—-

“W-what? OH MY GOD! How did you kill that beast like that? Your cultivation rank betrays you,” blurted the confounded Nadida. Her crimson hair flared as she stormed to Apollo inspecting his body. She didn’t understand how his slightly small figure performed this feat. ​​

“Where did you hide your strength? I don’t remember a Rank 3 Mortal being capable of such movements nor should they be able to deal with a beast of that standard,” she continued oblivious to the fact that she was touching him a little too closely.

Expressing his discontent with a frown, Apollo glanced over toward Irauk before attempting to escape her grasp, “Can you stop… you’re touching me too much. And for your information, I’m a Rank 4 Mortal, not Rank 3,” replied Apollo whilst shaking his top robe. The dirt had clung to some of its seams.

However, Irauk intervened by channeling Natural Essence into the fabric before giving it a gentle shake.

‘Fwap!’ ‘Krrrk!’

A sound similar to the earlier thunderous explosion sounded alerting both Nadida and Apollo. Just a simple motion had produced a sound similar to essentially a Rank 2 Spirit Beast last straw attempt at survival. Peering at Irauk silently, Apollo had one thought, ‘Just how strong is he?’

“You may wear it now, the robes are clean. Although, you’ll find new attire in your reward I gave you. After all, if you’re to train here without a residence to return to. You’ll need a change of robes. Those you wear now won’t fit you in the years to come,” commented Irauk while handing Apollo his top robe.

Escaping from the curious Nadida, he quickly adorned his robes while patting himself. Surprisingly, they smelt different. It was a breath of fresh air coursing through it and the material seemed to be rejuvenated, ‘Is this an adept use of Natural Essence? Interesting.’

Meanwhile, Nadida approached Irauk with a proud smile before holding out her hand, “I’ve completed the mission and beautifully if I might add. If you don’t think so, you can check for yourself Teacher Irauk. There are 18 Essence Cores of Spirit Beast above the Late Stage of Rank 2.”

Many crystalline objects of assorted colors appeared in her palm as she presented them to Irauk. Every single one was as she said earning his praise, “Indeed. You have done well. You haven’t let me down on any of my spontaneous tests thus far.”

“So…what is my reward? It shouldn’t be any less than what you give Adeon or Ragnvald,” stated Nadida with a competitive gleam in her eyes before glancing over at Apollo and thinking for a moment before continuing, “Oh! And you can’t spoil him just because he did remarkably well! We’re all talented, so I’ll be watching you Teacher.”

Smiling wryly, Irauk shook his head and released an exasperated sigh, “What…? Wha- who do you think you are, my mother? No! You’re my disciple to be. How dare you tell me what to do. Do you dare believe I won’t increase your requirements twofold? Damned spoiled lass,” spat Irauk while surprisingly still tossing her a pouch of her own.

“Thank you Teacher!” remarked Nadida while smiling sweetly as she examined the contents of the bag she acquired. It was similar to Apollos, except it was slightly larger. As for the contents, that was unknown.

At that moment, numerous sources of rustling were heard as one by one; Rhett, Adeon, Ragnvald, and Socorra appeared in that order. Each of them approached Irauk, presenting the fruits of their labor. They had all completed the task. However, hilariously, Rhett only completed the bare minimum by collecting 10 Essence Cores belonging to Early Stage Rank 2 Spirit Beast.

“You…why are you the only one who does the bare minimum? Is food the only thing present on your mind you oversized walrus?” muttered Adeon while scoffing derisively. This wasn’t the first time he had only attempted the bare minimum to complete a task.

“It is okay. Sooner or later, he’ll find his motivation,” responded Irauk mediating the tension. However, if one looked closely there was a mischievous expression hidden within his eyes.

“Teacher, I don’t think you should continuously support his antics. You’ll end up fostering a negative trait in this fool,” countered Adeon as he glanced at Irauk. It seemed he picked up another quirk. He was on par with Nadida when it came to the matters of the mouth!

‘Damn! What is wrong with these kids that I picked up? Does talent equate to being a quirk?’ thought Irauk while releasing another exasperated sigh.

“It isn’t your place to try and reprimand the teacher. Watch your words and be respectful,” commented Ragnvald as he looked at Adeon with a stern expression. On the other hand, Irauk focused on Apollo.

Clasping his hands behind his back, Irauk glanced over to Apollo before stating a few words, “I will be departing shortly. However, unlike the others, I won’t be bringing you with me. I can tell from your personality it is best you hone yourself here alone. I will see you again in the future. Based on your talent, we are fated to meet,” smiled Irauk before tossing Apollo a small handbook.

“Inside is the information you’ll need. I was aware of your brief blank expression earlier when I mentioned that beast being a variant. It seems you lack some knowledge but that small booklet will correct that and divulge what is needed to be known,” nodded Irauk before turning in a direction exiting the Shadowy Forest.

Before leaving, Ragnvald approached Apollo, “You said your name is Apollo right? I look forward to meeting you again in the near future and having a spar with you. From the Teacher’s words, I can infer you are decently skilled in it.”

“Okay,” nodded Apollo while relaying a simple answer. Disappearing from where he stood, Ragnvald followed after Irauk.

“B-bye Apollo! See you in a few years,” exclaimed Socorra before scurrying away.

Meanwhile, Nadida gazed at him with a peculiar look. “In the future. We will fight and I will win. I don’t need to be superior to you but I hope you view me as your equal.”

Leaving her piece she dashed off leaving a blank Apollo, ‘Uh…what was that about?’

“Treat me to some Rank 3… no, no I mean Rank 4 Spirit Beast meat in the future,” stated Rhett as he drooled while reveling over the matter. It was clear he possessed an alarming admiration towards food.

Adeon on the other hand simply spared him a glance and departed. It was weird, just as quickly as they met they departed. Yet, throughout this matter, Apollo felt this odd foreboding that he would be seeing them again very soon.

[I’m picking up fluctuations from the pouch you have been given. Furthermore, I think it is wise you take a look inside that booklet while you seek out a decent area to rest yourself. I think today warrants you calling for an early finish. Instead, let’s reflect upon what transpired.]

“I agree with you there. Although my status seems fine. My mind is extremely tired for some reason,” murmured Apollo as he scoured the area for a suitable place to rest. It wasn’t long before he found a place.

“There will suffice,” before settling in a rather awkward position. However, it was suitable as it was out of reach. Only, it would require his exerting some effort to reach as well.