Mythology: Ragnarok

Under Presidian's careful tutelage, Agreed's knowledge was also increasing rapidly. To be on the safe side, Presidian also gave Agreed many life-saving magical items, including a small staff that could amplify magic, a bracelet engraved with a protective magic circle, a pendant to protect the soul from attacks, and more than twenty low-level magic scrolls.

Later, Presidian even handed Agreed a detailed map of the Monster Forest, which he had somehow obtained, and Agreed was somewhat at a loss for what to do with this nanny-level protection, since he had never fought such a rich battle in his life.

While making ample preparations, Agreed did not neglect his training. In the days that followed, he learned magic step by step. However, he did not aim too high, but tried his best to master those practical little spells, rather than those offensive spells that sounded impressive.

Under the dual training of Soul Gathering Technique and Styx Soul Forging, Agreed was beginning to feel the possibility of breaking through to the level of a mage, but unfortunately, he still failed to break through to the level of a mage before heading to the Monster Forest.

Finally, under Presidian's reluctant gaze, Agreed followed his accompanying mentor on the journey to the Monster Forest. Dean Akoma couldn't help but sigh as he looked at Presidian.

"Old Dean, you've been depressed and drinking heavily these past few years because of the Church of Light. I never expected that after having a disciple, you not only quit drinking but also became more energetic than before. Indeed, the fastest way to change a person is to make them feel needed."

Agreed and the second-year students formed a group and boarded open-top wagons (used for transporting grain, each carrying about twenty people) and headed towards the Monster Forest. The teacher leading the way rode on horseback and used magic to amplify his voice to each wagon, giving a speech: "I am your mentor for this mission. My name is 'Capen Kelly.' We will be going to the outskirts of the Monster Forest, located in the northwest of the Augustus Empire, for a two-month trial."

Once you arrive at the destination, you can choose to team up or go solo, but I don't recommend those who aren't strong enough venture into that dangerous area alone. This trial will be conducted alongside students from four other academies. The task of this trial is to hunt monsters and collect magic crystals to the best of your ability!

Each magic crystal brought back will be valued, and the submitted crystals will be converted into points. The top fifty students in this trial's point ranking within the academy will enjoy a year's tuition waiver and access to the academy library. The student with the highest points among the five academies will also receive a top-grade magic crystal and a sixth-tier spell study book as a reward! Tell me, are you confident you can bring this honor to the academy?!

Upon hearing about such a generous reward, the students were instantly filled with enthusiasm, cheering and shouting encouragement. Agreed, however, was indifferent to it. For him now, obtaining top-grade magic crystals and so-called magic books was a piece of cake. Agreed was more interested in improving his combat skills in this trial and taking this opportunity to break through to the level of a magician.

So Agreed ignored his excited classmates and just gazed at the distant Monster Mountain Range, muttering, "You're coming too, Milton..."

……

Soon, Agreed followed the main force to the outskirts of the Monster Forest. What came into view at the edge of the Monster Forest was an endless expanse of emerald green man-eating trees. These man-eating trees are special trees that have been mutated by magic. These trees use their branches to devour corpses and even actively prey on living creatures. Moreover, most of them contain corrosive toxins, and apart from some special monsters, no other creature can eat their fruits or leaves. However, the wood of the man-eating trees is hard and flexible, making it a very good material for making things. Therefore, countries have actively planted these trees as strategic reserves.

Agreed remembered that this kind of wood was very expensive, but cutting it required a very sharp tool, and he didn't know if his dagger would be up to the task. Agreed was still very interested in collecting the materials, after all, he might need them someday.

While Agreed was still pondering, the team leader, 'Capone,' addressed everyone: 'Next, I will be distributing magic scrolls with distress beacons. If any accidents occur, simply tear open the scroll and the rescue team and I will arrive immediately. Everyone must be careful and avoid powerful monsters if possible. Although we have cleared the outer perimeter of the Monster Forest and there shouldn't be any powerful monsters left, please don't let your guard down and don't risk your life!'

Just then, students from other colleges began to arrive near the College of Elements. Agreed quickly spotted Milton in the crowd and frantically waved and shouted, hoping to attract Milton's attention.

Milton quickly noticed Agreed and walked over excitedly. Upon meeting, the two asked in unison, "Interested in coming together?"

This unexpected understanding made the two of them smile at each other in surprise; sometimes, friends just have this kind of magical understanding.

Of course, the college did not have any explicit rules prohibiting students from other colleges from forming teams. Perhaps they did not expect that friendships that transcended interests would emerge among the five colleges, which were originally in a competitive relationship.

Then, the five academy instructors announced the start of the trial. The students, who had already gathered in small groups, excitedly entered the Monster Forest. Agreed and Milton followed behind them. Milton was about to rush to the front of the group, but Agreed stopped him and explained.

"Since someone is clearing the way, there's no need to rob anymore. Monsters aren't easy to kill. The further ahead you are, the fiercer the competition will be. Since there are fewer of us, it's best to wander around and look for prey."

Milton then followed Agreed's plan and left the main force, heading to another location on the outskirts of the Monster Forest.

Just as Agreed had predicted, although there were relatively fewer prey in another area, the competition was much less intense, and the two soon spotted their first prey, the "unicorn drill rat".

The unicorn drill rat is a rodent-like magical beast with a single horn, but it looks more like a rabbit with a single horn. It is not particularly aggressive, but its small and agile size and keen hearing make it one of the most difficult magical beasts to hunt.

Just as the unicorn drill rat poked its head out of its burrow, a cold glint flashed and pierced its brain. Looking back, the attack was launched by Agreed. Milton cheered and trotted over to pick up his prey. Then, Milton took out a knife and skillfully dissected the magic crystal from the monster's body.

Milton examined the thumb-sized magic crystal in his hand and couldn't help but complain, "It's so small. If your attack had accidentally hit the magic crystal, we would have wasted our time."

Agreed laughed and scolded, "It's good enough to make some money. Don't always think about getting rich overnight. The best magic crystals are all produced from those terrible magical beasts. This is a good start, so don't look so gloomy. By the way, was my shot accurate just now?"

Milton gave a thumbs-up and praised, "Of course it was accurate. Such a small target, a hundred meters away, and your magic could hit the vital point precisely without damaging the magic crystal. To be honest, are you really not planning to become an enchanter? With this level of control, you definitely have a bright future."

"Stop trying to persuade me. I've already said I'm interested in enchanting, but I will never make a living from it."

“Alright.” Milton could only shrug and shake his head regretfully, with a look of disappointment.