Nathan spent his remaining time preparing for the training period. When he heard it would be in Moirath Forest, he immediately used his meager savings to order essential supplies through PsiLink: a self-filling water bottle, intrusion alert barriers, a sleeping tent, and a self-heating pot. Everything was delivered within an hour. He had to wrestle to fit them all into a small bag, which ended up being as tall as he was.

Afterward, he headed to the Mission Center.

He could have registered through PsiLink, but approval would take longer, especially since he had no credibility in the database.

The Center was situated close to the main palace, a multi-story building with a central atrium. Each floor represented different mission tiers. The ground floor, being the largest, was currently bustling with activity. Nathan could see teams gathering to discuss strategies, and individuals seeking partners for missions near the front. By the staircases leading up were the official Sect desks, where they processed and handled requests. Rewards were also distributed there. Around the periphery were small booths set up by inner disciples either recruiting members or selling their services. If disciples needed manpower, they could provide it, for a negotiated price.

At the center stood a transparent prismatic pillar stretching up to the fifth floor. People crowded around it, watching holographic cards floating within. This was the mission registration and storage hub, managed by an AI on the fifth floor.

Nathan approached and let his PsiLink connect to the pillar.

All his computer windows closed, replaced by a new interface.

Nathan Reed, Inner Sect Disciple.

Cultivation Level: Tier 1 Phase 3.8.

Access Level: 1.

Searching and calibrating...

After a few seconds, missions suitable for him appeared. Obviously, he couldn't just take any mission he wanted; each had to pass through the AI's evaluation. For team missions, the AI would wait until enough members joined before approval. If you weren't quick enough, other teams might claim the mission first.

After some consideration, Nathan filtered the results to show only Moirath Forest-related missions. There were still plenty, with considerable variety: civilian escorts, merchant caravan protection, helping Artificers gather materials, or collecting medicinal herbs. Most were beyond Nathan's current capabilities.

Filtering down to solo missions that could be approved immediately and had no penalties, he finally saw some hope for earning money. Verdant Spire Sect needed materials too, so most missions before him came from the upper echelons. Mushrooms, minerals, rare flowers and plants.

He simultaneously opened a window describing Moirath Forest. Analysis panels of the outer ring, inner ring, and forest core appeared beside the mission boards. Thanks to a guide from one of his predecessors, he cross-referenced the requested materials against danger levels. After summarizing everything, he accepted all those missions. If he couldn't complete them, he could just cancel without penalty.

Two days later, Nathan waited in the outer sect area as per Darkan's instructions. Making use of the time, he went to visit Orin. The elderly elder was watering his precious bonsai.

"Good morning, Orin," Nathan called out.

Orin turned slowly, offering a slight smile as he set aside his watering can.

"Well, still can't get used to seeing you in those red robes."

"Am I not as handsome as Zeryn?"

"You look more pompous than that brat."

Nathan laughed out loud, finding a place to set down his enormous pack.

"You're an inner disciple now but still planning to leave?" Orin asked as he sat down beside him.

"Preparing for training. My master's orders."

"Darkan's sending you for training already?" Orin startled. "So you've mastered that crazy skill of his?"

Nathan mentally noted this information. He'd spent a couple hours researching Darkan. The results were far from pleasant. Many disciples had dug up the inner sect elder's past from years ago. The ninth mountain lacked cultivating disciples because Darkan had ruined them, either through the Berserker inheritance or through his cruel training program. In the worst cases, disciples had died. Death was commonplace in this cultivation world, so after some compensation negotiations, everything faded into history. But there was a period when Darkan seemed to go mad, constantly experimenting. Only in the past few decades had he quieted down and sealed off the ninth mountain. Until Nathan appeared.

Seeing Nathan's somber mood, Orin could only click his tongue.

"Don't know if you're lucky or cursed."

"What do you mean?"

"If you can pass Darkan's trials, you're actually quite formidable. I'm not joking."

"Darkan said the same thing," Nathan smiled.

"I don't know what that damned Berserker does to you. But I understand enough to know you'll become someone others will fear."

"Then why cursed?"

"No one who gets involved with Darkan escapes misfortune. Including me."

Hearing Orin's bitter tone, Nathan realized there were many untold stories behind this. Remembering the times Orin had shared about his past, Nathan couldn't help but wonder if the wine-loving elder had once been a rising star.

"Is there anything I can do to help you?" Nathan asked, genuinely wanting to repay Orin's years of silent support in the outer sect.

Orin laughed loudly, as if he'd just heard a joke.

"You want to help me?"

"Why not? Maybe not right away, but who knows what the future holds?"

"Fine, fine. You truly are my drinking buddy. Then when you obtain the blood of the Frost Sovereign Constitution, let me know!"

Nathan made a note on his PsiLink, ignoring Orin's continued laughter.

Darkan appeared at the entrance to Orin's courtyard, his eyebrows furrowing. Nathan was about to stand when he received a punch to the head that forced him back down.

"You worthless disciple," Darkan fumed. "You're using Fountainhead to cultivate Spirit again. What happened to your determination to cultivate Physical, huh? Answer me!"

Nathan blinked repeatedly as his vision returned. True, he had used the Berserker's absorption method, but out of habit, he had directed mana and essence toward Novem Nexus, completely ignoring the Physical cultivation steps.

"It's just habit," Nathan stammered. "Sorry, Master!"

"I heard from Alaric and nearly lost my mind. You haven't even started and you're already making me angry."

"That's enough, Darkan," Orin spoke up. "Why are you raising hell in my place?"

Only then did Darkan put on a smile, turning to Orin.

"Old friend. Still as irritable as ever?"

"Just seeing your face makes me itch, like fire about to burst forth."

Darkan moved closer, patting his 'old friend's' back.

"No, no! That's not good at all. I'm like this young brat here. We'll find the blood of the Frost Sovereign Constitution for you, how about that?"

Orin brushed Darkan's sleeve away, forcing him back.

"Do I have a choice? Don't forget you owe me, Darkan."

"What's with all this talk of debt between friends?" Darkan raised an eyebrow.

"Debts must be paid!" Orin insisted.

Finally, Darkan yielded, stepping back and signaling to Nathan with narrowed eyes.

"Then we'll take our leave, Elder Orin. Next time I'll bring you good wine."

Nathan bowed and left, with Darkan following.

"If you harm that boy, I won't let you off," Orin warned.

Without turning back, Darkan just waved his hand in a gesture of reassurance.

Once outside, the inner sect elder knocked his disciple's head again.

"Of all places, you had to stay in Orin's courtyard," he grumbled.

Nathan tried to suppress his anger, stopping to glare at his master.

Darkan, not wanting to waste more words, grabbed Nathan's collar and soared into the sky. Once they reached sufficient height, he changed direction eastward, flying at high speed, leaving behind a sound barrier as he accelerated.

Nathan, wrapped in a thin mana barrier, could only watch the clouds pass beneath his feet. Darkan's speed truly impressed him; he hoped one day he could move like that too.

After a few minutes, Darkan came to a halt. Below them still stretched the lazily drifting white clouds, while in the distance, the sun blazed against the azure backdrop. A view perfectly suited for contemplation.

"Time to begin your training," Darkan announced from above.

Nathan, hearing this, forced himself to blink and look down. Through the clouds, he could dimly make out a green carpet of vegetation.

"We've reached Moirath Forest?" Nathan asked.

"That's right."

Nathan still didn't dare look down properly—they were far too high.

"Kid," Darkan shook Nathan, making his soul nearly leap out of his body, "you understand how crucial this training period is, don't you?"

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

Nathan nodded with difficulty, responding, "I do. While I'm growing stronger, others are doing the same."

"That's the spirit! Remember, those like Xander and Keira will run with all their might, never just walk. If you want to match them, you'll need to work twice as hard. Stay weak and fall behind? Then forget about returning to your old world."

"In that case, Master, could I have the Sect Leader's gift?" Nathan asked, hoping for an item that would aid him. Seeing Xander's spear had made him envious.

Darkan lifted Nathan higher by his collar to look at him, his lips curling into a smirk. "Why?"

"To use it, of course," Nathan replied, confused.

"You don't need it!"

"Don't need it?"

"Correct, and you don't need this either."

With that, he grabbed the heavy equipment bag from Nathan's shoulder and tore it away. By instinct, Nathan reached out to grab it, but too late.

"I'll keep this safe for you, don't worry. But you won't be carrying anything with you."

"Then how am I supposed to—"

"You already have everything you need for training," Darkan tapped his temple, indicating that the PsiLink was sufficient.

"But—"

Nathan's words transformed into a prolonged scream as he was dropped into free fall.

In his ears, there was only the whistling wind and Darkan's voice, booming like a gunshot:

"Enjoy your training, my disciple!"

Nathan was certain he was screaming at the top of his lungs, but he couldn't hear himself. His body tumbled through the air. Everything passed before his eyes in a chaotic blur – sky above one moment, ground the next. He couldn't breathe normally, fear welling up inside him.

Just when he thought he would die in the most ridiculous way, his speed decreased as he was about to crash into a tall tree. Using that moment, he grabbed onto the branches, managing to push himself toward the sturdy trunk before sliding down to the ground. Leaves and small branches cut his face, leaving minor scratches. His robe already had a tear at the hip.

Dusting off and straightening his clothes, he silently cursed Darkan. The man could have been gentler with his disciple.

Nathan looked around. Before him were rows of verdant trees, with grass growing knee-high from the ground. The smell of rich soil hit his nostrils. In the distance, he could hear running water and the rustling sounds of forest creatures moving about. The air carried an acceptable level of humidity.

Activating his PsiLink, he used the positioning feature on his Moirath Forest map, which had cost him five mana stones. The red dot representing him appeared on screen, showing he was at the eastern forest edge. The map was color-coded to represent danger levels. The central area, marked in red, indicated it was typically occupied by a powerful monster known as The Forest Lord. This creature changed over time, and in the latest update, no one knew what it was. The middle ring was also marked with several more dangerous monster species. Only the outer ring, where Nathan stood, was rated as most survivable.

Moirath Forest wasn't just a training ground for Verdant Spire Sect, but for several other powers as well. Jessica's Eclipse Academy also used this area. But with different schedules, encounters were rare. Being a training ground for disciples, high-level monsters were left undisturbed rather than being slaughtered for materials. Just one Tier 3, elder-level power making a trip to Moirath would leave nothing behind. The more important reason was to maintain a healthy ecosystem, creating conditions for vegetation, especially medicinal herbs, to thrive.

Having made rough plans beforehand, Nathan first intended to find the nearest stream.

Anxiety surrounded him. Though he'd fought until broken bones had left him bedridden, being alone in such a natural environment kept triggering his survival instincts. Every few meters, he could hear his heart pounding in his ears. This was his first time entering a monster-filled forest like this. In the sect, even when facing danger, there were people to rescue you, people to rely on. But here, being alone and self-reliant was truly unnerving. Even with the survival guide from PsiLink, personal experience proved far more challenging.

He moved carefully on the damp ground, trying to step only where he could see clearly and avoiding tall grass clusters. Despite his caution, occasional movements still made him jump.

After walking a while, he encountered his first monster. A group of Burrower Herds were busily digging beside a large rock. These armadillo-like creatures were among the few benign monsters. They primarily fed on rocks and minerals. Besides their ability to curl up under their tough shells, they had two retractable horns on their heads. They typically used these to bore into hard surfaces, like the small herd was doing with that boulder. However, when attacked, the horns could serve as defense if their shells were broken.

Burrower Herds looked quite adorable with their round, plump shapes. They wouldn't attack unless targeted. When the bottom of the rock cracked, several scared ones curled up and rolled backward.

Nathan was laughing while observing them when a deep growl resonated. He froze so completely he became statue-like. But survival instincts in his [Titan's Descendant] blood forced him to move. With newly gained clarity, he darted to the nearest large tree. Gripping the trunk, he climbed up. Bark shattered beneath his fingers as he dug in. His movements were so clumsy he nearly fell several times, but fortunately, in the final step, he used his strength to jump up, hands catching a thick enough branch. He hunched down, hugging it, hiding his form among the leaves.

A bear-like monster burst out from ahead, trampling grass clusters and knocking down smaller trees. It stood one and a half times Nathan's height, with a broad, heavy build. Each running step sank deep into the earth. Its swinging arms tore apart surrounding tree trunks and vines.

The Burrower Herds jumped up, curling into balls and scattering in panic before the Crystal Mauler's invasion. The massive monster roared, and as it approached, it picked up a large roadside rock and hurled it forward. The rock whizzed through the air, landing to block several Burrower Herds' escape route. The impact forced them out of their curled state, leaving them frightened and struggling to get up. They even tried helping their companions who had landed on their backs, legs flailing helplessly.

That moment of waiting and helping sealed their fate, putting them squarely in the Crystal Mauler's attack range. The bear-like monster with crystal-studded back reared up, its front paws striking down. Its claws transformed instantly into crystal formations similar to those on its back. The sharp points shredded through the Burrower Herds' shells and bellies. A few surviving small monsters shot their sharp horns forward, launching them straight at the bear monster.

The Crystal Mauler snorted once, spreading its arms wide to catch the charging prey. Nathan could hear the cracking sounds between the Crystal Mauler's hands. The large bear then sat down, raising its hands to taste the green blood of its prey. Afterward, it picked up pieces of meat to eat. What it seemed to enjoy most were the mineral deposits in the Burrower Herds' stomachs.

After finishing the desperate group, the monster completed its meal with those it had killed earlier.

When it stood up and tilted its nose to the air, sniffing, Nathan's heart clenched. Fortunately, perhaps because Nathan didn't carry many minerals, it turned and left, leaving behind a graveyard of Burrower Herd shell fragments and remains.

Nathan released a long breath of relief, sweat dripping from his forehead. Only now did his hands loosen, his body slumping onto the thick branch. After that observation, he concluded he wasn't strong enough to fight something like a Crystal Mauler. According to PsiLink's analysis, Crystal Mauler only equated to a Tier 1, Phase 8. But a monster's danger couldn't be judged by level alone. There were also its attacks and natural physical attributes. The Crystal Mauler possessed a weight of probably over seven hundred kilograms, over 1500 pounds. Combined with its stone armor, fighting it would need a long process. Even without cultivation, one swipe from this monster would be enough to tear Nathan apart.

Before he could recover, Nathan heard a hissing sound by his ear. Whipping his head around like lightning, he saw a red-eyed black snake lowering its head to curiously observe him. Goosebumps erupted from head to toe as Nathan, without thinking, threw himself down. The landing from over five meters posed no difficulty for him. Once again, he ran.

The map still displayed in his peripheral vision as Nathan ran desperately to find a water source.

Fear made him less cautious, causing him to trip on a vine underfoot. But with [Improved Balance], he managed a roll and regained his footing. Just as he was about to continue, another vine shot out, wrapping around his left ankle.

Panicking, he yanked his leg away. The vine held firm, and instead, the monster trying to catch him revealed itself. Strangler Vines with its double-wide mouth and sharp, pointed teeth. Clear liquid dripped from its teeth like drool. Without needing explanation, Nathan knew it was poisonous.

He turned to the side, grabbing a nearby rock and smashing it down on the vine at his feet. The monster unexpectedly let out a painful hiss. But instead of releasing him, it squeezed tighter. It launched another tendril at him. With a twist of his body, he dodged. [Martial Art Mastery] still proved useful in observing the smallest movements, helping him escape by a hair's breadth. Having failed but still holding his ankle, Strangler Vines continued shooting out more vines from its lower body.

Dodging and pulling, Nathan finally managed to break the vine binding him. With a graceful movement, he launched himself away from the monster and fled. Looking back from a distance, he saw the monster had returned to its camouflaged state, becoming a harmless-looking tree beside tall grass, waiting for its next prey.

Running while reminding himself to make a knife, Nathan felt his motivation draining from fear. He had thought he wouldn't face too many problems during this training period. But that was based on the premise he could bring his purchased equipment. Now, he didn't even have a short knife to cut anything.

Finally, he reached the stream, securing his drinking water source.

Exhausted, he approached the stream's pebble-strewn bank. Just as he reached toward the water, a flash of light made him pull his hand back. At that exact moment, a meter-long creature darted past his face.

Blinking in disbelief that he hadn't had a moment to breathe since being dropped here, he irritably watched the Ripple Hunters hiding in the gurgling stream. Their elongated bodies were nearly transparent, reflecting light in ways that made it difficult to judge their trajectories and attack patterns. Worse, they tended to attack in groups. Evidence of this was right before him – more than seven fish were now staring intently at Nathan. Looking around, he noticed a bloodstain a few meters away from some creature's remains. The group must have just finished devouring their prey.

Frustrated, Nathan stood up, determined to retaliate. He'd been scared, chased, and caught since arriving. Those other monsters he couldn't defeat, but these Ripple Hunters? Completely manageable. Plus, those sharp fangs would make perfect weapons. Above all, they would be his dinner tonight.

Taking off his robe and pants, leaving only his underwear, he bounced in place to warm up. Looking at his exposed vulnerable areas made him uncomfortable. If these fish bit there, it would hurt tremendously. He consoled himself that he just needed to stay alert.

Taking a deep breath, he jumped into the stream.

The Ripple Hunters immediately leaped from the water, charging toward him. Extending his hand forward, he let the first one bite down on his arm. Gritting his teeth in pain, he realized it didn't hurt as much as being shot by Qingfeng or stabbed by Xander. He endured, jumping backward as the others attacked. His feet quickly retreated to land, but one clever fish still managed to snap at his thigh.

Nathan didn't mind – in fact, he was delighted. These devils' speed was too fast; trying to grab them would more likely lead to failure with their slippery skin and the water. But now that they'd latched onto him on shore, everything had changed. The two Ripple Hunters attached to him realized their danger and tried to withdraw their teeth, but Nathan prevented both. The one on his arm had its fangs – as long as his palm – gripped firmly. The one on his leg got its midsection crushed under his other foot. Its separated parts writhed beneath Nathan's foot, its eye looking up as if expressing disbelief and terror.

Ignoring the blood flowing from his thigh and arm, he pulled the remaining one off, holding it up for inspection.

"This is for attacking me," Nathan grumbled irritably.

The monster thrashed violently. Its streamlined body created enough resistance that Nathan almost lost his grip. Holding its fangs with one hand and lower jaw with the other, he pulled with all his strength. The Ripple Hunter's lower jaw tore apart, dragging skin and flesh with it, exposing innards and spilling blood and internal organs onto the ground. Mixed in were pieces of whatever creature it had eaten earlier.

Nathan tossed it aside, covering his mouth to keep from vomiting at the stench it released. He wasn't afraid – he'd seen worse, like Xander's victims at the recent tournament who were far more grotesque than this. But the smell was unbearable.

Strangely though, his [Cooking] skill informed him that Ripple Hunters were not only edible but delicious if prepared correctly, and quite simple to cook.

He sat down on the ground, throwing a challenging look at the remaining Ripple Hunters. They poked their heads above water, gills expanding and contracting as if angry that this human dared kill their kind. After a while, the five Ripple Hunters lowered themselves and swam away.

Nathan didn't know if they were planning revenge, but at least now he could finally breathe. He crept closer, cupping his hands to scoop water for drinking. PsiLink analysis showed the water was safe for consumption. Moreover, he trusted [Titan's Descendant] wouldn't be weak enough to succumb to a few bacteria.

When his wounds showed signs of healing, he stood up with lingering soreness to hang the two fish up to drain water and blood. He broke off four fangs. Taking one with him, he climbed a nearby tall tree. Fortunately, this tree only had a few friendly squirrels and two unranked snake monsters. Since they tried to attack him, he sent them to heaven, their bodies joining the two fish below. Their skin, along with the fish, could be used to make bags, according to his [Cooking] and PsiLink knowledge.

Checking around one more time to be sure, he climbed down. With that, his sleeping spot was secured. He gathered some dry leaves, then used the fang against stone to create sparks. Adding them to the collected branches, his night shelter was complete.

He spent the entire afternoon grinding the four fangs against rocks to give them sharp edges. Then, he used his new knives to skin everything. Four sets of skin were hung aside, while he kept the meat, placing it on a rock surface he had heated with fire beforehand.

He walked around gathering specific leafy vegetables to stuff inside the Ripple Hunter. Then creating two X-shaped stakes and a sharpened branch, he skewered the first fish. Placing the pre-processed meat on top, the crackling fire began to heat it. The initial rank smell of Ripple Hunter spread around, but gradually transformed into the fragrance of herbs and fruits he had gathered. [Cooking] truly proved perfect for this training period.

As twilight descended, he looked up at the sky, wondering if his master was watching. If day one was already like this, the time ahead seemed bleak. Not to mention he had no idea how to handle the impossibly difficult quest from the system.

You got a new quest: 'Become the Lord of the Forest'.

Objective: Defeat the current Lord.

Rewards: 5 skill rolls, unlock new items in Shop.

Penalty when failed: None.