One year has passed. I am now six and somehow I got levelled up to Level 4. Zinona became inseperable in our family. At first she was unsure and cried at night, but I calmed her down and let her sleep peacefully. Eventually, she started training too, seperated from me because she was just beginner.
But she eventually managed to catch up to me.
"I really don't understand this world's leveling logic," I muttered. Damn you Unknown Growth Specimen. I had hunted twenty stags and I levelled up after killing the 20th. Stags were basically deer with antlers the size of large shrubs.
My status was becoming more unimaginable,
<
Name: Rei
Titles: Unknown Growth Specimen
Race: Lower Elf
Skills: Magic Creation (Level 1), Magic Weaving (Level 1), Appraisal (Level 1), Extreme Speed (Level 1)
Magic Affinities: Fire Magic, Air Magic, Display Hostilities Magic, Appraisal Voice Magic, Status Conceal Magic
Level: 4
Attack: 152
Defense: 54
Speed: 342 (Proficiency)
Stamina: 144
Boosts: Unpredictable Growth. Normal Mechanics Don't apply due to Title: Unknown Growth Specimen
>
Yeah, my attack and stamina increased slightly. But my speed went from 208 to 342 in just 3 levels. My Defense hasn't risen like at all. This blasted Title ruining everything.
Hey GOD! Why did you give me this Title that does things at so random?!
But nothing interested me more than the skill I got, Extreme Speed. I believe I got it during my first encounter with Zinona when Miss Appraisal's Voice ran out that time.
I haven't tested it out at all but I suspect it is weaker version of Sonic Speed that Suzuka took. Speaking of Suzuka, she is not in this village and I am unsure whether she is in the Elf Kingdom even. I need to search for them, my siblings. The most best way is to become an adventurer but mom said that I can register as an adventurer in the capital of the Elf Kingdom when I turn 12 only.
The training continued as usual, but today was different.
After what feels like eternity, it was finally time for a joint session with Zinona under Father. She is able to keep up now and thus we will do training together from now on.
We descended to the Forest Floor. It was a day off for Father and thus he will be present at all times today.
He looked at us with a competitive grin. I knew what that face meant.
"If you two are here, why not make a competition!" he said. I knew it.
"Ehh...I don't really want to..." I muttered but I was interrupted. "Sure! Rei you will compete with me right?! I need to show you how much strong I have become!" she asked, her eyes sparkling with joy.
Wow she has totally changed. From the shy crybaby girl to a girl who can keep up with me not that I am any good either.
"Alright Alright, fine!" I said out loud trying to push her face which was too close to mine away.
"Alright!" Father called out. "Whoever hunts the most stags wins. You have the entire day, from morning till evening. Are you two ready?"
"Yes..." I muttered.
"Yes!" Zinona said excited. How can she be enthusiastic?
"Good!" Father said and clapped once. "Your time starts now!"
We distanced ourselves as we dashed away into the forest floor. Hunting Stags? Easy. They never sense anything. They never attack.
"Display Hostilities" I muttered as the world turned black and red showing all things emitting hostility.
"Hmm… about ten," I muttered. "A herd is nearby, huh? Perfect."
I approached the stags stealthily and quietly. Why not take it slow? We can do this all afternoon till evening. I don't intend to win anyways.
They grazed.
I drew my bow.
One shot. Into the head.
Boom. Done. One Down.
The herd scattered immediately in fear. I approached the dead Stag and retrieved my arrow, it is proof of my hunt.
Then suddenly snapped in my Display Hostilities. I can keep it running for like three days straight. Plus my Mana Capacity is huge. Hmmm...
"An Unknown Hunter?" I muttered. Usually its just Tods, larger and stronger magical wolves and foxes of this world but this feels stronger. Usually Tods never snap my Display Hostilities.
"Maybe a lion or something…wait...do lions even exist here?"
I could feel the Hunter's Aura from here.
Two hundred meters away from me behind this tree!
I slowed my movements to get to my senses back.
Then I saw it.
White.
Pure, almost serene in appearance.
A fox.
A magical beast.
"A tod…but this is different" I whispered under my breath.
Yeah, This one is definitely different.
It is about the size of small tree, its white fur glowing against the forest canopy. It was beautiful. No! Now's not time to admire beauty!
I should retreat.
That was the logical choice.
But…
I still have a competition to lose. I don't want to lose so badly though just hunting one Stag.
"…Maybe I can just avoid it," I muttered.
Carefully, I tried to move past it.
Then, Crack!
The sound of a branch snapping under my foot echoed.
The fox's head snapped toward me instantly.
"…Oh no." I muttered under my breath
"Miss Appraisal!" I whispered.
It didn't flinch this time.
But I knew.
It had already sensed me.
Its status appeared before me.
<
Name: —Titles: Old Pack AlphaSpecies: White Tod
Skills: NoneMagic Affinities: Ice Magic
Level: 10
Attack: 690Defense: 589Speed: 256Stamina: 1678 (Proficiency)
Boosts: -90% Experience Gained. +90% Experience Growth due to Title: Old Pack Alpha and Species: White Tod
>
"…You've got to be kidding me." I said out loud.
Level 10?
Seriously?
I was only Level 4.
Yes, my speed was slightly higher than its.
But everything else? It is completely terrifying
Its stamina alone was monstrous compared to my 144.
If this turns into a battle of endurance of running and escaping… I'm finished. I must fight without much physical movements, else I cannot stand against it. I can outrun it, but my Stamina isn't going to get me far.
The Tod lowered its stance.
It has already chosen to fight
There was no escaping this now.
I drew my bow again.
The beast let out a sharp howl and lunged toward me.
I fired.
And moved.
And fired again.
Arrows cut through the air as I dodged its attacks, my body moving between claws and bursts of frost from it. It can cast Magic too?!
But every single shot I fired?
Missed.
It dodged them all.
Alright, I can't use any magic here as people will notice me.
"Magic Creation! Air Ride!" I said as gusts of air carried me forward. The Tod was still tailing behind me, but I must go deeper into the forest where I can fight in my own terms without anyone noticing me.
About 15 minutes later, I found the perfect spot for battle amidst the trees. It was deep forest now so its good and I can stop holding back. Even if I am level 4, my Mana Capacity is larger than its, so its fine if I overwhelm it with Magic.
"White Tod! Let's fight here!" I exclaimed.
It howled back.
Alright, the battle is about to start...this is ought to get more interesting...