The tranquil night was thick with eerie and mysterious vibes.

A cold wind rustled through the bushes.

It sounded like various creatures were moving through the foliage, making all kinds of noises.

Leyang found a low, flat spot sheltered from the wind. He lit a campfire, pulled bread and water from his Spatial Magic Tool, and started eating.

Woe floated out ghostly, peering around like a curious toddler.

Since its birth, it had been trapped in the small woods of Kamila Noble Academy. Now, it finally got to see the outside world and was eager to explore.

“I’m leaving night watch to you. Alert me immediately if anything happens.”

Woe bobbed up and down.

Leyang sat cross-legged, slowly circulating his inner energy to absorb elemental forces from nature. He converted them steadily into magic power, building a rock-solid foundation through patient effort.

Seeing this, Woe happily returned to Leyang’s body, greedily soaking up the magic leaking from him.

After a peaceful first night, Leyang put out the campfire at dawn and headed for the Monster Woods.

After about half an hour, he reached the outskirts of the Monster Woods.

Unlike the Nebis Territory, even the outer areas near Camilla City often had second or third-tier monsters roaming. One slip-up could mean death.

“Unicorn wolves prefer food-rich, well-hidden spots. Water is vital for all creatures—I’ll wait by a stream in the outskirts. Spotted snakes love damp, dark caves. Their venom kills ordinary second-tier monsters easily. I must be extra careful if I meet one.”

Leyang pondered briefly, then stepped resolutely into the Monster Woods, starting his first adventure commission.

He moved through the forest, eyes gleaming with deep focus. Woe peeked quietly from his shoulder, sensing dangers to warn his master.

Just then, a tree-dwelling predator spotted Leyang as tasty prey. It shifted silently and swiftly, seeking a chance to constrict him to death for a hearty meal.

Woe noticed. How dare a mere python eye its master? It was practically begging for death!

When the python came within five meters, Woe activated its only curse without hesitation. Its dark body glowed with mysterious magic. Something unseen struck the python, making its scales stand on end in terror.

Snakes sense danger sharply. As it turned to flee, the branch it coiled around snapped. The python crashed onto a rock, dazed. Instantly, a giant earth spider burst from the ground. Its spear-like legs pierced the python’s body, dragging it underground. Silence fell.

The whole scene was bone-chilling—this was the Monster Woods’ cruelty.

This thing really had special powers. Bringing it out was the right call.

Leyang had spotted the python earlier. But before he could act, it died mysteriously. He paused slightly, thinking inwardly.

“The damp air smells of river water. A water source must be nearby—I found it faster than expected.”

A hint of joy flashed in Leyang’s eyes. He sped up and soon spotted a clear stream. Low-tier monsters were drinking there.

Leyang didn’t disturb the peace. He scouted the area and, as expected, found fresh wolf tracks among other signs. He couldn’t confirm if they were unicorn wolves, but they were definitely wolf prints.

He then hid in the bushes. Now, it was a test of the hunter’s patience.

The tracks were recent—the wolf pack had visited lately. With so much food here, they’d return. Why give up after one trip?

Leyang suppressed his aura completely, blending into the surroundings. A long green snake slithered past him, utterly unaware.

After a while, faint footsteps echoed nearby. Someone was approaching? Other adventurers? Leyang felt puzzled.

Soon, four young people appeared: two men and two women. The men were clearly first-tier warriors skilled in melee and defense. One woman carried a wooden bow, a quiver on her back holding about twenty arrows.

The last woman seemed a first-tier Mage. She wore a blue robe, looking slightly frail, protected in the center by the others.

“Look, water! We found a source!”

“Great! We finally found water.”

“Careful—monsters are here.”

“Kill them, harvest their materials. This trip will be a success. Then we return to Camilla City,” the archer girl said.

“Mm, as you say.”

Everyone nodded. Days in the Monster Woods’ outskirts had worn them down. Snakes, rats, and insects plagued them constantly. Guarding against monster ambushes left them mentally exhausted.

Even the two tough guys felt they couldn’t stay longer. Several times, they’d nearly been devoured by second-tier monsters.

“Then let’s attack. Rest up and leave after.”

The archer girl didn’t hesitate. She drew an arrow from her quiver, nocked it slowly on her bow, and aimed at a resting monster by the stream.

Whoosh!

The arrow shot through the air, piercing the low-tier monster’s body. Blood stained the ground, flowing slowly into the stream and washing away with the current.