Magic, a concept shrouded in mystery and power. On the last continent, it was both revered and feared, its destructive force earning it a reputation as a highly dangerous art. Not just anyone with a connection to mana could harness its power. A special condition had to be met before magic could be used, and this was true for both humans and monsters or demons. Although all monsters and demons could sense mana, not all of them had the ability to use magic. Only the most powerful, high-grade monsters and demons could wield its power.
So when Raoul saw the ogre facing Adam using magic, he was stunned. Normally, high-grade monsters couldn't be found in this part of the forest, no matter how deep they ventured. Monsters were divided into four grades: low grade, normal grade, high grade, and destruction grade. The high grade and destruction grade were further divided into five sub-classes, ranging from first class to fifth class, with the fifth class being the weakest. But the difference between a fifth-class high-grade monster and a normal-grade monster was vast, like comparing heaven and earth. The goblins that Adam had faced earlier could only be considered low-grade monsters.
Raoul had intended for Adam to train by facing low-grade and at most, normal-grade monsters.
-Magic!! Raoul was shocked as he watched Adam facing a high-grade monster. Despite Adam's talent, Raoul knew that he couldn't defeat such a monster with only his first gate open. His worry was palpable as he gazed at the young boy, who was taken aback by the sight of the huge fireball rushing toward him with immense destructive power.
"Blink!" Adam shouted, trying to escape the incoming attack. He disappeared and reappeared high in the air behind the orc, but the orc noticed instantly and smiled. The fireball split in two and changed direction, rushing directly toward Adam. The young boy was caught off guard and realized that he had used Blink to teleport behind the orc and was unable to use it again right away to evade the orc's attack. He steeled himself and decided to take the full impact while covering his body with mana.
Just before the fireball could reach Adam, Raoul appeared in front of him and redirected the two fireballs with ease. He then grabbed Adam and disappeared again, this time reappearing in front of the orc. Raoul held Adam in his arms like a baby and said, "Well done, you did well."
Adam's face turned red with embarrassment as he was held in such a manner. He protested, "Master, why are you intervening? I can take care of him myself." Raoul tried to reassure him, "Calm down, this is not an opponent you can face right now."
"Why?" Adam asked, confusion evident on his face.
"You have only unlocked the first gate. To face a monster like this one, you need to have at least the third gate unlocked," Raoul explained.
Adam was not convinced and replied, "Really? I still feel like I can face him though. I was just a little surprised by his fire attack."
"He's toying with you," Raoul warned. "A monster that can use magic is much stronger than you realize."
"Magic? That was magic?" Adam asked, his eyes alight with excitement.
Before Raoul could answer, the orc named Torka burst into laughter.
"Stronger human now in front of Torka, but Torka still stronger. Torka will eat both the baby human and the stronger human," Torka declared, letting out a menacing aura that was meant to intimidate Raoul and Adam.
Raoul placed Adam on the ground and looked down at him, a smile slipping onto his lips.
"Let me show you how powerful your master is," Raoul said, his voice filled with confidence as he took on a fighting stance.
"Fifth gate, opening!"