On our way back into the village, we conversed and took many stops across different shops to purchase possibly useful items.
While the main purpose of our trip was to infuse my weapon with the Windwolf's core, we figured it was smart to stock up on useful things we may need.
Miyaura grew more comfortable around me during the time, and with a common point of discussion, our conversations began to flow much smoother.
"So, what other creatures have you faced?" I inquired as we exited a clothing store, purchasing sturdy hiking boots and gaiters to guard against mud, thorny vines, or crawling critters.
This was because we planned on exploring the forest Miyaura previously hiked after seeing a bounty notice for a fearsome behemoth. Its reward was almost as handsome as I was, so we wanted to try our luck.
"Hmm… There were flaming jackals, many differing elemental slimes, skeletons, zombie horses, and a swarm of wind rabbits."
He took a slight pause before adding, "I fought and beat all them… except the Wind Rabbits…" while scratching his cheek.
"Huh—what!? You lost to some rabbits?" I questioned incredulously before mumbling darkly under my breath. "We're doomed…"
This was the future Primarch we're talking about! I might have to post a meme about this after the ranking reveal.
"There were just too many!" He exclaimed frustratedly. "My Arcanum is tailored towards duels. Beyond one target, the mana and mental consumption of my ability increases exponentially. There were like at least fifteen of those goddamn rabbits."
As I was listening to his grumbling, I realized a slight issue that I overlooked.
"This isn't good," I said dismayedly, halting my steps.
"Hmm? What do you mean?"
"My Arcanum too, is single target orientated. Our team balance may be a little cooked…"
I forgot about Miyaura's weakness in multitarget fights. In the novel, he had Hawks to help him in those scenarios. But with only me beside him right now, facing swarms was going to be a struggle.
"So, I guess we just gotta run." He said, a reluctant expression marring his face, not liking the idea of running away.
"I guess so… Actually… Nahh. We'll win," I declared after a moment of hesitation.
Did I forget?
It's just a game. Better to face our weaknesses here rather than outside. Not to mention, we were some of—no, *the strongest* of our generation, we're not backing down from some fucking rabbits.
"We'll make it work somehow. It doesn't matter if we don't anyways, it's just a game," I clarified seeing Miyaura's slightly bewildered expression.
My words took a moment to set in for Miyaura, but he soon let out a chuckle.
"Yeah, you're right. I ain't running away from some rabbits."
Soon, we arrived at the blacksmith where I brought some more relics and infused the core into my weapon. The game didn't tell me it'd cost two fucking gold though. Whatever, I'm filthy rich now, and it's worth it to make my shovel a true murder machine.
[Material Grade: Middle Stage, Awakened Realm]
[Core Rank: Awakened]
[Description: A shovel made out of Spiritwood used for tilling frozen mountainside dirt. Launches short distance wind blades for a small amount of mana]
"I just realized, I never asked why you're using that. Is it just because it's funny?" Miyaura inquired as I inspected my newly upgraded shovel.
"Well, that was a major reason. The others being that it was free and quite powerful."
He had a doubtful look on his face, prompting me to continue.
"This bad boy is made from a middle grade material," I explained, causing his eyes to slightly widen.
"How the hell did you get your hands on something like that? You've been on the game for less than an hour! You didn't even exit the village yet."
"Oh… it was quite easy. All I did was traumatize a kid half to death, then he dropped it to me, free of charge." I explained casually, making his face bewildered once more.
***
Some time later, we were on our way towards the forest Miyaura was previously exploring.
During our trek, we exchanged information about our Arcanums, though we both opted to not share our physiques, not trusting each other enough.
Of course, I knew he was a trustworthy guy, but we had just met less than an hour ago. It will definitely appear suspicious for me to share such a deep secret with a near stranger.
And, of course, I also already knew his physique from the novel: The Yin-Yang Conduit.
The physique grants him an exceptional perception of yin and yang energy. This becomes potent when he marks an enemy, even just faintly, allowing him to acutely feel their movements before it could be registered by sight or hearing.
Just a few quick exchanges can be enough to trigger the effect, transforming him into a monster on the battlefield.
Finally, we arrived at the area bearing the aftermath of the clash between Miyaura and the Windwolf, then the two kill-stealers.
On the way, he recovered his mana and stamina while I faced the initial level monsters that he neglected on his expedition, allowing me to reach lv. 8.
Treading through the forest, we observed many huge claw marks left on trees and rocks, perhaps the sign of an apex predator dwelling nearby.
So, naturally, we followed the marks, deeper into the forest.
Were we stupid?
No… actually… Maybe?
We had thought that the monster would at most be at the upper stage, considering this is still rather close to the beginner area. With the two of us and our exceptional skills along with two Crowns of Supremacys, we believed it would be very doable.
But… will this world still follow the structure of the game?
Path to Sagehood online is an accurate recreation of the ancient world after all.
Beyond the tutorial area, was it going to continue slowly nurturing us, or would it directly thrust us into the experience of adventuring an unpredictable world?
My thoughts were soon answered.
"Hey… I have a bad feeling about this…" I said uneasily.
Miyaura shot me a perturbed look. "Don't say shit like that, dumbass!"
"True, but it's not like anything'll happen. What can go wrong?"
He stopped in his tracks, glaring at me, opening his mouth.
However, before anything could escape his mouth, we leapt in different directions, cutting his words off. Our golden crowns shined with vibrant light.
A fierce river of flames lay in the space between us, a scorching lion halted its ravaging charge a short distance ahead of us.
Reading its name tag, a brief chill ran through our bodies, along with exhilaration.
A peak stage creature… Could we take it? We were merely lower stage, three entire stages below.
One stage difference is typically nothing much against a beast, lacking intelligence. Two stages was really pushing it, requiring remarkable skill, experience, and strong accompanying relics. Only high noble heirs would accomplish such a feat.
Three though? It was a death sentence. Fighting was pure foolishness, the only chance of survival was to run.
That was the common consensus, however we seemed to disregard it as we stood our ground, currently having a staring contest with the flaming monster.
It stood right in front of us, a towering mass of burning muscle, its mane shedding drifting cinders that melt into the corrupted soil.
The air between us bends with heat, and its furnace-bright eyes lock onto our crowns in agitation at its reduced strength.
We raised our weapons in preparation of facing it, little fear showing on our body.
Were we stupid?
No.
Sure, the odds were heavily stacked against us—the lion is far stronger, faster, and larger than us. And, our lower and middle stage weapons might not even be capable of damaging its peak stage body.
But… We had the power of friendship!
…And an unhealthy amount of gree— wait no… let's say avarice, makes it sound cooler.
This was the creature listed on the bounty notice in town after all. It had an incredible reward—a peak stage weapon and fifteen gold coins! We're beating it no matter what.
Okay, on a serious note, this battle was going to be challenging, but not impossible.
While it is true our weapons might barely be able to damage the monster's tough skin, all creatures have weak points. The lion is no different.
And the power of friendship thing wasn't a joke—there were two of us against its lonesome, and coordination can be deadly.
Yes, we were near total strangers, never even having fought side by side yet, but as I've said countless times—we were the strongest in our generation, we'll make it work.
So, we exchanged a quick glance before advancing towards the Behemoth of Flames, weapons raised as it charged at us.