Extra's Magic

Chapter 220 Finally Back

?

Crackle...

The peaceful sound of crackling firewood echoed through the dark night, adding a cozy ambiance to the silent forest.

The fire's dancing flames illuminated the surrounding trees and cast flickering Shadows across the forest floor.

Within one of the shadows, a figure was silently observing the shimmering glow of the fire.

The man's golden eyes were fixated on the flames as if they held the secrets of the universe.

"Just another day..."

Brushing my dark hair out of my face, I sighed.

This was the second day I've been traveling toward the nearest town, and so far, the journey has been nothing but winding paths and dense forests.

Even today, while traversing through the unknown forest I was attacked by random monsters lurking within them.

"At least they were delicious."

Recalling the taste of the succulent monster meat, my mouth began to water.

Anyway, there wasn't a monster that could pose any danger to me in these parts.

Or at least I hadn't seen one yet.

Grrr...

A sound of growling interrupted my thoughts, and my senses immediately heightened.

"I've spoken too soon..."

Turning around, I instantly summoned my Shadow armor and Shadowy blade.

Grrr...

The low growl persisted, growing louder as an eerie, unsettling sensation washed over me. The fire crackled in response to the mounting tension, casting elongated shadows that seemed to writhe and quiver in anticipation.

As I slowly turned to face the source of the growling, I saw it emerge from the shroud of darkness. It was unlike anything I had encountered in my travels through these lands.

The creature was massive, standing nearly eight feet tall on two sturdy hind legs. Its mottled, charcoal-black skin glistened with a sickly sheen in the firelight. Sinister ridges and bony protrusions adorned its hulking frame, and a spiky crest ran down its back, shimmering with an unsettling, bioluminescent glow.

Its eyes, a venomous shade of crimson, burned with an insatiable hunger as they locked onto mine. Jagged fangs jutted from its maw, dripping with viscous, greenish saliva that sizzled when it hit the forest floor. Massive, clawed hands twitched with anticipation, each digit tipped with a wicked, obsidian-black talon.

Grrr...

The creature let out another guttural growl, a sound that seemed to resonate deep within my bones. It crouched low, its muscles coiling like tightly wound springs, ready to strike at a moment's notice.

I tightened my grip on the Shadowy blade.

"Let's finish this quickly..."

With a sudden, lightning-fast lunge, the creature sprang forward, its obsidian talons slashing through the air with deadly precision. I reacted with equal swiftness, sidestepping its attack, narrowly avoiding the raking claws.

My Shadow armor rippled and shifted in response to the threat, its inky tendrils of darkness protecting me like a shield. With a calculated strike, I countered with my Shadowy blade, aiming for the creature's exposed flank.

Clang...

The blade met resistance as it collided with the creature's armored hide, sending sparks flying. The impact reverberated through my arm, but I held my ground. The creature retaliated, unleashing a frenzied barrage of strikes, its claws slashing and snapping like deadly jaws.

Each movement became a blur of speed and precision. I weaved and dodged, narrowly evading the creature's relentless assault. The forest echoed with the clashing of metal and the creature's enraged roars.

Gritting my teeth, I seized an opening. As the creature lunged once more, I ducked beneath its strike, then pivoted, slashing my Shadowy blade in a wide arc. The blade found its mark, slicing into the creature's side with a sickening squelch.

"Aghhh..."

A howl of agony pierced the night as foul-smelling ichor sprayed from the wound, sizzling upon contact with the forest floor. The creature staggered back, momentarily weakened.

Now was the time to strike. I unleashed a flurry of blows, my blade a blur as it carved through the air. The creature, though formidable, couldn't withstand the relentless assault.

It roared in pain and fury, its movements growing sluggish.

Roar...

The creature's defiant roar echoed through the forest, but it was clear that the tide of battle was turning. My determination and years of training had honed my skills to a razor's edge, and I was determined to emerge victorious.

I pressed the advantage, my Shadowy blade slicing through the air with precision. Each strike aimed for vulnerable spots on the creature's hide, seeking to exploit any weakness. The forest seemed to hold its breath, the very trees watching in eerie silence as our deadly dance continued.

The creature's crimson eyes burned with a mixture of pain and fury. It swung its massive clawed arms in desperation, but my Shadow armor deflected the blows, absorbing their impact without flinching.

As I continued to whittle away at the creature's defenses, I noticed its movements growing slower and more uncoordinated. The greenish saliva that dripped from its gaping maw was now tinged with blood. My heart quickened with the realization that victory was within reach.

Swish...

With a final, powerful thrust, my Shadowy blade found its mark. It pierced the creature's chest, sinking deep into its heart. The creature's roar turned into a strangled cry, and it collapsed to the forest floor, twitching and convulsing.

"It's not very strong..."

Muttering under my breath, I dragged the creature's body into the fire.

There was no need to let the remains attract many more unwanted visitors.

***

Tap... Tap...

"Just another day..."

Walking through the forest, I glanced at the sun shining through the dense canopy overhead.

Today was the day I was going to reach a city and leave this treacherous wilderness behind.

"Finally..."

Suddenly, the sight of civilization came into view and my heart leaped with joy.

It didn't take long for me to reach the outskirts of the city, where the bustling sounds and vibrant energy filled the air.

It also didn't take a lot of time for me to board a train that would take me to the Academy.

The whir of the train and the excited chatter of fellow passengers surrounded me as I settled into my seat.

"Now, I will finally have the time to rest..."

Making myself comfortable in the plush seat, I closed my eyes and let out a sigh of relief.

...

[ Mage Academy ]

A robotic voice woke me up from my restful slumber.

Without hesitation, I quickly left the train and stepped onto the platform of the massive city.

Rubbing my eyes and letting out a yawn I overlooked the surroundings.

One couldn't tell that this city was previously attacked by the massive forces of the Demons.

"..."

Without thinking, I began to walk through the streets of the city, entering a few shops along the way and buying some clothes.

Tap... Tap...

Soon I found myself standing outside the towering gates of the Mage Academy.

It was a sight to behold - the grandeur and prestige of the institution were palpable.

In front of the imposing gates, I straightened my posture and took a deep breath.

"Time to go back..."

Entering the Academy, I lowered my head and 'camouflaged' with the surroundings.

I didn't want to speak or communicate with other students.

My goal was to reach my room as fast as possible.

With quick strides, I navigated through the campus and made my way towards the residential area.

The dorms were filled with a lot of students, chatting together and going about their daily business.

I somehow managed to blend in, avoiding eye contact and slipping unnoticed into my room.

Click...

Closing the door behind me, I let out a sigh of relief.

"Safe."

Stumbling toward the bathroom, I quickly took a shower and washed away the trail of dirt and sweat from my journey.

After I cleaned off the dirt, I stole a quick glance at my reflection, smirking as I noticed that I was transformed into an unrecognizable version of myself.

If when I first came into this world, I was sick, maybe even cursed, now I was looking like a healthy young male.

My upper body was toned and muscular, a testament to the rigorous training I had undergone.

I could even see my toned abs peeking through the droplets of water on my glistening skin.

"I'm at least presentable..."

Chuckling to myself, I began to put on fresh clothes.

In my past world, I would be considered a handsome guy but in this world, I was barely average.

Most of the people in this world were blessed with otherworldly beauty and charm.

Well, at least Awakened ones.

Whoosh...

After putting on my clothes, I jumped onto my bed.

Watching the old white paint of my ceiling as I lay there, I suddenly recalled something important.

Swish...

I accessed my inventory and retrieved the small, carefully wrapped package that I had acquired during my journey.

The Item I've got after killing the Cerberus, the Mini-boss of the fourth floor of the spire.

Pulling out the tooth from the cloth, I looked at it absentmindedly.

Time to enhance my mind.