As I run through open fields it starts to rain so I store my cloths in my soul storage and continue the run naked like a Greek athlete. The monotonous pace with no obstacles leaves me with a lot of time to think, so I start experimenting with magic. My first attempt at making a mana shape fails as I fail to take into account that I am running. In my next attempt I anchor the mana structure to the palm of my hand before experimenting.


    It proves challenging to concentrate on creating the structures while running. I try to imagine mana as atoms and the structures as molecules. It somehow always works better when I do it like this. I am still getting used to the different rules I can give the mana within the structure. What the old mage showed me was invaluable, but I have since only been able to steal moments to practice. There are too many things that need my attention.


    I can''t really do any fancy experiments while running but the practicing while running gives me experience I am sorely lacking. I need to get used to handling mana before actually doing it. A week of running while practicing might help.


    At the desk I see a worn out receptionist. She notices me immediately. "Are you here for the beatdown request?" Straight to the point. I confirm I am the hunter sent by the guild in Lago. "Good, she has been causing more trouble lately." She? My beatdown victim is to be a woman. Well I was raised with the concept of equal rights and all, but it didn''t include beating up women. That was always frowned upon. In this world, I doubt anyone cares. It is a far more cruel and harsh world than I am used to.


    Daga heads towards the outdoor guild arena expecting me to follow. I turn to the receptionist and it hit me that I don''t actually know how to explain how I know her real level. Better be a bit vague. "You know it is quite clear that she is not a level 12 anymore. Her level is likely a lot higher." The receptionist seems worried, she clearly believes me. "Do you want to withdraw from the request?"


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    I am tempted to withdraw as I am clearly not the best guy for the job, and I am not keen on hitting a woman. It just doesn''t sit right with me. However, it would likely affect my standing with the guild if I refused. Even if I lose, the guild has no reason to blame me. Not that I want to. In this town no one would step in to save my hide if I take a beating.


    Wonder if they want me to win or not. I can''t imagine she made many friends if she was bullying, but I guess it depends on who she was bullying. As the fight is about to start I clear my mind, and resolve to fight without holding back and without being constrained by my past values.


    The move clearly took her by surprise, but I know I have no room to hesitate. Pinned against the wall I start pounding her with various punches. Being a level 18 hunter, her endurance will be abnormally high. Some of her skills make her a lot more sturdy, similar to my own regeneration skill that Lak loves so much.