William returned to the village. The narrow dirt streets were practically deserted. Most of the villagers remained in their homes, with doors and windows locked. The fear of the corrupted beasts still hung in the air, creating a somber and oppressive atmosphere.
But the presence of the adventurers brought some relief. They patrolled the streets, with gleaming armor and weapons in hand, ready to defend the village from any threat. If any villager needed to go out into the forest, one of the adventurers would accompany them, ensuring their safety.
Their mission was not only to protect the villagers but also to investigate the cause of the corruption affecting the magical beasts. They were experienced warriors, sent from the capital to solve the mystery that plagued the region.
As soon as William arrived at Gorn's house, he heard him talking to Aella, one of the adventurers. She was a tall and imposing woman, with a serious expression and piercing eyes. Her leather armor was impeccably polished, and a long sword hung from her belt.
"Are you sure the corruption is coming from that place? From that cave?" Gorn asked, his voice full of concern.
Aella nodded firmly. "Yes. It's coming from a cave near the river. We found traces that confirm our discovery, but we haven't been there to check yet."
The most impressive thing was that the cave in question was close to where William had been summoned by Elric's magic.
'Could Elric be the reason for this corruption?' William wondered, intrigued. Elric had summoned the heroes and sent him away with powerful magic.
Gorn noticed William's arrival and interrupted his conversation with Aella.
"William! How are you? I heard you went to get some air on the hill."
"Actually, I went to train," William replied. "I have a lot of magic to learn now."
"Yes, indeed," Gorn agreed. "Well, I believe you heard our conversation. Remember not to go there, okay? Leave this dangerous mission to us."
Gorn didn't want William to get involved in the mission. It was too dangerous for a young man still as weak as he was.
But William thought differently. He was getting stronger quickly and wanted to test his progress.
"I understand, Gorn," William said. "I won't go there. But... do you have any idea when you're going to explore the cave?"
"Well..." Gorn began as he searched for a drink in the kitchen. "I think in about three days? We still want to clear the area well to ensure there aren't too many monsters while we're away."
William smiled. "And what if I happen to master my first skill, Swiftfoot, in three days? Would you let me go?"
Gorn seemed surprised. "Master that skill in three days? Even though it's a beginner level skill, it's impossible to master in three days. Well, that skill would give you a better chance of escaping if something happened, so yes, I'd let you go without a problem if you mastered it in three days."
He didn't believe William could master the skill in three days. Not that William lacked talent, but mastering a skill took time.
'I can work hard and use my SSS skill to train in that place without losing time. That will increase my chances! ' William thought, a determined glint in his eyes.
Determined, William went to his room in Gorn's house and resumed his training. He focused on drawing the runes for the Swiftfoot skill. With each attempt, the runes glowed brighter and lingered longer in the air. It was a sign that he was improving, albeit slowly.
He was so engrossed in his practice that he didn't notice Maya enter the room. She stood silently in the doorway, her eyes wide with fascination as she watched him manipulate the magical energy. To her, magic was mysterious, powerful, and beautiful—something she yearned to learn one day.
"Why don't you ask your father if you can try it? You might have a talent for magic," William suggested, noticing her presence.
Maya shook her head. "I don't know if he'll approve. But I'll try, okay? Imagine if we could both learn magic at the academy!"
Realizing she was getting carried away, Maya excused herself. "I'll go see if Elara needs help in the kitchen. See you later."
Maya rushed out the door, her face flushed. She desperately searched for a place to hide her embarrassment.
William, oblivious to her distress, was preoccupied with his newfound skill. The progress he was making thrilled him.
He devoted the remainder of the day to honing his Swiftfoot technique. He paused occasionally for meals and, at one point, showered to avoid his room becoming unbearable.
By nightfall, exhaustion had taken hold. After a day of intense rune drawing and mana control, William craved rest.
He slept soundly through the night. Like a stoic rock beside the ocean, he remained undisturbed by any waves of noise or movement. Nothing could rouse him from his slumber.
The following morning began with breakfast and farewells.
"Heading to the hill for training, alright?" William called out as he departed.
William was intensely focused on improving. He was determined to master that skill within three days, and with the dedication he displayed, it just might be possible.
One of his greatest assets was his SSS-rank special ability, which he activated immediately upon reaching the hill.
The cooldown period had ended. A portal materialized before William, and he stepped through.
He found himself in the familiar barn the old man had offered him for shelter. It was early morning.
William emerged from the barn, his movements catching the old man's attention. "Awake, are you? How about some breakfast?" he inquired.
Although he had just eaten, William wouldn't refuse the offer.
"That would be great!" William replied, entering the old man's house.
The interior of the house was tidy and clean. The furniture was simple, made of wood, but everything was spotless. William noted the old man's care for his home.
"My name is Jinra, by the way. And yours?" the old man said.
"William. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"William... an unusual name. Well, no matter. Please, have a seat," Jinra said, gesturing towards a chair.
Breakfast was already prepared, consisting of eggs from the chickens he raised. William ate lightly, not wanting to appear impolite in Jinra's home.
"Any plans for today, young man?" Jinra inquired.
William considered for a moment before replying, "Actually, I'm hoping to learn this skill."
He produced the Swiftfoot manual, and to his surprise, the man seemed familiar with it!
"Ah, a body enhancement magic. Yes, I know how to use this skill, and many others. Would you like some help?"
William couldn't contain his happiness. 'Did I just find a mentor?'