The carriages rolled steadily along the forested path, the morning sun filtering through the canopy in dappled patterns. Baker sat upright, the hum of his Enduring Body Magic steady beneath his skin, mana flowing just enough to reinforce muscles and mend minor fatigue without draining his reserves.
Captain Selene rode at the rear of the caravan, her eyes scanning the undergrowth. "Stay alert," she called over her shoulder. "The forests can hide more than just Mandearoz."
Baker chewed a small piece of mana-infused Mandearoz jerky, letting the fatigue-recovery seasoning bolster his stamina. So far, the trip's been peaceful… but Selene's right. I have to stay ready.
The road curved around a bend, and that's when the ground shook slightly beneath the horses' hooves. From between the trees, a massive six-legged boar charged into view. Its dark, bristled mane shimmered with faint embers, flames licking along its spine as it roared. The creature's eyes glowed with intelligence, and its hooves struck the dirt with such force the ground trembled.
"Zoar! Stay calm!" Selene called, bringing her spear to a defensive stance. Baker's pulse quickened — this was no ordinary creature.
The Zoar's mane flared, flames licking higher, and the heat radiated outward. It was clearly preparing to charge with even more power. Baker felt the thrill of anticipation surge through him. Time to see how far Enduring Body Magic can take me.
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Engaging the Creature
Baker pushed his magic just slightly, enough to reinforce his muscles and bones while actively healing minor strain from sudden movements. He moved to intercept the creature's path. The Zoar roared, charging forward on all six legs, and Baker pivoted, using a combination of dodges and low-cost body reinforcement to absorb the shocks from the uneven ground.
Selene engaged simultaneously, her spear flashing as she aimed to draw the boar away from the carriages. Baker watched her form, noting how her movements were precise and efficient, and synchronized his own maneuvers with hers.
The creature struck, hooves slamming toward him, flames surging along its mane. Baker felt the heat lick his clothes but didn't falter. He channeled a small healing pulse to his legs, mending the minor bruises from the impact while reinforcing his torso to brace for the next strike. Enduring Body Magic in action…
He drew a breath and lightly surged his mana for a moment, pushing his strength and speed slightly above the passive level to dodge and redirect the boar's charge. A small scratch tore across his arm, and he immediately wove healing magic into his muscles, letting the wound close almost instantly.
Selene's spear found its mark, grazing the creature and forcing it to hesitate. Baker seized the opening, using a small burst of mana-enhanced footwork to sidestep behind it, guiding it away from the carriages. Each movement was a dance — low-cost magic keeping him steady, surges used sparingly for critical moments, and healing pulses mending the small strains and cuts as they occurred.
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Aftermath
Finally, the boar, sensing the combined pressure from Baker and Selene, let out a final, furious roar and bolted back into the forest. Its fiery mane dimmed as it vanished among the trees. Baker exhaled, sweat and a faint trace of soot on his skin, and flexed carefully, letting Enduring Body Magic stabilize his muscles.
Selene lowered her spear, breathing heavily but smiling faintly. "You handled that well, Baker. You kept control, didn't overextend, and your healing kept you in the fight longer than most would last. That… that's impressive."
Baker nodded, his cheeks flushed but his eyes were shining brightly. "Thank you, Captain Selene. I… I wanted to make sure the carriages and everyone else were safe."
Melody, riding beside him, gave a small gasp. "You… you healed and reinforced at the same time while dodging that thing?"
Baker nodded, offering her a small, tired grin. "It's all about timing and mana control… and having good food to keep me steady." He tapped the remaining piece of mana-infused Mandearoz jerky in his satchel.
Selene smirked. "Keep this up, and by the time we reach your grandparents, you'll be a force to reckon with. But remember — always pace yourself. Even Enduring Body has limits."
Baker flexed subtly, letting magic settle at a minimal cost, feeling the steady, sustainable flow beneath his skin. I can keep this up… as long as I manage it carefully.
The caravan resumed its journey north, the road quiet once more, though the memory of the six-legged fiery boar lingered. Baker knew that the forests held many surprises — and that his training, food, and magic would all be put to the test in the days to come.