"Let's apply science to magic," I murmured.
I crouched slightly into a sprinter's stance, focusing my Aura into both feet. Then, with a single thought, I cast Wind Magic to shape the air in front of me into a sharp, streamlined wind cutter. This technique would split the wind flowing against me, reducing air resistance and allowing me to move with less friction. I took a deep breath.
'Whoosh!'
The moment my feet pushed off the ground, I felt the difference. My speed instantly doubled. The usual resistance of the wind was gone, replaced by an effortless glide through the air. My Aura-enhanced legs propelled me forward, and the wind cutter in front split the air, allowing me to maintain top speed without unnecessary drag.
Everything around me blurred as I dashed through the open terrain. The grass, the trees, and the distant hills passed by in a flash. The rhythmic pounding of my boots against the earth was the only sound I focused on, each step propelling me closer to my destination.
By noon, I arrived at my first stop—Ster Village, located fifteen kilometers away from Epler City. The moment I stepped into the village, unease crept over me. The streets were empty. No merchants selling goods, no children playing, no villagers exchanging casual conversations. It was as if the entire settlement had been swallowed by silence.
I glanced around, my senses on high alert. 'Is Something happened here?'
Without wasting time, I made my way toward the nearest tavern—one of only two in the village. There was no choice but to stay in one of them. As I pushed open the door and stepped inside, I was immediately hit by a suffocating tension. The air was thick with fear. The villagers sitting inside huddled close together, their voices hushed. Some turned their heads toward me before quickly looking away, as if afraid to draw attention.
I walked toward the counter, where the tavern manager, a man in his forties with weary eyes, gave me a skeptical glance. His voice was rough and dismissive. "This isn't a place for kids."
I pulled out my Adventurer's Guild ID once more and placed it on the counter. "I am an adventurer." His eyes widened slightly before he sighed. "Be careful then… A lot has been happening outside the city walls."
I narrowed my eyes. "I need a room for the night." The manager smirked, but there was no humor in it. "That'll be five circle copper coins."
I frowned. "Isn't that expensive for a single night?"
His smirk deepened. "It's because of the beast attacks near Syler Forest's village. Refugees have been fleeing here, and rooms are in high demand." My fingers tightened slightly. "What about the adventurers sent to handle it?"
The manager's face darkened. His voice dropped to a whisper. "A 'B-rank party' was sent. But the beasts killed them… and ate them in front of the villagers." I kept my voice even. "Didn't villagers report the beast's rank in Quest Details?"
The manager sighed heavily. "Yes… It was an A-rank beast I heard." He hesitated before continuing, his tone even lower. "But after they killed it… two S-rank beasts appeared and slaughtered the entire party, instantly and eat them in front of the villagers." I felt a slow burn ignite in my chest. The manager studied my expression and shook his head. "You look like a beginner. Don't go near that place, kid."
I remained silent for a moment before nodding and handing him the coins. The tavern manager exhaled sharply as if exhausted from the mere act of speaking. "The room is on the upper floor." With a flick of his hand, he signaled for a waiter to guide me upstairs. I followed silently, my thoughts still replaying the manager's words. 'Two S-rank beasts… slaughtered the entire party instantly.'
The hallway upstairs was dimly lit, and the wooden floor creaked underfoot. The waiter stopped at a door near the end and turned to me. "This is your room." I nodded, pushing the door open. The space was small—just a single bed, a rickety wooden table, and a tiny window offering a limited view of the silent village. I closed the door behind me, locking it. Then, I collapsed onto the bed, staring at the ceiling.
I thought, 'A-rank beast was already a problem for them, but after killing them, two S-rank beasts appeared? That changed everything.'
"A normal adventurer wouldn't stand a chance." I clenched my fist. Closing my eyes, I allowed exhaustion to overtake me, preparing for what lay ahead.
….
….
The air was crisp and cold as I stepped out of the tavern the next morning. The streets were no longer empty—but the sight before me was far worse. There were Children lot of them, dozens of them, scattered across the village. Some sat on the dirt road, their clothes tattered, their bodies frail. Others wandered aimlessly, their small faces streaked with tears and hunger.
The weight of the scene pressed against my chest. A small hand suddenly grabbed the edge of my cloak, pulling me from my thoughts. I looked down. A boy no older than six gazed up at me with hollow, tear-filled eyes. His lips trembled as he spoke. "Sir… please give me something to eat."
His voice was cracked and weak, as if he hadn't eaten in days. I crouched down slightly, meeting his gaze. "What happened?" His tiny hands tightened around my cloak as he whispered, "A beast… ate my parents." The words hit harder than I expected. I glanced around at the other children. "And them too?" He nodded, tears spilling down his cheeks. I felt something burn inside me—a slow, simmering anger.
"Wait here."
I turned and walked back into the tavern, my movements quick and purposeful. Without a word, I headed straight for the kitchen. I bought some loaves of bread. I returned to the boy, kneeling as I handed him the food.
"Share it with the others."