As the morning sun painted the sky with hues of pink and orange, Isaac awoke with a newfound determination. The soft rays filtered through his window, casting a warm glow on the room. Aurora Flare, already awake, greeted him with a flick of its tails.
Isaac rose from his bed, the echoes of his decision to train both body and mind lingering in the air. He dressed in attire suitable for physical exertion and headed to a small training area he had set up in his dwelling.
In the hall, Isaac was greeted by the soothing aroma of tea wafting through the air. Ken, attentive as always, was in the midst of preparing the morning refreshment. The rhythmic clinks of porcelain and the gentle hiss of boiling water provided a comforting soundtrack.
"Good morning, young master," Ken greeted, offering a cup of steaming tea. The fragrance of herbs and warmth enveloped Isaac as he took the cup, acknowledging the thoughtful gesture.
"Good morning," Isaac replied with his usual serious tone, the determination from earlier still etched on his face. Ken, though accustomed to Isaac's serious demeanor, sensed an added intensity in his master's presence.
Ken handed Isaac the tea, acknowledging the unspoken gravity in the air. "Your tea, young master," he said respectfully.
Thank you," Isaac acknowledged, taking a sip of the tea. He then addressed Ken with a serious expression. "I'll be away for five days. Please take care of things in my absence," he instructed, while Aurora Flare observed the exchange from the couch.
Ken nodded, understanding the responsibility entrusted to him during Isaac's absence. "Of course, young master. I'll ensure everything is in order," Ken affirmed.
Arriving at the entrance of the Ever Forest, Isaac found himself amidst a gathering of individuals, each equipped for their own expeditions into the mystical depths. The area buzzed with excitement and chatter as hunters discussed their recent ventures and shared tales of encounters with the forest's mystical inhabitants.
Isaac, determined and focused, joined the eclectic group. The air was thick with the scent of adventure and anticipation as fellow hunters prepared their gear, exchanged tips, and spoke of the elusive creatures rumored to inhabit the heart of the Ever Forest.
Isaac's attention was drawn to a bustling crowd near a grand fountain. Amidst the gathering, he spotted a well-built boy with a handsome face and blonde hair, reminiscent of Alex's age. The boy gripped a gleaming spear, and on his back, a radiant wolf with majestic white fur stood proudly.
Curiosity piqued, Isaac approached the scene. The boy seemed to exude an aura of confidence, and the wolf by his side added to the mystique of their presence.
As Isaac approached the bustling crowd near the fountain, he found himself not far from the boy and the girl. When his attempt to engage the boy directly failed due to the noise, Isaac turned to a nearby bystander for information.
"Excuse me," Isaac called out to a simple-looking boy nearby, hoping to learn more about the intriguing pair. "Who are those people?"
The simple boy shot him a surprised look. "What, you don't know?" he exclaimed incredulously. "That's Adrain, and the girl is Perilina. They're the famous twins!"
Isaac's interest was piqued. The revelation about Adrain and Perilina's reputation as twins of renown sparked his curiosity even further.
Isaac's gaze shifted to the girl, Perilina, as she stood amidst the crowd, her blonde hair catching the sunlight. In her hand, she held a rapier with an air of grace and confidence, adding to her captivating presence. She was undeniably beautiful, her features drawing admiring glances from those around her.
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As Isaac observed, he couldn't help but notice the attention Perilina garnered. People clamored for her autograph, while others, perhaps less tactful, voiced exaggerated sentiments of admiration, eliciting a mixture of amusement and annoyance from the crowd.
Despite the spectacle, Perilina remained composed, her demeanor betraying a hint of bemusement at the fervent adoration surrounding her.
Isaac, unfazed by the spectacle surrounding Perilina and Adrain, decided to prioritize his own objectives. With a nonchalant shrug, he made his way directly to the receptionist. The clamor of admiration and autograph-seekers faded into the background as he focused on the task at hand.
The receptionist acknowledged Isaac's return and handed him a map of the Ever Forest, marking key locations and potential areas for training. Isaac, resolute and determined, left the
Isaac, armed with the map and his determination, headed straight for the portal generating a distinct swooshing sound. The vivid green hue of the portal hinted at the mystical energies that awaited beyond.
As he approached, Isaac felt a tingling sensation, a subtle acknowledgment of the magical transition about to take place. Without hesitation, he stepped through the green portal, leaving the bustling city behind and entering the mysterious realm of the Ever Forest.
The transition through the portal was disorienting for Isaac, feeling as if his entire body was being torn apart. After what seemed like an eternity, he emerged on the other side, greeted by the serene beauty of the Ever Forest. The landscape was dominated by a vast expanse of bamboo, their towering stalks creating an enchanting and peaceful atmosphere.
Taking a moment to steady himself, Isaac opened the map to orient himself within the bamboo-filled terrain. The marked locations on the map hinted at potential training grounds, mystical sites, and areas rich with magical energies.
As Isaac studied the map, a chuckle escaped his lips. "Ah, the bamboo forest with its three-star monsters, yet surprisingly peaceful," he remarked to himself. The map provided valuable information about the Ever Forest, indicating not only potential challenges but also the serene nature of the bamboo-filled expanse.
With a sense of readiness and anticipation, Isaac set forth into the bamboo forest. The tranquility of the surroundings belied the potential encounters that awaited him, be they magical creatures, hidden challenges, or opportunities for growth.
As Isaac ventured deeper into the bamboo forest, his path intersected with a formidable creature resembling a bear, yet distinguished by two imposing horns. The creature's fur, a deep shade of black, accentuated its formidable presence, and its large claws hinted at the potential for a challenging encounter.
Issac, prepared and determined, unsheathed his katana, readying himself for the impending confrontation. With measured steps, he advanced toward the monstrous creature, keenly aware of the potential danger that lay ahead.
As the monstrous bear sensed danger, it surged forward with powerful swipes of its claws. Issac, relying on his agility, expertly dodged the initial onslaught. In a bold move, he targeted the creature's eyes with a swift strike, believing it to be a potential weak point. However, the bear, now enraged, emitted a growl of anger.
Realizing the error in his strategy, Issac swiftly retreated, creating distance between himself and the ferocious beast. The bear, fueled by fury, continued its relentless pursuit, determined to retaliate against its assailant.
Harnessing the aid of Aurora Flare, the fox spirit, Isaac devised a clever strategy. Aurora Flare, emitting a radiant light, approached the bear. The creature, momentarily stunned by the fox's luminous presence, provided Isaac with the opportune moment he needed.
Seizing the chance, Isaac launched a swift attack on the bear. With a deft and precise vertical swing, his katana connected with the creature, creating a resounding clank. A spray of sparks and fur erupted as the blade cut through the air and struck its target.
The bear, now faced with both the agile fox spirit and the skilled swordsman, grappled with the sudden onslaught.
In a swift and coordinated effort, Isaac targeted the bear's throat with a decisive strike, aiming for a critical area. Simultaneously, Aurora Flare, with its seven majestic tails, unleashed a mesmerizing display. The fox spirit used its mystical powers to petrify the monster, rendering it temporarily immobilized.
With the creature incapacitated by Aurora Flare's enchantment, Isaac delivered the finishing blow. A precise slash from his katana cut through the bear's defenses, sealing its defeat. The once-formidable opponent now lay defeated, and a momentary calm settled over the bamboo forest.
Exhausted and breathless, Isaac collapsed onto the ground. Frustration welled up within him as he muttered, "How weak is this body?" He couldn't help but direct a curse toward Alex, likely the origin of his current predicament. Meanwhile, Aurora Flare, sensing Isaac's fatigue, affectionately licked him, providing a momentary comfort.