Days passed, and my strength grew drastically.
Under Yuki's guidance in the forest, I learned far more than I ever could from books or structured training.
Experience carved lessons into me that theory never could.
I was no longer relying purely on instinct or raw power — I had begun to think like a hunter.
Now, I could take down high-ranking creatures with strategy rather than force.
Traps.
Distance.
Patience.
And Stealth.
Yuki's favorite — and most dangerous — technique.
At this very moment, I was perched high atop a thick tree branch, my presence concealed by shadows and leaves.
Below me, a massive bear prowled through the forest floor, its stomach growling as it searched for prey.
I followed it silently from above, tracking its path.
I already knew where it would step.
Hours earlier, I had prepared the ground — carving subtle markings, embedding dark magic beneath the soil, enhancing the chains far beyond what I could manage before.
The bear moved forward.
One more step.
Then—
It triggered the trap.
Black chains erupted violently from the earth, thicker and denser than before, wrapping around its limbs and torso.
The beast roared, thrashing wildly, but the bindings held firm.
I didn't hesitate.
Dark magic condensed in my palm, fire weaving into it seamlessly.
The two forces fused, forming a sharp, compressed spear radiating both heat and void.
I exhaled slowly.
Then I threw it.
The spear tore through the air and pierced the bear's skull cleanly.
Silence returned to the forest.
I dropped from the tree, landing steadily despite the height.
The massive body of the creature lay still before me.
No wasted movement. No unnecessary struggle.
Efficient.
From behind, I felt his gaze.
Yuki stepped forward from the shadows, observing the scene quietly.
His eyes lingered on the trap, the precision of the strike, the control of mana.
Then he gave a small nod.
Approval.
Not praise.
Just acknowledgment.
And for some reason… that felt heavier.