The situation was dire; monsters couldn't be defeated without mana. If it were a weak one, perhaps with my newfound strength, I could manage something, but this particular creature appeared far from weak. Fleeing was an option, but that would leave the man at its mercy, and I couldn't allow that.

As I glanced at the man, expecting to find fear or panic, I was met with surprising calmness. He seemed unfazed, as if the monstrous presence posed no threat at all. His gaze shifted towards me, and he let out a sigh.

-Finally, a normal reaction for someone your age.

I couldn't contain my bewilderment.

-How can you be so calm? That's a monster! Without mana, we stand no chance of winning...

He replied matter-of-factly.

-It's a giant cursed bat, a B-ranked Monster. You see, monsters are ranked based on their danger and strength, the ranks are D,C,B,A,S and finally Boss; the Boss rank is special, only one monster per race can have it. This one is only B, but he could level a small city if left unchecked. It would take at least 10 silver rank trained soldiers to defeat it."

I felt a sense of hopelessness.

-We don't have that kind of manpower here, so what are we going to do?

-Well, I was merely speaking in strategic terms. There is another way deal with him.

-What is it?

He responded confidently.

-Isn't it obvious? Someone stronger than the monster in question.

The beast finally began its charge towards us, and I couldn't help but wonder why it had taken so long for it to make a move. It was as like it had been assessing the situation before acting.

The man began to walk towards the oncoming monster, never losing his calm demeanor he starts talking.

-You must be inexperienced. If you didn't run, it's because you don't know how to properly assess your opponent's strength.

The monstrous creature let out a thunderous roar, its malevolent intentions evident as it closed the distance between itself and the man. With a menacing swing of its massive arm, it aimed to deliver a devastating blow to the man. However, fate had other plans. As the beast lowered its arm to execute the attack, the limb was severed in mid-air, a testament to the incredible swiftness and precision of the man's actions.

Eyes widened in awe, I watched as the man revealed two gleaming crescent moon-shaped daggers, their deadly edges glinting in the pale moonlight. In a seamless dance of violence and grace, he descended upon the monstrosity, slashing through its remaining arm with a swift, calculated strike. The creature, now rendered helpless, collapsed to its knees, a guttural cry escaping its maw. With a final, decisive movement, the man brought his moon-shaped daggers down upon the beast, cleaving its head from its monstrous body.

I couldn't believe what I had just witnessed. In my short life I've seen strong individuals, – soldiers in service to the crown, formidable gangsters, and even skilled swordsmen seeking work in the city. However, none of them could hold a candle to the sheer power and prowess displayed by this man. A monster capable of terrorizing an entire city had been dispatched within seconds with just a few deft blows. I was left in awe and curiosity, pondering the identity of this extraordinary individual.

The man broke the silence, addressing me.

-Well then, boy, as I was saying, I can't leave without repaying your kindness. Allow me to offer you something.

His daggers disappeared into thin air as he produced a book, a ring, and a handful of coins seemingly out of nowhere.

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-Here, take these, 2000 Loris and a Mana guide. Use this to buy yourself some clothes, find lodging at an inn, and acquire a sword. Once you've grasped the basics from the guide, return to the forest to hunt. Selling the spoils from your hunts can provide a comfortable living. And when you reach the age of nine, make your way to the capital and take the academy's scholarship exam. Follow these steps, and your life will undoubtedly improve.

Loris was the currency used across all nations in this world. 2000 Loris was a substantial sum, equivalent to what a middle-class family might earn in a month. It far exceeded the value of the humble, wild-boar meat I had cooked.

I hesitated, overwhelmed by his generosity.

-Thank you, but I can't accept this. I haven't done anything to deserve it, and you even saved me from that monster. Besides, I don't know how to read, so...

He reassured me with a kind smile.

-You needn't worry about that. Consider it an investment.

-An investment?

-Yes, young one, you possess remarkable talent, more than just a glimmer. In my centuries of life, I have never encountered someone as promising as you. It would be a sin not to provide you with the opportunity to grow. Accept my offer, train diligently, become someone of significance, and one day, you can repay this favor with another. In essence, you will owe me one.

Centuries?! This man appeared to be in his twenties; who on earth was he?

-Well, if that's what you think, then I'll accept your offer, and I promise to repay you someday.

-Excellent choice. As for your reading difficulties, don't fret. I can simply do this...

The man placed his hand on the book, and a purple light enveloped it before vanishing. There was no doubt about it – it was magic.

-I've cast a translation spell on it. Now, when you peruse the pages, you'll understand the content, even without knowing how to read.

I examined the book's contents, and to my astonishment, I could indeed comprehend its contents.

-You should also consider learning to read. After all, you can't gain admission to the academy if you are illiterate.

In every nation, there existed an academy with the goal of nurturing the knowledge and talents of young individuals. While the core curriculum varied from place to place, they all covered the same subjects. In the case of Vermillion, the focus was on combat training, as it was a power-centric nation. Nonetheless, the ability to read was a prerequisite for admission.

-Yes, I will do that.

-Good. Now, to conclude, this ring is called a spatial ring. It possesses a small dimension of its own where you can store items. You can place the money and other necessities inside it. This one has a capacity of about nine cubic meters, so everything should fit comfortably.

Once again, I was presented with a ridiculously valuable gift. At this point, I could only accept it with gratitude.

-Thank you. I promise it won't go to waste.

-Well, I must take my leave now. I've cast a spell on you that will render you unnoticed by monsters or people for the next hour. You should be able to reach the city safely. I would accompany you, but our paths diverge, so I cannot.

I shook my head, grateful for his assistance.

-No problem. You've already done more than enough.

-Then I suppose this is farewell, mysterious boy.

-Until we meet again, mysterious man.

With that, the enigmatic man departed, and I began making my way towards the city.