Chapter 47

With each Minotaur that fell, Ray's confidence grew. He adapted his tactics, exploiting their weaknesses and using his mana manipulation to push his speed faster and faster. He danced around their massive forms, his movements fluid and precise. He unleashed a barrage of attacks, his mana-infused strikes carving through the air with unstoppable force.

But the battle took its toll on Ray. Fatigue settled in, his muscles burning with exertion. Yet, he pressed on, his determination unwavering.

As the final moments of the battle approached, Ray found himself facing the last remaining Minotaur. It bellowed in fury, its eyes locked onto Ray with an unyielding intensity. Ray's mana manipulation skills reached their peak, his connection to mana stronger than ever. He channelled his energy into one final surge of power, ready to deliver the decisive blow.

With a resounding clash, Ray's weapon met the Minotaur's, their forces colliding in a flurry of sparks. The ground beneath them trembled with the impact as they engaged in a fierce struggle for dominance.

Caught slightly distracted, the minotaur used the opportunity to throw its massive fist in his face. His body fails to react and tenses up as his mana flows through his body quickly in defence…yet its knuckles paused, almost brushing against his nose. Confused yet unyielding, Ray uses the opportunity to deliver a devastating strike, his short black sword finding its mark. The Minotaur roared in agony, stumbling backward before collapsing to the ground. The battle was over, victory firmly in Ray's grasp.

"Well done Ray," the doctor began amidst Ray's panting "You are allowed a short break before phase 2".

Ray's heart raced as he caught his breath, his mind swirling with questions and astonishment. "Did I really just stop time for a few milliseconds?" he muttered. The realization of his enhanced mana manipulation abilities filled him with a sense of wonder and excitement.

He recalled the training with Barnes, the countless hours spent refining his connection to mana, and the unwavering determination that had brought him to this point.

Ray contemplated the possible implications if this was true. If he could manipulate time, even if it was just for a fraction of a second, it could provide him with a significant advantage in battles and other challenging situations. It was a power that few possessed, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and determination welling up within him.

But amidst the elation, Ray knew he had to remain focused. He couldn't let this incredible power cloud his judgment or make him complacent. He had to continue honing his skills, exploring the limits of his mana manipulation, and pushing himself to reach even greater heights.

As Ray mulled over the possibilities, he also couldn't help but ponder the origins of this extraordinary ability. Was it a result of his natural aptitude for mana manipulation, or was there something more to it? The mysteries of the world of hunters and the depths of mana were vast and enigmatic, and he knew that he had only scratched the surface.

"Okay, phase 2 will now begin" Dr Francis began "In this phase, you will combat against 5 monsters of the same rank, it will occur in waves with no rest between, good luck".

Before Ray could even respond, five daunting ogres materialised close around him armed wit wooden clubs. Their hulking figures casting long, menacing shadows in the dimly lit arena.

With a thunderous roar, the ogres charged forward, their massive frames shaking the ground beneath them. Ray's body tensed; his mind focused on the task at hand. He moved with agility and precision, his movements fluid and calculated. As the first ogre swung its massive club towards him, Ray ducked under the heavy blow, retaliating with a swift thrust to another's abdomen, his sword slicing through the air with a resounding swoosh. The blade met resistance as it collided with the ogre's thick, calloused skin, sparks flying from the impact. Ray grunted, channelling his mana to enhance his strength, pushing against the ogre's immense force. With a burst of energy, he managed to drive his sword deeper, drawing a gush of crimson as the ogre roared in pain.

The scent of sweat and anticipation hung heavy in the air, mixing with the metallic tang of blood that had yet to fully be spilled. Ray tightened his grip on his sword, his heart pounding in his chest.

The remaining ogres closed in, their fists and clubs swinging with bone-crushing force. Ray parried their attacks, his body a blur of calculated movements. But the ogres were relentless, their strikes coming from all directions, testing Ray's reflexes and agility to their limits.

Blood trickled from a cut on Ray's cheek as one of the ogres' club almost landed a glancing blow, its brute strength leaving an imprint on his flesh. The pain ignited a fire within him, fuelling his determination to prevail. Drawing upon his mana, he focused his energy, allowing it to flow through his veins, the world seemed to slow as his sense heightened