A burning smell wafted through the air.
The two ogres that had seemed incredibly dangerous, forcing the "Rock" team into a desperate situation, were easily defeated by a "Lightning Strike".
The atmosphere became tense, and even Captain Dosari, who had been howling in pain after his ankle was broken, fell silent.
"Third-tier magic 'Lightning Strike' has been discovered. It requires a basic magician profession and a level requirement of 'level 15 to 21'. The current conditions are not met..."
The information flashed on the attribute panel in front of Minori.
Although he had the ability to change his profession through "Genius", he clearly did not meet the level requirements at the moment.
"What a pity."
Minori thought silently. Then, noticing the quiet atmosphere on the battlefield, he understood the complex emotions swirling within the "Rock" team.
The ogre that had been a significant challenge for them was now effortlessly dispatched by a third-tier caster. It was hard not to feel disheartened.
Not to mention, the caster had used third-tier magic, a level that indicated they were likely a "Platinum" or even "Mithril" adventurer. The "Rock" team, who had difficulty reaching "Gold" status, was now reminded of the vast gap in strength.
After a brief moment of silence, Minori broke the stillness and swiftly rushed toward Captain Dosari.
The captain was on the ground, his expression twisted in pain. Minori squatted down next to him, examining the ogre's hand still tightly gripping Dosari's ankle.
"Captain Dosari, I'll help you remove the ogre's hand."
Captain Dosari nodded, though his face reddened slightly, either from the pain of Minori prying the ogre's hand away or for some other reason.
Minori casually discarded the ogre's hand, his gaze drifting over Captain Dosari's calf. The leg was mangled, completely flattened with the bone likely shattered beyond recognition. In this world, the existence of healing magic made even such serious injuries somewhat trivial.
"Minor Injuries Healed!"
Minori murmured, his hands glowing with a soft white light as he channeled healing magic into the captain's calf. The twisted leg slowly regained its shape, the swelling fading as the bones began to repair.
Despite the restoration, Captain Dosari gasped in pain as feeling returned to his leg, though he gritted his teeth to avoid crying out.
As the magic faded, the leg had returned to something resembling its original form.
Minori didn't stop there, though. He cast "Heal Minor Injuries" again, and by the time the second spell was completed, Dosari's leg looked almost as good as new.
"It's fine on the surface, but the bones inside are still comminuted fractures."
"Two spells only provide a basic repair. To fully heal, you'll need to wait until I recover more magic power and then I can heal you further."
Minori exhaled softly and spoke with quiet confidence.
The "Rock" team had been good to him along the journey, and if he could help, he wouldn't hesitate.
Captain Dosari, his face damp with sweat, nodded gratefully. His lips were pale, a sign of the pain he'd endured, but he managed to thank Minori.
"Thank you, Minori."
"No need to thank me, Captain Dosari."
Before Minori could say more, Archer Basque came over, supporting the injured brothers Rand and Lele. Seeing the captain's improved condition, Basque sighed in relief and shot a grateful look toward Minori.
"Are you two okay?"
Minori asked, glancing at the brothers who were clearly still suffering.
"Don't worry, we won't die." Lele grinned, though his face was pale from the ordeal. Despite being on his feet, he seemed to have endured a harsh blow. Minori suspected he'd been kicked by one of the ogres.
"A few ribs are broken," Rand said, blood staining the corner of his mouth. "But nothing too serious."
"I'll heal you once my magic power recovers," Minori replied, nodding.
Rand chuckled weakly. "Appreciate it."
"Huh?" Basque's ears perked up, and his eyes widened as he looked at the ogre that had been struck by lightning and was now lying motionless. "It's not dead?"
The members of the "Rock" team froze, tension filling the air.
Minori's eyes narrowed, and before the team could react, he stepped forward. Without hesitation, he drew a dagger from his belt.
He swung the dagger swiftly, following the arrow's wound to the ogre's eye, driving the blade straight into its brain. He twisted the blade, ensuring the ogre's death.
The movement was clean and quick, yet something about the efficiency was chilling.
The team watched in stunned silence, their respect for Minori growing.
"Experience gained: 300!"
Minori's eyes widened slightly at the notification.
"300 experience…"
He felt the surge of power as he leveled up. With the experience he'd accumulated, his level had now risen to 5.
"Are you alright?" Nfirea's voice broke through the moment, his face a mask of concern as he ran over from the carriage.
The "Rock" team exchanged glances, now recognizing Minori's true strength.
"Don't worry, we won't delay the trip," Captain Dosari said, his voice firm as he propped himself up with his arms.
Nfirea, slightly flustered, was about to speak when he caught the respectful gazes of the "Rock" team on him. His cheeks flushed as he awkwardly scratched his head.
"You guys should rest now."
Grandmother Lizzie's voice was calm, yet her presence commanded attention. She approached, her hands clasped behind her back, her face neutral.
"Yes, madam," Captain Dosari said, his posture stiffening in respect. Despite his injury, he managed to stand with a certain dignity.
The other members of the "Rock" team lowered their heads, humbled by the realization that they had just been saved by the client they had been hired to protect.
Minori could only watch silently as Lizzie addressed the situation.
"It seems it's time to clean up the monsters again."
Her gaze turned to the distance, where the goblins and ogres had emerged from the dark depths of the Tob Forest, a place known for its vast size and dangerous creatures. It lay near E-Rantel, a town that often found itself under threat from such beasts.
"Goblins are prolific breeders," she continued, her voice carrying the weight of experience. "Together with wild beasts, they often venture out of the forest to attack humans. It's time for the Adventurer's Guild to take action again."