I breathed a sigh of relief. Never, even a little bit, should I ever let my guard down in this forest. It is clear that there are many vicious beasts here that could easily kill me.
Exasperation showed on my face, it seemed leaving this forest proved to be a troublesome thing.
Trying to leave this forest - moreover without a map, with this measly strength, there would be a very high chance I would become beast food.
And if I were to really decide to leave this forest and so happen to get lost, I may not be so lucky enough to find a cave to shelter in like this place where I am now.
It posed too much danger and threat. I was not about to gamble my life.
I made up my mind that before I aim to leave this forest, I have to at least reach the middle stages of Tier-2 mage.
Then I would have enough confidence that I would survive.
I have to grow stronger first, also, I planned to make a few more spells that I can use in case of emergency and fights with beasts.
I was determined to leave this place alive and powerful.
__________
2 weeks passed.
I opened my eyes, feeling power course through my veins.
I couldn't help but put on a smile.
I reached the peak stage of tier-1 mage already?!
Hwhahahahha
Joy was evident on my face.
I looked at my Elemental Anchor and saw that it was much brighter, more powerful, and active. It looked like something that would explode at any moment with tremendous power.
"Now then, should I test my powers?"
I stood up and went out of the cave.
I would have never thought even once in my life that I would actively seek out beasts in the forest to test out my improvement for the last weeks.
To me two weeks ago, such a thought would be absurd and nonsensical.
I chuckled lightly.
Anyway, I was quite lucky as not even a few moments passed, I encountered a wild beast.
It was a bear with, a large paw that could probably crush rocks into pieces, sharp claws that could dig through the hardest wood, and big fangs that could penetrate the deepest core.
It stood on its hind legs and drummed its stomach with a large growl as if showing a declaration of war against me.
It made me amused.
Even though two weeks had passed and I experienced rapid growth, I was still alert and ready. I wasn't planning on dying because of a stupid reason such as letting my guard down.
Still, I couldn't avoid the fact that I was proud of myself as to not be so scared of the vicious beast - the past me would probably be gulping down all his saliva till his throat dry.
I had quite the confidence I could kill the bear but all the more confident that I could escape if the situation deteriorated.
I stomped my foot on the ground and uttered along with a flick of my wrist, "Thunder Arrow!"
Two lightning arrows manifested mid-air. That's right, two! I was now able to use two thunder arrows whilst also casting them at the same time.
Something to note, compared to the past, my casting skills significantly improved - it was much swifter and smoother.
The bear saw this and quickly took action, charging towards me on all fours. There was quite the distance between us so you could say that I had the advantage.
I willed and the thunder arrows darted forth the beast. The bear however did not show any signs of concern, it dodged the arrows without much of a problem despite the ridiculous speed my spell was moving.
It seemed that the bear was also quite fast and nimble - despite its large body.
The arrows went past it leaving the beast unscathed but not even the slightest trace of panic could be visible in my face. I was composed and alert still.
The fight wasn't over, it was far from over.
I made a few hand gestures and the thunder arrows that shot past the bear actually turned around, and as if controlled and manipulated, the arrows chased after the bear from behind.
The bear didn't notice it but a problem was arising from my side, the bear was getting dangerously close but no matter, I expended bits of more mana to hasten the speed of the thunder arrows.
The thunder arrows gleamed with a beautiful purple color as they hissed like snakes, cutting through the air and leaving a hissing sound.
The bear seemed to have noticed something with its instinct but it was too late. It got shot from behind and incurred two deep and severe wounds.
It should have spelled the bear's death but it seemed not.