***

On the path back to the cave, Tristan muttered to himself, "It feels empty after leaving them behind, but I need to return and keep training. If my suspicions are right, this world may have heroes and a demon king, because where there's dark mana, demons are usually close behind. I have to keep getting stronger to protect the people I care about."

With a deep breath, he resolved, "Alright, while heading back, I'll hunt down any monsters nearby to keep myself occupied." Tristan spread his mana outward, sensing for monsters lurking in the vicinity.

After a few moments, he abruptly stopped. "I'm sensing a lot of mana fluctuations from over there," he muttered, glancing to his right. "I'd better check it out."

He moved toward the direction of the mana disturbances but found nothing unusual at first. "Strange... there's nothing here." Determined, Tristan extended his mana to scan the area once again.

"There it is, now there's even more of it. What's going on?" he thought. "Oh, how could I forget? This is a world of magic, after all. There's bound to be a spell for camouflage." With that, he focused mana into his eyes and directed his gaze toward the source of the fluctuations.

An information screen appeared before him:

(Field Barrier Magic: This spell conceals a designated area, making it appear like its surroundings. Additional.

Notes: No trap magic or alarm spells are embedded in this barrier.)

"Look at this... it's incredibly detailed, even identifying traps and alarm spells. Let's see what's behind here." With newfound curiosity, Tristan stepped into the concealed area and found a cave entrance.

"This place feels like some kind of hideout," he observed, taking in the scene. There were numerous empty crates scattered about, evidence that the area had been abandoned. "But this isn't where I sensed those mana fluctuations. Could they be coming from deeper inside?"

With caution, he began moving further into the cave, ready to discover what secrets it held.

Tristan ventured deeper into the cave, carefully observing its unnatural structure. "This place looks like it was constructed… was someone using it as a hideout? In stories, caves like these often hide some dark mystery. Well, let's find out."

As he moved further in, he discovered a staircase leading down. "A staircase? The mana fluctuations I sensed must be coming from below." Descending carefully, he began to hear a commotion, a strange rumbling that grew louder as he approached. It wasn't the sound of humans but something more unsettling.

"Damn, what's with this crowd?" he muttered as he peered around a corner. Below him were hundreds of goblins, orcs, and even a couple dozen ogres, all gathered around a makeshift tent. "This must be the source of the mana fluctuations I sensed… But why would monsters be gathering like this? Are they planning for war? But against who?"

Tristan shook his head in disbelief. "Whatever their objective, Allrose Village is in danger. I have to eliminate them, but I'll need a plan." He considered his options, wanting to assess if there was another exit. Just as he prepared to release his mana for a detection spell, he froze.

"Wait, I can't risk releasing mana carelessly. If there's someone powerful inside that tent, they might sense me." Tristan clenched his fist, racking his brain for an alternative way to survey the area. "But how…?"

Then, he had an idea. "Sound! If I can generate sound waves like a bat, I might be able to detect any hidden exits without giving myself away." He focused, gathering mana into his hands.

"Alright, focus on refining the mana," he whispered, watching as the energy in his palms transformed from a visible blue glow to a nearly invisible aura. "A little finer… That should do it. Now I need to imagine sound waves emanating from my mana."

In his mind, he repeated, "waves, waves, waves…" Gradually, the invisible waves began to pulse outward, spreading through the cave's structure.

"It's working," he muttered, sensing the vibrations in the cave's walls. The waves returned, bouncing back from the surfaces, giving him a white, reflective map of his surroundings. "Perfect, I can see the whole layout now."

With this makeshift echolocation, he scouted the cave thoroughly. "There's no other way out, they're trapped here. But…" His focus sharpened as he detected something unusual inside the tent: a figure tied up, limbs bound, unmoving. "It looks like someone's being held captive."

Tristan's plan shifted. "Damn, I was hoping to flood this cave with water magic and block the staircase, sealing these monsters in. But if someone's been kidnapped… that's not an option."

"What should I do now?" Tristan thought, re-evaluating his options. "I might be able to take out this many goblins and orcs, but ogres… and then there's something unknown in that tent. Alright, let's think of another plan. I've read plenty of comics; there must be something I can use here."

Lost in thought, he suddenly heard a voice from right behind him. "What are you doing here?" Before Tristan could react, he felt a hand tighten around his throat. "Hah, just a kid, huh? Are you lost?" the man sneered.

In that split second, Tristan realized something. "This guy's choking me, but I barely feel it. Is he weak… or just holding back? I'd better act like an ordinary kid who's scared out of his wits."

Tristan gasped, pretending to struggle for air. The man loosened his grip slightly, chuckling, "Oh? Am I squeezing too hard?"

With that, the man tied Tristan's hands and feet, hoisting him up as if he were nothing more than luggage. "Alright, for now, I'll let you live until you meet the boss."

"Good, at least I can get closer to that person who's been kidnapped," Tristan thought. "But I let my guard down. I should have been sensing the area behind me with my mana."

Accepting this as part of his 'plan,' Tristan slowly channeled his mana to his eyes, focusing on this man. "If this skill worked as I imagined, I should be able to see this man's status window."

"It appeared", Tristan noted with satisfaction. "The man's name is Deo, Level 60, Job: Lowest-Class Demon. Wait, 'demon' is a job? Whatever, let's check out his skills."

Tristan continued his scan. "Body Reinforcement Level 10, Aura User Level 10—could this aura be like the martial arts power from comics?—and Swordplay Level 15. Interesting. Why do adults in this world seem to have such low-level skills?"

He looked over Deo's attributes; "Strength C, Endurance C, Agility B, and… Luck E? A smile crept over Tristan's face. This should be easier than I thought. Looks like everything's going according to plan… haha."

"Hey, kid! What are you laughing at?" Deo snapped, unsettled by Tristan's expression. "Did you go crazy from fear after seeing all these monsters? Haha!"

Tristan quickly feigned a terrified look. "The real problem now is this guy's boss," he thought. "If he's the leader, he's likely much stronger than Deo. Alright then, we'll see what awaits inside."

They arrived at the tent. "Boss, look what I found, a pesky little intruder," said Deo, tossing Tristan onto the ground.

"Hmm? And why did you bring it here?" asked Deo's superior, his tone disinterested.

"I thought you might want something to play with, boss," Deo replied.

"Hmm, not a bad idea. But it wouldn't be very polite to entertain ourselves in front of our guest, would it?" Tristan noticed a young girl tied up nearby, glaring at the two men with tear-streaked cheeks and a look of pure hatred.

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"You're right, boss."

"Very well, just leave the pest beside our guest. At least she'll have some company."

"Understood." As Deo walked over to the girl, he smirked at Tristan, saying, "Lucky you, kid. Usually, the boss loves to snack on little ones like you." He dumped Tristan unceremoniously beside the girl.

The boss approached, crouching down to face the girl. "Now, let's take that gag off, shall we? But promise me, no more screaming, understood?" he sneered.

The girl simply nodded, her lips pressed together in defiance. With a snap of his fingers, the boss released her gag.

"Alright, you two can chat for a while. I'll be back shortly." With that, both men left the tent.

Tristan took the opportunity to use his skill to analyze the boss. "Hmm, his name is Demian, Level 60, job: Low-Class Demon, one rank above Deo. Skills… Mana Control Level 15, and… Unflawless Demonification? No level… Could it be a passive skill? Only two skills… but I shouldn't underestimate him. His magic skills must be powerful."

While Tristan was deep in thought, he barely noticed the girl calling out to him until she shouted, "HEY!"

"Oh, uh, hey there?" he replied, startled.

"Hey? Hey?? What kind of response is that? I've been calling you for ages!"

"Oh, really? Sorry, I was busy planning our escape. Why were you calling me?" Tristan asked.

"I just… I wanted to talk."

"Ah, I see. Give me a moment—I'm almost finished coming up with a plan. Once I'm done, I'll chat with you," Tristan said, going right back to reading Demian's status screen.

The girl, bewildered, frowned. "If you don't want to talk, then just say so. Hmph!" She huffed and looked away.

Tristan ignored her reaction, focusing back on his analysis. "Alright, let's check his attributes… Strength: B, Endurance: D, Agility: C, Luck: B. Makes sense he's the boss here. Judging from his attributes and skills, I could probably take both of them down. I just need to be cautious of what kind of magic he might use. The way he sealed and unsealed her mouth so effortlessly… likely he has a lot of debuff spells. Okay, I've got enough information to make a move. Let's go chat with this girl."

"Hello, what's your name?" asked Tristan.

"Are you done planning your escape?" the girl replied with a skeptical look.

"Yeah, the general plan is in place. Now it's just a matter of handling any unexpected surprises," Tristan answered.

"Forget your plan. Those two are demons. Kids like you don't stand a chance against them," she said, her tone harsh.

"Well, we'll see about that. Anyway, why did they kidnap you?" he asked.

"That wretched Demian is a demon who disguised himself as one of my knights, and now I've ended up here."

"Oh, that's rough. Did he tell you anything, or did you hear anything about why he took you?" Tristan pressed.

"Hmm, I didn't hear much. I was too angry to listen," she said with a dismissive tone.

"Hopeless," Tristan thought to himself. "So, what's your name?"

She straightened up and replied proudly, "I am Sheyla Roussanne."

"And yours?" she asked.

"Tristan, nice to meet you," he said.

"Alright, so how are we…" Sheyla began, but Tristan quickly hushed her. "Shh!" He heard footsteps approaching.

"Damn it, we have to wait for months down here?" Demian growled in frustration.

"Patience, sir," Deo replied.

"Who do they think I am? I'm Demian, a demon. And they dare make me wait for months?" Demian's voice dripped with anger.

"Calm down, sir. The boss said we need to follow their lead," Deo said.

Demian was silent for a moment, then muttered bitterly, "Damn that Lavindra family."

Tristan's eyes narrowed in thought. "Lavindra? Could this be part of their scheme?"

"At least you brought me this insect," Demian sneered, glancing at Tristan. "It'll help me blow off some steam."

"Oh, so you're planning to eat me now?" Tristan said with a mocking smile.

"Oh? This little insect can talk?" Demian approached, crouching in front of Tristan. "Insects should know their place…"

Before he could finish, Tristan seized Demian by the neck, squeezing with all his strength as he rose to his feet. Deo and Sheyla were stunned by Tristan's sudden move.

"You're right," Tristan said coldly. "An insect should know its place." And with a swift motion, he snapped Demian's neck. "One down. Now, it's your turn, Deo."

"How… how do you know my name?" Deo stammered in shock.

"Are you going to waste time talking, or avenge your boss here?" Tristan taunted.

Enraged, Deo activated his Body Reinforcement skill, unsheathed his sword, and charged at Tristan. "Die, kid!"

But Tristan easily parried his attacks and swiftly severed Deo's left arm.

"Ughh, how… why are you so strong? Are you using some kind of disguise magic?" Deo gasped, clutching his wound.

"What's wrong? Can't stand the thought of being beaten by a kid? Come on, show me this 'aura' power of yours," Tristan taunted further.

"Fine! If that's what you want!" Deo roared, unleashing his aura, which poured out around him like a visible force.

"Hmm, just like in those comics where the main character unleashes their power and their hair turns yellow," Tristan thought with a smirk.

"How long are you going to keep me waiting?" he said, provoking Deo again.

"Little brat!" Deo infused his sword with his aura and lunged at Tristan, who dodged with ease and kicked him back to create distance.

"Oh, so that's aura? Like this?" Tristan channeled his mana, enveloping his sword in a shimmering glow.

"Alright, let's start round three."

Tristan charged at Deo, unleashing a flurry of attacks that left Deo struggling to keep up. Within moments, he severed Deo's right arm.

"Is that really all a Lowest-class Demon can manage?" Tristan scoffed.

"Shut up, kid. You won't escape from this alive," Deo snarled.

"Yeah, yeah. Farewell." And with a final strike, Tristan beheaded Deo, ending the battle.

Stunned by what she had just witnessed, Sheyla stood frozen in disbelief.

"Hey, Sheyla." Tristan waved his hand in front of her. "Sheyla." He snapped his fingers a few times.

"Ahhh!" Sheyla suddenly screamed.

"Hey, it's me, Tristan. Why are you screaming?" he asked, a little confused.

"You… how did you defeat those demons?" she stammered.

"Hm, they were weaker than I expected. I thought they'd at least put up a bit of a fight," Tristan replied casually.

"A bit of a fight, you say? They're demons, you know! They're strong! It would usually take at least 20 soldiers to bring down even one of them."

"Is that so? Well, whatever. Let's head back up." Tristan untied Sheyla and helped her to her feet.

"How are we supposed to get past that crowd of monsters?" Sheyla asked, worry evident in her voice.

"Hmm, one moment. I'll create a camouflage spell," he replied.

"Create...?" Sheyla muttered, surprised.

"Alright, since I saw a barrier spell earlier, it gave me an idea for an invisibility spell. Okay, focus now," he said, steadying himself. "Please try not to move."

Tristan began channeling his mana, enveloping Sheyla's body in an invisible layer, like a cloak that made her disappear from view.

"It worked. Turns out it's easier than I thought," he said with a grin.

"W-what worked?"

"My spell. You're invisible now," Tristan explained.

"Wait, this is an invisibility spell? How can you cast something so advanced?" she exclaimed in awe.

"What's so advanced about it?" he shrugged, wrapping himself in mana to make himself vanish as well. "It's just a simple spell. Alright."

Tristan reached out to touch Sheyla's hand. "What are you doing?" she asked.

"I'll guide you, since you won't be able to see me," he explained.

"Alright," Sheyla replied, with a blush on her face letting herself be led.

"How can a child do all of this? He's incredible," Sheyla thought to herself as they began making their way through the crowd of monsters. Moving silently, they successfully slipped past the horde and reached the surface.