The senses of beasts are naturally keener than those of humans, especially in the case of low-level enchanted creatures mutated by energy pollution. Realizing she had been detected, Freya stepped out from behind the tree where she had been concealed.

Her gray robe, now unfastened and draped like a cloak, revealed a brown leather armor underneath, emitting a faint, icy aura from the runes inscribed on it, insulating her from the surrounding temperature.

The mutated Berserk Mountain Bear paused upon seeing the girl, instinctively sensing a formidable and dangerous presence akin to a natural enemy. Despite its low intelligence, it was reluctant to abandon its fresh prey, emitting a series of low growls as a warning.

Observing the bear's reaction, Freya's constant blue wind currents were suddenly overshadowed by violent gusts. She transformed into a gray-brown blur, charging towards the bear.

A red streak flashed in her hand. The massive bear couldn't react in time, its back slashed with a long wound, emitting a faint burnt odor.

"Roar!!!"

The excruciating pain elicited a blood-curdling howl from the bear, startling a flock of birds into flight.

Freya, having deliberately avoided vital areas, swiftly retreated to evade the bear's frantic counterattack.

"Impressive fire element resistance for an enchanted creature," she mused, eyes narrowed at the wound on the bear's back. Although the wound wasn't deep, and the magical energy attack hadn't shown significant results, she was satisfied.

'The Scorching Touch spell, a contact-based spell, forms a whip-like tendril of fire energy to strike the enemy. Though potent, its complexity and inherent risk deter most apprentices. Yet, for me, it perfectly complements my combat style. By applying basic enchantment knowledge, I adapted the spell to briefly imbue my weapons, enhancing both magical and physical damage.'

Analyzing the effects of her chosen spell, Freya drew another dagger, similarly imbuing it with Scorching Touch. Holding two fiery daggers, even the bear's primitive mind recognized the human before it was an insurmountable threat, prompting it to retreat with a roar.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

"Now, for the second phase of spell testing."

Moments later, the bear's hoarse roars echoed through the forest again.

"What was that sound?"

The group walking through the forest froze, their hearts tightening at the distant, anguished cries.

Though within Elgreen's territory, the area was not entirely safe for those who hadn't yet become official wizards. Certain low-level enchanted creatures posed significant threats.

"Could Freya have encountered something?"

Rand frowned, watching the disturbed birds with concern. While he didn't fancy Freya, he admired her and felt responsible for her safety, especially since he had initiated this mission.

"It sounds like a bear's roar," Nick observed.

"A bear?" Rand glanced at Nick, his eyes flickering. "If it's just an ordinary animal, that's one thing, but an enchanted creature... even the lowest tier bears are highly dangerous. Freya is only a second-tier apprentice..."

"Don't worry, that sound indicates the bear is in distress. Didn't your studies mention this?" Laney remarked calmly, casting a brief glance at his brother.

Rand sighed, rubbing his forehead, "Regardless, we should hurry. If she's in danger, we must assist."

Meanwhile, two minutes later, Freya stood over the corpse of the Berserk Mountain Bear, carefully skinning its back. Her experience in the necromancy lab had honed her dissection skills, retaining the methods taught by her mentor, Leander.

"The fire-element-infused bear pelt boasts excellent magical and physical resistance, perfect for crafting protective enchanted items. This trip was worthwhile."

Wrapping the pelt in oiled paper and stowing it in her pack, she glanced at the bear's mutilated body, regretting its wasted potential. Unable to carry the massive carcass, she kicked it into the underbrush, where it would soon be scavenged.

Kicking the hunter's body aside, Freya anticipated the forest's other creatures would soon clean up. Wiping the blood from her boots, she resumed her journey along the path.

The experiment not only gauged the power and efficacy of Scorching Touch but also affirmed her current strength. Freya now stood at the pinnacle of second-tier apprentices, capable of challenging even third-tier apprentices.

Though third-tier apprentices possessed a broader array of spells, their casting still required time. Without protective measures, she could eliminate any third-tier apprentice within ten seconds given a moment to gather her strength.

Her near-Grand Knight aura combined with the lightness of the wind allowed her to move with astonishing speed, creating afterimages. She believed that only official wizards could track her movements unless they employed targeted or area-effect spells. Her rapier technique, enhanced by Scorching Touch, had a significant chance of penetrating the energy fields and magical resistances of her opponents.