Powerful Spells

A rich, smoky aroma drifted through the air, carried by the gentle breeze like an unspoken invitation. It was a scent so intoxicating that it seemed to wrap itself around Ranav, warm and savory, with a faint sweetness that enveloped all his senses. The crackling sound of the fire only heightened his hunger, as hints of charred spices and melting fat mingled to create a heady blend that made his mouth water instantly.

Drawn by the irresistible fragrance, Ranav walked toward the fire, surprised to see Usha using fire magic to barbecue a large pig. Paramita followed closely behind, curiosity shining in her eyes. Usha glanced at them, and upon seeing their surprised expressions, she smirked knowingly.

"It's more convenient to use fire magic for roasting than relying on wood fire," she explained. "I can control the heat evenly across every part of the pig, making sure it's cooked to perfection. It's faster, too… no smoke, no sudden breezes ruining the flames."

Ranav hesitated before speaking. "Can I join you? It would be good practice for me."

Usha nodded in approval. "Alright. But first, you need to adjust your fire properly. Cast a flame in the open space over there and try to match its temperature to mine."

Ranav complied, extending his palm as a stream of fire materialized before him. Under Usha's guidance, he adjusted its intensity, fine-tuning it until it matched the stable, controlled flames she had created. Usha was genuinely impressed by how quickly he adapted, though she had no idea that Jessica's precise guidance was playing a major role in his progress.

Once his fire control was steady, Usha taught him the finer techniques of roasting the pig, showing him how to ensure the meat remained juicy while the outer layer crisped to perfection. Together, they worked efficiently, and soon, the pig was fully cooked.

Paramita, who had been silently observing the entire time, clenched her fists with newfound determination. "I need to awaken all the elements as soon as possible. I refuse to fall behind Ranav."

As Usha called the others to the meal, Rita used earth magic to shape a makeshift table. The group gathered, enjoying the delicious barbecue with laughter and cheerful conversation. The warmth of companionship filled the air, making the meal all the more satisfying.

After dinner, Ranav returned to his tent, pretending to sleep like everyone else. In reality, he retreated into his ring space to meditate, allowing himself to recover his strength and refine his control over his elements.

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, the team set off on their return journey. This time, instead of retracing their original path, they opted to take a detour through a grassland valley where they could hunt some beasts. The Countess had specifically ordered this route to expose Paramita to the dangers of the wild and give her hands-on hunting experience.

As they descended into the valley, they spotted a pack of Wild Antelope grazing near a small waterfall. Grandpa Khan signaled the group to move quietly, drawing his bow with practiced ease.

With a swift, silent motion, he let loose an arrow. The air whistled as the arrow soared toward its target. The antelopes raised their head, ears twitching in alertness, but before they could react, the arrow struck deep into one antelope's neck. The entire herd bolted, vanishing into the tall grass, leaving the wounded one staggering a few meters before collapsing.

The team cautiously approached the fallen antelope to collect their kill when Jessica's voice rang out in Ranav's mind.

"A beast is approaching from your left. A cat-like creature, moving carefully like a predator stalking its prey."

Ranav's mind raced as he thought of how to alert the group without revealing his secret connection with Jessica. Leaning toward his companions, he whispered, "I saw movement in the grass on the left. It could be a beast. Stay alert."

The group tensed, scanning the area, but for the moment, nothing stirred.

"We should keep moving," Ranav suggested. "If it's a predator, it will think it's still hidden. Let's act natural but be ready to strike the moment it shows itself."

The team advanced slowly, keeping their weapons at the ready.

After a few tense moments, Jessica warned urgently, "It's moving again. It's getting ready to attack."

Ranav acted immediately. "Usha, Rita, Amanda… prepare a spell! It's going to strike from behind any second now!"

Just as the words left his mouth, a Green Lynx sprang from the underbrush, its powerful limbs propelling it high into the air… only to meet a devastating counterattack.

Usha was the first to strike. "Fiery Fist" she commanded, and a massive, blazing fist formed in the air, slamming into the lynx's face. The impact stopped its advance midair, flames scorching its fur and searing its skin.

Before it could react, Rita followed up with "Wind Blade," a flurry of razor-sharp air blades sliced through the beast's flesh, drawing a howl of agony.

Just as the lynx collapsed to the ground, Amanda unleashed her spell, "Fire Arms." A dozen flaming hands, each as large as an adult's, materialized and latched onto the injured beast, increasing the heat at precise points. The lynx shrieked in pain, writhing for mere seconds before its body was completely consumed by flames.

The battle ended as quickly as it had begun.

A stunned silence followed as the group processed what had just happened. The knights, in particular, stared in awe at Amanda's spell.

Ranav, too, was taken aback. Jessica immediately filled in the details for him.

"That was a mixed-tier spell, Fire and Air combined. Mage Knights are trained to use hybrid elements effectively, which is why Amanda's spell was far more devastating than the others."

It was a clear reminder of the gap between ordinary mages and academy-trained warriors. Ranav clenched his fists, determination surging through him. "I have to get into an academy as soon as possible."

As the dust settled, they recovered a Level-3 Beast Core from the lynx's remains before retrieving the antelope. With their hunt complete, they resumed their journey down the mountain.

Though Jessica sensed several strong beasts along the way, none attacked, likely deterred by the strength the group had just demonstrated.

By the time they reached the city, the sun hung low in the sky, bathing the streets in golden hues. Upon arrival, the group split up… Usha, as instructed by the Countess, took all the herbs and materials collected during the expedition.

As Ranav and Paramita sitting on Midnight and Lucky advanced toward the estate, Paramita groaned, stretching her sore muscles. "I need a bath. Badly."

Ranav chuckled. "Yeah, me too."

Paramita eyed him suspiciously. "But you don't even look dirty. I didn't see you sweat once."

Ranav smirked. "That's the blessing of Darkness magic. Once you master it, you can keep your clothes clean and your body refreshed."

"What?! Magic can be used like that? Why has nobody told me this before?" she grumbled.

Ranav shrugged. "Have you ever seen a powerful mage looking dirty or sweaty? Once you reach a certain level, it'll become natural to you."