Chapter 45

As he caught his breath, Ray couldn't help but marvel at the extent of his growth. His mana manipulation had allowed him to overcome the Gorgon's formidable abilities, turning the tide of battle in his favour. He was no longer just a warrior; he had become a master of mana, harnessing its power to achieve greatness.

With the final challenge conquered, Ray emerged from the dungeon, his head held high.

"How was it?" Jessica asked as he returned.

"Easy," Ray smiled. "I'm ready to attempt the hunters exam again, I can become a C rank hunter".

Jessica's eyes widened with a mix of surprise and pride as she heard Ray's confident words. She had witnessed his growth first-hand, and his newfound mastery of mana manipulation had indeed elevated him to a whole new level. She couldn't help but be impressed by his determination and unwavering spirit.

"You've come a long way, Ray," Jessica said, her voice tinged with admiration. "I have no doubt that you'll excel in the hunters exam this time. Your dedication and the progress you've made with mana manipulation are remarkable. You're catching up to me."

Ray nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon, his mind filled with visions of a future where he could stand proudly among the ranks of C rank hunters. The hunters exam had once been a formidable challenge, but he now felt more prepared than ever to face it head-on.

As they walked back to the car, the weight of the Gorgon battle still lingering in the air, Ray's mind buzzed with thoughts of the future. He knew that becoming a C rank hunter would open new doors and present him with even greater challenges, but he was ready to face them head-on.

The drive back to Barnes was filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement. Ray's heart raced with the prospect of a new chapter in his journey as a hunter, fuelled by the knowledge that he had honed his mana manipulation skills to a finer art.

Once they had made it to the training facility, Barnes happily greeted the duo.

"Okay Ray, how did it go?" he asked.

"Better than I thought, I should've believed in myself as much as you clearly did." Ray laughed.

"How is your mana core?"

Jessica's ears perked up at this question intrigued.

"Light brown, I'm surprised by how quickly my core improved between my breaks between the dungeon chambers." Ray responded.

"Wonderful!" Barnes smiled. "Jessica told me you plan to take the hunter exam again, and I agree. With a light brown mana core, you should be able to become C rank".

Ray clenched his fist in excitement, he was getting better and better.

"The reason why you improved so much in the dungeon is because of the pressure from the monsters and the dungeon," Barnes explained "It's not a lot, but it's still much better than training without anything at all".

"Does that mean I'll improve faster with less effort and time in higher dungeons? Like the mutated dungeon I was in?" Ray asked.

"Yes, it will." Barnes said solemnly as he thought of that dungeon. "When you become C rank, you will be able to set up a hunters group, do it and do as many raids as possible. Teaching is just as beneficial to success as learning is."

Ray and Jessica spoke to Barnes for a while longer before leaving.

Jessica began driving Ray home.

As she drove, the steady hum of the engine filled the silence between them. Ray's mind buzzed with thoughts of the dungeon, his growing skills in mana manipulation, and the upcoming hunters exam. He glanced out of the window, watching the city lights blur past, lost in his own contemplation.

Jessica, ever perceptive, sensed Ray's introspective mood. She cast a sideways glance at him, concern etching her features. "You're awfully quiet, Ray. Is everything alright?"

Ray sighed softly, his gaze returning to Jessica. "Yeah, I'm just processing everything that happened today. The dungeon, the battles... It's been a lot to take in."

Jessica nodded, understanding flickering in her eyes. "It's understandable. You've come a long way, and it's natural to reflect on your journey, especially after such significant growth."

Ray's fingers tapped restlessly on his thighs, the weight of his ambitions and the magnitude of his newfound skills settling upon his shoulders. "I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and nerves about the hunters exam. I've worked hard, but there's still so much to prove."

A soft smile curved Jessica's lips as she turned her attention back to the road. "You're not alone in that, Ray. The hunters exam is a defining moment for all hunters. It's an opportunity to showcase your abilities, but it's also a chance to learn and grow further."

As the car slowed to a stop, Ray unbuckled his seatbelt and turned to face Jessica. "Thanks, Jessica. For everything. I couldn't have come this far without you."

As he entered his house, Ray's family greeted him warmly, their smiles lighting up the room. He shared stories of his recent adventures, leaving out the more perilous details, and basked in the comfort of their love and support.