Amelia, still curious about Cedric's presence and questioning the absence of his teammates, inquired further. She sought to understand why he was alone and seemingly allied with Goldenfist. Cedric responded with candor, revealing his purpose and the unique nature of his journey.
Amelia: "What are you doing here, and where is the rest of your team? And why are you friends with this beast?"
Cedric explained, "I'm here for training, and I don't have teammates. I'm alone, and this beast, as you say, is my friend with whom I've traveled the forest for more than a year now."
Amelia was taken aback by Cedric's revelation. The idea of staying alone in the Thundra forest for a year at the silver rank was indeed a remarkable accomplishment. Raya and the others, too, were impressed, as they had come to this perilous place with a team, prioritizing safety in numbers.
Cedric, seizing the opportunity to assert his perspective, remarked, "I don't know what business you have here, but I don't think you're strong enough to accomplish it."
This statement conveyed Cedric's confidence in his own capabilities and hinted at a subtle challenge. It was clear that Cedric viewed his solo journey and connection with Goldenfist as a testament to his strength and adaptability, contrasting with the group approach favored by Raya and his team.
Amelia, Raya, and the rest of the group absorbed Cedric's words, realizing that this lone traveler possessed a resilience and determination that set him apart. The Thundra forest, already a place of unpredictability, now held the potential for unexpected alliances or conflicts as these characters navigated the complexities of their encounter.
Amelia's frustration with Cedric's demeanor intensified, fueling a desire to prove herself against him. She cunningly proposed a challenge, aiming to expose any weakness in Cedric's supposed strength.
Amelia: "If you are really this strong, then you won't mind challenging me, right?"
Cedric, considering the proposition, took a step forward and signaled Goldenfist to remain in place. Amelia, confident in her abilities, brandished an ancient-looking staff, likely crafted from the branches of the world tree. As a member of the royal family, her magical prowess was formidable. She smirked, confident that Cedric would be humbled by her defense.
Cedric, however, had a different plan. With a sly smile, he held up a single finger.
Cedric: "If you can defend against this attack, I will concede."
Amelia, infuriated by what she perceived as arrogance, began channeling her strongest defensive magic, preparing to showcase her superior skills. Cedric, seemingly undeterred, concentrated his inner mana and harnessed the mana in the environment, compressing it to the maximum.
Amelia sensed the gathering power and felt a shiver down her spine. As Cedric asked, "Do you want to give up?" Amelia, gritting her teeth, responded defiantly, "No, I won't give up."
With that declaration, Cedric unleashed the power he had concentrated into his index finger—the First Ray of Light. The magical attack shattered the defensive dome Amelia had erected, and just as it was about to hit her, it vanished. The shockwave of the strike left Amelia on the ground, seated, and somewhat stunned.
Cedric, triumphant, brought his finger to his mouth and blew on it, as if extinguishing a tiny flame. The gesture was a nonchalant display of his control and mastery over the magical force he had just unleashed. Goldenfist, observing the spectacle, chittered in approval.
Cedric: "Well, that settles it. If you have any more doubts about my strength, I suggest you put them to rest. I'm not here to cause trouble, but I won't back down either."
Amelia, still reeling from the unexpected outcome, couldn't immediately respond. Raya and the others, witnessing the exchange, exchanged glances, recognizing that Cedric's abilities surpassed their initial assumptions. The encounter had taken an unforeseen turn, and Cedric stood, unyielding, ready for whatever might come next in the Thundra forest.
Raya, expressing gratitude for Cedric's restraint against Amelia, extended a helping hand to the fallen mage. Seizing the opportunity, Cedric inquired once again about their purpose in the Thundra forest, sensing that their quest held the promise of a significant treasure.
Cedric: "What is your goal in coming to the Thundra forest?"
Raya sighed, contemplating how much information to disclose. Eventually, he revealed, "Amelia got a treasure map from her grandfather that would lead her to the key to breaking through to Gold rank."
Cedric's interest was piqued, though he maintained a composed exterior. Breaking through to Gold rank was a monumental achievement, requiring martial artists to grasp intent and magic users to open their mana space in their heads. If their quest held knowledge or artifacts that could aid Cedric in these aspects, he was eager to be part of it.
Cedric: "I can help you with that. I'm strong and know the place from one year of exploring."
Raya exchanged a glance with Amelia, recognizing that Cedric's strength could indeed be an asset. Amelia, despite her initial reluctance, nodded in agreement.
Raya: "Okay, you can join us."
Cedric, leading the way, guided them to his treehouse, a secure and familiar abode he had crafted during his year of solitary exploration. As they entered, Cedric offered them a place to rest and strategize for their joint venture into the heart of the Thundra forest.
Cedric: "Make yourselves at home. We have a challenging journey ahead, but together, we can achieve our respective goals."