《A World Where I Become a Mage》


 Chapter 1: A new begin

    I had always been waiting for something. Something I had never experienced in my twenty-one years of life.


    Even though I had everything I needed and lacked nothing, there was still an emptiness deep in my soul that I could never seem to fill.


    Day after day, I repeated the same old routine. Wake up, go to work, come home, eat, sleep. No challenges. No passion. Nothing that made me truly long to be alive.


    I used to dream of another world, a place where I could become someone different. A world of magic, where I could control supernatural powers with nothing but my will. If I could not be a mage, then at the very least, I would become a great warrior, fighting for an ideal worth believing in.


    But those were just foolish dreams. I never truly believed that one day, my life would change forever.


    On a sweltering June afternoon, I decided to take a walk through the forest near my home, searching for a small taste of something new. A gentle breeze rustled through the canopy of green leaves, carrying the fresh scent of damp earth and wild grass.


    Then, as I walked along the narrow trail winding through the forest, a sudden, searing pain shot through my chest, as if something were crushing my lungs.


    Damn it¡­ what the hell is happening to me?


    Agony. Pure, unrelenting agony. My body collapsed to the ground, curling in on itself as fire burned through my veins. Cold sweat poured down my face. My breathing grew weak.


    There was no one here to help me.


    I knew I was dying.


    My eyelids grew heavy. The darkness swallowed my consciousness, pulling me under.


    <hr>


    "Hey! You there! Can you hear me?"


    A voice rang out from somewhere far away, dragging me back from the abyss.


    I opened my eyes in a daze, my vision hazy. The forest around me was unfamiliar. Sunlight filtered through the treetops, the sky above a brilliant stretch of blue. The air carried the familiar scent of earth and greenery, yet something about it felt different.


    I was no longer myself.


    A flood of unfamiliar memories crashed into my mind like an unstoppable tide.


    My name was Cedric Ravenshade, a young boy from a small village on the outskirts of the kingdom. Since childhood, I had dreamed of becoming a great mage. That dream had led me to leave my village and set out for Raydell, a city known for its prestigious Adventurers¡¯ Guild.


    But I had never made it to Raydell.


    I had died on this road, near the monster-infested Abias Forest.


    And now, I had taken over his body.


    The one who had woken me was a young man, probably in his early twenties. He had messy brown hair and striking ocean-blue eyes. A simple leather outfit clung to his frame, a massive sword strapped to his back.


    "You¡¯re finally awake," he said with a sigh of relief.


    I sat up, my head still spinning. "Where¡­ am I?"


    "The outskirts of Abias Forest," he replied. "I found you unconscious by the roadside. Honestly, you looked like a corpse."


    I glanced around. He was right. This was the very path Cedric had taken on his journey to Raydell. But instead of reaching his destination, he had died here.


    I raised a hand to my face, tracing unfamiliar yet strangely familiar features.


    I was no longer myself.


    "What¡¯s your name?" the young man asked.


    A name surfaced in my mind before I could think.


    "Cedric¡­"


    He nodded. "Good. At least you remember that much. I¡¯m Erwin, a Bronze-ranked adventurer. If you¡¯re heading to Raydell, I wouldn¡¯t recommend going alone."


    Raydell. That was where I needed to go.


    I clenched my fists. If this was truly my new reality, I would not waste it.


    Erwin offered to travel with me to the city, warning that Abias Forest was dangerous. I agreed immediately.


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    As we walked, I took the opportunity to ask about this world.


    "You said you¡¯re an adventurer. What exactly is the Adventurers¡¯ Guild?"


    Erwin gave me a sharp look. "You seriously don¡¯t remember anything?"


    I forced a laugh. "My mind feels a little blank right now."


    He sighed. "Alright, I¡¯ll give you the basics. The Adventurers¡¯ Guild is an organization that hires people to hunt monsters, escort trade caravans, explore ancient ruins¡­ basically, they take on high-risk jobs for high rewards."


    It sounded just like an RPG.


    "Raydell is one of the biggest cities near the border, home to a large number of adventurers. If you want to make money and hone your skills, that¡¯s the place to be."


    I nodded. That had been Cedric¡¯s original goal too.


    "What about mages?" I asked.


    "If you want to become a mage, you need the ability to control magic," Erwin explained. "There are specialized academies for training mages, but if you don¡¯t have money, your best bet is to join an adventurer party and earn your way up."


    "Sounds interesting," I said. "But I don¡¯t even know if I can use magic."


    "Want to find out?" Erwin asked.


    I nodded.


    "Hold out your hand. Close your eyes. Focus on your body, and try to sense the energy within you."


    I followed his instructions, taking a deep breath. At first, I felt nothing. Then, a warmth stirred inside me, like a gentle current flowing through my veins.


    A small flame flickered to life in my palm.


    Erwin¡¯s eyes widened. "Well, damn. You actually have magic!"


    I stared at the tiny ember dancing in my hand.


    I could do this.


    I was no longer an ordinary person.


    A new world. A new identity.


    Maybe this was the beginning I had been waiting for all along.


    I gazed at the flickering flame in my palm, mesmerized by the way it danced as if responding to my will. It felt strange, as if I were wielding something that didn¡¯t belong to me. But the fire was warm, not scorching.


    I really had magic.


    Even though this body wasn¡¯t originally mine, its potential remained unchanged. Maybe Cedric had never awakened his magic before, or maybe he had never been given the chance. But now, I would push it to its limits.


    Clenching my fist, I snuffed out the flame. Erwin patted my shoulder, grinning.


    "Not bad, kid. You¡¯ve got talent."


    "Can I become stronger?" I asked, my voice steady with newfound determination.


    Erwin raised an eyebrow. "Of course. But let me guess. You have no clue how the power system works here, do you?"


    I scratched my head, feigning confusion. "Uh¡­ my memory¡¯s still a bit fuzzy."


    He chuckled. "You must¡¯ve hit your head pretty hard. Alright, listen up. If you want to survive as an adventurer, you need to understand how this world works."


    We continued down the dirt road, sunlight filtering through the trees.


    "First things first," Erwin began, "everyone has a power ranking. It determines how strong a person or monster is. There are eight main ranks, from weakest to strongest."


    He lifted his fingers one by one as he explained.


    "The power system is divided into several ranks."


    F-Rank (Ordinary)


    "Ordinary people, like farmers, merchants, or anyone who has never trained in combat, fall under F-Rank. They have no special abilities and live simple, peaceful lives. If a normal person were to face a monster, they would die instantly."


    I nodded. It was just like in role-playing games. Those without combat skills were nothing more than cannon fodder.


    E-Rank (Trainee)


    "When someone starts learning how to fight or use magic, they enter E-Rank. This is the trainee stage, where both the body and mind begin adapting to handling energy. Most Bronze-ranked adventurers fall into this category."


    "Where do you fall in this system?" I asked.


    Erwin smiled. "I am currently D-Rank, but I was at E-Rank about three years ago. Most rookie adventurers, low-tier mercenaries, or apprentice mages are at this level."


    D-Rank (Warrior)


    "Once someone fully masters the basics of combat or magic, they reach D-Rank. People at this level can defend themselves against most low-tier monsters and take on dangerous missions. This is where I am now."


    "So, can you defeat the monsters in Abias Forest?" I asked.


    Erwin thought for a moment before shaking his head. "Only the smaller or weaker ones. But if I encountered a stronger one, I would have to run immediately."


    C-Rank (Elite Warrior)


    "C-Rank adventurers are the backbone of the adventuring world. They can take on groups of monsters alone and possess special skills."


    "Special skills?" I asked.


    "That¡¯s right. Upon reaching C-Rank, people start developing personalized abilities. For example, a swordsman might gain ''Battle Instinct'' or ''Superhuman Endurance.'' For mages, this could mean enhanced elemental control or increased magical output."


    It sounded just like unique skill systems in RPGs.


    B-Rank (Master Fighter)


    "B-Rank adventurers are truly terrifying. They can fight a young dragon one-on-one or wipe out an entire army."


    "How can a person become that strong?" I asked in shock.


    "They surpass the limits of an ordinary human body. They do not just have immense strength, but they also break the conventional rules of magic and combat."


    A-Rank (Grandmaster)


    "Only a handful of people ever reach A-Rank. They have the power to destroy an entire city if they wish. Every individual at this level is recorded in history."


    "They sound like legendary heroes," I remarked.


    "Exactly," Erwin agreed. "They are sought after by kingdoms and have the power to change the fate of entire nations."


    S-Rank (Legendary Beings)


    "S-Rank¡­ In the past two hundred years, only four people have ever reached this level."


    My eyes widened.


    "They exist beyond human understanding. An S-Rank swordsman could slice through a mountain. An S-Rank mage could summon a storm powerful enough to wipe out a kingdom."


    I swallowed hard. If people like that truly existed, then this world was far more dangerous than I had imagined.


    SS-Rank (Divine Beings)


    "Most people believe SS-Rank is nothing more than a myth. Figures like ''The Greatest Archmage'' or ''The Undefeated Emperor'' are rumored to have reached this level.


    But since no one has attained SS-Rank in thousands of years, many think it is merely a legend."


    I let out a deep breath. "So how does someone rank up?"


    "Training, battles, real-life experiences, and, if you are a mage, strengthening your mana reserves. Power ranking is not just about physical or magical strength, but also about one''s ability to control and utilize energy."


    I nodded. If I wanted to survive in this world, I had to become stronger.


    "I get it now," I said, clenching my fists.


    Erwin chuckled. "Alright, kid, want to test your skills? I will evaluate how much potential you really have."


    I blinked in surprise. "You want to spar with me right now?"


    "Just a friendly match. No weapons. If you want to get stronger, the best way is through real combat."


    I swallowed my nerves, but a surge of excitement rose inside me.


    If this truly was my second chance, I was not going to waste it.

 Chapter 2: The first battle and danger

    I clenched my fists, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation at Erwin¡¯s proposal. A real combat match, right now? I had barely gotten used to this new body, let alone mastered controlling my magic. But despite my hesitation, a part of me was eager to take on this challenge.


    "If you want to get stronger, you have to start with real combat." Erwin shrugged, flashing a confident smile. "It¡¯s just a sparring match. I won¡¯t go all out on you."


    I took a deep breath. If I truly wanted to survive in this world, I could not afford to rely only on theory. I needed real battle experience.


    "Alright, I¡¯ll do it," I said, clenching my fists tighter to steady myself.


    Erwin chuckled. "Good. Then get ready."


    We stepped off the main road and into a small clearing within the forest. The ground here was even, without too many rocks or obstacles that could interfere with movement. Not far away, birds chirped in the trees, their melody creating an almost peaceful atmosphere. But for me, this place was about to become my first battlefield.


    Erwin stretched his arms, loosening his muscles, then drew his massive sword from his back. "I¡¯ll use the blunt edge so I don¡¯t injure you, but don¡¯t think I¡¯ll go too easy on you."


    I nodded and took a deep breath, my body tensing as I got into position.


    "The rules are simple," Erwin continued. "You can use magic or any skills you have. Just try attacking me. I¡¯ll counter, but I won¡¯t use my full strength. The goal is to test your combat abilities, not to knock each other out."


    I nodded again. "Got it."


    "Alright then," Erwin raised his sword, his gaze sharpening into something far more serious. "Let¡¯s begin!"


    I barely had time to think. The moment he spoke, I charged forward, determined to strike first and gain an advantage.


    I swung my hand forward, focusing on the small flame I had summoned earlier. I could do this, right? I felt the mana coursing through my body and tried to shape it to my will.


    A burst of fire erupted from my palm, shooting straight at Erwin. But...


    Whoosh!


    With a swift motion, Erwin tilted his body just slightly, letting my fireball whiz past him without even grazing him.


    I widened my eyes. Too fast!


    "Not bad," Erwin praised, but he did not give me a chance to recover. In an instant, he closed the distance between us with shocking speed.


    I reacted on instinct, stepping back to avoid his attack. But Erwin was already right in front of me. His sword swung diagonally, forcing me to leap to the side.


    I was not fast enough.


    Thud!


    The blunt edge of Erwin¡¯s sword struck my side, making me stagger backward, nearly falling. The pain was not unbearable, but it was enough to send a clear message. The difference in strength between us was overwhelming.


    "Your reflexes are too slow," Erwin observed. "You can sense magic, but you¡¯re not used to real combat. You need to be quicker, more precise."


    I gritted my teeth and pushed myself back up. "I¡¯m not done yet!"


    I gathered my mana again, this time focusing on controlling it more carefully. I could feel the energy flowing inside me, responding to my intent.


    Another fireball flickered into my palm. But instead of throwing it directly at Erwin, I hurled it at the ground right in front of him.


    Boom!


    Flames burst on impact, kicking up a thin veil of smoke. I took advantage of the distraction, quickly shifting to the side to change my position.


    "Smart move!" Erwin laughed. But before I could react, I felt a sharp gust of wind brush past me.


    Whoosh!


    I barely managed to duck in time. As the smoke cleared, I realized Erwin had already moved. He was now standing directly behind me, his sword raised.


    How did he move that fast?!


    I had no time to dodge.


    Thud!


    His next attack landed hard on my shoulder, sending me crashing to the ground.


    I clenched my teeth, feeling the dull ache spread through my body.


    "Alright, I think we¡¯ll stop here," Erwin said, reaching out to pull me back up.


    I gasped for breath, sweat trickling down my forehead. I had magic, but my combat abilities were nowhere near Erwin¡¯s level.


    "I have to admit," Erwin said as I stood. "You¡¯ve got potential. You picked up on your magic fast, and for your first real fight, you didn¡¯t do too bad. But you have a lot of weaknesses."


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    I wiped the sweat from my forehead. "Go on."


    "First, you¡¯re too slow. A mage can¡¯t rely solely on magic and forget about defense. If you face someone faster than you, you won¡¯t even have time to cast a spell."


    I nodded. That was true.


    "Second, your control over magic is still rough. Your fireball had power, but it was too slow and easy to avoid. You need to work on casting speed and precision."


    I clenched my fists. "What do I need to do to improve?"


    Erwin crossed his arms, thinking. "You need to train your body alongside your magic. No matter how powerful your magic is, if your body is weak, you won¡¯t be able to use it effectively. Once we get to Raydell, I¡¯ll teach you some basic training exercises."


    I smiled. "Thanks, Erwin."


    He laughed, patting my shoulder. "No problem. I like helping out weaklings with ambition."


    After the sparring session, we continued our journey toward Raydell.


    I could feel the soreness in my muscles, but inside, a fire burned stronger than ever.


    I wasn¡¯t strong enough yet. But I would get stronger.


    A new world, a new identity, and a new path lay before me.


    And I would not waste this opportunity.


    After the battle with Erwin, my body was exhausted, but my mind was filled with determination. I was not strong enough yet, but at least I now knew where I stood.


    The sun had begun to set, casting a warm orange glow over the dirt road leading to Raydell. Erwin and I continued our journey, walking beneath the towering trees of Abias Forest. The air was crisp and fresh, carrying the faint scent of tree sap and damp earth.


    As we walked, I found myself growing curious about my companion. Erwin seemed like an experienced adventurer, yet he did not act arrogant or overconfident. What had led him down this path?


    "Erwin," I broke the silence. "Why did you become an adventurer?"


    He raised an eyebrow at me before letting out a chuckle. "That¡¯s a good question. But why do you ask?"


    I shrugged. "Just curious. You don¡¯t seem like someone who¡¯s in this just to hunt monsters for money."


    Erwin was silent for a moment, as if debating whether or not to answer. Eventually, he sighed and began to speak.


    "Well¡­ I don¡¯t have some grand reason," he admitted. "I¡¯m not some fallen noble¡¯s son, nor do I have a tragic vow of revenge. I¡¯m just¡­ an ordinary person."


    I listened carefully, not interrupting.


    "I was born in a small village near the northern border. My family wasn¡¯t rich, but we weren¡¯t starving either. My father was a blacksmith, my mother a weaver. I used to think I¡¯d live my whole life following in my father¡¯s footsteps, inheriting the forge one day."


    I could hear a trace of nostalgia in his voice.


    "But everything changed when I was fifteen. A band of raiders attacked my village. They killed people, burned down homes¡­ and I saw everything happen."


    I frowned. "Your family¡­?"


    Erwin shook his head. "My father fought until the very end, but he couldn¡¯t stand against an entire gang of armed bandits. My mother¡­ she didn¡¯t survive either."


    I didn¡¯t know what to say.


    "That was the first time I realized that strength is the only thing that can truly protect what¡¯s important," Erwin said, his voice quieter than before. "After my village was destroyed, I wandered my way to Raydell, doing odd jobs just to survive. When I was old enough, I joined the Adventurers¡¯ Guild and made a promise to myself. I would never let anyone suffer the same fate as my family again."


    I remained silent. Erwin¡¯s reason for becoming an adventurer wasn¡¯t about fame or fortune. He simply wanted to become strong enough to protect others.


    "What about you?" Erwin asked, glancing at me. "Why do you want to be an adventurer?"


    I couldn¡¯t tell him the truth. I came from another world. The best I could do was rely on Cedric¡¯s original memories.


    "I want to become a great mage," I said. "I don¡¯t have a family or wealth, but I believe that if I become stronger, I can carve out my own fate."


    Erwin smirked. "Good answer. A simple dream, but not an easy one to achieve. You¡¯ll face a lot of obstacles."


    I nodded. I already knew that.


    But I never expected my first challenge to come so soon.


    We had barely walked much farther when Erwin suddenly stopped and raised a hand, signaling me to halt.


    "What is it?" I whispered.


    Erwin didn¡¯t answer right away. Instead, he placed a finger to his lips, signaling for silence, then slowly drew his sword.


    Something was wrong.


    I narrowed my eyes and focused on the path ahead. Then, I saw them.


    A group of goblins, small creatures with green skin, fierce yellow eyes, and jagged teeth. They were gathered on the road, blocking our way forward.


    "Goblins?" I thought. "Aren¡¯t they supposed to be weak monsters?"


    I recalled what Erwin had told me earlier about them while explaining the power system. Goblins were low-tier creatures, usually hunting in groups but not particularly dangerous if encountered in small numbers.


    But this time, something felt off.


    "There¡¯s something wrong," Erwin muttered. "Look closely."


    I studied them more carefully.


    Among the goblins holding crude wooden clubs and rusty knives, one stood out from the rest.


    A Goblin Mage.


    Unlike its kin, this one wore a tattered robe and held a wooden staff in its bony fingers. Its eyes glowed faintly with a reddish magical light.


    A chill ran down my spine.


    "Damn it," Erwin mumbled. "I wasn¡¯t expecting a goblin mage in this group."


    I swallowed hard. "Is it that dangerous?"


    Erwin nodded. "Ordinary goblins aren¡¯t much of a threat. But when there¡¯s a mage among them, the entire situation changes. It can use magic to enhance its allies or attack from a distance. Taking on the whole group like this won¡¯t be easy."


    I counted the goblins again. There were at least sixteen, including the mage.


    Erwin tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, then turned to me.


    "Cedric, go ahead," he said. "Run to Raydell and don¡¯t look back."


    I widened my eyes. "You¡¯re going to fight them alone?"


    "If you stay here, you¡¯ll die. You¡¯re not strong enough to handle a goblin mage."


    I knew he was right. My skills were lacking, and my mana reserves were too low. I could not sustain a prolonged fight.


    But¡­ leaving Erwin to fight alone?


    I clenched my fists, frustration boiling inside me. I wanted to help him, but deep down, I knew that if I stayed, I would only be a burden.


    Seeing my hesitation, Erwin patted my shoulder. "Don¡¯t worry, I can handle this. I¡¯m an adventurer. This is my job."


    I bit my lip.


    Run or stay?


    I did not want to abandon him, but I also did not want to be a liability.


    What should I do...?

 Chapter 3: Run or fight?

    I stood frozen in place, my hands tightening into fists until my knuckles turned white.


    In front of me was a group of sixteen goblins, including a Goblin Mage, wildly waving its tattered wooden staff.


    A part of me burned with the urge to charge in and fight. But logic screamed that I had no chance.


    My mana reserves were too low to keep casting spells, and my stamina would not last in a prolonged battle. If I joined in, I would only become a burden to Erwin.


    "Go, Cedric," Erwin repeated, his voice firm and unwavering. "I can hold them off long enough for you to reach Raydell."


    I grit my teeth. Running away was the last thing I wanted.


    But if I stayed¡­ what could I even do?


    Erwin tightened his grip on his sword, scanning the goblin horde with sharp eyes. "I¡¯m not sure if I can take them all down, but I can at least buy us some time."


    The Goblin Mage suddenly slammed its staff into the ground. A crimson glow pulsed from its tip, and instantly, the entire horde let out a feral roar, their eyes flaring with a dangerous light.


    "Damn it," Erwin muttered. "It¡¯s enhancing them!"


    My stomach twisted. A single goblin wasn¡¯t terrifying, but one empowered by magic would be faster, stronger, and far deadlier.


    "Cedric, go now!" Erwin shouted as the goblins charged.


    My fingers curled into my palms, frustration swelling inside me.


    Run or fight?


    Whoosh!


    A goblin swung its crude wooden club at Erwin, but he sidestepped swiftly and countered with a precise horizontal slash. His sword sliced through the goblin¡¯s throat, sending dark green blood spraying through the air. The creature crumpled instantly.


    But the others weren¡¯t deterred.


    Four goblins flanked Erwin from different directions. One lunged from the left, another aimed straight for his back.


    They were too fast!


    Yet Erwin still reacted in time. He pivoted sharply, cutting down the goblin rushing in from the left while slamming the hilt of his sword into the one closing in from behind.


    I could see the sheer gap in skill between Erwin and the goblins. His movements were fluid and precise, every attack calculated.


    But skill alone wasn¡¯t enough against overwhelming numbers.


    Even someone as strong as Erwin couldn¡¯t fend off an entire horde forever.


    I stepped back, preparing to run just as Erwin had told me. But as I turned away¡­


    Did I really want to flee?


    Abandon the person who had helped me?


    Frustration welled up inside me. If I truly wanted to grow stronger, I couldn¡¯t keep running from danger.


    But if I stayed, what could I even do?


    I narrowed my eyes, assessing the situation again. Erwin was gradually being overwhelmed, and in the back of the horde, the Goblin Mage stood firmly, waving its staff non-stop to strengthen its allies.


    The goblins were becoming more aggressive, lunging at Erwin from every direction. No matter how skilled he was, he could not keep this up forever.


    I clenched my jaw.


    If this continued, Erwin would not last. I wanted to help, but if I recklessly charged in without a plan, I would only make things worse.


    I needed a different strategy.


    I took a step back¡­ then another.


    "Damn it¡­" I whispered, my voice trembling as I feigned panic. Turning sharply, I bolted down the path leading out of the forest.


    The Goblin Mage spotted me running and let out a shrill, mocking laugh.


    "KEEEH-HEHEHEHEHE!"


    It sneered at me, as if my retreat was the most natural thing in the world. To it, I was nothing more than a weak, rookie mage who had fled at the first sign of real danger.


    Not just the goblin, but even Erwin saw me running.


    He cut down another goblin, his gaze flickering toward me.


    For a split second, I caught the disappointment in his eyes. But he did not seem angry. Instead, he gave a small nod, as if he had expected this.


    "It¡¯s okay, Cedric¡­ you can¡¯t do anything in this situation."


    Maybe he thought I was making the right choice. I wasn¡¯t strong, I had no battle experience, and if I stayed, I would only drag him down.


    Sorry, Erwin¡­ but I am not running away.


    I hadn¡¯t actually left the battlefield.


    I was only pretending to.


    The moment I disappeared behind the trees, I immediately changed course, circling back from a different direction.


    The dense foliage concealed my presence as I crouched low, moving carefully to avoid making any noise.


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    I returned to the battlefield from behind the Goblin Mage.


    At that moment, it was still cackling, oblivious to the fact that I was still nearby.


    I held my breath, observing closely.


    The mage was entirely focused on enhancing its allies, continuously swinging its staff to maintain the buff.


    This was my chance.


    I curled my fingers into a tight grip, summoning mana into my palm.


    I had only one opportunity. If I failed, everything would be over.


    Lowering my voice, I murmured the incantation.


    "Fireball¡­"


    A flickering orb of fire ignited in my hand. It wasn¡¯t huge, but it was strong enough to deal damage.


    I held it steady, waiting for the perfect moment.


    Erwin was still fighting. He hadn¡¯t noticed that I had returned, which was exactly what I wanted. I needed to deceive even him.


    The second the Goblin Mage lowered its staff, pausing its chant for just a moment, I knew this was it.


    I burst out from the bushes and hurled the fireball straight at its back.


    "Fireball!"


    Boom!


    The flames erupted against its ragged cloak, scorching the fabric and sending it writhing in agony.


    "GRRRRAAHHHHH!"


    The Goblin Mage collapsed, rolling on the ground in a desperate attempt to put out the fire.


    But I wasn¡¯t going to let it recover.


    Pouring the last of my mana into another fireball, I launched it directly at its face.


    Boom!


    The impact sent the Goblin Mage flying backward, its charred body twitching as its yellow eyes widened in shock.


    It was still alive, but it was no longer capable of using magic.


    This time, I wasn¡¯t going to let it escape.


    I rushed forward, grabbing a dull knife from a fallen goblin and drove it straight into the mage¡¯s throat.


    The goblin convulsed, its body writhing in agony before finally going still.


    The Goblin Mage was dead!


    The moment it died, the remaining goblins lost their magical enhancement.


    The ones attacking Erwin suddenly became sluggish, their movements slowing down noticeably. Their once fierce aggression faded, replaced by confusion and fear.


    "Well¡­" Erwin chuckled, raising his sword. "Looks like someone just did us a big favor."


    Without wasting a second, he took advantage of the opening.


    He dashed into the disoriented goblin horde, his sword flashing as he struck them down with swift, precise slashes. Weakened and without their magic boost, the goblins stood no chance against him.


    In less than three minutes, Erwin had eliminated the remaining enemies.


    The few survivors scattered in a panic, fleeing into the depths of the forest, their will to fight completely shattered.


    Finally¡­


    The battle was over.


    I gasped for breath, my body utterly drained. My mana was completely depleted, and my muscles ached from the intensity of the fight.


    Erwin approached, staring at me.


    I swallowed hard, bracing myself for the scolding I was about to receive for deceiving him.


    But instead of anger, Erwin let out a loud laugh.


    "I thought you had already run for your life," he said.


    I scratched my head. "Well¡­ I needed them to believe that I did."


    Erwin shook his head, but there was a glint of approval in his eyes.


    "Not bad. You actually used your head instead of charging in like an idiot," he admitted. "I was a little disappointed at first, but in the end, you did well. Not only did you create a distraction, but you also took out the mage, something I wouldn¡¯t have been able to do without you."


    I gave a weak smile. "So I was actually useful?"


    Erwin clapped a firm hand on my shoulder. "More than expected. But don¡¯t think you¡¯ll always get lucky like this. Next time, make sure you have enough mana to last through a real fight."


    I nodded. I understood exactly what he meant.


    I had succeeded this time¡­ but if the battle had lasted any longer, I would not have been able to hold out.


    If I truly wanted to become stronger, I could not rely solely on tricks. I needed real power.


    After gathering some loot from the goblin corpses, mostly copper coins and a few cheap pieces of equipment, we resumed our journey toward Raydell.


    I was exhausted, but deep inside, I felt a sense of satisfaction.


    For the first time, I was no longer just someone who ran away.


    I had fought.


    I had won.


    And this was only the beginning of my journey to becoming a true adventurer.


    I glanced at Erwin, who seemed relatively unaffected by the battle. He walked at a steady pace, occasionally glancing my way to make sure I wasn¡¯t completely exhausted.


    After some time, Erwin pointed ahead.


    "Let¡¯s take a break. There¡¯s a small river nearby where we can get some water."


    I nodded, realizing how dry my throat had become after the fight.


    We stepped off the main road, following a narrow trail winding through dense trees. The sound of flowing water grew clearer with each step, bringing a sense of calm after all the tension earlier.


    Finally, a small river came into view. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the soft orange hues of the setting sun. Large moss-covered rocks lined the banks, and in the distance, a few birds swooped down to drink.


    Erwin knelt by the river and scooped up a handful of water, drinking it with satisfaction. "It¡¯s pretty clean. You can drink as much as you want."


    I crouched at the riverbank and dipped my hands into the cool water.


    I had never felt a world this vivid before.


    Every little detail, the mist rising from the river, the sun¡¯s shimmering reflection on the surface, and the rustling of branches swaying in the breeze, felt so incredibly real that it took my breath away.


    I leaned forward, gazing at my reflection in the water¡­


    And for the first time, I saw my own face in this world.


    Back in my old world, I had never paid much attention to my appearance. But now, staring at the image in the water, I couldn¡¯t help but feel surprised.


    Soft brown hair, slightly messy from battle. Striking blue eyes that almost seemed to glow under the evening light. A youthful face, smooth and unblemished, with no scars or roughness.


    I wasn¡¯t tall, standing at only about 5¡¯3¡±. It was a noticeable difference compared to Erwin, who was nearly 5¡¯10¡±.


    I touched my cheek, feeling the smoothness of my skin. I looked so young¡­


    Then it hit me. This body was only sixteen years old.


    I frowned slightly. I was used to the image of my former self, but now I was staring at a completely different person.


    I didn¡¯t just have a new name.


    I had truly become someone else.


    Erwin noticed me staring at my reflection and chuckled. "What¡¯s wrong? You not used to your own face?"


    I flinched, snapping out of my thoughts, and quickly shook my head. "It¡¯s nothing, I just¡­ didn¡¯t expect to look like this."


    Erwin stretched, resting his hands on his hips. "I guess you never paid much attention before. But I have to admit, you look pretty decent. If you don¡¯t want to be an adventurer, you could always pretend to be a noble and make a living scamming people."


    I blinked. "Is that supposed to be a compliment or an insult?"


    He laughed. "Both."


    I shook my head, but despite myself, I couldn¡¯t stop a small smile from forming.


    After drinking some water and resting for a while, we resumed our journey.


    The sun had begun to dip behind the distant mountains, and the sky slowly deepened into a rich purple hue.


    We still had a long way to go before reaching Raydell, but I knew one thing for sure¡­


    This was only the beginning of a long and challenging journey.

 Chapter 4: Raydell city

    After a long day of traveling, Erwin and I finally arrived at the gates of Raydell.


    I came to a halt, my eyes widening as I took in the sight before me.


    A massive stone wall, towering at least ten meters high, encircled the city. The main gate, made of black steel, stood open, allowing a steady stream of people to pass in and out.


    I had never seen such a bustling place in my life.


    In Cedric¡¯s memories, he had been born and raised in a small village populated solely by humans. He had never ventured beyond its borders, never seen the outside world.


    But now, standing before me, was a scene so breathtaking that I could hardly believe it was real.


    Amid the sea of people, I spotted creatures I had never encountered in reality.


    A tall, slender man with pointed ears stood in the crowd. His long silver hair shimmered under the sunlight, and his sharp green eyes swept over the masses with an air of quiet nobility.


    An elf¡­?


    I blinked in disbelief. A real elf was standing right in front of me.


    Nearby, a group of people with animal-like ears and fluffy tails chatted amongst themselves. A black-haired girl with cat ears shrugged, her mischievous eyes glinting as she waved to a familiar face.


    Beastmen¡­?


    Before I could fully process what I was seeing, a gruff voice rang out close by.


    "Move aside, you long-legged lot!"


    I turned to see a short, stocky man with a thick, bushy beard that nearly covered his entire face. A massive axe was slung over his back, and he stomped forward with heavy steps that made the ground tremble slightly.


    A dwarf¡­


    I felt my entire perception of the world shifting.


    Humans were not the only race here.


    This world was far larger than anything Cedric had ever known.


    Erwin noticed my astonishment and chuckled.


    "Amazing, isn¡¯t it?" He clapped a hand on my shoulder. "This is a big city. Humans aren¡¯t the only ones who live here."


    I swallowed hard. "I knew other races existed, but¡­ this is my first time actually seeing them."


    Erwin nodded. "Makes sense. If you grew up in a small town, this would be quite a shock."


    I couldn¡¯t tear my eyes away from the incredible sight before me.


    I had truly stepped into a world far grander than I had ever imagined.


    After standing in awe for a while, I finally gathered myself and followed Erwin toward the city gates.


    A long line of people waited for their turn to enter. At the entrance, guards clad in silver armor stood on either side, carefully inspecting each traveler¡¯s documents.


    When our turn came, a tall guard with a deep voice asked, "State your reason for entering the city."


    Erwin pulled out a small wooden card engraved with a symbol. "We¡¯re adventurers. I¡¯ve been here plenty of times, but this is the first visit for the kid."


    The guard gave a brief nod before turning his gaze to me, eyeing me from head to toe. "Name?"


    I straightened my back and answered without hesitation. "Cedric."


    "First-time visitors must pay an entry fee of one silver coin," the guard stated.


    I stiffened.


    One silver coin¡­?


    The previous Cedric hadn¡¯t possessed much money. Most of what he carried was in copper coins, and after the battle with the goblins, I had only managed to scavenge a little more.


    I fumbled through my pockets, trying to gather what little I had. But just as I was about to pull out my coins, Erwin spoke up.


    "I¡¯ll cover his fee," he said, handing the guard a silver coin.


    I stared at Erwin in surprise. "You didn¡¯t have to do that."


    "It¡¯s fine," he grinned. "Consider it a reward for helping me in that battle."


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    I wanted to protest, but seeing the sincerity in Erwin¡¯s eyes, all I could do was nod.


    The guard took the coin and waved us forward.


    "Next!"


    And with a single step, I officially entered the city of Raydell.


    The moment I stepped inside, I was nearly overwhelmed by the sight before me.


    Wide, clean stone-paved streets stretched out ahead. Tall buildings made of stone and wood lined both sides, their colorful signs swaying gently in the breeze.


    The city was alive with movement. Merchants called out to passersby, adventurers in heavy armor strode through the streets, and robed mages hurried along, their cloaks billowing behind them.


    I could hear the rhythmic clang of metal striking metal from a nearby forge, the lively chatter of street vendors persuading customers, and the mouthwatering aroma of freshly cooked food wafting from a roadside tavern.


    "This is amazing¡­" I murmured, feeling a surge of excitement.


    Erwin grinned at my reaction. "Welcome to Raydell. A bustling city, home to adventurers and merchants alike."


    I took a deep breath.


    I had truly stepped into a vast and thriving world.


    But I wasn¡¯t here just to admire the scenery.


    My goal was the Adventurers¡¯ Guild.


    I turned to Erwin. "Where are we heading now?"


    He smirked and pointed toward a large building in the distance, its sign displaying the image of two crossed swords.


    "The Adventurers¡¯ Guild. It¡¯s time for you to officially become an adventurer."


    Even after entering the city, I couldn¡¯t stop taking in my surroundings.


    Raydell wasn¡¯t just large. It was alive with energy.


    Shops lined the streets, from weapon and armor stores to stalls selling herbs, magical ingredients, and all sorts of strange trinkets I had never seen before.


    A little further ahead, I spotted an elderly mage in a deep purple robe, holding a thick tome while explaining something to a group of young apprentices.


    Nearby, a group of adventurers in leather armor, swords strapped to their waists, laughed boisterously as they drank outside an inn.


    Beneath my feet, the polished stone roads gleamed under the sunlight, reinforcing the feeling that this was a prosperous and well-developed city.


    Erwin walked beside me, clearly familiar with the area.


    "I didn¡¯t expect it to be this big," I muttered.


    "You haven¡¯t even seen half of it yet," Erwin chuckled. "Raydell isn¡¯t just an adventurers¡¯ hub, it¡¯s also one of the largest trade centers in the region. Goods from all over flow through here. If you have the money, you can find almost anything."


    I glanced toward a nearby stall where a dwarf was selling polished black steel swords and daggers. He was arguing with a customer over the price, his deep, gruff voice filled with irritation.


    "Thinking about buying something?" Erwin asked.


    I shook my head. "I don¡¯t have much money. I need to save up first."


    Erwin shrugged. "Fair enough. But once you take on your first quest, you¡¯ll start earning a decent amount."


    I nodded but still had some lingering questions.


    "So¡­ how does the Adventurers¡¯ Guild work? Do we just go there and sign up?"


    Erwin crossed his arms, thinking for a moment before replying.


    "Yes, but it¡¯s not that simple. The Guild doesn¡¯t accept just anyone. You¡¯ll need to pass a test to prove you can handle combat."


    I paused. "A test?"


    Erwin nodded. "Of course. Someone who doesn¡¯t know how to fight would die on their first mission. The Guild doesn¡¯t want to be responsible for pointless deaths, so they have a test to see if you¡¯re qualified."


    I felt a twinge of nervousness. I had only just started learning how to fight. What if the test was too difficult?


    "What kind of test are we talking about?" I asked.


    "It depends on the guild branch. In Raydell, they usually have you spar with a low-ranked adventurer or hunt a small monster to prove your abilities."


    I exhaled in relief. If it was just a fight, I could rely on my intelligence and magic to make up for my lack of experience.


    Erwin patted my shoulder. "Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve already seen you fight. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll pass."


    As we continued walking along the main street, a loud commotion suddenly caught my attention from a nearby corner.


    A crowd had gathered in front of a small arena, where two men were engaged in a sword fight. One of them was an adventurer clad in iron armor, while the other was a young man with white hair, unarmed yet effortlessly dodging every swing of the blade.


    Curious, I stopped to watch.


    "Who is that?" I asked Erwin.


    Erwin followed my gaze before smirking. "That guy? That¡¯s Ronan, a B-rank adventurer. He¡¯s arrogant as hell, but ridiculously strong."


    I observed Ronan¡¯s movements, feeling an invisible pressure from the way he fought. He didn¡¯t just evade with ease. He counterattacked with precise punches and powerful kicks, landing each blow with flawless timing.


    In mere seconds, he had completely overwhelmed his opponent, sending the armored adventurer crashing to the ground.


    The crowd erupted in cheers, but Ronan merely scoffed before turning away.


    "He¡¯s strong," I noted.


    "Yeah, but he refuses to work with others," Erwin said. "He always fights alone. Some respect him for his skill, while others hate him for his arrogance."


    I acknowledged his words, making a mental note of Ronan¡¯s name.


    Before we could walk any farther, a lighthearted laugh rang through the air.


    Turning my head, I spotted a young woman standing in front of a stall selling magic books.


    She had chestnut-colored hair and wore a deep blue mage¡¯s robe. Her delicate features and bright violet eyes shone with curiosity as she skimmed through the selection of tomes.


    Something about her felt different, but before I could ask Erwin who she was, he tugged me forward.


    "You¡¯ll have plenty of time to meet people later," he said. "For now, we need to get to the Adventurers¡¯ Guild."


    I hummed in agreement, setting aside my curiosity for now.


    After a short walk, we finally arrived in front of a grand building, its sign displaying two crossed swords.


    I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness.


    This was the first step toward becoming a true adventurer.


    Erwin gave me a firm pat on the back. "Ready?"


    I clenched my fists and stared up at the guild¡¯s massive doors.


    "Yeah."

 Chapter 5: The adventurers guild

    I took a deep breath, lifting my head to take in the building before me.


    The massive wooden doors stood nearly three meters tall, reinforced with solid wrought iron, emphasizing the authority of this place. Above them, a sign bore the symbol of two crossed swords, a clear insignia for those seeking to walk this path.


    Erwin stepped forward first, pushing the doors open, and I followed close behind, my heart pounding with anticipation.


    The moment I stepped inside, I was immediately overwhelmed by the bustling atmosphere.


    The guild hall was vast, filled with long wooden tables and rows of benches. Adventurers gathered in groups, laughing, discussing quests, or simply drinking to unwind.


    Some wore heavy armor, their gear still stained with traces of dried blood, likely just returning from a monster hunt.


    In the distance, I spotted a massive quest board mounted on the wall, covered with hundreds of parchment notices, each detailing different missions.


    To the right, a reception counter stood, where uniformed guild staff attended to adventurers behind a sturdy wooden desk.


    Erwin grinned and patted my shoulder. "Go on, time to sign up."


    I nodded and made my way to the reception desk.


    A female receptionist stood behind the counter, her brown hair neatly tied at the back of her head. Her sharp eyes held a piercing gaze, as if she could see through anyone who walked into the guild.


    She lifted her head, meeting my eyes before speaking in a calm, professional tone.


    "Welcome to the Adventurers'' Guild. You''re here to register, correct?"


    I nodded. "Yes."


    She opened a thick ledger and picked up a quill.


    "Name?"


    "Cedric."


    "Age?"


    "Sixteen."


    She nodded and jotted down my responses.


    "Combat experience?"


    I hesitated briefly before answering honestly. "I¡¯ve fought goblins before."


    Her eyebrow arched slightly as she studied me for a moment before continuing to write.


    "Alright. Since you¡¯re a newcomer, you¡¯ll need to undergo an entrance assessment to confirm that you¡¯re capable of becoming an adventurer."


    I swallowed hard. "What does the test involve?"


    "It¡¯s fairly straightforward," she replied. "You¡¯ll be required to fight another adventurer under the guild¡¯s supervision. As long as you demonstrate basic combat ability, you¡¯ll pass and officially be registered as a Copper-rank adventurer."


    I gave a firm nod. "I understand."


    The receptionist gestured for another staff member. "Take him to the testing arena."


    I turned to Erwin, who gave me an encouraging grin. "Good luck. I¡¯ll be watching."


    Taking a deep breath, I steadied myself. This was my first real challenge on this path.


    I was led to a small training arena behind the guild hall.


    The place resembled a circular combat ring, its ground paved with solid stone. Surrounding it were rows of seats for spectators, and a few adventurers had already gathered to watch the match.


    Standing before me was a tall, imposing man with his arms crossed, waiting.


    He looked to be around twenty-five, towering over me by at least a head. His muscular frame was clad in simple leather armor, and he held a wooden training sword.


    "This will be your opponent," the guild staff member explained. "He¡¯s an experienced Copper-rank adventurer who will be testing your abilities."


    The man sized me up before smirking. "Alright, kid. Get ready."


    I exhaled slowly and stepped into the ring.


    The referee stood in the center, raising his hand.


    "The test match begins!"


    The moment the words left his mouth, my opponent charged straight at me with surprising speed.


    Before I could react, he was already in front of me, swinging his sword down from above.


    I scrambled to step back but was a fraction too slow.


    Thwack!


    The wooden blade struck my arm, knocking me off balance. I stumbled, barely managing to keep from falling.


    Laughter erupted from the spectators, some shaking their heads in amusement.


    "That kid¡¯s weak!"


    "He won¡¯t last a minute!"


    Frustration boiled up inside me.


    No¡­ I wasn¡¯t going down that easily.


    I focused on my mana, raising my hand in front of me.


    "I don¡¯t have much left. I have to use it wisely."


    A small flame flickered to life in my palm.


    My opponent¡¯s eyes widened. "You can use magic?"


    I didn¡¯t answer. Instead, I locked onto him and took my shot.


    "Fireball!"


    A blazing sphere of fire shot toward him.


    Stolen story; please report.


    But his reflexes were sharp.


    He twisted his body, narrowly dodging to the side. Though the spell missed, the heat forced him to wince.


    I didn¡¯t give him time to counterattack.


    Dashing forward, I feigned another spell, lifting my right hand as if preparing to cast again.


    He instinctively raised his sword to block, exactly what I wanted.


    At the last second, I shifted, sweeping my leg low.


    He lost his footing, stumbling backward.


    I seized the opening, launching a second fireball.


    This time, it hit him square in the chest.


    He let out a sharp grunt, not seriously injured but clearly shaken.


    The crowd gasped in surprise.


    "That kid¡¯s got some fight in him!"


    I clenched my fist.


    I could do this!


    My opponent straightened, his smirk gone.


    Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he gave me a look of genuine appraisal.


    "Not bad, kid."


    I took another deep breath. I knew this fight wasn¡¯t over yet.


    My opponent, the burly man clad in leather armor, had changed his demeanor. If before he had viewed me as nothing more than a weak kid with no chance of winning, now he was taking me seriously.


    I could see it in the way he gripped his wooden sword tighter, in the way his eyes no longer held mockery but instead sharpened with pure focus.


    "Hmph, not bad, kid," he muttered with a smirk, though his tone was noticeably more serious. "But don¡¯t think a few tricks are enough to beat me."


    I remained silent.


    Not because I had nothing to say, but because my body was on the verge of exhaustion.


    My mana was nearly depleted¡­


    I could feel it. Though I had successfully deceived him twice by faking spell casts, the truth was that I had only enough mana left for one last fireball.


    One final chance.


    If I didn¡¯t use it wisely, I would lose.


    I began circling my opponent, not engaging head-on but moving cautiously in an arc around him.


    He followed my movements, his sharp gaze locked onto me like a wolf waiting for the perfect moment to strike.


    "What now?" he asked, probing. "Out of mana already?"


    I neither confirmed nor denied it, keeping my pace steady.


    From the sidelines, Erwin smirked knowingly. He had caught on. I was looking for an opening.


    Some of the adventurers watching seemed intrigued, while others remained skeptical.


    Then, my opponent made his move.


    He took a quick step forward before suddenly accelerating, swinging his sword from the right.


    I had anticipated this.


    I knew I wasn¡¯t fast enough to completely dodge, so instead, I shifted my body just enough for the wooden blade to graze past my left shoulder.


    Thwack!


    Even though it wasn¡¯t a direct hit, pain shot through my arm.


    But¡­ this was the moment I had been waiting for!


    I immediately grabbed hold of his sword arm with my right hand and yanked downward, disrupting his balance.


    His eyes widened in shock. "What the..."


    With my left hand, I summoned my final burst of fire.


    The fireball flared to life, closer than ever before.


    "Fireball!"


    Flames exploded against his chest, igniting the front of his leather armor in a burst of heat.


    He let out a startled yell, stumbling back, frantically slapping at the flames to put them out.


    This was it.


    I clenched my fist, summoning every last ounce of strength left in my body, and delivered a powerful punch straight to his abdomen!


    Thud!


    It wasn¡¯t as strong as a weapon strike, but after being thrown off by my spell, my hit was the final push he couldn¡¯t recover from.


    He staggered backward, then fell, hitting the ground with a resounding thud.


    The entire arena went silent for a moment.


    Then¡­


    "HE WON!"


    Cheers erupted from the crowd. Some adventurers looked surprised, while others nodded in approval.


    My opponent remained on the ground, breathing heavily, before suddenly breaking into laughter.


    "Haha¡­ kid, you fight dirty¡­"


    I exhaled, drained. "You didn¡¯t go easy on me either."


    He grinned, then extended a hand. I grasped it and helped him to his feet.


    "I gotta admit, you¡¯ve got potential," he said. "Your body¡¯s still weak, but your mind? Not bad at all."


    I could only offer a faint smile, too exhausted to say much.


    The referee stepped forward, raising his hand.


    "Test complete. Cedric, you pass."


    I could hardly believe it.


    I did it.


    I was officially an adventurer.


    Erwin walked over and gave me a firm pat on the back, nearly making me stumble. "Well done, Cedric! I knew you had it in you!"


    I managed a tired smile. "I thought you¡¯d bet on me losing after that first hit."


    He burst into laughter. "I had my doubts at first, but you proved me wrong."


    The receptionist approached, holding a small wooden card.


    "This is your Bronze-ranked guild card," she said, handing it to me.


    I took it and examined it closely.


    It was a solid wooden card, engraved with my name and the official insignia of the Adventurers'' Guild.


    This wasn¡¯t just a piece of wood.


    It was proof of the new path I had chosen.


    "You can now take quests from the mission board and use the guild¡¯s facilities," the receptionist continued. "But since you¡¯re still a beginner, I recommend starting with simple tasks first."


    I nodded.


    Even though I had passed the test, I knew this was only the beginning.


    I took a seat at one of the wooden tables, my breath still uneven, my body trembling from exhaustion.


    I could feel it. My mana was completely drained.


    The warm energy that had always pulsed within me had vanished, leaving me with an unsettling emptiness, as if I had lost a part of myself.


    I had never experienced full mana depletion before. Even during the goblin battle, I had used quite a few spells, but I had never pushed myself to the absolute limit.


    But then¡­


    A strange sensation swept through me.


    At first, it was a faint warmth in my chest, barely noticeable. But within moments, that warmth spread, flowing through every fiber of my being.


    What¡­?


    And then I felt it.


    My mana was returning¡­ at an impossible speed!


    I was absolutely certain I had used every last drop. So why was it coming back so quickly?


    I shut my eyes, focusing on the flow of energy within me.


    Normally, a mage needed hours, sometimes an entire day, to naturally recover mana without the aid of potions.


    I recalled what Erwin had told me before:


    "Most mages have to rest for several hours to regain their mana naturally. If they use potions, they can recover faster, but even then, it still takes time. And drinking too many can have nasty side effects."


    But I was different.


    Mere moments ago, I had been on the verge of collapsing. And now? My mana was replenished as if I had never spent it at all.


    This wasn¡¯t normal.


    No ordinary person could do this.


    Was this the gift I had received upon reincarnating into this world?


    I thought back to my previous battles.


    During the goblin fight, I had cast multiple spells, but I had never drained myself completely, so I hadn¡¯t noticed anything unusual.


    But this time¡­


    This time, I had depleted every last drop, and that was when this mysterious ability activated.


    When my mana was entirely exhausted, it automatically regenerated at an unbelievable rate.


    A blessing¡­ or a curse?


    I wasn¡¯t sure.


    But I knew one thing.


    If I used this ability wisely, it would be a game-changer in battle!


    I smirked, feeling the revitalized mana surging through my body once more.


    Standing up, I no longer felt the crushing exhaustion from moments ago.


    Erwin, who had been watching from a distance, raised an eyebrow. "Hey¡­ you look way too fine for someone who was about to pass out."


    I simply smiled, offering no explanation.


    This was my secret.


    At least until I understood it completely.