It was Sunday—the last day preparation from the mana exams—but Norman's daily routine didn't change. As usual, he went out hunting mana beasts. Before heading into the forest, he checked his points balance: 4,743.
Since he no longer used mana crystals for refining, he had already exchanged this week's supply into points.
Next, he looked at his talent panel:
Mana Affinity: S
Mana Cloak: B
Manaforged Flesh: C
Arcane Pulse: C
Aegis Mind: C
Mana Compass: D
"Ugh, I can only afford to upgrade one of the C-grade talents… or Mana Compass," he muttered. "I'm practically broke."
After weighing his options, he chose practicality. "Alright, let's upgrade Mana Compass. Better detection means better safety."
> [Ding! Mana Compass upgraded to C. Previous tier detected—2,500 points deducted.]
With the compass now at C-level, Norman's detection radius expanded to a full one kilometer, doubling his previous range. That gave him a wider buffer to avoid stronger mana beasts—important for someone who relied more on stealth and strategy than brute force.
He decided to hunt in the southern hunting area, operated by the Marlowe Hunting Company. About three hours into his session, he sensed a familiar set of mana signatures. One of them was unmistakably Ellie, while the other three came from the group he'd met on the first day. He didn't remember their names—only their leader, Fred.
He didn't approach them, but kept track from a distance. He could tell they were moving deeper into the forest. Norman sighed.
"They're pushing too far... must think Ellie's presence gives them an edge."
He continued hunting while keeping tabs on the group. So far, they weren't in danger—but if things went south, he'd step in.
"I just hope they don't get reckless."
Unfortunately, his muttered concern might as well have been a curse.
"...Great. Two peak second-tier beasts ahead," he whispered with a frown.
He checked his points—2,632 left. With three C-grade talents across physique, energy manipulation, and mental strength, the fight was manageable. But under his cover identity as Ramon, he could only publicly reveal mental talents for now.
He needed a clean, decisive intervention.
"System, exchange points for Sky Puppeteer D."
> [Ding! Sky Puppeteer (D) acquired. 1,500 points deducted.]
Sky Puppeteer: Enhances telekinesis—improves control, range, and number of objects manipulated.
"Now then… Aegis Mind and Sky Puppeteer combined should be more than enough."
Norman moved into position and followed the group silently. It was only a matter of time before the beasts found them.
With the group:
"I think we've gone far enough. We should turn back," said Ellie, scanning the darkening forest with concern.
"We're still fine. With four of us, we can handle a peak second-tier beast," said Mia, her tone full of overconfidence.
"I agree with Ellie," Fred added. "We've gone deep enough."
"Relax, will you?" said Anderson, brushing off the concern. "Ellie's an early second-tier adept with B-rank talent, she's as strong us as a mid-tier mana adept. We've got this."
Ellie shook her head. "If you want to go deeper, go. But I'm heading back."
"Oh? The B-grade genius is scared? Didn't expect that," Mia said, smirking.
"I don't care what you think," Ellie replied, turning away, already regretting that she'd agreed to join this group for her first hunt.
But before she could take two steps, two large shadows emerged from the trees. Two peak second-tier bear-type mana beasts blocked the path—massive and muscular, with sharp claws that gleamed under the canopy light.
One of them lunged straight for Mia.
"Watch out!" Fred shouted, throwing up a stone wall just in time to block the attack.
"Form up! Defensive formation!" he commanded.
The team moved quickly, back-to-back in a tight circle. Fred, Anderson, and Mia were all experienced hunters, and even though they were only mid second-tier adepts, they knew how to hold their ground.
Ellie launched precise ice attacks, slowing the beasts, while the others reinforced barriers and attacked when possible. Still, the tide wasn't in their favor. The beasts were relentless. Every minute, their defense weakened, and their movements slowed.
"This isn't good," Fred muttered. "We won't last much longer."
After five grueling minutes, one of the bears roared and charged, slamming against Fred's weakened barrier.
And then—
THWACK!
A tree—yes, a full-sized tree—came flying out of nowhere and crashed into the bear's side with bone-cracking force. The beast roared, stunned.
CRACK!
A second tree struck the same bear from another angle, sending it tumbling into the underbrush.
Everyone froze.
The second bear backed away cautiously—only to realize six more trees were now floating ominously around it, circling like birds of prey.
And then...
BOOM! CRASH! WHAM! BAM!
The trees descended.
One after another, from every direction, they hammered the beast like it was the final boss in a magical version of Whack-a-Mole. The poor bear didn't stand a chance—it vanished beneath the onslaught of bark and branches.
Silence fell over the clearing.
The four hunters stared, mouths slightly open, eyes wide.
Norman stepped into view, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
"You're welcome," he said simply.
Without waiting for a response, he turned around and walked away, vanishing into the forest like a ghost.