The next morning, Sai awoke from his meditation, feeling refreshed. He had explored most of the small town, but greater opportunities lay beyond. Though the idea of moving to the next city, where stronger foes and better-paying quests awaited, crossed his mind, he decided against it—at least until he upgraded his adventurer’s badge to Silver Rank.

  The town of Dunewood was small, its streets lined with weathered buildings that bore the marks of time. The scent of freshly baked bread and the distant clamor of merchants setting up their stalls filled the morning air. It was a quiet place, relatively safe compared to the outside world. But for Sai, this safety was suffocating. He needed a challenge.

  As usual, he made his way to the guild, intent on taking a more difficult quest. The adventurer’s guild was a sturdy wooden structure, bustling with activity even in the early hours. Newcomers gathered at tables, sharing exaggerated tales of their exploits, while seasoned veterans studied the quest board with serious expressions.

  But as he neared the entrance, an all-too-familiar sight greeted him—trouble.

  A small group of adventurers stood nearby, their conversation halting as they noticed him. Some merely observed, while others wore hostile expressions. Though they didn't act immediately, Sai could sense their intentions. He had encountered enough of their kind to know what was coming.

  Sighing, he ignored them and walked forward. Just as he reached the doors, a loud voice called out.

  “So, you’re the new guy who rejected Lady Alenia, huh?”

  Sai turned slightly to see a bulky man with a smug grin blocking his path. He was a seasoned adventurer, judging by the scars on his arms and the well-worn armor he wore. A few spectators watched, expecting a confrontation.

  Sai didn’t respond. His cold gaze lingered for a moment before he stepped past the man as if he didn’t exist.

  The smirk twitched in irritation. “Hey! I’m talking to you!” The man growled, reaching for Sai’s shoulder.

  Sai’s patience had limits.

  Before the fool could react, Sai caught his wrist mid-motion and squeezed.

  A sharp gasp escaped the adventurer’s lips as pain surged through his hand. His expression twisted in shock, and he tried to pull away, but Sai’s grip was unyielding. The guildhall fell silent, all eyes turning toward them.

  “Ghaa…—! L-Let go!” the man winced, struggling against Sai’s strength.

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  Sai held his gaze a moment longer before releasing him. The adventurer stumbled back, clutching his wrist, glaring but not daring to retaliate.

  Ignoring him, Sai stepped up to the quest board. Petty squabbles weren’t worth his time. He needed something more… productive.

  His eyes scanned the tasks before settling on a hunt—a killing quest.

  Perfect.

  After confirming the request with the receptionist, he reviewed the details. A group of mana-infused beasts had been terrorizing a trade route deep in the forest. High-risk, but exactly what he needed.

  Before setting off, he purchased supplies, stored them securely, and departed from Dunewood toward the dense woodland where his targets lurked.

  As he ventured deeper, Sai’s senses sharpened. The scent of damp earth filled the air, but something else lingered—an unsettling presence.

  He wasn’t alone. Hidden eyes watched from the shadows.

  Moving silently, he remained alert, aware that the beasts weren’t the only ones nearby. Whether they were adventurers or mercenaries, they were waiting for the right moment.

  Reaching the outskirts of the beast’s territory, Sai concealed himself behind thick foliage, observing. The creatures were large, territorial, and aggressive. A brute-force approach wasn’t ideal.

  He hadn’t needed to use his ability much recently, but as he analyzed the situation, it activated subconsciously.

  Name: Ironhide Troll (Mutated)Emotions: Aggressive, Territorial, Cunning

  Sai devised a strategy—not just to deal with the beast but to lure out the rats in hiding. Rather than confronting them directly, he would force their hand.

  Drawing the dagger given to him by the guild, he hurled it at the troll’s eye. The strike was too fast for the creature to react, and the blade sank deep into its eyeball. The troll shrieked, its roar shaking the trees.

  Sai toyed with the beast, ensuring the hidden observers wouldn’t suspect its true strength. To them, it seemed like a standard threat—one a skilled Copper Rank adventurer could handle.

  They were wrong.

  Seizing the moment, Sai abruptly distanced himself from the troll and dashed toward the watchers’ hiding spot. Enraged, the wounded beast charged after him, leveling everything in its path. The concealed figures, caught off guard, panicked and instinctively followed.

  Before they could retreat, the troll, sensing multiple intruders, grew even more frenzied. Its massive club swung at one of them. The unfortunate man barely managed to block, but the sheer force sent him flying. The remaining two realized their mistake too late.

  A chaotic battle erupted. The troll rampaged, striking wildly as the goons scrambled to survive. Within moments, they were covered in wounds, their bodies battered and bones likely fractured.

  Sai watched from the sidelines, waiting for them to reach their limit. When they did, he moved.

  Stepping forward, he drew his weapon and charged.

  The troll barely had time to react before Sai struck with precision. Weaving between its sluggish attacks, he delivered calculated blows to its joints, chipping away at its already-weakened form. The beast roared in frustration, but Sai didn’t let up. With a final burst of speed, he leaped onto its shoulder and drove his blade deep into its skull.

  The troll shuddered, its massive body swaying for a moment before collapsing to the ground with a heavy thud.

  Silence followed.

  Sai exhaled, pulling his weapon free and wiping the blood off his blade. He turned to the battered goons, who stared at him with a mixture of terror.