Ray's eyes fluttered open. He felt the full force of gravity that was raining down on him. Every part of his body ached and it refused to move. Ray knew he had to though. It was time to get up.

"18 years huh?..."

Ray thought to himself a little surprised he made it to his 18th birthday.

The room he was in was dark,he could barely see a thing. He could hear the crawling sounds of Mana Insects invading his ears. Ray knew they were probably scaling rocky walls of the cave like they always do. Ray forced himself to stand on his feet.

He could feel the lingering pain in his legs but he decided to walk it out. He moved unhindered within the darkness because he already knew the place like the back of his hand.

He took a turn and as he did,he saw the light penetrating the cave from a distance. He knew immediately he was at the exit.

His eyes squinted, trying to adjust to the light. His chest felt a burning sensation as a wave of excitement washed over his body. He had to get to the outside.

He smiled before he dashed forward. His footsteps echoed the inner walls of the cave as he moved.

The sensation in his chest persisted before a glowing orb of light became visible at its center of his chest. It glowed brighter eventually devouring his body in a comforting cloak of light. His legs felt sturdier and stronger infact his entire body felt different like god had given him an almighty power. A blue aura leaked from every part of his body

[The skill mana reinforcement [lvl1] has been activated]

A robotic voice echoed in Ray's head and words written in rectangular boxes appeared before him.

He knew this occurrence wasn't unique to him everyone had it.

[Mana Reinforcement-Feet]

His feet burned with passion and ambition enhanced by a blew aura that concentrated around his feet. He launched himself out of the cave and almost immediately the light welcomed him consuming his entire body.

The wind blew as he stood 10m above ground. He saw everything from a bird's eye view. His cloak danced gently on his ankles welcoming the gentle breeze he experienced. He didn't waste second,he raced down the hill.

[Unique skill- Mana dash[lvl1] has been activated]

Hid movement heightened and he became a blur leaving only foot imprints as he descended the walls. Within seconds he had already reached the surface.

[The Unique skill mana dash [lvl1] has been deativated]

He stood infront of a big forest and he watched the branches and leaves sway left and right. He the sun continuing to pour on him. His cloak was black and it covered his entire figure down to his ankles. The heat it produced was unimaginable especially in the blazing sun.

Sweat drops brought moisture to his otherwise pale and dry face. His blue eyes were complemented by his spiky silver hair. His black boots resonated with the ground as he took confident strides into the belly of the forest inviting the trees to devour him whole.

The forest had a refreshing scent. Sounds of Mana Beast that called this forest home could be heard in every direction. Some lurked in the shadows their eyes intrigued by the presence of Ray.

A giant shadow casted itself on top of Ray before he heard a horrendous cry. He raised up his head and almost instinctively covered his ears with his palms.

[The Unique Skill Sonic Scream[Lvl1] has been activated]

[Your auditory senses have been affected]

Ray's head,started ringing in like a church bell. All these notifications didn't help his course. His ears were essentially disabled. Lucky for him he registered the source of the sound before they gave in.

The cry came from above as a giant red bird descended on him. It had two heads and necks as long as an ostrich. It's beak was red and sharper than a drill. It's red feathers and wings made it seem like a majestic creature was descending from the heavens.

It crashed against Ray after a suicidal dive. The ground shook and every creature In the forest could feel the shear force behind the collision. The surface cracked as a small dust cloud began to build.

[The Unique skill Mana cloak [lvl1] has been activated]

Ray's body felt sturdier as a cloak of mana leaked out of his body in the form of a blue light. Even with the weight of the bird weighing In on him, he felt like his body could withstand anything.

[Mana Reinforcement- hands]

[The unique skill Grasp [lvl 1] has been activated]

His palms and fingers felt stronger as they were covered by his mana. He grasped the bird's beaks forcing them shut.

[The Unique skill strong right[lvl1] has been activated]

His right fist tightened as it felt the power of his mana. With a single punch to the bird's chest. He sent the bird staggering backwards.

It tried to use it's wings amd talons to try and maintain its balance. It lifted it's head trying to keep its eyes on Ray but it found nothing in sight.

[Mana reinforcement-Feet]

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

[The Unique Skill Heel Strike[lvl1] has been activated.

Before it could move for another second. A thundering heel smashed against its left head sending shockwaves across its entire body.

It slammed against the ground causing yet anothe set of cracks. Ray stood tall infront of the bird which had its left head buried in the ground.

"That's it? Don't tell me that's all you got big guy"

Ray sounded almost disappointed.

The bird removed its stuck head from the ground before flapping its wings to move backwards creating space between the two.

It seemed somewhat imbalanced but Ray just watched. It then shook its left head which was covered In sand before it rocketed forward. It spun both its necks like rotating drills as its sharp beaks targeted Ray's heart.

[The Unique skill Rotating Beak [lvl1] has been activated]

The beaks moved in an unpredictable snake like manner with the bird's wings increasing its speed as it thrusted itself.

[Mana reinforcement-Feet]

Ray side stepped left then right while moving backwards causing the beaks to miss him one after the other. Since there was a 1 second lag between each beak attack the bird launched.

[Mana beast Reinforcement [lvl1] is active]

[A combined skill has been activated]

[A new skill has been unlocked]

[Enhanced beak attack [lvl1] Is active]

The bird was covered in an orange aura and it's attacks were significantly quicker. It became hard for Ray to keep up, so much so that the bird's assault nearly ripped off the right of his face.

He had to use his right arm to shield himself against the attack causing a the beak to pierce his arm and leave a significant hole

"Argh i got careless.." he thought, clearly not happy with himself.

Ray's body was sent skidding backwards as his arm throbbed in discomfort.

[Your health Points have reduced significantly]

[Mana Reinforcement-Hand]

[The Unique Skill Grasp[lvl1] has been activated]

He grabbed the earth with his right hand digging his fingers into the ground. This halted his momentum as blood trickled down his arm.

[Your blood loss will decrease the effectiveness of your physical attacks]

[Your strength has been decreased]

Ray's heart burned to life as his grin widened in response. He saw the approaching bird and he launched himself In a fierce dash to meet it. He left dust to settle ehind him as he did.

[Mana reinforcement - Feet]

[The unique skill Mana Dash[lvl1] has been activates]

[Your speed has doubled momentarily]

[Your experience with mana dash is growing]

His movements became a blur as he slipped past the bird's twin beaks with ease.

[Mana reinforcement - Hands]

[The unique skillGrasp [lvl 1] has been activated]

[Your experience with grasp [lvl1] is growing]

His arms grabbed both the bird's extended neck and in a flex of strength. He rotatated his body in a 360 spin before lunching the bird and sending it crashing against the trees infront of him.

The forest cleared as trees went tumbling and the Beasts that were in hiding were forced to scatter in fear as a small dust cloud built up.

The bird tried to regain it's footing but before it could a blue light came shining from above.

[Mana Reinforcement - Hands]

[The unique skill strong fist [lvl1] has been activated]

A catastrophic punch landed against the bird's right head burying it's body in a forcefull plummet underground. Ray watched the bird scramble as it fell to its doom.

[Your experience with strong fist[lvl 1] is growing]

[Your Experience with Mana Reinforcement is growing]

Ray sighed as he breathed heavily.

"Now that's what I call a brawl" he smiled with himself, pleased by the battle.

Ray tore a piece of cloth from his cloak and wrapped it around his right arm to try and stop the bleeding. He made sure it was tight and secure.

He gritted his teeth before he dashed forward jumping over the hole he created in a swift jump.

[Mana reinforcement- feet]

[The unique skill mana dash [lvl1] has been activated]

[Your experience with mana dash is improving]

He found himself on route to a small town just up ahead and he couldn't help but smile.

"IIt's been a while i wonder if that old hag is still alive" he said with a big smile on his his face.

He entered the town and as expected it was busy. Magicians were walking up and down chatting about whatever came to mind. Children raced down the town while adults looked around the small stores. The potion store and swordsmith store were popular attractions.

Ray had his own destination. He weaved his way past the crowded town and made his way towards a particular building. It was a building located at the center of the entire town. It was by far the largest and like all the other buildings in the town it was crafted with wood.

A big sign was attached just above its door. It read "Magician's Heaven" Ray took a deep breath before walking towards the door.

He grabbed the handle and turned it to force the door open. It creaked in response before fully unveiling what it had hidden.

The building was packed. Magicians wearing different uniforms were drinking and dancing. Many magicians stood on top of the tables and sang their hearts out.

Ray moved past the tables and chairs and landed at the big counter situated on the southern end of the building. A woman cleaned glasses with a cloth while humming to a tune.

She had orange hair and wore a white dress and apron. The scar across her left eye was the only blemish to her face. Her name was Allice and she ran this entire establishment.

She smirked noticing Ray take a sit on the chair infront of the counter.

"It's been a while kid"

She said, smiling while humming to herself.

"Yea it's beena minute you old hag." he smiled, before looking around the establishment

"I guess this place hasn't changed one bit magicians are still just drinking without a care in the world.

Allice placed the glass she was holding on a shelf littered with glasses behind her.

"Yes this place is still the number 1 spot to let the people relax and enjoy themselves. Being a magician is tough and exhausting you know."

She turned to meet Ray once more "is it something you still plan on doing,becoming a magician?"

"Of course I'll do it,I made a promise to myself since that day 10 years ago. I'll definitely do it. I won't just be a magician I'll be the greatest to have ever lived" he had a big smile on his face

"Your eyes look brighter than the last time I asked you this question, I'm glad."

Ray looked down before gritting his teeth.

"I won't let what happened shake my dream,I'll move forward not just for me but for them too." his facial expression turned sour as he spoke.

The door busted opened when a kick sent it backwards forcefully. 3 people entered the establishment. The tall figure of Jay walked forward. He was clearly the leader of the pack.

His messy black hair and distinct blue and red eyes were his defining features. He wore a black cloak with a gold badge like his other two companions. He moved towards the counter.

Followed behind by a girl with yellow hair and blue eyes holding a staff. Next to her was a chubby guy who was eating a bag of chips.

Jay reached the counter first he slammed his right hand on the table "give us a real quest already,!" he demanded.

"Allice I'm tired of helping these senile fools. I want to fight,that's what magicians are supposed to do not baby sit some old hag!" he shouted.

Allice studied Jay before responding

"These low stake quests are the only ones that exist at the moment,unless of course you want to take the quest that's been up for more than 10 days."

"A quest that's been up for that long?" Ray asked with curiosity in his eyes.

"Yea,the extermination quest. It's been issued 10 days ago. A dangerous Mana Beast is inhabiting Willow Cave. The cave just a few kilometers north of the town exit" she paused briefly before continuing

"The quest is to exterminate it and open a path for people to use the cave to go the next city using the passage.."

Allice paused for a moment "unfortunately more than 50 magicians took up the quest and none have returned"

[NOTIFICATION:Quest]

[TYPE:Extermination]

[TASK: exterminate the mana beast inhabiting the Gravin Cave]

[Reward: 50 000 gold pieces]

[Difficulty: Unknown]

[issued by :Jon of the Misty Merchants association]

Ray's eyes widened upon hearing and seeing the quest details for himself.

"Only a fool would take the quest right Bron and Shelly?" Jay seeked for support, the two teammates beside him nodded their hands I'm agreement.

"It sounds to me like you're just scared" Ray responded with a smug look on his face.

"I don't blame you,you look totally average even for a magician" he said, in a provocative tone.

"Huh..?" Jay looked at Ray next to him. He had not even registered he was there before he spoke.

"I'm not scared of anything I'm just looking out for my team. You should watch your mouth before calling me average" Jay responded.

"I'm no chicken I can definitely beat the quest,I'm not some random nobody and I'll prove it" he said, with an unspoken confidence behind his voice.

"I'll take the quest" a female voice uttered just behind Jay. The figure wore a black cloak and spoke directly to Allice.

Both Ray and Jay looked at her with fierce eyes. "Wait you can't just waltz In here and take our quest."

"Yeah" Ray backed Jay up.

"I don't have time to play around with you clowns"

"Settle down,you three" Allice chimed in.

"The quest is open for everyone, you can all take it and split the reward among yourselves"

"Not a chance!" Ray and Jay said simultaneously.

"Bron Shelly let's go that reward is ours" Jay grabbed both his party members and exited the establishment.

The cloked female girl looked to follow after them but her movements were halted by Ray grabbing her left shoulder. She stopped.

"I don't like your tongue girl, you think you're better than me don't you" his grip was firm as he let out his honest thoughts.

"I don't think I'm better than you, I know I am"

Ray forced a smile but it was clear he was not happy with that response .

"Tell you what, if I beat the quest you'll form a party with me and I'll be your boss, if I lose I'll accept you're superior than me." Ray tabled his offer.

"Intriguing.."

The girl removed the hoodie on her cloak before she took a sharp turn. Her silver hair elegantly flowed with the wind.

She turned to face Ray leaning closer to him. Ray felt a blade pressed against his throat before a gentle whisper invaded his right ear.

"Let's change the conditions,if I beat the quest how about I just kill you"