The day passed and the preparations were completed, and the moons quickly took over the sky.
In the small settlement among the purples, everyone was talking; most of them already knew each other, so most of the questions were directed at Dante.
"Is it true that you are married to Lady Viviane?"
"How was it fighting a spiritual beast while still being mortal?"
"Is it true that you have a sun tattoo as a mark of the Taboo Battle Kingdom?"
"They say you can defeat mid-stage beings using only your fists!"
"Is the story true? That Leader Tyler saved you and decided you would become the next leader of the village?"
"How hard is it to become a combatant? They say that out of ten people, hardly one succeeds."
The questions didn't stop. Yet, despite not enjoying too much interaction, Dante answered everyone.
"Yes, I am married to Viviane.
I have a sun tattoo on my back, extending in the form of rays across my arms as a mark. The fight against the lion was brutal; he is extremely strong, and I was very fortunate to win.
I wouldn't say I could defeat someone with four stars; without spells, I'm limited, but I can hold my own for a while.
The story about the leader saving me is true!
To be honest, I'd say it's cruel rather than difficult. It's almost like you're tested at every step before becoming a true combatant."
"Do you think it was worth it?" Crowler asked.
"Yes, absolutely. Strength is necessary, so even if it were worse, I wouldn't hesitate to do it again."
"You are truly reliable. I hope to see the day you ascend to Level 2, young leader. But now we must sleep. Hunting begins early tomorrow," Crowler finished. Everyone went to sleep, still surrounded by thoughts.
The moons fell, and the Sun returned to rule.
As soon as the first ray of sunlight appeared on the horizon, the team split to hunt: three groups, each with five members. Crowler and Clark led one hunting group, while John led the third group in search of spiritual materials.
Being the weakest, Dante was in Crowler's group, consisting of Cylan, Tomé, Luke, Dante, and Captain Crowler.
"Luke and Tomé, this must be your first hunting experience, right? You are both young, and as you enter the four-star rank, you should help the village in some way."
"Yes, sir!"
Dante already had hunting experience, so Crowler didn't think he would have problems. Cylan had been with Crowler for two years and therefore had more experience.
"Here's the plan: I will teach Luke and Tomé how to hunt, while Cylan and Dante focus on low-level beasts around the area," Crowler explained.
Crowler took Luke and Tomé, while Dante and Cylan began scouting for low-level beasts. Cylan was quiet and reserved, which fit well with Dante's personality.
"Young leader, do you use any weapons?" Cylan asked. Dante simply showed his fists.
"Alright…"
Dante and Cylan scouted the area for about fifteen minutes, staying relatively close to the rest of the group.
The first beast they found was a short-tusked boar — enormous, the size of a bear, but with tiny tusks sticking out, giving it a somewhat comical appearance.
"Any info on it?" Dante asked.
"Short-tusked boar, weak in language, limited to low level. Rarely, one reaches intermediate level, breaking the norm. This one has two stars of strength. Its main value is in its large amount of meat; the tusks are small, condensed, and hard, but the rest is mostly discardable," Cylan explained.
"That will do," Dante said, stepping forward. A thread of mana ran along his arm as he delivered a violent punch to the side of the boar.
The beast groaned in pain and was pushed back. Dante didn't stop; he continued striking with heavy blows, focusing on vital points. The creature could only agonize under the relentless assault, and it quickly died under his fists.
"Well… it's really disappointing to fight just to kill," Dante said. "I wonder if there's a real predator nearby. Maybe a three-star beast would be ideal."
"It's possible, but first, let's process this one," Cylan said, starting something he was considered an expert at.
He cut and sealed the largest pieces of meat, removed teeth and tough skin, demonstrating extreme skill. Then he tossed a small, round, shiny object to Dante: the beast's core, capable of absorbing enormous amounts of mana.
"Thanks!"
"No problem. By the way, do you mind if we use the rest of your catch to lure other beasts?" Cylan asked.
"No, not at all," Dante replied. He came on this mission to hunt and collect mana cores — the more he fought, the better.
Cylan arranged the boar remains naturally, almost like carrion. Then he cast a spell:
"Gentle Wind!"
A small breeze spread the scent of the remains in all directions, attracting predators and scavengers.
Dante watched the spell curiously. As a combatant, he was limited to spells involving his own body. It felt somewhat unfair: mages could use spells from Level 1, knights could cast them through weapons or at a distance, but combatants could only cast body-based spells, meaning the range depended more on physical strength than on mana or skill.
"What a shame…"