Boom!


    The ground where he had stood exploded in a fiery st, but Vincent was already poised to strike back.


    The Red-Skinned Mad Horned Rabbit, afterunching that crimson ball, finally showed signs of exhaustion. It had been relentlessly hurling skills.


    With its energy waning, it staggered and dropped to the ground.


    In that instant, despite his own fatigue and gnawing hunger, Vincent forced his legs to brace and pushed himself forward.


    Breathing raggedly, the crimson beast raised its sharp ws in a desperate attempt to block him.


    Puchi!


    Vincent''s weapon pierced its abdomen. Just as its ws were about to sh him, his figure blurred and reappeared behind it.


    The creature barely turned halfway before he drove the remaining horn into the back of its head.


    It froze, then copsed lifelessly onto the ground.


    The system notification rang:


    You have sessfully killed an Infernal Horned Hare Tier 1 (5★)!


    +50 Experience Points earned!


    Talent Activated!


    +500,000 Experience Points!


    The confirmation of its death gave Vincent a fleeting sense of relief before his body gave out, and he fell onto his back, legs cramping painfully.


    "Ugh…"


    Even with his enhanced physique, using his talent took a severe toll. He needed to rest before the pain subsided.


    The sun zed high in the sky, making his aching body feel the midday heat more acutely.


    Growl~


    His stomach''s protest reminded him of the Hare''s corpse lying nearby.


    "This has to be the hardest I''ve fought just to kill one beast…" he muttered, realizing how much he''d struggled.


    Things had been rtively smooth for him up until now. Yet instead of frustration, a grin spread across his face.


    He liked the thrill of struggle, the fight for survival. Still, his pragmatic side remained. If a task could be done with less risk, why gamble his life?


    "Now, the question is... how do I get these Mad Horned Rabbits to him?"


    After pondering, he managed to haul the Mad Horned Rabbits and the Infernal Hare''s corpse back to the stream.


    Exhausted, he copsed beside the pile.


    At the edge of his vision, he noticed someone approaching.


    Looking up, he saw the stern face of his Special Instructor, Arthur Aviss.


    "Your parcel, sir…" Vincent said with a strained grin before his vision faded to ck.


    Arthur stood silently, his eyes shifting between the unconscious Vincent and the pile of crippled rabbits alongside the Hare''s corpse.


    No one knew what he was thinking.


    After a moment, he carried Vincent to the shade of nearby trees and left him to rest.


    Several hourster, Vincent stirred awake, the sky above painted in shades of crimson and amber. The sun had already set.


    Realizing the time, he shot to his feet, only for pain tonce through his legs.


    "Ugh!"


    He groaned, clutching at his limbs.


    Arthur''s cold yet melodic voice broke the silence. "You''re awake…"


    Vincent turned to see his instructor approaching, holding a stick of barbecued meat. His stomach growled loudly at the sight.


    Arthur wordlessly tossed the skewer toward him. Vincent caught it instinctively, momentarily forgetting the pain in his hands.


    "Ah! H-hot!"


    He yelped, hurriedly blowing on his palms and the steaming barbecue. After some effort, he took a bite, the savory juices flooding his mouth with intense vor. Warm energy coursed through him, slightly alleviating his fatigue.


    His eyes sparkled as he eximed, "Delicious!"


    It was his first taste of primal beast meat, and its effect was unexpectedly rejuvenating.


    Arthur, seated by the campfire, asked without looking at him, "How is it?"


    Vincent blinked and replied, "It''s amazing!"


    Arthur nced over his shoulder briefly.


    "I wasn''t asking about that," he muttered before returning his attention to the fire.


    "Forget it."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Confused, Vincent finished the barbecue quickly. Without turning, Arthur tossed him another stick, which he caught with a grin.


    "Thanks, Instructor!"


    The second serving left him full and energized, though his legs still felt unsteady.


    Arthur stood, gazing up at the star-strewn sky. "Done eating?"


    "Yes, Instructor."


    "Good. Then it''s time for your punishment."


    Vincent''s smile froze, confusion quickly giving way to frustration.


    "Why? Didn''t I deliver 500 Mad Horned Rabbits and their leader''s corpse?"


    Arthur''s expression remained neutral as he lowered his gaze.


    "What did I ask you to bring?"


    "A thousand Mad Horned Rabbits," Vincent replied, exasperated.


    "But there weren''t that many! Only around 500!"


    Arthur smirked.


    "Not my problem. I said a thousand. You should''ve found a way."


    Vincent furrowed his brow, unsure if Arthur had deliberately set him up. Before he could argue, Arthur''s voice cut through his thoughts.


    "For the rest of the night, you''ll use your talent until you can''t move a finger."


    His heart sank.


    "Is he trying to kill me?"


    Vincent thought but wisely kept silent, ring at Arthur with narrowed eyes.


    Arthur noticed.


    "Why? Want me to increase the difficulty?"


    Vincent quickly forced a smile.


    "N-no, Instructor! I think your idea is perfect! Let''s do it!"


    He struggled to his feet, ignoring the pain. Recalling his earlier battle, he decided to start by activating his talent in his right arm.


    To his surprise, strength surged through both arms instead.


    "What? I only meant to enhance my right arm…" he muttered, confused.


    He tried again, focusing intently on isting the effect. But once more, both arms were enhanced.


    "What am I doing wrong?"


    Arthur, watching closely, noticed his hesitation. "What''s the issue?"


    Vincent exined his confusion briefly.


    Arthur was silent for a moment, then replied, "I see. Instead of wasting time standing there like an idiot, give me ten sets of 100 pushups. Use your talent on both arms."


    Vincent''s frustration spiked.


    "Why does asking a question result in punishment?"


    But he dared notin aloud. He dropped into position, activated his talent, and began. With enhanced arms, hepleted the first set swiftly.


    "First set done!" Vincent announced.


    "Second set!"


    "399… 400! Fourth set!"


    "999… 1,000!"


    By the time he finished, sweat drenched him, and his arms throbbed with fatigue.


    Arthur''s voice interrupted the brief silence.


    "Now, ten sets of the school''s basicbat routine. Every movement must be precise. One mistake equals another set."


    Vincent wanted to groan but immediately began the routine, his body moving mechanically despite his exhaustion.


    The drills stretchedte into the night, his energy reserves dwindling. Finally, his body gave out, and he copsed, consciousness fading once more.


    Arthur stared at him for a long moment, the flickering firelight casting shadows across his face. With a slight shake of his head, he muttered, "Still too soft."


    The silent forest bore witness as the stars wheeled above, marking the end of Vincent''s grueling first day of training.