As Raven began his journey back toward the mansion, a sudden thought flickered through his mind, halting him mid-step. His enhanced Stealth ability had just been tested on the streets of the city, but what if he took it a step further?
A grin spread across his face as the idea took root. "Why not hunt some monsters?" he mused aloud.
The forest on the outskirts of the city was known for its dangerous creatures, ranging from lower-tier beasts to more formidable monsters. It wasn't the type of place most would venture into alone, especially at night. But for Raven, with his new power, it felt like the perfect place to put his skills to the test.
Excitement thrummed through him as he changed direction, heading away from the familiar streets and toward the looming silhouette of the forest in the distance. He moved swiftly, his steps barely making a sound as he activated Stealth once more, merging seamlessly with the shadows around him. The streets and buildings soon gave way to towering trees and dense underbrush, the city lights fading behind him.
As he entered the forest, the air grew cooler, and the sounds of nightlife filled the space—the rustling of leaves, the distant calls of nocturnal creatures, and the occasional snapping of twigs underfoot. But none of these sounds disturbed Raven. He moved like a specter through the woods, invisible to anything that might be lurking in the darkness.
He ventured deeper, his senses sharp, scanning for any sign of movement. The thrill of being able to hunt without being seen coursed through him. His Stealth ability made him practically untouchable, able to approach even the most alert monsters without detection.
Raven stopped at the edge of a clearing, his eyes narrowing as he spotted a small group of wolf-like creatures prowling through the shadows. Their fur gleamed in the faint moonlight, their eyes glowing an eerie red. Though they were just C-rank monsters, they were still vicious enough to pose a challenge to unprepared adventurers.
With a steady breath, Raven activated Stealth again and approached them silently, his presence erased entirely. He circled around the group, watching their movements, testing just how close he could get without them noticing. Even as he closed the distance, the wolves remained unaware, sniffing the air and growling at the darkness but unable to sense him.
It was exhilarating.
Raven raised a hand, summoning a gust of wind from his Wind Manipulation ability. With a single, precise motion, he unleashed a blade of air, cutting through the clearing with deadly accuracy. One of the wolves fell instantly, its body crumpling to the ground before the others could react.
The remaining wolves spun around, searching for their unseen attacker, but they were too slow. Raven had already moved again, weaving through the trees, his form completely invisible. Another wolf collapsed, felled by a second wind blade, and the rest scattered in panic, unsure of where the attacks were coming from.
Within moments, the clearing was silent. Raven emerged from the shadows, satisfied with the results. His abilities had never felt more refined, more powerful. This was just the beginning, but he was already seeing the benefits of his newfound strength.
As he stood over the fallen wolves, he allowed himself a brief moment of reflection.
"Although these forests are just outside the city walls, only C-rank or lower monsters are left alive to train adventurers," Raven thought, glancing around the quiet woods. "The stronger ones have already been subjugated."
The forest, though dangerous for beginners, no longer posed a significant threat to him. But it was still an excellent training ground—a place to sharpen his skills, refine his techniques, and prepare for the greater challenges that lay ahead.
Raven clenched his fist, determination flooding his mind. "For the next few months, I'll focus solely on improving my physical abilities and Wind Manipulation." He knew he had to grow stronger in all aspects to be truly powerful. Only by mastering both his body and magic would he become a force to be reckoned with.
Satisfied with his decision, Raven vanished into the shadows once more, his mind already planning the next phase of his training.