Chapter 2: I Failed, I Fell... But I'm Not Done Yet

Tamari Velgalion stood on the branch of a massive tree, staring down blankly. His sharp eyes focused on the unconscious young man lying on the ground.

Who is he? His clothes were strange—not an academy uniform, not noble attire, not even adventurer's gear. And most of all... he was unbelievably filthy. Dirt clung to his body, his hair was covered in dust, and leaves were tangled in it. Tamari didn't recognize him.

But more importantly—why was he unconscious?

Tamari frowned. He was sure this forest had been empty moments ago. And yet, out of nowhere, someone had collapsed here? His gaze shifted beyond the young man, and that was when he saw them.

Glowing red eyes. Thick black fur. Fangs dripping with saliva.

Tamari held his breath. Rank D Wolves. And not just one—five of them. His eyes widened. Was he being chased? That would explain why he passed out. He must have been exhausted, drained of energy, and finally collapsed. But now wasn't the time to analyze the situation. The wolves were closing in. The young man wasn't moving at all.

If I don't do something, he'll die.

Tamari raised his hand, preparing to leap down from the tree. But before he did, a question flashed through his mind.

"Why should I save him?"

A Few Minutes Earlier – Flashback

Tamari walked alone through the forest, far from the magic academy. Here, no teachers could criticize him. No classmates could laugh at him. Just him, alone in the silence.

Tamari Velgalion—the second son of House Velgalion, a noble family of powerful fire mages. But compared to his older brother, he was nothing. Everyone in his family mastered fire magic effortlessly from a young age. But him? Even a simple Fireball was as weak as a child's throw.

He raised his hand, summoning a red magic circle in the air. Taking a deep breath, he focused.

"Fireball!"

A small sphere of fire formed in his palm. He fired it at a tree in front of him—yet it veered off course and vanished into the air.

Tamari groaned in frustration. "Seriously?! I can't even hit a tree?!" His Fireball was too weak. Damn it. He had been practicing for months, yet there was no progress.

At the academy, teachers sighed whenever they saw his training. At home, servants gave him pitying looks. And his brother... His perfect brother. The one who controlled fire effortlessly since childhood. The one who could incinerate monsters with a single spell. The one who was the pride of House Velgalion.

Tamari? He was just a failure who couldn't even control his own magic.

Letting out a long sigh, he climbed a large tree and sat on a branch, staring at the moon. "Maybe I really have no talent..."

Before he could sink further into his thoughts—

GROOOAAARRR!

A deep growl echoed from the forest, making him jolt. Tamari turned his head. There—five massive black wolves emerged from the shadows of the trees. They surrounded someone.

The young man from earlier.

Tamari's eyes widened. He's still alive! But not for long if I don't act now.

Leaping down from the tree, he shouted, "Move aside, you damn mutts!" Raising his hand, a red magic circle flared to life before him.

"Fire Arrow!"

A flaming arrow shot toward the wolves—FWOOSH!—but did nothing. The arrow hit one of them, yet it didn't leave a scratch.

Tamari's eyes widened. No...

The wolf turned toward him, its glowing red eyes locking onto his.

GRAAAAAH!!

With terrifying speed, the wolf lunged. Tamari barely had time to react.

CRESHH!

A sharp claw slashed across his left arm. Blood sprayed.

"AGH!"

Tamari was sent flying, crashing onto the ground. The wolf stalked toward him slowly, its eyes saying: "You're finished."

He couldn't move. I... really am a failure. The wolf drew closer.

Tamari clenched his fists.

No.

NO!

Slamming his palm onto the ground, his magic circle flared brighter than ever. The earth beneath him cracked. The other wolves hesitated, sensing the sudden surge of heat.

Tamari wasn't thinking about spell formulas anymore. He only imagined flames that could burn everything. His magic circle shifted from red to gold. The fire within it swirled wildly, like a raging storm.

Raising his hand high, he swung it forward.

"HELLFIRE BALL!!"

BOOOOOM!!!

A massive explosion of fire engulfed everything within a few meters. The wolves didn't even have time to scream. They were consumed by the wave of fire, their bodies reduced to ash.

Tamari stood there, panting. Did I… do it? He turned to the young man. He was still incredibly dirty.

Tamari stared at him for a full five seconds before letting out a long sigh.

"So... I almost died, I finally managed to use my strongest spell... and now I have to deal with this pile of dirt?"

Placing his hands on his hips, he grumbled, "Today is really the worst."

With slow, tired steps, he bent down and hoisted Kosagi onto his shoulder.

To be continued...