"I've learned a new skill, Powered Kick Level 1," my father exclaimed, proud of my progress. I could have learned this skill much earlier, but I chose to take my time, focusing on mastering one move at a time. As a result, my Powered Punch had already reached Level 7. In contrast, my Vine Control skill had only advanced to Level 38 since it required less mana to utilize.

Although I had acquired a new skill, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment. What I truly desired was to increase my speed, not the power of my kicks. Puzzled and unsure of how to proceed, I contemplated asking Little Helper for guidance. However, I decided against it and thought it was time to give my father a chance to teach me.

Approaching my parents, I noticed my mother walking ahead, ready to assist with any questions I might have. As I passed her, I sensed a hint of betrayal in her expression. "It's happening! My son has finally transitioned from a mama's boy to a father's man!" my father exclaimed, flexing his muscles with glee.

"Dad, I've been trying to use my mana to enhance my leg speed for sprinting instead of increasing kicking power. How can I achieve that?" I asked, eager for his insights.

"Oh, that's quite simple! I assume you've been holding the mana within your legs?" My father's assumption aligned with my experience, and I nodded in agreement. "That's where the issue lies. Increasing speed is much more challenging than you might think. Instead of containing the mana within you, you need to forcefully expel it. Allow me to demonstrate. Watch my feet closely."

Taking a stance as if preparing for a demonstration, my father's feet emitted a flow of mana. He then pushed the mana away from his feet, causing him to disappear in an instant. A loud thud resonated from the far end of the cave. When I looked up, I saw my father sprawled on the ground. I couldn't contain my laughter.

"Don't laugh; it's been a while since I attempted that!" my father clarified, grinning. Despite his words, I couldn't help but chuckle even more. It was only when my father appeared in front of me, wearing a mischievous grin, that I realized what had happened. He swiftly struck my head, rendering me momentarily unconscious and causing me to slump to the ground in a daze.

"What were you thinking, hitting me like that? And what about mother? She was laughing too!" I exclaimed, utterly bewildered.

"He can't hit me because I have the ability to strike back," my mother threatened, her vines swaying with a hint of menace.

As I helped myself up, I focused on the mana within my body. Visualizing the mana pushing me forward, I propelled myself into a sprint as the energy surged out from my feet. Within seconds, I had covered a hundred meters. However, in my excitement, I neglected to control the mana and abruptly halted, causing me to stumble and roll across the ground. I rose, battered and bruised, brushing off the dirt, while my parents continued to laugh hysterically.

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"I told you it's not easy to stop! You both have plenty of experience, and you understand the challenges that come with age," I said, my frustration mingling with a sense of pettiness.

Their laughter ceased, and my parents exchanged wide grins, signaling that they had something planned. Sensing their intentions, I instinctively felt the need to flee. Utilizing my newly acquired skill, Mana Sprint, I rushed to the farthest edge of the cave.

Thinking I had escaped their grasp, I soon realized I was mistaken. My father approached me with a toothy smile and firmly grasped my cheeks, lifting me into the air. What followed was something no father should do to their child—a traumatizing intrusion. He pressed his finger into the back of my throat! In my distress, I unleashed a flurry of Powered Punches, but his power far surpassed mine. As I struggled to breathe, his intruding fingers emanated a searing heat, burning my throat. Finally, he withdrew his fingers, relieving me from the agony that felt like an eternity, though it had only lasted a few seconds.

I looked up at him, ready to unleash a torrent of curses, but he was smiling again, and I couldn't comprehend why. "Can you explain what you just did to me?" I asked, still catching my breath after his invasive act.

"Close your eyes and concentrate on the mana within you. You'll sense something powerful resonating at the back of your throat. Pour your mana into it, and all your questions will be answered," he replied, his words carrying a suspiciously philosophical tone. Despite my intense anger, I followed his instructions.

He was right; there was indeed something potent inside me. As I directed my mana toward it, an unexpected transformation occurred. The same burning sensation that he had inflicted upon me now emanated from my throat, manifesting as green flames.

"You see, son, I wasn't trying to harm you; I was attempting to bless you. We initially planned to do it differently, but after your remark about us being old, we changed our minds. I can see you're still upset, so I'll leave you alone, but I would appreciate a thank you!" he said, a sly grin playing on his face.

Reluctantly, I mustered a thank you filled with disdain. He chuckled and walked away, playfully lifting my mother into the air and showering her with kisses. I couldn't help but despise their affectionate display. Turning to Little Helper, I sought an explanation for the newly acquired skill displayed on the screen.

Forest Fire Level 1 - These flames are blessed by nature, capable of giving and taking life in a matter of seconds. They can heal your loved ones and reduce your despised enemies to ashes. The flames will obey your intentions.

"So, Little Helper, what does this mean exactly?" I inquired, my eyes fixed on the open screen.

[Apologies if the description went a bit overboard, but I couldn't contain my excitement. This is one of your most unique abilities so far. It combines the power of dragons and dryads, making it unmatched by even the gods in human dungeons. These flames possess the ability to both heal and harm. If your friend is injured, you can heal them with the flames. Conversely, you can also use the flames to burn those who have harmed them.]

[But that's not all. These flames follow your intent. Let me provide an illustration. Picture yourself on a vast battlefield, surrounded by allies and foes. You want to utilize your flames but avoid harming your allies. With Forest Fire, you can burn as much as you desire, and the flames will only affect your enemies. Your allies will remain unscathed while the rest are consumed by the fire. You can even heal your allies while destroying the opposing forces.]

"Wow, so you're saying this skill is incredibly powerful?" I inquired with amazement.

[At the moment, not particularly. It's still fire, and when you face adventurers who have battled flame-breathing lizards or slayers who have confronted full-fledged dragons, your fire won't be as effective. It might be suitable for E-rank and some D-rank hunters, at best.]

"Your insights are always appreciated," I replied gratefully.

[You're welcome.]