Preparation

The news about the upcoming Tournament next month quickly spread throughout the village.

It also immediately reached Asroth, who was currently working out. He stopped what he was doing and smiled.

"Gohar Academy... 1st tier Low level Magic Skill [Fire Ball]"

Asroth felt his body heat up from the exciting news.

If he could acquire the Magic Skill [Fire Ball], it would make hunting easier and provide him with a powerful defense if he ever found himself in danger at the hands of other Mana warriors.

According to what he knew, this Magic Skill could kill animals like boars and deer with just one hit!

Asroth continued his training until the sun set and then proceeded to absorb Mana during the night. He needed to strengthen himself quickly because the Tournament was only a month away, and he had no intention of missing it.

In several households in Feather Village, all the young people were now preparing for the Tournament.

Everyone wanted to obtain the Magic Skill, but some knew they couldn't because of the three young village chiefs of Feather Village.

In a large house in the center of the village, the village chief's house, stood three men in their twenties in front of Chief Osro.

"I expect good results from your training. Always remember, the three of you must make it to the top 3! If you can't, forget about competing in the Top 10 Village Tournament! And even more so, forget about entering Gohar Academy!"

They all nodded simultaneously in front of their father.

"I intentionally placed a Magic Skill in the Tournament for you three to compete for and to encourage others to join," Chief Osro said again.

"Rest assured, Father, I will be the champion, and the Magic Skill you wagered will not end up in the hands of commoners," said the man in the middle. He had a large build and exuded intimidating Mana.

"Heh, we'll see, Riko. I have completed studying the Tier 1 Low Level Magic Skill [Wind Cutting], so you won't beat me again," the man on the left boasted.

"Father, why do we need to hold a tournament? Why not just choose us to represent our village? The result will be the same," said the man on the right.

Chief Osro took a deep breath before speaking.

"First of all, we need to send five representatives to the Top 10 Village Tournament. Second, to show the whole village that our selection is fair. Third, to test your learned Magic Skills before the Top 10 Village Tournament."

Chief Osro's three sons were Riko, Baldir, and Rokan. Since they were young, Chief Osro had trained them to become powerful Mana warriors.

He dreamed of his sons entering Gohar Academy, which was also his dream once, but he couldn't achieve it. Hence, he placed all his trust in his children.

---

The next day...

While it was still dark, Asroth was already outside, preparing his gear to enter the forest.

He took a large basket and strapped it to his back. He placed ropes, food, and other necessary items in it.

He was about to leave when he saw Asrah.

"Asrah?"

"I want to come with you," Asrah said softly.

"You can't. It's dangerous in the forest, and I'll have difficulty protecting you since I'm only at the 1st level of gathering Mana."

"You said you would just follow the river and wouldn't go deep into the forest, right? And I can protect myself too. I've stabilized my lost Mana."

Reluctantly, Asroth nodded.

"Alright... just don't stray from me!"

"Okay."

Asroth handed Asrah a dagger, and the two of them immediately walked into the forest.