After researching the Rhyhound, Bennett went to the training ground to work on his current abilities. From what he observed, Cinderfall would be the best skill to use against it. However, if the core's location is known, Savage Swipe would be much more effective due to its high penetrating power. Considering his two attack skills, Cinderfall should be used to cause internal damage and possibly harm the core slightly. The problem is, he can't test it properly until combat training. On the other hand, Savage Swipe should be strong enough to deal with the core directly.

  Bennett looked around and spotted an instructor.

  "Instructor? Is it possible for me to get a weapon here?"

  "Oh, hello. It is possible, but from what I see, you already have two quarterstaffs. Isn't that enough?"

  "I believe it isn't enough, and it won't hurt to have extras. I'm willing to work to pay for the weapon."

  "Hmm... what kind of weapon are you looking for?"

  "Another quarterstaff, if possible. I just need one of good quality, like the ones I have or better."

  "Well, you're in luck. We do have a few in reserve. It's just that hardly anyone uses quarterstaffs most prefer swords, wands, spears, and such so I can give you one free of charge."

  "Really?! That's great it would help me a lot!"

  "Haha, of course. Plus, you're the only quarterstaff user here, so they're just collecting dust. Follow me."

  The instructor led Bennett to the armory and left him at the quarterstaff section. There were about ten different staffs. Unfortunately, due to the lack of users, they were mostly considered training-grade weapons. The one Bennett picked was about the same quality as his current ones.

  "Haha, good choice. Take it. Show this to the person at the front desk it'll let you claim your first weapon. But next time, it'll cost you a hefty sum."

  "Thanks, Instructor!" Bennett quickly left and approached the receptionist, handing her the badge and showing the quarterstaff. She wrote down his name and marked "1st weapon" in the log.

  "You may go now. Remember, next time you come for a weapon, there will be a payment."

  "Of course, Miss." Bennett hurried to his room to inscribe a rune into the new staff, increasing his battle duration.

  He returned to the training area and found a large dummy to practice on. He focused on hitting the marked weak points. Unfortunately, since it was just a dummy, the training wouldn't help much in real combat but it allowed Bennett to get used to targeting something the size of a car. All he needed now was real experience.

  Later, he took up a job cleaning floors and windows. It was mundane, but it earned him enough money to buy his first pill. The one he chose was called Magic Absorption. Once consumed, it allows a person to regenerate mana 10% faster. It was a low-grade pill, but good enough for him.

  "Ugh, I can't wait until I can do combat missions... It'll be so much easier buying support pills for battle."

  Afterward, Bennett continued his training. Soon, the day of combat training arrived, and he made sure to get to the stage early. He saw several beasts, all currently confined in a magic seal to prevent their escape. Soon after, the other students and the instructor arrived.

  The instructor began calling out names. There weren't many of them, so it ended quickly.

  "Alright, before we start have you all prepared enough? If so, come up to me and pick a piece of paper. The number you draw will determine who starts first."

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  Bennett checked his number and saw that he had drawn number 3. The others checked their own numbers.

  "Alright, is everyone ready? Then we shall start with number 1. Step up to the stage!"

  Ayaka, who had drawn number 1, stepped onto the stage. The instructor then released the Rhyhound, signaling the start of the battle.

  Ayaka drew her sword and immediately cast an illusion skill called Mist of Confusion, causing the Rhyhound's senses to go haywire.

  Seizing the opportunity, Ayaka quickly moved. She dodged to her left as a paw came crashing down, then made a quick swipe with her sword, cutting the Rhyhound's tendons, causing it to buckle forward. However, the wound healed almost instantly, and the creature regained its senses. As Ayaka briefly shifted her focus, the Rhyhound leaped toward her, attempting to crush her beneath its massive body.

  She jumped back and immediately cast a sword skill called Dark Wind Slash, sending a burst of pressurized wind. The wind confused the Rhyhound, making it unable to pinpoint where the attack was coming from. As the Rhyhound attacked again, Ayaka got close and used Dragon's Cut, slashing off its head during the distraction.

  Unfortunately, the Rhyhound regenerated its head almost immediately. As it began its regeneration, Ayaka covered her sword in mana once again and leaped above the creature as it tried to flatten her with a paw. Its head was nearly fully regenerated when Ayaka fell toward it, striking the beast's back with her skill Falling Iron Mountain.

  The intense compressed mana within the sword exploded inside the Rhyhound, causing massive internal damage and striking its core. The creature went berserk and attempted to roll over, but Ayaka quickly jumped again and recast the same skill. The second strike finally destroyed the core of the Rhyhound.

  Panting in exhaustion, Ayaka breathed deeply. "Ah, that took way more effort than I expected." She took a few deep breaths, fixed her posture, and approached the instructor with a serious expression.

  The instructor praised her, "That was a great first battle. However, I can see you underestimated it and almost paid the price. Remember this: never underestimate your opponent, whether they're weaker or stronger than you. But I must also say you did well ending the battle quickly and efficiently like that will help you go far in surviving."

  Ayaka bowed and headed to the stands

  Alright next up get on stage the instructor said

  IronFang stepped onto the stage, cracking his knuckles, his fists covered by two massive gauntlets equipped with thrusters designed to enhance his already powerful strength.

  "Alright, let's begin," the instructor announced as the second rhyhound was released into the arena.

  Unlike Ayaka, IronFang didn't hesitate. He charged straight at the beast, moving with a terrifying speed for his size. The rhyhound swiped its massive claws, slashing IronFang's arms and chest, leaving deep gashes. Despite the pain, IronFang ignored the wounds as they began to regenerate, albeit slower than the rhyhound's own natural regeneration. Using his mana, he enhanced the power of his punches further, choosing not to use any skills just yet.

  The rhyhound, enraged, lunged for his arm, attempting to bite it off. With incredible strength, IronFang grabbed its massive jaw, locking it in place. The beast thrashed violently, but IronFang stood like a wall, his strength-augmented by his mana-keeping the creature from overpowering him.

  With a grunt, IronFang cast his first skill: Rage. Simple but effective, it instantly increased his physical power severalfold. His muscles bulged with newfound strength as he tore into the rhyhound, ripping it in half with a ferocious display of brute force. As the beast's body split apart, its core was exposed.

  The core, sensing its imminent demise, began to regenerate, attempting to form a new body. But IronFang wasn't about to let it. He cast Grip of the Titans, his hands glowing with magical energy. With a mighty roar, he crushed the core in his palms, preventing it from creating a new body.

  IronFang stood victorious, his chest heaving with exertion. He wiped the blood and entrails off his face, turned, and walked back toward the instructor.

  "Heh, that was a nice warm-up," he said, a confident grin on his face.

  The instructor nodded in approval. "As expected of someone like you... such a bloody fighting style. But you handled it swiftly. I was curious how you would destroy the core since you don't have any AoE attacks. Now I see why. But don't get complacent. This was only a Rank 1 beast, the weakest of the weak. You may go back to the stands now."

  IronFang gave a casual shrug, clearly unbothered. "Of course, but I doubt anyone can beat it like I did."

  He walked back to the stands, blood and entrails of the rhyhound splattered across his body, completely unfazed.

  "Next up!" the instructor said, not bothering to look.

  Bennett jumped onto the stage, grabbed one of his quarterstaffs, and stored the other two on his belt in their minimized versions.

  The rhyhound was soon released. Bennett didn't rush in immediately; instead, he waited, letting the rhyhound charge toward him. It went for a large bite.

  Bennett evaded by jumping back, then quickly jumped to his right as the rhyhound's paw swiped at him, missing by a hair.

  After dodging, Bennett still didn't attack. Instead, he continued to observe the rhyhound, which kept trying to kill him.

  The rhyhound raised both paws, and this was the exact chance Bennett had been waiting for.

  He activated Revolving Cinder and used all the in his staff. At the same time, he cast Cinder Fall, hitting the rhyhound's underbelly. The combined force tossed the rhyhound to the edge of the stage, slamming into the barrier.

  It had a gruesome wound its back blown open, its front charred black. But the core escaped, and despite the damage, it started to regenerate and make a new body.

  During that time, Bennett minimized his drained staff and extended his second one. He dashed forward, using Savage Swipes to break through the regenerated parts of the beast, exposing the core a second time. He struck again, causing even more cracks in the core.

  Realizing the situation, Bennett increased the mana in his staff and used Savage Swipes once more, finally piercing and shattering the core.

  With the beast defeated, Bennett minimized his staff and approached the instructor.

  "Um, how did I do? Hopefully, not too bad?" he asked.

  "Not too bad?" The instructor looked up with a raised eyebrow. "You did very well, given your limitations."

  The instructor's tone softened. "First things first, good job focusing on gathering intelligence on the beast's strength and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. But remember, while your patience is a strength, waiting too long can attract more danger. You finished the fight swiftly, though, just a bit slower than the other two."

  Bennett smiled and nodded, "Thank you, instructor. I'm glad I was able to do well."

  He returned to his seat. Aside from his sleeves, no part of his body had any blood stains.

  Chapter 6 End