Tuman Forest.

MC POV

I arrived at the edge of the area I was curious to investigate.

The region was known as the Tuman Forest, a name derived from an ancient language that seemed to reference the unique mist enveloping it. Beyond this name, it was also linked to tales of the "Man-Eating Forest," where it was said that at certain times, any man approaching the area would be compelled to enter and never return.

Intrigued by the story and driven by my innate curiosity, I decided to investigate. Though seemingly reckless, I had planned cautiously, as the information I gathered indicated this was a time when it was supposedly safe to traverse the forest.

As I entered the region, the mist caught my attention. It felt alive yet somehow artificial. Through it, I could sense traces of mana, though it wasn't entirely composed of it.

I left my small mount carefully just outside the forest.

Gently stroking its head, I offered it some roasted insects I had brought from town as a treat.

"Stay here. If things get dangerous, retreat," I said.

It nodded in understanding.

Monsters are more intelligent than animals, especially high-level ones or those trained and domesticated. This giant toad was more than capable of retreating to the village on its own if needed.

Bidding it farewell, I stepped into the forest with heightened caution.

I scrutinized every detail around me while using my enhanced magical senses to detect any unusual movement—be it from the mist or the ambient energy.

While the area's legends intrigued me, Joey had informed me that some parts of the forest had been explored during times unrelated to the mysterious disappearances. Monsters encountered here included foxes, ferrets, and snakes, their elements typically associated with wood, water, earth, or mist.

One unique trait of these monsters, which worked to my advantage, was their spiritual or incorporeal nature—likely a result of the forest's unusual energies. The forest was divided into sections based on the level of monsters and dangers. For now, I intended to remain in the outer regions.

Taking a few cautious steps, I suddenly halted as my whip flew backward, clashing with the claws of a ferret-like monster.

The creature's elongated body was larger than that of a typical ferret, closer to the size of a medium dog. Its sharp claws and fangs were menacing, and its partially gray fur suggested a physical form, though other parts seemed semi-transparent, betraying its incorporeal traits.

....

Name: Tru Ferret

Level: 20

Description: A monster native to the enigmatic Tuman Forest, currently in a transitional state between physical and spiritual forms. Its balanced resistance to physical and magical attacks compensates for the lack of strong immunity to either.

....

It was five levels above me, but still manageable.

As I contemplated my approach, the ferret lunged at me, intent on shredding me into pieces.

"One moment, please," I muttered calmly, casting Water Wall.

From my wand, a jet of water surged forth, forming a barrier in front of the creature. Enraged, it tried circling around the wall but was blocked by trees, rocks, and other vegetation. After a brief hesitation, it chose to pass through the wall directly.

Though the wall appeared to be ordinary water, it was imbued with my mana, making its choice less than ideal. Yet, the ferret swam through as if moving through a river.

Its speed, though slowed, remained impressive.

"Perhaps its incorporeal nature grants it some elemental affinity... Although elemental beings are typically weak to energy-based attacks. Could it be due to its association with mist or water?" I murmured.

Without further ado, I silently set a Darkness Trap in its path.

Emerging from the water wall with misplaced pride, the ferret found itself ensnared by chains of dark energy.

"Crrr," it growled in frustration, glaring at me with palpable hostility as its claws dug into the ground, likely imagining my face as its next target.

I noticed that the creature's more incorporeal parts were particularly susceptible to the dark magic, unlike water-based attacks.

"Likely due to its spiritual alignment with mist and water, increasing its resistance to such energies. Darkness magic, however, proves effective," I murmured, deciding to end the test here.

Spinning my wand once more, I conjured a volley of arrows around the creature. My water-infused whip joined the assault, and within a few precise strikes, the ferret was defeated.

Continuing deeper into the forest, I encountered more monsters, the enemies growing stronger and starting to move in groups—a more challenging development.

Taking a moment to rest, I leaned against a tree trunk and called out, "Levi."

A glowing wisp-like entity appeared on my shoulder.

"Yes, Master!" it chirped enthusiastically.

I gently touched it, cherishing the rare opportunity to interact. Levi often stayed out of sight in town to avoid drawing attention and had been preoccupied with managing spatial adjustments and systems to aid me.

"What do you think of this area?" I asked.

Levi emitted waves of energy, analyzing the mist and surroundings before venturing slightly ahead to investigate. Meanwhile, I relaxed, savoring a sweet, juicy apple.

Minutes later, Levi returned.

"I've processed some data, Master. With my current limitations, I can't fully analyze the mist. However, it's undoubtedly unusual—a blend of natural and artificial elements."

I nodded as Levi continued.

"That said, Master, the source of this mist is far beyond your current power level. Whatever its origin, it's deep within the forest, and your abilities wouldn't even scratch the surface of its strength."

Acknowledging Levi's words, I reassured him, "I know. Don't worry. I'll stick to areas within my limits. Want to come with me?"

Levi's light shimmered with excitement. "Yes!" it replied cheerfully, floating around me with renewed energy.

With my loyal companion by my side, I resumed exploring the forest, battling more monsters and searching for something truly extraordinary.

MC POV (Continued)

"Darkness Orbs."

With my chant, spheres of dark energy appeared—this time even more than usual. Levi had helped me increase the flow of my magic, not only enhancing the power of each orb but also multiplying their numbers.

The orbs targeted the weak spots of the monsters in front of me: four small snakes, their bodies more incorporeal than physical. The darkness energy voraciously consumed them, leaving behind nothing but scattered particles.

"Phew."

I exhaled deeply, calming myself and replenishing my energy. After tidying up, I noted a few minor injuries, though nothing severe.

By the end of my trek, I had reached Level 19 and gathered several items that would fetch a good price or be useful for trading back in the village.

"Status," I called mentally, summoning the system interface.

....

Status

Name: Alan

Race: Half Aeros (Blue Macaw) / Half Aquos (Humpback Whale)

Title: Innovator, Little Scholar, Heir to the Primordial Mage, Great Enemy of Wolves

Class: Elemental Mage

Subclass: None

Level: 19

Persona Points: 0

HP: 100%

MP: 100%

Physical Stats:

Vitality: 21 Strength: 25 Agility: 30

Magical Stats:

Wisdom: 35 Intelligence: 36

....

Examining my stats, I felt a sense of satisfaction. I preferred maintaining a balanced build, though I naturally prioritized magical attributes. However, since I relied heavily on my whip in combat, investing in agility and strength was essential.

Satisfied, I closed the status window and ventured into a section of the forest that felt distinct from the areas I had encountered so far.