Chapter 103
vin awoke at dawn on the second day, having ascended to Stage VII. His essence, spirit, and
vitality were in excellent condition, and his Mindfulness had expanded significantly. After a thorough
examination, he found no signs of any lingering ailments.
Recalling the breakthrough from the previous day, he still shuddered at the thought. Fortunately, the
Shadowbringer had been guarding the Energy Core, or else the consequences would''ve been dire.
"Novice Mage Stage VII!" vin clenched his fists, lightning crackling around them, twinkling with
joy. Regardless, he had achieved the breakthrough; his new level was stable, and he felt no
significant fluctuations. The five Super Elixir Fruits had worked wonders.
Advancing from Stage VI to Stage VII was a major hurdle for a Novice Mage, not an easy feat by
any means. An ordinary Protégé relying on standard training would need at least a year. He was
truly fortunate this time.
That afternoon, vin focused on a Chrome Crested Lizard during his trials,unching into a
furious onught. With increased strength came confidence, and he was ready to test his Stage VII
powers against this Magi-Monster.
Man and beast fought fiercely, from the dense woods to a valley, and from the valley into a nearby
stream. After nearly half an hour of brutalbat—employing Dawnedge de, Goliath Force, and
Indigo Viper—vin finally subdued the creature.
? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.
Magi-Monsters were far more savage than mages, capable of catastrophic destruction when
enraged.
vin sat by the stream, catching his breath, and cooling his overheated blood. Though
bedraggled, a smile graced his face—this might’ve been his strongest state yet, and he was fairly
satisfied.
Indeed, Stage VII had elevated hisbat strength to a new level, and with further stabilization, he
anticipated even more growth.
After a short rest, vin approached the fallen Chrome Crested Lizard. Such Magi-Monsters had
exceptionally hard bone tes on their backs, harder than steel. He sliced through the scales,
peeled back the flesh, and effortlessly extracted five special bones. Each was asrge as a fist;
fashioned into bone daggers, they would serve him well.
"Gotta hunt a few more Magi-Monsters," vin muttered, cleaning his Dawnedge de and taking
the bones with him. The best way to enhance one''sbat prowess was through ceaseless battle,
amassing experience between life and death, and unlocking potential amidst peril. Unlike other
''orthodox'' Protégés, with no one to guide or assist him, he had to forge his own path and Energy
approach.
However, as he ventured into the dense forest, he encountered a hunting party. vin was taken
aback, and so was the hunting party. Both were about to give way when they stopped
simultaneously.
"vin? Ha, vin!" The hunting party was surprised and delighted.
With a frosty gaze, vin recognized them as a squad from the Grand Elder''s faction, an eight-
person team. He had wondered why he hadn''t run into them days earlier, and here they were now.
"I thought you''d have been hunted down by now, but it seems you''re still alive," a portly man
stepped forward, eyeing the bloodied vin with a growing smile. Thisd was tough, surviving until
now.
vin had just fought the Chrome Crested Lizard, and he was wounded and looked ragged.
The Protégés jeered, circling him. "I must say, I admire you for surviving half a month into the
hunting festival. Tell us, how did you manage? What did you eat and drink? Have you even slept?
Hahaha."
vin slowly retreated to the edge of the stream. Having just battled the Chrome Crested Lizard, he
was severely injured and spent. These people looked strong, particrly the portly leader, and
vin remembered him from the Arena by Adirich''s side.
"What''s the matter? Not talking? You must have been on edge, eating poorly, sleeping poorly. I''ll tell
you, from today, you don''t have to hide anymore, because you''re going to... die, hahaha," the portly
Protégé gloated, thrilled to have cornered vin. Bringing his head to Adirich would not only earn
him Elixir Herb rewards but possibly the mentor''s favor.
"What''s that? Chrome Crested Lizard?" one of the Proteges noticed the lizard''s corpse by the
stream, seemingly fresh.
"So you came here to take advantage? Poor fellow, you look like a beggar."
"That''s his lot in life. A servant in the Organization, a beggar out here. Not that strong, yet he
pretends to be so proud."
"vin, how do you want to die? Standing or kneeling? Standing might hurt, but kneeling will be
quick. Come on, tell us how you want to die. We''re reasonable."
The hunting group closed in, eager for some fun after days of tense and strenuous hunts.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I''m Trevas, and I am..." the portly man began, patting his chest with a
smile, but vin suddenly turned and dashed across the stream, plunging into the dense forest
ahead.
The hunters stiffened in surprise. Did he run? Did he actually flee?
"Heh, interesting, after him!" Trevas ordered nonchntly. The team burst forth, howling and
spreading out to chase.
Despite his injuries, vin was not as weak as they thought. He sprinted low to the ground, agilely
maneuvering through the tangled old trees and underbrush, swiftly losing the pursuing party.