
...
Three consecutive days with my nose buried in books, without a single hour of sleep. I devoured Fundamentals of Elemental Manipulation, Magicule Flow and Resonance, and Principles of Minor Summoning, along with a dozen additional tomes Raphael suggested along the way. Each page was a torrent of knowledge: how to stabilize magicule flows, how to project intent to shape spells, even theories on summoning lesser spirits. When I finished the last book, a treatise on elemental synergy, I let exhaustion crash over me like a wave. I collapsed onto the library table, surrounded by scrolls and dried ink, and fell into a deep sleep.
I woke in the middle of the night, with a headache that felt like it was splitting my skull in two. It was as if someone had released a swarm of bees inside my brain, each thought buzzing in agony. I groaned, bringing my hands to my temples, and Raphael wasted no time in scolding me.
[Warning: Mental fatigue at 67%. Your decision to ignore rest has caused cognitive overload. Prolonged Aura activation to mitigate pain only delays the effects. I recommend 12 hours of immediate sleep to avoid long-term damage.]
I activated Aura anyway, letting its pressure wrap around my mind like a bandage, dulling the pain to a manageable throb. I stood up, swaying slightly, and muttered:
—"Sorry, Raphael, but it was worth it. All that knowledge… I can already feel it settling in."
[Correction: You should thank your forced adaptation. Your magical core processed the knowledge at an abnormally high rate, but without my regulation, you would have collapsed on the second day. In 48 hours, 92% of the information will be fully integrated into your memory. Do not abuse this again.]
I laughed, though the movement made my head protest.
—"You're a lifesaver, Raphael. I promise I'll behave… someday."
I left the library, the cool night air hitting me like a balm. Eldoria didn't sleep, not even at this hour. The streets were alive with mages strolling under enchanted lanterns, elves debating arcane theories in plazas lit by floating spheres, and humans carrying tomes or practicing minor spells that sent sparks into the sky. I walked, letting the city wrap around me, while scanning for an adventurers' guild. It was time to put everything I'd learned into practice, to turn words into fire, theory into action.
I approached a group of adventurers chatting near a fountain, their cloaks embroidered with runes and their weapons glowing with magic. There were three: an elf with a long staff, a human woman with a short sword, and another human with an enchanted bow. I stopped in front of them, smiling despite the headache.
—"Excuse me, do you know where the nearest adventurers' guild is? And, while we're at it, any place I can hire someone to teach me magic? A tutor, maybe."
The elf looked me up and down, his amethyst eyes narrowing with disdain. The woman with the sword let out a dry laugh, and the archer simply crossed his arms.
—"The guild is two streets east, past the Sapphire Arch," —the elf said coldly—. "As for tutors… good luck finding one willing to waste their time on a foreigner."
—"Thanks," —I replied, keeping the smile despite noticing the contempt in their gazes. I walked away, but Raphael spoke in my mind, her tone as analytical as ever.
[Explanation: Humans in Eldoria form a privileged elite within the magical-academic society. Coexistence with elves has created an implicit hierarchy: elves stand at the top due to their longevity and natural affinity; local humans, trained from a young age in academies, occupy the second tier and see themselves as superior to outsiders. You, a human with no visible credentials and basic gear, are perceived as inferior. Probability of social rejection: 68% until significant magical competence is demonstrated.]
I nodded, not too surprised.
—"Like anywhere else, huh? The rich looking down on the new guy. No matter, Raphael. I'll show them what I'm made of."
[Approval: Your confidence has a 49% probability of being justified. Proceed to the guild.]
I thanked her mentally and continued walking east, my eyes fixed on the blue glow of the Sapphire Arch rising in the distance. The guild was the first step; hiring a tutor would come after. For now, I was ready to get my hands dirty and prove that Einar wasn't just a name—but a force Eldoria would learn to respect.
I entered Eldoria's adventurers' guild, and my eyes widened at the sheer magnitude of the place. It was massive—a hall that looked more like a palace than a mere mercenary outpost. The vaulted ceiling rose like that of a cathedral, held up by black stone columns carved with runes that emitted a faint blue glow. Floating chandeliers, made of enchanted crystal, cast light that danced in hypnotic patterns across the mosaic floor, where arcane symbols seemed to shift if you looked at them for too long. The walls were covered in trophies: heads of magical beasts, iridescent scales, claws the size of my arm—all displayed with pride. Long tables filled the center, where adventurers—elves with glowing staves, humans in enchanted armor—laughed, argued, or studied maps floating before them. At the back, a spiral staircase descended into a dark cave, and from it emanated a hum that made the air vibrate.
Suddenly, my body felt heavy, as if the floor was trying to pull me downward. I turned my head toward the cave, and a faint glow invaded my vision, as if the air were filled with luminous particles. Before I could process it, Raphael spoke in my mind.
[Observation: The cave contains a massive concentration of magicules, likely a natural energy node. You are developing magical perception; your core is beginning to detect environmental fluctuations. Current sensitivity: 12%. Caution: Prolonged exposure could cause overload.]
I nodded, but I couldn't take my eyes off the cave. There was something in that glow, in that pressure, that made me shiver, as if my body knew whatever was down there was bigger than me. I shook my head, forcing myself to focus, and headed toward what looked like the reception desk, a polished wooden platform attended by an elf with golden hair and eyes sharp as knives.
I stopped in front of her, straightening up despite my exhaustion.
—"I'm Einar von Kreutz. I want to register." —I emphasized my surname; I wasn't going to change it, not after everything I'd gone through to earn my place.
The receptionist looked me up and down, her expression a mix of boredom and disdain that was already becoming familiar in Eldoria.
—"Registration: 89 gold coins. Pay, and we'll register you."
I sighed, emptying my coin pouch onto the counter. It was everything I had, but if I was going to make a name here, it was worth it. She counted the gold with a quick motion of her fingers, then extended her hand. A silver light shone in her palm, and a thin card appeared, engraved with my name —Einar von Kreutz— and a rank: D.
—D? —I muttered, frowning as I took the card.
[Correction: Your current capability is equivalent to a B+ rank based on my analysis. Physical strength, fire magic control, and skills like Aura and Will exceed D-rank standards. Eldoria's system underestimates newcomers. Demonstrate your competence, and the rank will adjust.]
Said Raphael, her tone almost indignant on my behalf.
I sighed again, turning the card between my fingers.
—"Thanks, I guess," —I said to the receptionist, who was already ignoring me. Before I could walk away, she spoke without looking up.
—"Choose any mission you want from the shelf. But if you die, the kingdom isn't responsible. Good luck, rookie."
She pointed to a shelf on the other side of the hall, where adventurers browsed scrolls with casual ease. I walked over, feeling the eyes of a few sizing up my simple clothes and new sword. I grabbed a scroll at random and unrolled it. The list was familiar: Black Spiders, Giant Bats, Giant Bears, Armosaurus, Tomb Lizards, Venomous Centipedes. Standard missions, nothing that sounded terrifying after facing Velgrynd.
[Analysis: None of the listed creatures exceed A+ rank. Black Spiders and Giant Bats are trivial at your level; Giant Bears and Armosaurus require moderate effort; Tomb Lizards and Venomous Centipedes could be a challenge if you're careless. Average success probability: 87% with your current fire control and abilities.]
Said Raphael, always ready with the numbers.
I smiled, rolling up the scroll.
—"Sounds like a good warm-up," —I murmured, tucking it into my belt. It was time to show Eldoria what Einar von Kreutz was made of.
I decided not to waste time with the scrolls and headed straight for the cave beneath the guild, drawn by that pressure I had felt upon entering. If I wanted one of each creature—Black Spiders, Giant Bats, Bears, Armosaurus, Tomb Lizards, and Venomous Centipedes—this seemed like the place to find them. I descended the spiral staircase, each step echoing on the damp stone. The air grew heavier, saturated with magicules that made my skin tingle and my magical core vibrate. Adventurers were going up and down, some carrying bloodied trophies, others giving me mocking smiles.
—"A D-rank in the depths? Go back upstairs, rookie, before you get eaten," —laughed an elf with a scar on his cheek, his group bursting into laughter as they passed by.
I ignored their taunts, my hand brushing the hilt of my sword. I knew I was stronger than the creatures on the list. I had faced Velgrynd, after all; a centipede or a bear wasn't going to stop me. I descended another level, and the light from the enchanted torches began to fade, leaving only darkness. The pressure of the magicules was more intense here, like walking underwater. I summoned a flame on my fingers, a small but bright sphere that lit up the uneven cave walls, covered in phosphorescent moss and claw marks.
[Report: I am absorbing ambient magicules to reinforce your reserves. [Life Source] is at 1.2% per minute due to high density. Your magical core is at 94% capacity. Keep perception active; probability of hostile encounters rises to 73% on this level.]
Said Raphael, her voice an anchor in the gloom.
I nodded, moving forward cautiously, the flame casting dancing shadows. Suddenly, a scream tore through the silence, followed by more shrieks and the sound of boots on stone. In the distance, I saw a group of adventurers running toward me, their faces pale with terror.
—"Evil Centipede! Run!" —shouted a human woman, her cloak torn and hanging from one shoulder.
[Alert: Creature detected: Evil Centipede, A-rank. Probability of victory with current abilities: 41%. Recommend extreme caution.]
Warned Raphael, and my heart skipped a beat.
I increased the size of my flame, turning it into a torch that lit the cave as if it were daylight. Then I saw it, emerging from the darkness: an Evil Centipede straight out of an anime nightmare. Its segmented body, at least ten meters long, gleamed with a bluish-black shell that seemed to absorb light. Each segment was covered in sharp spikes dripping with glowing green venom. Its mandibles, as large as swords, snapped with a metallic sound, and its hundreds of legs scraped the stone, leaving deep grooves. Its eyes, a dozen red orbs, looked at me with cruel intelligence, and a low hiss made the air tremble.
I smiled, though nerves clenched my stomach.
—"Well, this is going to be… interesting," —I muttered.
[Dodge now!] —shouted Raphael, and I leapt to the side just as the centipede charged, its mandibles tearing a chunk of rock where I had been. I rolled, getting to my feet, and saw the adventurers hiding behind a nearby rock, their eyes wide with fear. There was no time to worry about them. I activated Will, feeling my body stabilize, the fatigue and headache fading away. Then I let Aura erupt, a pressure that filled the cave and disoriented the centipede for a moment, its legs faltering.
I drew my sword, the elven steel gleaming under the light of my flame, and prepared to fight.
—"Come on, ugly. Let's see how evil you really are."
I ran toward the Evil Centipede, adrenaline pumping through my veins as I swung my sword with the intent to cut off one of its legs. But the creature was faster than I expected. Before my blade even touched its shell, one of its segmented legs struck me with the force of a battering ram, sending me flying like a ragdoll. I crashed against the cave wall, the impact kicking up a cloud of dust and debris. The pain should have paralyzed me, but Will kept my body intact, absorbing the damage like it was nothing. I stood up, brushing off the rock fragments, sword still in hand.
[Assessment: Your swordsmanship is terrible. Current technique: 14% effectiveness against an A-rank opponent. If you wish to win, follow my strategy.]
Said Raphael, her voice sharp but without a trace of panic.
—"Now you tell me? Fine, hit me with it!" —I responded mentally, dodging another charge from the centipede as its mandibles snapped inches from my head.
[Strategy: The Evil Centipede has a tough shell, but its joints are vulnerable. Step 1: Use Aura to disorient it and slow its movements; the magical pressure interferes with its perception by 37%. Step 2: Create a concentrated fire sphere, no larger than 20 centimeters, and throw it at the base of its head, where the segments meet. The explosion will weaken its structure. Step 3: Use your sword only to finish it off, aiming for the exposed joints. Success probability: 67% if executed precisely.]
I nodded, taking a deep breath.
—"Understood. Let's do this."
I activated Aura again, letting a wave of magical pressure burst from my body. The centipede let out a horrible screech, a sound half hiss, half wail, as its legs faltered and its red eyes blinked in confusion. I seized the moment and ran toward it, ignoring the adventurers still hiding behind the rock, their panicked whispers barely audible. With a mental effort, I summoned a fire sphere in my right hand, focusing on keeping it compact, just as Raphael had instructed. The theory I had studied in the libraries of Tarnis and Eldoria guided my movements: I visualized the flow of magicules, channeling them into a dense ball of heat and light, no bigger than a tennis ball.
—"Take this!" —I shouted, throwing the sphere straight at the base of the centipede's head.
The fireball flew like an arrow and exploded on impact, a burst of flames and smoke lighting the cave like a lightning strike. The centipede shrieked again, rearing back as fragments of its shell flew off. I fell to my knees, breathing heavily, the effort leaving me dizzy. I had applied the theory, molding the spell with precision, but my practice was still mediocre. The sphere had been stronger than I expected, but it had also drained me more than I planned.
[Magic consumption: 9.2%. [Life Source] regenerating at 1.1% per minute. Damage to centipede: 34% of its structure compromised. Continue with the strategy; the joints are exposed.]
Raphael reported.
The smoke began to clear, and I saw the centipede staggering, its shell cracked at the base of its head, venom dripping from the wounds. I smiled, even though my chest was heaving with effort.
—"Not bad for a D-rank, huh?" —I muttered, standing up and tightening my grip on the sword. It was time to finish this.
I expanded the range of Aura, letting a more intense pressure emanate from me, filling the cave with a weight that seemed to bend the very air. The Evil Centipede, already wounded from the previous explosion, staggered, its movements erratic as its red eyes blinked in confusion. The damage from the fireball and the amplified force of Aura had weakened it, giving me a window to strike. I ran toward it, my elven sword gleaming under the light of my flame, and with a shout, I delivered a slash using pure brute force against one of its legs. The blade tore through the shell with a crunch, and the centipede let out a horrible screech, a sound that echoed on the walls like a thousand nails on a chalkboard.
Without stopping, I began molding another fireball in my right hand, focusing on channeling the magicules as I had learned from the books. I visualized a dense, hot flow, a compact sphere that grew with each passing second. But just as it was ready, Raphael shouted in my mind:
[Dodge now!]
I didn't react in time. The centipede, despite its condition, launched a charge with a sharp leg that struck me directly in the chest. I flew through the air, the fireball slipping from my control and exploding in a burst of flames that lit up the cave. Because I had been so focused on the spell, I had forgotten to keep Will active, and the impact —along with the heat of my own magic— hit me full force. I hit the ground with a groan, pain bursting through my torso like I'd been hit by a car. I got up with great effort, spitting out dust and cursing myself aloud.
—"Damn it, Einar, you idiot! Focus!"
I activated Aura again, ignoring the throbbing pain in my ribs, and once more concentrated a fireball, this time a bit larger, the size of a pumpkin. I could feel my magic core protesting, like I was squeezing the last drops from an empty bottle.
[Warning: Magic consumption at 27%. Your core is at 68% capacity. Continuing with spells of this magnitude risks a collapse in 4 minutes.]
Said Raphael, her tone urgent.
—"No time to worry about that," —I muttered, running toward the centipede. The creature, still disoriented by Aura, clawed weakly at the ground, its cracked shell dripping venom. I seized the moment and, with my left hand holding the sword, delivered a clumsy slash to another of its legs. The blade sliced through the joint with a snap, and I had to mentally thank the blacksmith from Tarnis for forging such a sharp weapon; without his work, my mediocre technique would've been useless. The centipede shrieked again, its body convulsing.
Without hesitation, I hurled the fireball with all my strength, aiming beneath its body, where the segments were most vulnerable. The sphere struck and detonated in a massive explosion, a ball of flames and smoke that filled the cave with heat and debris. The shockwave sent me flying again, but this time I was faster: I activated Will just before crashing into a pile of rocks, dissipating the damage that would've shattered my bones. I rolled to a stop, coughing as the smoke stung my eyes.
When the dust settled, I saw the centipede on the ground, agonizing. Its body was wrecked, with charred shell fragments scattered and venom bubbling in green puddles. I rose with effort, my legs trembling, and walked toward it, each step a battle against exhaustion. My magic core was nearly drained, and my breathing was a heavy gasp. When I reached the creature, I raised my sword with both hands and, with a clean cut, severed its head from its body. The blade passed through the weakened shell with a wet sound, and the centipede stopped moving, its final screech fading into silence.
I dropped to my knees, gasping, my sword stuck in the ground to support myself.
—"I… I did it…" —I whispered, a weak laugh escaping between breaths.
[Total magic consumption: 34%. Reserves at 59%. [Life Source] regenerating at 1% per minute. Victory confirmed. Your execution was… adequate, but careless. Train your coordination to avoid future mistakes.]
Said Raphael, and although it sounded like a scolding, there was a hint of approval in her voice.
I sighed, wiping sweat and soot from my face, and looked at the centipede's corpse. It had been a tough fight, but I was alive, and that was what mattered.
I activated Will again, letting its supernatural calm extinguish the pain throbbing in my muscles and the stinging of the superficial cuts on my skin. With some effort, I lifted the head of the Evil Centipede, its dead weight hanging from my hand while it dripped now harmless venom. I turned my gaze to the adventurers hiding behind the rocks, their faces lit by the faint light of my flame. They looked at me with a mix of awe and admiration, their mouths slightly open as if they couldn't believe what they'd just witnessed. I smiled faintly, nodding at them in a gesture of acknowledgment, and continued descending through the cave. Their cries of gratitude — "Thank you, stranger!" and "You're amazing!" — echoed behind me, but I didn't stop. There was more work to do.
I spent a few more hours in the depths, hunting down the creatures on the list one by one. Each level of the cave was darker, the air thicker with magicules that made my magical core tremble. I found a Black Spider, larger and more agile than I expected, and it took me a bit to take it down; its sticky threads almost trapped me before I incinerated it with a burst of fire. A Giant Bat fell after a precise slash of my sword, and a Grave Lizard surrendered after an exhausting fight where Aura kept its movements slow. I didn't face an Armosaurus or a Giant Bear this time, but the heads I carried — Evil Centipede, Black Spider, Giant Bat, and Grave Lizard — were proof enough of my effort.
When I returned to the surface, my body was bruised, my clothes in tatters again, and sweat mixed with dried blood on my skin. Raphael spoke as I climbed the final steps, his voice as analytical as ever.
[Observation: The high density of magicules in the cave increases the strength of magical beasts by 28% per level. This explains the difficulty with the Black Spider. Your adaptation to magicule-rich environments is progressing; current passive absorption: 0.7% per minute. Continue training to optimize it.]
— "You're right," — I replied mentally, panting slightly —. "That spider almost made me sweat more than the centipede. This place is no joke."
I entered the guild, holding the beast heads in my hands, the Evil Centipede hanging by its broken jaw while the others were tied together with an improvised rope. The murmurs of adventurers filled the hall, their eyes following my every step. "Is that a D rank?", "Where did this guy come from?", "Look at those heads!" — their whispers were a mix of disbelief and respect, but I ignored them, too tired to care. Thanks to [Fountain of Life] and the passive magicule absorption in the cave, my magical reserves were at 87%, though my body was screaming for rest.
I reached the counter, dropping the heads in front of the elven receptionist with a dull thud. She looked up, and when she saw my worn-out appearance — soot, blood, tattered clothes — and then the beast heads, her eyes widened, a flash of surprise breaking her cold façade.
— "Please, the reward for each monster," — I said kindly, leaning on the counter with a tired smile.
She nodded, still stunned, and extended her hand. A golden light shone, and she materialized a heavy bag that she dropped in front of me.
— "Two hundred gold coins," — she said, her voice tinged with disbelief —. "Evil Centipede, Black Spider, Giant Bat, and Grave Lizard. I… I didn't expect this from a D rank."
— "Two hundred, huh? Not bad," — I thought, taking the bag and feeling its comforting weight. It was a lot of money, enough for new clothes, decent food, and maybe a tutor if I found a willing one. I turned to leave, ready to sleep in any corner after a bath, but the receptionist stopped me.
— "Wait," — she called out, something unusual in her normally dry tone —. "With this, you can advance to rank B. Do you accept?"
I smiled, feeling a spark of satisfaction in my chest.
— "Of course I do. Rank B sounds much better."
She nodded, summoning a new silver card that replaced the old one. Eidel von Kreutz, Rank B, it said, and I stored it carefully.
— "Thank you," — I said, bidding her farewell with a gesture —. "See you soon."
I left the guild, the fresh night air of Eldoria hitting me like a blessing. The bag of coins jingled at my belt, and though my body was at its limit, my mind was already planning the next steps: sleep, buy new clothes, and find a tutor to take my magic to the next level. For now, Einar von Kreutz had made his mark, and this was only the beginning.