Being stalked

But Augustus was ready for it. He immediately used his innate spell, the true trump card of every Mage, which could be cast instantly without any training.

This spell is awakened by every Mage when they break through and become a true Mage. It's like a beast's natural talent or an Awakener's unique power, entirely belonging to the Mage. Each innate spell is different, depending on the type of Mage and the individual's nature.

His innate spell, called "Flame Eruption," not only granted him a powerful fire attack but also increased his physical strength, speed, and defence as his entire body became enveloped in flames.

After activating his innate spell, the temperature of his flames, as well as his strength, speed, and defence, increased threefold.

Augustus immediately threw a massive flame at such a high temperature that the land beneath was scorched black, with small pockets of magma forming.

The Flame Salamander got caught in it, was roasted alive, was unable to withstand the flames, and died in a matter of seconds.

The burnt smell of meat filled the air, but Augustus didn't waste time. He quickly took out a small dagger he had brought with him and began to cut down the three Flame Salamanders, extracting their skins, cores, and anything else that could be sold.

Afterwards, he immediately left the area, knowing the smell would attract other Flame Salamanders nearby. He made his way directly back to the city, having discovered the location of their nest.

The journey to the nest and from Iron Fire Base only took a few hours, so he planned to hunt early in the day and return before nightfall, avoiding the extra dangers that lurked after dark.

He planned to hunt for a few days to earn as much money as possible, but he knew he had to be cautious. Regular hunting of Flame Salamanders could alert the entire nest, making each day more challenging.

He didn't want to risk being surrounded by dozens of Flame Salamanders and eaten alive.

After returning, Augustus found a cheap place to stay, mindful of his limited funds. He rested briefly before beginning to meditate, aiming to maximize his strength—knowing that a single day of progress for him equalled a month's worth for others.

Meanwhile, a few men gathered at a street corner near his motel, smoking and whispering among themselves.

"So, the guy's staying here. You think we'll get anything worthwhile from someone staying in this dump?"

"I'm not sure, but he's alone and seems like an easy target. I've seen him go out alone and return with a backpack full of whatever he's hunted or brought back. There's got to be something valuable there."

"It's worth a shot. He's just a young kid."

The three men discussed it among themselves and came to a decision, a fierce determination glowing on their faces in the dark shadows of the night.

Time passed quickly, and the next morning arrived. Augustus opened his eyes, ending his all-night meditation. Despite not sleeping, he felt so healthy, relaxed, and full of energy that he could f**k many chicks without breaking a sweat.

His strength had increased, reaching the peak of the first-order middle stage, and he anticipated reaching the high stage by tomorrow.

After washing up and taking a bath, Augustus headed out for breakfast before leaving the base again. However, the moment he stepped outside the motel, he felt a prickling sensation on the back of his neck—someone was watching him.

As a Mage, his spirit was many times stronger than that of ordinary people or other transcendents, granting him an exceptionally sharp sixth sense and a 360-degree awareness within a ten-meter radius.

Although he sensed no immediate presence within this range, he was certain that someone was observing him from a distance.

Augustus paused, subtly scanning his surroundings while maintaining a casual demeanour. The bustling street appeared normal, filled with townsfolk going about their daily routines. Yet the feeling persisted—a faint but unmistakable prick of awareness.

He continued to a small, nondescript tavern for breakfast. The aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling meat greeted him as he entered. He chose a table near the window, providing a clear view of the street while allowing him to keep an eye on anyone approaching.

As he ate, Augustus remained vigilant, subtly extending his awareness further. He caught a flicker of movement across the street—a shadow quickly retreating out of sight. His heart quickened, but he forced himself to remain calm. Whoever was watching him was skilled, but not invisible.

Finishing his meal, he left a few coins on the table and made his way outside. He needed to lure his observer into the open, but he couldn't afford to be reckless.

He wandered through the market, stopping occasionally to inspect wares, all the while guiding his mysterious stalker towards a less crowded part of town.

But the stalker didn't make his move; he simply followed Augustus, waiting and observing his location. Augustus quickly realized that the stalker must be waiting for him to leave the base city, understanding that attacking within the city limits was too risky.

The city was filled with cameras and soldiers, and even in secluded corners, the chance of being caught was high if they couldn't kill him in a matter of seconds.

Augustus also realized the stalker was likely not alone. Typically, groups of thieves, murderers, or robbers banded together to do their dirty work, as robbing a hunter alone was far too risky.

Augustus decided to play along, acting as if he hadn't noticed the tail. He continued his routine, purchasing supplies for his next hunt and making small talk with merchants. All the while, he planned his next move, ensuring he would be ready when the time came.

As the sun began to rise higher in the sky, Augustus made his way to the city's main gate, blending in with the crowd of travellers, mercenaries, and traders heading out for the day.