Outworld Master: Jack Of All Trades, Master Of All Chapter 13 Chapter 12: Lavia Garden

Two weeks proved insufficient for Jack to devise a flawless solution for Agos. He could only instruct Agos on breathing and mana absorption through pores to minimize crystal depletion. Even then, Jack soon restricted crystal use to mere hand-held absorption, reserving them for when the students mastered the technique and could channel mana through their respiratory systems.

Thomas, having practiced alongside Jack, progressed smoothly. After two weeks, all three reached the targeted improvement. Jack's enhanced stamina allowed him to hurl three mana-imbued cobblestones before exhaustion claimed him. Despite his solid foundation, he lacked Julia's particle compression technique. His best attempt currently was a forceful, cone-shaped dust blast – a rather useless feat.The field trip arrived sooner than expected. Lavia Garden, situated east like the academy, awaited. After gathering and verifying their supplies, fifteen students boarded carts, each holding five students and a supervising teacher. Ideally, teachers from various factions would observe and assess practical combat through suggested tests. However, with several departments swamped, only Maesters and Artificers could participate.Jack's disappointment stemmed from the limited supervision. In the past two weeks, his progress bars for Maester and Nightblade knowledge had reached 15% and 30%, respectively. His Arcanist and Warrior knowledge stagnated – the principal remained perpetually busy, and practice-heavy Warrior training offered little from books.Besides Thomas and Agos, two girls shared their cart. Their supervising teacher, none other than Julia, sported a ponytail, ditching her cumbersome robe for a mobile outfit of shirt, trousers, and a compact shoulder bag. Fearing Jack's penchant for trouble, she'd volunteered to supervise his cart, even silencing the crew throughout the journey.Cramped conditions plagued Jack's side due to Agos' size and the heat radiating from his round form. While Thomas seemed oblivious, Jack couldn't help but notice his seatmate's occasional glances at the girls. Uninterested in judging his companion or the girls, Jack obeyed Julia's request and practiced his breathing, readying himself for peak performance. The prospect of facing Lavia Garden's monsters thrilled him. A nostalgic grin spread across his face as he recalled his first encounter in his previous life. Back then, his pants became regrettably wet when a carnivorous flower's vines, mistaking him for prey, attempted to drag him towards its gaping maw. Emily's timely arrival had saved him that day, marking the beginning of everything.Julia, noticing the unsettling smile and a subtle surge in Jack's mana flow, squinted her eyes. Principal Meinhard was right, she thought. Jack was indeed exceptional compared to the average student.Ten minutes later, the cart veered off the road, jolting everyone as they navigated the rough trail. Agos and Thomas clung to their seats, determined to avoid the embarrassment of a public tumble. Ten more minutes brought them to their destination. Julia signaled for everyone to disembark.The students formed a line facing Lavia Garden. The sight reminded Jack of a zoo he'd visited on Earth. An iron fence topped with barbed wire encapsulated the perimeter, forming a secure net. An arched gate marked the entrance, leading to a paved path of cubic stones. Two rows of trees, punctuated by flower pots, flanked the path, creating a vibrant green vista. In the distance, colossal trees stretched towards the heavens, their expansive canopies almost enveloping the entire area. The deep, rhythmic roar of a waterfall crashing against rocks echoed from within, reaching all the way to the entrance. The air held a crisp, refreshing coolness that invigorated the body. The resemblance to a zoo stemmed from the branching pathways that segmented the garden into smaller enclosures where various monsters roamed behind fences. According to Thomas, the central part, deeper within, housed a basin where visitors could observe the beasts in their natural habitat.Julia stepped forward, assuming the role of leader."No practice battle today," Professor Julia announced, her voice laced with frustration. "The Warrior instructor is indisposed. However, Master Darius will proceed with the poison experiment. You'll each choose a monster to test on, submitting reports for evaluation."She rummaged through her satchel, retrieving fifteen pouches identical to the one used in class. Distributing them, she added with a sigh, "They contain the same anesthesia poison. Don't even think about asking for something stronger. I know your penchant for recklessness."With a curt nod to her colleagues, Julia led the students out to the Academy Gardens. The air hummed with the scent of damp earth and vibrant flora. Beside him, Agos smacked his lips in appreciation."This would be a perfect picnic spot!" he exclaimed.Thomas chuckled. "Not with our measly student allowances, Fatino."Jack chimed in, "Maybe we can manage a picnic sometime?""Of course," a voice drawled. "If your pockets are lined enough, you can lounge here, fight beasts in the cages, even throw a barbecue party."Patrick, his usual sneer accentuated by a smug smirk, stood beside them with two additional escorts. Unlike Pascal, the new recruits lacked his ragged attire.Jack ignored Patrick's jibe, his gaze drawn to the various enclosures. Cobalt Crocodiles, their scales as blue as their namesake, lumbered sluggishly. Unlike their ferocious reputation, they were apparently bred for their tough hides. The Evil Vine lashed out at the students with whip-like tendrils, only to be repelled by the magical barriers. The Barthtooths, a collection of furry, bouncing balls, bared needle-like teeth that sent shivers down spines.But it was the Raging Blaze Gorillas that truly captivated Jack. Their imposing physiques were adorned with magnificent fur, and Jack's fingers twitched with the urge to reach out. However, their fiery punches against the barriers, leaving glowing blue marks, were a stark reminder of their namesake.Finally, they arrived at the basin. The sheer depth, ranging from ten to twenty meters, took Jack's breath away. In the center, chained to the ground, resided a monstrous creature. Its serpentine head, eyes barely open, lolled back as it slumbered. A long, forked tongue flickered in and out. Its sharp, uneven teeth resembled the Barthtooth's, and four slender arms dangled downwards, tipped with wickedly sharp claws. Replacing legs were a mass of writhing tentacles of varying sizes."The Cavernwraith," Thomas whispered. "The strongest beast in the Gardens. It took five low-rank Crusaders to capture it."The basin floor, segmented by the Cavernwraith's position, teemed with various ecosystems. Lush meadows coexisted with arid deserts, murky swamps, and rugged mountainscapes. Beneath Jack's feet lay a verdant field with a babbling stream, where a four-horned beast grazed peacefully."The Four-Horned Boar," Agos announced. "A formidable opponent for the graduation exam."Thomas nodded. "The Hedgehog Mole was child's play in comparison.""What does a Hedgehog Mole even look like?" Jack inquired, his curiosity piqued.Before Thomas could answer, Professor Julia's booming voice cut through the air. Jack spotted her exchanging frantic whispers with the other instructors before instructing the students to remain put. With worried expressions, the teachers dispersed in different directions.Thomas hurried towards the nearest group and returned, his face etched with concern. "There are problems with the fences," he explained. "The mana barriers seem to be malfunctioning. The teachers are checking it out and should be back soon."Agos's face paled. "Unlucky timing. At least the creatures down there can't fly. Otherwise, we'd be toast.""Don't tempt fate with your negativity," Thomas grumbled.A sudden tension filled the air. Jack realized one of Patrick's escorts – Pascal – was missing. Patrick held aloft an object resembling an antenna, his gaze fixed on the basin."Now!" Patrick yelled, his voice laced with malice.A rock whizzed through the air, propelled by a burst of magic. Jack, caught off guard, barely managed to dodge the projectile. As he turned, a figure materialized before him. It was Pascal, his leg aimed for a devastating uppercut kick to Jack's left ribs. The blow landed with a sickening thud, the air whooshing out of Jack's lungs. Pain exploded in his side, momentarily paralyzing him. He tumbled through the air, a ragdoll at the mercy of gravity. The ground rushed towards him, a sickening blur.He braced himself for impact, desperately concentrating the last dregs of his mana into his arms. Just before he slammed into the rocky slope, his arms tensed, absorbing the blow. The impact sent a jolt of agony through his body, but it was enough to deflect him, sending him rolling down the steep embankment.Disoriented and gasping for breath, Jack clung to consciousness. He peeked over the edge, the world spinning around him. With another surge of willpower, he channeled more mana, this time focusing on slowing his descent. The effect was minimal, but it bought him precious seconds to plan.He spotted a small, grassy ledge a few meters below, jutting out from the cliff face. With a burst of desperate energy, he pushed himself off the wall, using his arms to propel himself towards the ledge. It was a risky maneuver, but his only hope of avoiding a potentially fatal fall.He landed with a grunt, the uneven surface scraping his skin. Pain throbbed in his ribs, making every breath a shallow gasp. A trickle of warm blood snaked down his temple, blurring his vision. He gingerly touched the spot, wincing at the sharp sting.Blinking away the haze of pain, he focused on his surroundings. He found himself near a small stream, the sound of its gurgling water a comforting presence. But the serenity was shattered by a guttural snort that sent shivers down his spine.He slowly turned, his gaze landing on the source of the sound. A monstrous beast stood before him, its imposing form filling his field of vision. It was the Four-Horned Boar Agos had mentioned earlier. Its hulking body was covered in thick, bristly fur, and the sunlight glinted off its massive horns.The beast eyed him with a mix of curiosity and aggression, its nostrils flaring as it sniffed the air. Jack knew it wouldn't be long before curiosity turned to hostility. Fear choked him, but a primal instinct to survive flared up. He pushed himself to his feet, bracing himself for the fight. Despite his cracked ribs and throbbing head, there was no fear in his eyes.

Chapter 13 - Chapter 12: Lavia Garden

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