The Journey Begins

The ride wasn't a long one, and soon they arrived at a forest within the range they were permitted to explore.

As he had anticipated, Racheal had brought him to a section of the forest inhabited by a specific F-rank agility-based beast.

Beasts in this world were divided into two main categories: Normal and Magical.

Unlike normal beasts, magical beasts could harness mana and magic attributes. They also possessed mana cores, much like humans. Mana cores were essential as they acted as a power source-like batteries-for the many things in this world that relied on mana.

Both classes of beasts followed the same ranking system:

F-rank

E-rank

D-rank

C-rank

B-rank

A-rank

S-rank

SS-rank

???

Lesser beasts ranged from F to A-rank, while anything above was classified as a greater beast. The mana cores produced by magical beasts also adhered to this ranking system.

This part of the forest, however, was home to the weakest beasts, though still dangerous for someone like him.

They both exited the vehicle, their eyes scanning the surroundings.

At first glance, it seemed like they were the only ones there, but they both knew better than to drop their guard.

"If we come across any F-rank beasts, leave them to me. Only interfere if you think my life is in danger," Art instructed firmly.

Racheal frowned, displeased. Coming to the forest at all was already a risk to his life, but she understood his intent.

They ventured deeper into the forest. Before long, Art began to feel slightly fatigued.

'I can't even handle a little walk,' he thought bitterly, debating whether to take a break. That hesitation proved costly, as he failed to notice a creature lurking in the shadows.

With a sudden leap, the beast-a wolf-like creature, larger than normal and armed with razor-sharp teeth and claws-closed the gap, its jaws aimed for his neck.

Art slashed with one of the daggers in his hands, but his body was too slow. He cursed internally, realizing he wouldn't make it in time.

A stream of water shot through the air, slamming into the wolf. The force sent it crashing into a tree, where a branch impaled its neck, killing it instantly.

Art turned toward the source of the attack. Racheal stood with her right arm outstretched, her expression a mix of relief and reproach.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

"Yes, thanks," he replied, wiping the sweat off his forehead.

Racheal wanted to suggest leaving the forest, but she knew it would be futile.

Art, on the other hand, felt a mix of embarrassment and disappointment. If he had come alone, he'd be dead already.

In this world, a Silver's ability to instinctively wield a weapon without prior training was called weapon awakening. However, it only applied to a specific type of weapon. For example, someone with a spear awakening couldn't naturally wield a sword or bow without starting from scratch, though their progress would still outpace non-Silvers.

Art didn't have a weapon awakening for the daggers he carried. His skills were self-taught, honed through years of training and experience in his former world. He had trusted in those abilities, but his frail body betrayed him.

'This is pathetic,' he thought grimly. He resolved to leave the forest in a better state than he was now.

This time, as they moved, Art didn't let anything distract him-not even the strange, otherworldly beauty of the flora around them. Some plants sparkled as they opened, releasing glittering dust into the air. Others changed color depending on proximity. It was breathtaking, but he couldn't afford to admire it.

As they delved deeper, the forest grew denser. Neither of them spoke. Art focused on spotting beasts, while Racheal remained alert, her gaze darting around in search of potential threats.

She had been impressed by how quickly Art reacted to the earlier attack, even if he had failed to land a blow. He had also changed in other ways-his health seemed slightly better, his demeanor more determined, and his actions more deliberate.

When he'd spoken of being reborn, she had been skeptical, but now she was starting to believe it.

Racheal's feelings for him were complicated. She had long accepted that she loved him. What she truly wanted was for him to abandon his impossible dream of becoming as strong as his father. She hoped he'd live a simpler life with her, spending his remaining days in peace and happiness.

But when he showed such unwavering determination, she couldn't help but admire him even more. If she couldn't bring him happiness as a partner, she would do everything she could to support him in his chosen path.

Still, it broke her heart to think about his inevitable fate.

Art, unaware of her inner turmoil, was absorbed in his own thoughts. His progress, though slight, was undeniable. His endurance had increased, and his agility was better than it had been three days ago.

To prepare for the next fight, he allocated his remaining two stat points into Agility, bringing it up to 9. This made him almost as fast as an average base mage, though his frail body still limited his full potential. Until he locked his mana core to stop his body's deterioration, his stat improvements would remain marginal.

But this wasn't just about survival for Art. It was about justice-justice for how he and the body's former owner had been treated.

"I don't understand why we haven't encountered another beast," Art said, frowning.

As if in answer to his question, another wolf emerged from the bushes, growling as it fixed its gaze on them.

Art tightened his grip on his daggers as a notification appeared before him.

[Instant quest received]

[Kill your first beast]

[Reward: ???]

[Punishment: ???]

[Host must complete this task without external help.]

'Of course there's a punishment,' he thought wryly. 'So much for having a pampering system.'

"Racheal, don't interfere. No matter what happens," he said firmly. "If I die, so be it. I can't become the strongest mage if I can't kill a simple F-rank beast."

"But-"

He didn't let her finish. He was already moving toward the beast.

Racheal clenched her fists, frustration bubbling within her. 'What's gotten into him? Is he trying to get himself killed?'

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm. 'He must have a plan,' she thought.

Little did she know, his only plan was to rely on his skills-and his sheer determination.

Despite his nerves and fear, a thrill of excitement coursed through him. This was it: the beginning of his journey from the weakest to the strongest mage in the world.