Alex refrained from searching for an General 2nd Rank monster, driven by a deep-rooted stubbornness that fueled his determination not to give up until hope was extinguished.
In the midst of battling the monster, he sensed an impending breakthrough to the 5th stage of Foundation Establishment, confident that immediate cultivation method circulation could secure it.
His half-closed eyes snapped open, emanating a faint, brilliant radiance capable of penetrating the monster's entire body.
Employing the shadow steps to their maximum, two illusory clones materialized beside him, bewildering the Fox bear—though, in reality, it was a mere consequence of his heightened speed.
In that moment, all the mana within Alex's body converged toward his hand, unleashing the lightning slash at its maximum potential to sever the monster's other hand.
The fox bear, propelled by the force of Alex's powerful strike, soared into the sky, executing a mid-air roll.
"Roar!"
A savage roar erupted from the direction of the impact, but before it could fall on the dense bushes and continue to attract other beasts, Alex swiftly decapitated it's head with his last strike.
Observing the lifeless fox bear, Alex breathed a sigh of relief and promptly stored it in his storage bag, waves of intense joy flooding through him like a tide.
Savoring the "beginning of sweetness that comes after the bitterness," Alex promptly made his way to the forest exit since he couldn't rest here and also heal his injuries in a safe place.
In a matter of minutes, he emerged from the forest unimpeded. Observing his robes, no one halted his passage. Along the way, he spotted Clara and her two friends entering the forest.
Despite their surprise at seeing him alone, Alex merely nodded and continued on, uninterested in engaging with them.
It wasn't a matter of Clara being a heroine in the novel; personally, Alex felt no attraction to her, neither as a friend nor as a love interest.
After emerging from the forest, Alex headed to a nearby cheap inn. The innkeeper, a fierce-looking fifty-year-old woman, softened her expression upon seeing the robes Alex wore. In a kind tone, she asked, "Young sir, do you want a room?"
"Yes, please give me a single room with a sound-isolated formation," Alex replied. The landlady swiftly took out a key from the table.
"Your room number is 103 on the first floor," she informed him, rising from her seat and handing the key to Alex.
Alex quickly nodded and entered his designated room, paying 10 low-grade spirit stones to the landlady, who responded with a bright smile.
Inside the small room, he found a simple setup and the mana concentration was sufficient since it was connected to a branch of a low-grade mana vein.
Alex sat down and retrieved a healing pill from his storage bag which he bought from the Phoenix Merchant Emporium five days ago when he came along with Lucas.
It is one of the top 5 merchant organizations which has its branches all over the continents and has immense power in their hands.
As Alex consumed the pill which had a bitter taste, the injuries he accumulated in his body slowly healed and at the same time, Alex simultaneously activated his cultivation technique, connecting his 5th mana route to the core.
After five hours, Alex stood up and freshened up. He was very happy as he had successfully broken through to the 5th level in Foundation.
He opened the door to go on his way to the academy since he has to submit the task. However, when he came out of his room, he heard some commotion where the landlady was arguing with someone.
Turning, he saw two outer disciples arguing with each other, and the landlady was supporting one of them.
Looking at one of the outer disciples, Alex recognized him as one of the underlings who had followed Leonis at the Heavenly Star Restaurant. The other young man was the protagonist, Leon and his classmate.
The underling regarded Leon with contempt, while Leon struggled to contain his anger during the heated argument with the inn's landlady.
Evidently, the young man sought favor with Leonis, who is currently preparing to become a direct disciple, and was causing trouble for Leon, who had offended Leonis during the Five Factions recruitment.
Leon's expression hardened as he addressed the landlady, "We agreed on a five-day rental period, and I've paid in advance. There are still three days left. Now you want me to leave?"
The landlady, wearing an apologetic smile, proposed, "I'm aware of the arrangement. How about I refund you for the remaining three days? Does that work for you?"
"Returning the three days' rent? Your calculations are quite precise!" Leon's anger simmered, though he finally managed to endure the landlady's infuriating actions.
The landlady, defiant, retorted, "What are you talking about? This room is mine, and I decide who rents it!" She seemed unafraid, supported by the rich background of the young man beside her, backed by an Inner disciple, while Leon, an outer disciple and a mere commoner.
The young man with monkey-like ears arrogantly laughed, "Be sensible and leave. I've got my eyes on you. Even if you find another place, I can still make you leave and I will keep on doing it whenever you come to complete the tasks here."
" So You have only one option: apologize to Young Master Leonis in front of everyone, or I'll ensure you never find lodging in any inn while monster hunting, haha!"
Alex observed the spectacle, casually munching on 'crispy taters' that rivaled the taste of French fries in his past life.
Unbeknownst to Alex, someone who were flying above on the sky were also attracted to the commotion going on below and were quietly observing the drama.
Aquila, angered by the bullying of her student, attempted to intervene but was halted by Serphina, who wore an amused smile. Her attention lingered on Alex, notably impressed by his achievement at reaching Foundation Establishment 5th level.