Into The Woods Pt. 2.

"Auuhhmm," I let out a tired yawn, stretching my arms above my head. With a deep breath, I sat up, crossed my legs, and prepared to practice my mana breathing technique. The next hour would be dedicated to honing my skills before I had to leave my room and attend breakfast with Mother.

As I closed my eyes and began to regulate my breathing, a sense of tranquility washed over me. I focused on the flow of mana within my body, synchronizing my breath with its rhythm. Each inhalation drew in pure energy, while each exhalation expelled impurities. The practice was essential but I knew I had to find a stronger technique when I attained the 3rd Kosmos.

After completing my morning practice, I stood up and tidied myself, preparing to join Mother for breakfast. As I made my way to the dining hall, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. Mother had been eager to spend more time together, and my recent immersion in magical studies had kept me somewhat distant.

As I entered the dining hall, I found Mother already seated at the table, her eyes lighting up as she saw me. Her smile was warm, but there was a hint of sadness behind her eyes. I took my seat and greeted her with a tender smile.

"How's your time in the library going, Barrett?" Mother asked, her voice filled with genuine interest.

I hesitated for a moment, contemplating my response. "It's been enlightening, Mother," I replied. "I'm uncovering so much about the world of magic and its wonders."

Her gaze softened, and she reached out to touch my hand gently. "I miss you, Barrett," she said softly. "We used to spend so much time together, and now it feels like you're slipping away."

I felt a pang of guilt in my chest. Mother's words struck a chord within me, reminding me of the importance of family bonds. "I'm sorry, Mother," I said sincerely. "You're right. I've been so consumed by my studies that I've neglected our time together. I promise to do better, to make an effort to spend more quality time with you and my siblings."

A glimmer of hope danced in Mother's eyes, and she squeezed my hand gently. "Thank you, Barrett," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "That means the world to me."

Breakfast continued in a more lighthearted manner, with Mother sharing stories of recent family events and inquisitively I decided to ask what my siblings have been up to.

After breakfast, I embarked on a leisurely tour of the palace grounds. The lush gardens and grand architecture never failed to captivate me, I never imagined myself living in a place such as this, even back on earth, my life wasn't the greatest, school was all I'd ever known and there hasn't been a moment where I had taken to myself, neither had there been a moment to enjoy with a family that loved me and for that reason I will always cherish my mother. As I strolled along the pathways reminiscing about my previous life, I took in the fragrant scent of blooming flowers and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze.

However, my mind was still preoccupied with the impending quest. Sneaking away from the palace, I made my way to the separate building on the eastern side, which housed the knights' lodgings. Spotting a knight nearby, I called out to him, my voice projecting confidence beyond my years.

At first, the knight seemed dismissive, his eyes fixed on the ground. But as he looked up and saw me, his expression shifted to one of reverence. He immediately bowed in respect, recognizing me as a member of the royal family.

"It's fine," I assured him, gesturing for him to rise. "I seek information regarding the woods surrounding the palace. I have heard stories of its dangers and wish to learn more."

The knight hesitated for a moment, clearly conflicted by my request. He knew the perils that awaited within the depths of the forest and the potential dangers it posed. But my persistence and the weight of my position as a member of the royal family seemed to sway his decision.

With a nod of acquiescence, the knight began to share his insights. "Young master," he began, his voice tinged with a hint of caution, "the woods surrounding the palace are teeming with danger. It is not a place for the faint of heart."

Intrigued, I leaned closer, eager to hear more. "Tell me, Sir," I said, my voice filled with anticipation, "what creatures would I encounter if I ventured there?"

The knight's eyes darted around, as if wary of unseen ears. "There are Thornclaw Raptors," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Swift and deadly predators, with claws sharp as daggers. They can move silently through the air, and strike before you could ever see it coming."

My heart quickened at the description, imagining the agile hunters prowling the forest. "And what else?" I pressed, my curiosity unquenched.

His gaze turned serious, a hint of dread in his voice. "Be careful of Peludas," he warned. "Creatures that thrive in darkness, their very essence composed of shadow itself, they're creatures that have stingers protruding from their backs, their head, neck, and tail mimic that of a serpent with the feet of a tortoise. They ensnare their victims with tendrils, binding them in an inescapable grip and skewer them with the spikes that they can make appear all over their body."

A chill ran down my spine, envisioning the mysterious, ethereal creatures lurking within the woods. "Surely there must be more," I urged, my voice filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

The knight hesitated as if grappling with the weight of his words. "There is one creature, young master," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, "that stands above all others in its ferocity and power. The Bloodfang Wyrm."

I felt my breath catch in my throat, my eyes widening at the mention of such a formidable beast. "Describe it to me," I urged, my voice barely concealing my awe.

The knight's voice dropped to a hushed tone, adding a touch of drama to his words. "Picture, if you will, a colossal serpent-like creature," he began, his voice tinged with a sense of dread. "Its scales, as hard as steel, deflect any blade that dares to strike it. Its eyes gleam with a sinister intelligence, and its fangs are infused with venom so potent, it can paralyze even the most skilled warriors."

A shiver ran down my spine as I imagined the immense power and deadly prowess of the Bloodfang Wyrm. "What should one do if they encounter such a creature?" I asked, my voice laced with trepidation.

The knight's eyes bore into mine, a grave expression etched upon his face. "Young master, if fate ever places you face-to-face with the Bloodfang Wyrm, remember this: flee. Run as if your life depends on it, for it surely does. There is no shame in living to fight another day."

My heart pounded in my chest as I absorbed the knight's words. The dangers of the forest were far greater than I had imagined, and caution would be my greatest ally.

Thanking the knight for his valuable insights, I made my way back to the library, my blood pumping with anticipation. Seeking out books on monsters, I meticulously combed through their pages, delving into descriptions of the Thornclaw Raptors, the Bloodfang Wyrm, and the Peludas. I sought information on their vulnerabilities, their habits, and the most effective methods to dispatch them.

I spent the rest of the day gathering all the information I could before making my way back to my room and immersing myself in Mana breathing until midnight when I would finally test my abilities in the forest.