The Party darted through the forest without anything slowing them down.
It was not that they didn't encounter monsters.
But when they did, Ruel, who stood at the frontline, swiftly handled them.
Was this the boy that wasn't ready for heavy duty just a day ago? They all wondered.
True, the monsters, if using the Adventurer's Association system, were either F or E rank, with very few being D rank.
Yet, they all fell to one swing of Ruel's blade.
His movement was clinical. Efficient. Not a single wasted movement. The others could only watch in stunned silence as the boy they once doubted carved a path forward.
Prior to this, the young man's only standout qualities were his mana control and unusually fast growth for someone without resources—especially without an awakened Talent.
But now? He was fast, strong, decisive, and skilled.
Lia, who trailed closer to him and knew his battle capabilities most, was more impressed than shocked.
She reduced her speed to match Eden and Mark's.
"Lia, since when did Talents start causing this much change?" Eden asked.
"I'm as shocked as you are," Lia said. After thinking for a few seconds, she added, "Raw strength… he is stronger than I am."
And she wasn't just comparing numbers. She felt it — the certainty in his steps, the instinct in his strikes. It was like watching someone who'd always belonged on the battlefield.
"That strong?" Mark asked. "Aren't you the second strongest in the town?"
"Give it time, and she'll be the third strongest," Eden replied with a laugh.
"... That's only natural," Lia said. She had a D-rank Talent, and it was only natural that she'd fall behind Alaric and Ruel, who had stronger Talents.
As they chatted, Ruel, feeling pumped, decided to spearhead their party.
He had rough lessons with the sword, but with Muriel's unexpected guidance, he was getting accustomed to fighting with a longsword.
"It's strange. It's like my perception and strength has weakened compared to when I woke up…"
Hearing Ruel's telepathic communication, Muriel explained:
"That's because the sun has set. A passive ability of your god's talent is that you have a boost under the sun. It applies to me too."
"Ah…" Ruel understood and thanked her. "You're really helpful."
"...Just doing my job," she replied.
Now that he had paused, Ruel realised that he was quite far from the others.
"I'll wait here. We're nearing the cavern anyway… And leech also seems to be doing its work here.
"I'll soon obtain the fourth ring. That'll be a huge boost for me."
Obtaining the fourth mana core ring gave one greater control over their mana, and for Ruel — whose mana control was already on par with the average fourth ringers, it will be a large difference.
Then, he'll be able to efficiently wield his two main skills.
After the others caught up, they moved at a moderate speed again towards their destination.
There were no monsters this time as they only met carcasses on their way – the work of those who awaited them.
Ruel also perceived some concentrated magic signatures placed here and there.
By the time they reached the tall tree, the sun was about to dip below the horizon.
Ruel led them at a moderate pace to the cavern.
But Jiro suddenly appearing out of thin air made him stop.
"You guys did a great job clearing the area," Ruel said with a welcoming smile.
"Ah, that's nothing! Once you know their weak points, they are easier to handle," Jiro replied, donning a proud expression.
He then looked behind Ruel. "Greetings, sirs, miss. I will lead you in."
Ruel shot a smile and glance to his back, telling the others to follow.
The cavern was tall enough for Ruel to touch the ceiling and spacious enough to fit everyone.
As they entered the cavern, a familiar face stepped forward — the girl Ruel had rescued, her dark purple hair now washed and her black eyes clearer than before.
"Ah, welcome, Mr. Ruel! Thank you for saving me!"
Ruel scrutinized the female, identifying her.
"I just did what I could. I hope you're doing well."
"I am. You can call me Jira!"
"Jira…" Ruel muttered and subconsciously glanced at Jiro who stood beside her. "Twins?"
The duo nodded in synchronization.
"You're the first twins I'm meeting. That's pretty cool."
The duo began boasting.
"We are a rare kind."
"The best of the best."
Then August, with Dean trailing behind, came to break things up.
"Jirs."
After the two gave space for him to walk in, Ruel greeted the man and immediately introduced them.
Succeeding this, they went to the center of the room where there were rocks placed there as seats.
Ruel, Lia, and the Jirs stood, while Eden, Mark, August and Dean sat.
This wasn't a reunion — it was a negotiation. Mark opened the talks, his voice level but deliberate.
"I heard of your condition and with that, I assume migration, which will be the best case for your people, is impossible despite having gates."
August nodded.
"You're right. Powering the gates requires Mana Cores, and the more people involved, the higher the cost. Acquiring cores is... difficult for us."
Eden hummed thoughtfully. "Cores are rare for us too. No way to bypass the spatial instability?"
Dean, their spatial expert, answered flatly.
"We've attempted breaking the runes causing the distortion, but it's proven near impossible. Maybe, with knowledge from the outside world, we'll eventually find a breakthrough."
August exhaled. "Our focus now is securing food. That's the priority."
Eden scoffed, smirking as he looked August over.
"Don't you need armor too? I've been told you hold a high rank... and from what I see, your people are poorly equipped."
August gave a half-laugh, admitting, "That… is true."
"My man, we can supply you food, armor, weapons and whatever you need that we can give. All we demand is Runic Items."
"Runic Items?" Both Dean and August looked confused. Was it really that simple?
"I tell you, that is a valuable resource your people have access to!" Eden said, hyper about the topic.
Mark subtly hit Eden to signify he should calm down so he wouldn't steer the discussion towards the wrong direction.
August watched them carefully.
Based on Ruel's earlier reaction and now Eden's words, his hunch was right — Rune Inscription Magic wasn't common among these outsiders.
After a pause, he said, "I believe we need to better understand each other. I'll share what I can about my people... and I hope you'll do the same."