Seraphina gazed at Eric with a determined expression, her eyes reflecting the wisdom of a seasoned master. "Eric, it's time to set a new goal for yourself. You've reached level 2, and now I want you to aim for level 5. When you reach level 5, a special skill gift will be bestowed upon you."
Eric's excitement surged at the prospect of a skill gift. Leveling up to level 5 was a challenging but enticing goal, and he knew it would bring him closer to becoming a formidable spellweaver. His heart raced as he envisioned the possibilities that lay ahead.
"Level 5, Master," he replied with determination. "I'll do my best to achieve it."
With renewed motivation, Eric marched forward, his eyes scanning the dense undergrowth for any signs of movement. He was on a mission, driven by the promise of a skill gift that awaited him.
It didn't take long before his sharp senses picked up the familiar rustling of leaves and the faint scurrying sounds of creatures. He spotted a group of wild rats, their sleek bodies darting among the bushes.
Eric didn't hesitate. He raised his hand, focusing his mana with precision, and sent controlled bursts of fire at the rats. The flames engulfed them, and they were reduced to charred remains.
With each successful encounter, Eric felt his power grow, his mana flowing more smoothly, and his control becoming more refined. He had a taste of what it meant to be a spellweaver, and he craved more.
As they delved deeper into the forest, their journey took an unexpected turn. Eric's keen eyes caught sight of a group of horned rabbits. These creatures were different from the rats—agile, aggressive, and known for their formidable horns.
Seraphina recognized the opportunity for a new challenge. She turned to Eric and said, "Eric, it's important for a spellweaver to balance both swordplay and magic. Use your sword to hunt one of these horned rabbits."
Eric nodded, understanding the significance of the task. He unsheathed his sword, the blade gleaming in the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. The horned rabbits were known for their speed and aggression, and Eric was about to face them for the first time with a sword in hand.
As he approached, one of the horned rabbits detected his presence and darted toward him with lightning speed, its horn lowered menacingly. Unlike the wild rats that tried to scurry away, the horned rabbit saw Eric as a threat and attacked.
Eric's heart raced, and he felt his muscles tense as the rabbit closed in. In his first encounter with a live target and a sword in hand, he momentarily froze, unsure of how to react.
Seraphina's voice echoed in his ears from her spot. "Calm yourself, Eric. Focus on the rabbit, its movements, and its direction."
He forced himself to take a deep breath, steadying his nerves. His eyes locked onto the horned rabbit, which continued its frantic charge. In the last moments, Eric managed to sidestep the attack, narrowly avoiding the horn.
With newfound determination, Eric swung his sword in a precise arc as the rabbit came at him again. The blade connected, and the horned rabbit's life was extinguished with a single slash.
Seraphina's voice was filled with pride as she approached. "Well done, Eric. You faced your fear and handled the challenge admirably. Balancing swordplay and magic is a crucial skill for a spellweaver."
From that point on, Eric continued his hunt, not only for wild rats but also for horned rabbits. Each encounter was a test of his growing skills, and with Seraphina's guidance, he became more adept at handling both his sword and magic.
Shadow, too, was a valuable partner in the hunt. The bond between master and companion had grown stronger with each passing day, and they worked seamlessly together to track and capture their prey. They had a system—whichever one of them spotted the prey first got the chance to hunt it.
The sun began its descent toward the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the forest. The day had been filled with challenges and rewards, and Eric's excitement grew as he realized he was getting closer to his goal of reaching level 5.
By the time the sun was about to set, Eric had hunted approximately 14 wild rats and 6 horned rabbits. His skills had improved significantly, and he could feel the power within him surging like a torrent.
Breathing heavily but with a sense of accomplishment, Eric turned to Seraphina. "Master, I think I've done it. I've reached level 5."
Seraphina smiled, her eyes filled with pride. "Indeed, Eric. I've been watching your progress closely. It's time to reveal your new skill."
Excitement and anticipation coursed through Eric as he eagerly awaited the revelation of his skill gift. He had worked hard, faced challenges, and pushed his limits. Now, he was about to unlock a new facet of his spellweaver abilities, a testament to his growth and determination.