Chapter 2: Who would perish?
Under the watchful guidance of Alwin and Han, Horiz embarked on a perilous journey into the depths of the Night Wild Forest. This forsaken expanse was known as an abandoned monster land, guarded by a formidable mage of high 6th rank. Obtaining a permit to enter the forest was smooth and effortless for the students of Magic High but proved to be an arduous ordeal for others. That's precisely why Horiz had chosen to enroll in the renowned academy. Not only could he freely access the abundant resources within the monster lands, but his association with one of the most prestigious institutions ensured he wouldn't arouse suspicion. As they ventured further into the Night Wild Forest, Horiz silently acknowledged, "Coming to Magic High was an exceptional decision."
Deep within the heart of the Night Wild Forest, a dense thicket of towering evergreen trees cast an ominous shadow. This verdant expanse, vibrant with life, teemed with nocturnal creatures, their predatory instincts honed to perfection under the shroud of darkness. By day, it transformed into a treacherous proving ground for the students of the esteemed Magic High School—a realm where the pursuit of knowledge intertwined with the imminent threat of danger. This sacred hunting ground, revered and feared, ranked among the most perilous domains, harboring a formidable array of monstrous beings with a deep-seated hostility towards humankind. Only those possessing unwavering confidence dared to venture into this treacherous domain, and even fewer emerged with their lives intact. Though a vigilant lifeguard stood watch, doubling as the guardian of the Night Wild Forest, the mortality rate within this hunting sanctuary remained alarmingly high, second only to the most lethal of arenas.
After the ostentatious display of Horiz's wealth and his luxurious quarters, no one dared to question his worthiness to join the group. In fact, Horiz himself felt as though they were embarking on an escort mission, with him being the vital person under their protection.
Alwin and Han assumed a vigilant stance as soon as they set foot in the night forest, even though it was daytime. The forest retained its title of the Night Forest, with colossal, twisted trees casting an impenetrable darkness, obstructing sunlight and shrouding the surroundings in pitch blackness.
Suddenly, a rank 3 black bat darted towards them, catching Horiz's attention. However, he chose to dismiss the approaching threat, knowing that Alwin and Han, both middle 3rd rank mages, would easily handle a mere rank 3 beast. Horiz decided to step back and relish the spectacle of their skills, effortlessly accumulating points without lifting a finger.
Alwin unleashed a fiery assault, causing the bat to recoil and emit a disgruntled groan. Capitalizing on the moment, Han propelled himself into the air and delivered a forceful punch infused with mana, striking the bat with resolute power.
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"Fire and body strengthening magic," Murmuring to himself, Horiz observed the clash of fire and body strengthening magic with keen interest. His assessment of their abilities was straightforward—novices. He couldn't help but notice their careless expenditure of mana. In an abandoned land like this, mages should exercise utmost caution to preserve their mana reserves. Fire mages, in particular, should avoid attracting the attention of nearby beasts, steering clear of unnecessary confrontations.
The spectacle unfolding before him was a disgrace—he accompanied these seniors from the esteemed institute, only to witness them struggle against an opponent of their own level. Horiz questioned why he had even agreed to come to this place at the request of these weaklings. He could have enjoyed a peaceful slumber in his comfortable bed, undisturbed. He could have indulged in his whims without any restrictions. Such freedom was the very reason he had grown so powerful and risen in the ranks of this world.
Finding solace upon a fallen tree trunk, Horiz settled himself, lacking any other engagement. With nothing else demanding his attention, he focused on the clash involving the young students. Alwin and Han struggled to cast their spells seamlessly. Instead of confronting monsters, they should have remained within the protected zone, diligently practicing their spells until they could execute them effortlessly.
The giant bat possessed a deep understanding of the terrain and its combat advantages within the dense forest. That's why this seemingly insignificant creature posed such a significant challenge to the students. After sustaining injuries on both sides, they decided to retreat. Amidst the commotion, a sharp sound pierced the air, capturing everyone's attention. Seizing the opportunity, the bat swiftly made its retreat.
The sound heralded the arrival of a colossal forest predator—a behemoth that recognized the bat's departure as its cue to emerge. Cunningly leading its foes into the clutches of a deadly adversary they could never hope to defeat. The sight of birds scattering in fear confirmed the predator's approach, as the ground trembled beneath their feet, growing louder and clearer with each passing moment. It drew nearer, causing Horiz to witness the apprehensive expressions on the faces of his senior comrades. Despite their esteemed status, it was evident they had already lost the battle before it even began.
The tremors intensified, and they remained on guard, though they understood their efforts were futile against the impending threat. Soon enough, it came into view—a rank 5 King Cobra, an enormous serpent with a gaping maw capable of swallowing all three of them in one gulp. As the Cobra closed in on their position, Albin foolishly attempted to capture its attention by casting a fire spell directly at its face. Meanwhile, Horiz remained calm and composed, seemingly unaffected by the approaching colossus. Han and Alvin, on the other hand, were consumed by restlessness and confusion. Paralyzed by fear, they involuntarily took steps backward, unable to escape the enormous snake that dwarfed them a hundredfold.
With serene detachment, Horiz observed the unfolding spectacle, his composure matching that of the predator itself. He recognized his own formidable strength and accurately predicted the outcome of the imminent clash. In his mind, there was no doubt as to who would emerge victorious and who would perish.