Damn it… How bad can my luck get?
I don't have time to explain—so here's a quick rewind.
After discovering the curse, I spent three months preparing for my first hunt. Three long, grueling months.
Then, I entered Jade Forest.
And almost immediately, a white hyena attacked me—its two black fangs jutting out like elephant tusks.
I tried to dodge, stepping aside at the last second, but it still managed to rake its claws across my left hand.
Scratch? No, that's not the right word for this injury.
Not the time to find the right word, you idiot.
The hyena lunged again. Instead of dodging, I pulled Arcane Fang from my storage ring.
A double-edged longsword with a razor-sharp point—versatile and deadly.
More versatile than its user, honestly.
I activated one of its enchantments, shortening the blade for better control.
As the hyena charged, my heartbeat pounded in my ears. I poured mana into Arcane Fang and used Telekinesis to launch myself off the ground.
It's scary as hell. It looks cool in TV shows, but if I land on my head, I won't die, right?
Stop overthinking, you goddamn idiot.
The hyena skidded to a stop, claws tearing into the dirt. I twisted midair, aiming to drive my sword straight into its back.
It dodged.
I landed hard, barely catching my balance before the hyena lunged again.
Arcane Fang cracked with purple lightning.
I ducked beneath its claws and slashed at its legs. The enchanted blade sliced through flesh like butter.
Yeah… Die, you damn hyena.
Screeching in pain, the beast conjured a fireball, ready to burn me alive.
Oh… Nooo… Why won't you just die already?!
I blasted it away with Telekinesis, sending it crashing to my left. Without wasting time, I stored Arcane Fang and raised my hand.
Water Blade.
Water Blade.
Water Blade.
Water Blade.
Four sharp arcs of water shot toward the beast.
One pierced its skull, splitting its head apart.
It's gross, but I don't have time to puke.
Wait… I don't have time? How many times have I repeated that? I swear, I need to check my schedule.
No comments. I don't have time to reply to my own stupid questions.
I made an arrogant face. No… Not arrogant. Elegant. Yeah, that sounds better. Whatever.
Once my inner debate was over, fatigue took over, and I collapsed onto the ground, sighing in relief.
Then, I noticed. My body was shaking.
The cool wind brushed against my face—fresh, sharp, and grounding.
I thought an F-Rank beast would be easy. If this is the weakest rank, how the hell am I supposed to surpass M-Rank?
…Why am I not roasting myself?
Forget it. First, I need to extract the beast core.
I stood up and walked toward the corpse. After a moment, I held a black crystal the size of a tennis ball in my palm. I stored it in my ring before muttering:
He was a strong beast. His core should be worth something… If not, I—
…Wait. I can't do anything. He's already dead.
How did I even know it was a he? It could be a she.
Wait… Am I patriarchal now? Do I just assume all strong creatures are male?
Why do you always forget that we're the same person?
"Ouch!"
Curse that piece of… black-and-white shit.
Actually, black and white sounds kinda cool. Wait… If black and white mix, doesn't that just make gray?
Who cares? I should cover my wound first.
I pulled out bandages and wrapped my hand.
That's enough for today. I'm exhausted.
…Someone was talking about surpassing M-Rank, huh?
Tell me, do Mages beyond M-Rank get tired after fighting a single F-Rank beast?
If so, I'm already an achievement.
Shut up already.
I turned and began walking back toward the city.