Missing Effects and Sneak Attack!

"Booms!"

Allen harnessed his fire magic, using its power to destroy the rocks obstructing his path.

Instantly, the rocks shattered, and he carefully cleared away the debris, making his way forward.

"Ugh... I've finally emerged, surviving the wreckage of the altar," Allen murmured, shaking his head as he stepped out and surveyed his surroundings—only to realize that he was no longer by the lake where he had initially plunged.

"Where am I?" Curiosity brimming, he proceeded to walk, taking in the verdant trees around him.

The continued presence of the lush forest indicated that he hadn't strayed far.

"I assumed the exit would lead back to the lake or at least be nearby, yet it seems to have transported me elsewhere," he mused, gazing again at the opening he had emerged from.

However, he quickly discarded all his thoughts and focused his gaze carefully around him.

This location seemed to be nestled deeper within the forest compared to the lake's vicinity.

Consequently, he couldn't afford to let his guard down.

"Originally, my plan was to awaken my second class and unlock all available gifts. Regrettably, due to the early hour, this seems unfeasible." Allen's attention shifted to the night sky, which was gradually brightening.

"Whoosh!" In a flash, he teleported atop a towering tree, his vigilance unwavering as he surveyed the surroundings.

"Wind Magic: Acceleration!" he declared, vanishing to swiftly navigate through the massive tree, akin to a gust of wind.

After half an hour, he briefly halted on a sturdy branch, sensing his mana reserves dwindling by half.

Oddly, a surge of vitality suddenly washed over his fatigued body, miraculously revitalizing his energy and rapidly replenishing his mana reserves.

"How cool! This is the effect of the owner of the crystal ball of life!" Allen chuckled and felt that this kind of effect was really amazing.

"If I were to engage in battle, wouldn't I become nearly invincible with the ability to wield overwhelming magic?" The mere thought brought him a sense of elation, almost as if he had stumbled upon a method of cheating.

"Speaking of which, that woman didn't provide her name when I inquired," Allen mumbled, his mind drifting back to the soul within the crystal ball of life.

However, he swiftly brushed aside those thoughts, reserving the examination of the captures he'd amassed during this precious expedition for when he was back in his room.

For now, his focus is on returning to the mansion.

With another swift disappearance, he continued his rapid traversal through the trees.

Eventually, he came to a sudden halt on a branch, fixing his gaze ahead.

"Isn't this the lake?" he pondered in perplexity, the sight indicating that he had been flung a considerable distance upon emerging from the hole.

He taps on his forehead, which triggers his recollection of the space magic barrier placed at the cave entrance.

"Oh, right! This must be the result of that space magic barrier at the cave entrance beneath the lake!" He rubbed his forehead, the memory flooding back.

This elucidated the inexplicable formation of the hall and altar within a cave, a scenario that had seemed illogical until now.

However, it all fell into place with the inclusion of space magic.

Despite his frailty and limited knowledge concerning space magic, his deduction was grounded in his research from his past life.

"Space magic truly lives up to its mythical reputation... If only I could possess a natural affinity for space when I unlock the system's gifts later," Allen sighed softly, his hope resting on that possibility.

Swiftly refocusing his attention, he propelled himself toward the edge of the lake, fueled by the determination to uncover whether any residual effects lingered in the water following his retrieval of the life crystal ball.

Crouching slightly, he dipped his index finger into the water, seeking to perceive any residual impact.

"The water retains its former chill; it appears the effect has vanished entirely," Allen pondered, fingers on his chin in contemplation.

Nevertheless, for confirmation, he deliberately nicked his finger, a small wound oozing a droplet of blood.

"Plup~" Submerging his finger, he observed the wound remain unhealed, with blood still trickling.

"It seems my deduction was correct." Allen nodded, rising from his crouching position, his gaze fixed upon the lake.

"A missed opportunity, perhaps, but ultimately a better outcome, considering this might have turned the lake into a breeding ground for potent and menacing creatures." Allen's words were murmured in passing.

Just then, a faint blue luminescence enveloped his injured finger, and the wound promptly closed, mending instantaneously.

"The potential of this life force is remarkable, yet regrettably, its effect remains passive, given my inability to wield the power of the life element." With a tinge of disappointment, he shook his head after glancing at the [Elemental Affinity] column before, which conspicuously lacked the life element.

"Alright, there's no need to rush; time is on my side." Taking a measured breath, he pivoted on his heel and commenced his return journey.

However, in the very moment he was about to conjure his magic, an overwhelming sensation of something large and swift hurtling toward him gripped his senses.

"Oh no!" He exclaimed urgently, propelling himself upward in haste.

"Boom!"

As anticipated, the spot he had occupied mere moments before bore the impact, prompting Allen to swiftly invoke his flying magic.

"Wind Magic: Float!" Gradually, he ascended into the sky, edging away to discern the origin of the assault.

After the attack, smoke and dust coalesced, shrouding the assailant in obscurity.

Eventually, a colossal, towering silhouette emerged from the haze, registering within Allen's vision.

At this sight, his eyes widened in a mix of astonishment and disbelief.

"A Grython snake?!"