In the morning, Zorka blinked several times, surprised to find himself inside a cave. Remembering that he was soaking in the spring pond the night before, the comforting feeling from the soak made him sleepy. His hunger vanished after drinking water from the pond. He wasn't sure when Azurks moved him, but one thing for sure, he felt refreshed and his body felt fuller now. That spring water was truly magical! Zorka left the cave after putting on the clothes he had with him. The clothes he wore last night were nowhere to be seen. Maybe Azurks left them on the cliff. Besides, his clothes were torn from yesterday's training. Azurks wasn't in the cave, but there were some grilled meats ready. The meat he set aside yesterday, preserved with ice magic, had been grilled by Azurks. "Azurks, where are you?" Zorka asked through telepathy. "In the forest. I'm making runes to train your magic

The rustling wind accompanies the pounding heartbeat in Zorka's chest, sensing the tension. An ominous atmosphere looms near the lair of the sword-fanged hyenas. No sounds of chirping birds or buzzing insects can be heard. Zorka occasionally scans the surroundings, just in case a hyena is watching, ready to ambush without giving a chance to evade. Zorka moves slowly towards the lair of the sword-fanged hyenas. Sounds of rustling, growling, and snapping can be heard around. From a few meters behind the trees, Zorka witnesses several sword-fanged hyenas feasting on the carcass of a thorn-backed buffalo. Not far from the group of hyenas, there's a larger sword-fanged hyena, resembling a lion with a mane around its neck. It has an oval-shaped crystal on its forehead, representing its core strength, sitting and overseeing its subordinates devouring their prey. This hyena is their leader. Its sharp yellow

Zorka stared sharply at the two adults who had abused Almia. One of them, tall and thin with crooked teeth and slanting eyes, spat in disgust at his presence. The other, a chubby man with a pig-like face, pointed angrily at Zorka."Hey, kid, don't interfere with our business here!""Interfere? You two adults have no shame, daring to harm a teenage girl who can't defend herself." Zorka's sharp gaze intensified. There was an aura that suddenly made the two adults hesitant facing a little kid who unexpectedly got involved in their affairs."Tch, snotty brat. Who do you think you are, defending this rotten girl, huh?" asked the skinny man."Because she's my friend!" Zorka unleashed a light-powered lightning spell with a gentle force. Then he hurled it towards the two individuals.The two adults writhed, shocked by Zorka's lightning ball. Unaware, both collapsed to the ground, unconscious.Almia was astonished, not expecting Zorka to

Rosewina's eyes welled up with tears. Her crying voice was soft. Seeing her mother cry, Almia felt guilty for involving Zorka in their family matters."Forgive me, Mom. I shouldn't have gotten Zorka involved in our issues," said Almia."How is this, Mom? Uncle Rudolf surely won't let Zorka go easily," Almia expressed her concern.Rosewina hugged Almia to comfort her, then looked at Zorka with a touch of sadness in her eyes."What Mia said is true. Son, what's your name? Are you Zorka?" Rosewina inquired.Zorka nodded when Rosewina mentioned his name."Zorka, we appreciate your help in saving my daughter. However, in this matter, I can't involve you in our family issues," explained Rosewina. "I'm afraid Rudolf will harm you for interfering in this matter. So, I ask you to leave now, go as far as possible so that you won't be affected by Rudolf."Zorka let out a slow breath. It was understandable that Almia and her mother

A few days later, Zorka's ordered clothes were ready. Zorka bought a backpack to carry his clothes and other items useful for his journey.When he was about to leave, Luthor informed Zorka about Rudolf's fate."I should apologize to you, Nak. My indifference to Rosewina's family caused suffering to both the mother and child. It was only yesterday, after losing his magical abilities, that Rudolf told everything. Turns out, he wanted to take the inheritance from his late brother, which was rightfully Almia and Rosewina's.Rudolf was devastated after losing his magic. This morning, I got news from his brother, Key. Rudolf lost his sanity after losing his magical knowledge."Zorka listened quietly, seemingly indifferent to Luthor's words."Now your clothes are ready. After this, where are you going, Nak?" Luthor asked curiously."I'm going back to the Dzara forest to continue my magical training. My mentor is still waiting there," Zo