Oswald's mouth opened slightly, stunned. The wolf lord's remains now idly floated in the air, reduced to drifting ash and lingering essence—an apex predator, a high-level boss monster, obliterated in an instant by a reckless student not even half his age.
But Oswald didn't let the thought linger. The wellbeing of that same reckless student was a far more pressing matter.
"You brat! You could have gotten yourself killed!"
His voice cracked like a whip as he stepped forward, already drawing runes into the air with sharp, practiced motions. Two glowing sigils—one of speed, one of healing—flared to life beneath his fingertips. His hands moved with refined precision, the patterns smooth and controlled.
It was the same spellwork the other students had learned, the same runes Cynthia or the more diligent mages would conjure—but Oswald's felt heavier. Deliberate. Charged with deeper intent and raw power that made the magic hum with authority.
"Fast Healing!"
He declared, arms outstretched toward Silas as golden light bathed the younger mage. The spell enveloped him in a warm halo, knitting bruises, easing the throb in joints, softening the ache of strain from constant propulsion and bone-shaking impact.
"Woah… didn't expect you to be that caring, teach."
Silas chuckled, standing where he was. Blood, bruises, fatigue—he could handle all of that. But saliva? Being drenched in the wolf lord's slobber was an entirely different beast.
"Anyways, about the tow—"
Before he could finish, a glowing rune appeared in the sky above him. A sudden burst—and a column of water cascaded down like a vertical tidal wave, drenching him from head to toe in an instant.
"What the…!"
His voice was muffled beneath the downpour, spluttering through the curtain of water. He didn't even try to escape it—after the initial shock, he just stood there, letting it soak him through. It was cold, but at least it was washing the wolf spit off.
"Whoever's doing that, keep at it!"
He called again, water running down his face and arms, his hair now plastered to his forehead.
In the crowd of students, Cynthia grinned, casually waving her wand once more. Another layer of the water rune bloomed in the air above Silas, reinforcing the spell until it resembled a full-on magical waterfall.
"Wait, that's too much!"
He yelped, finally dashing out of the makeshift downpour, water sloshing from his boots as he fled the cascading torrent.
"Okay, what the hell?"
Cynthia just shrugged, her expression impish and unbothered, eyes dancing with mischief.
"That's what you get for making us think you died, genius."
The students around her chuckled—some let out full-blown laughter. The tension that had gripped them moments ago began to crack, easing with the sound. Their seemingly-invincible classmate had just been reduced to a drenched, flailing mess. And somehow, that made everything feel normal again. Some smiled. Others exchanged glances, amused at the chaos that had followed their victory.
But before the moment could stretch too long, Oswald cleared his throat loudly. The sound cut through the noise like a blade, and the students instinctively quieted.
His face returned to its usual stern mask—but then softened. A small, approving smile tugged at the edge of his lips.
"For completing the Forest of Trials on the first day, you'll all receive passing marks."
His tone lightened, faint pride creeping in.
"First time in my class' history."
He laughed—just once—but it was enough to ripple through the group like another shockwave. Then, as if on cue, a massive rune began to spin beneath all of them. Sigils and glyphs flared to life in concentric rings, glowing with return-spell magic. Oswald's hands lifted once more, already alight with casting energy.
Silas sighed, turning his head toward the battlefield one last time. His eyes drifted over the fading remains of the wolf lord, a grin curling across his face.
Now then, for my rewards…
[EXP: 500]
[Novice Robe of Necromancy Passive Activated: Reanimate]
[Warning: Monster level too high]
[Soul Absorption Activated]
Right on time!
[Absorption Complete]
1 Rune Creation +
1 Minion +
5 Boost to Dexterity +
1 Amulet of the Wolf +
He blinked.
Wait… I didn't think about the minion reward before. And I already killed the wolf lord twice.
Does this mean I can summon three undead minions now?
A slow grin spread across his face.
Oh… this is going to be fun.