No matter how hard I tried to focus on the energy that was being transformed into my "second" Mana Core, I couldn't tell what it was. I had never felt anything like it before. Nevertheless, I knew that it was only a matter of time.
Since my Mana Core had an infinite amount of Mana, it shouldn't take too long for... whatever that person was to explain to me what was happening to my body.
Just as I was about to turn around and head back, I noticed a small ring, covered in dirt, lying on the ground. It had, without a doubt, dropped to the floor as a consequence of him entering my body.
I grabbed it and began cleaning it, trying my best to understand what its use might be.
'Death.'
I frowned, reading the engraving on the ring.
The more I learned about this person and his belongings, the more curious I became about what he knew.
Still, I couldn't stay hidden inside this forest for too long, especially since I was so deep inside it. If any monsters were to take notice of me, there was a good chance I'd have to flee, and even then, I might be severely injured in the process.
As strong as I was for my age and current abilities, A-Rank monsters were on a whole other level. I couldn't face them just yet. Even back in the camp, when they wouldn't care if we died, they wouldn't let us face them, always warning us that they were on a whole other level compared to us. Only the older and more experienced assassins were allowed to face them.
'It's strange though... I haven't crossed paths with any monster yet. Was it because of that person's presence?' I thought to myself.
However, even after he was now "gone", there were no monsters to be seen.
I continued to walk back toward the Royal Academy when I noticed a small trail of blood on the ground, leading to an area hidden by dozens of bushes.
'Was there someone else here, or maybe this is a monster's blood?'
I walked carefully over to the bushes, using my hands to part the leaves and give myself a clear view of what was hidden behind them.
My eyes widened at the sight.
It was a complete massacre.
Dozens, if not hundreds, of monsters' corpses were lying on the ground. However, they weren't just killed by a stronger being—their whole bodies were eaten alive. Most of them had limbs missing.
Whatever monster had caused this had to be strong, extremely strong. With a glance, I recognized some of the monsters' corpses.
Minotaurs, Night Wolves, and even an Arachne Queen.
'Those are some of the strongest A-Rank monsters. The only monsters that could have defeated them are S-Rank. There's no other way...' I gulped. 'I need to get out of here. I'll finish just like them if it takes notice of me.'
I had no idea what monster it could be, but I didn't want to find out.
However, just as I was about to leave, the ring I had picked up earlier seemed to react to their corpses. I grabbed it from my right pocket and observed it as it began to vibrate furiously.
Suddenly, it flew into the air, finding its way onto my ring finger as a beeping sound echoed in the back of my mind.
—Beep!
[Analyzing...]
[Analysis completed.]
[The host has been found worthy. However, given his strength, only a fraction of the ring's power will be available.]
I frowned reading the messages.
What kind of ring was that? And why did it say I was worthy?
I had a good feeling that it was related to my bloodline. But I had no way to be sure just yet.
[The only skill available is: Absorb (SSS-Rank)]
[Absorb (SSS-Rank): You can now absorb skills from the monsters you kill. However, to use the absorbed skills, certain conditions will have to be met.]
'Why did this man have this on him?' I frowned. 'He didn't even mention it before entering my body. Was he planning on getting it back afterward?'
I had so many questions, but with an S-Rank monster roaming the forest, right now wasn't the time to think of such things.
I turned around and began using [Shadow Manipulation] as quickly and as often as possible to get out of the Academy's forest. But then, just as I tried to use it once more, it didn't work.
'Did I run out of Mana?' I frowned.
However, that wasn't the case. I still had plenty of Mana. It was something else.
'Don't tell me...'
Shivers ran down my spine as I felt a distant gaze land on me.
It was the S-Rank monster. There was no doubt in my mind. It was looking at me as if I were prey, deciding if I was worthy of being devoured.
"ROARRRRR!"
My eyes widened once more when I heard the roar. It was loud, powerful, and distinct. Anyone inside of the Royal Academy, no matter where they were, could hear it, and anyone with the slightest knowledge would know what kind of beast such a roar would belong to.
There was a dragon residing inside of the Academy grounds.
'But why would a dragon run rampage like this?' I frowned. 'They aren't usually violent toward other monsters. They don't like to meddle in others' affairs.'
It hadn't attacked me while I was leaving the forest, even if it had the opportunity to kill me if it wanted, using its anti-mana ability on me. So many things were strange about this, and there was a good chance the headmistress knew about this already. There must be a reason why she hasn't done anything yet.
Maybe there was a treasure hidden inside of the mountain, something that she didn't want anyone to learn of.
'Still, why hasn't it stopped looking at me?' I thought to myself. 'What is it trying to do?'
I hadn't moved since it had used its anti-mana ability. I knew that it wasn't wise to try and run away. My fate was in this dragon's hands; there was nothing I could do to escape it.
However, a few seconds passed, and its energy dissipated.
It had let me go.
I took a deep breath of relief as I glanced down at my right hand, where the strange-looking ring had found its place. I couldn't even begin to imagine what kind of powers it might have or what kind of beings it could related to.