The morning sun broke through the treetops as the caravan continued its northward journey. Baker rode near the front, his Enduring Body Magic flowing subtly through him. The previous day's encounter with the six-legged, flame-maned Zoar still echoed in his mind, but now it served as more than just a memory — it was a lesson.
During the fight, the combination of his healing magic and body reinforcement had not only kept him safe but had also strengthened his muscles, making them more resilient for future challenges. The mana-infused Mandearoz jerky had aided his stamina and recovery, but now, Baker felt he no longer needed external aids to sustain himself. His body had adapted perfectly, each fiber subtly reinforced, every joint lightly healed and reinforced in a natural rhythm.
Captain Selene rode beside him, her spear angled forward as she observed him quietly. "You're moving differently today," she said, her emerald eyes scanning him critically. "Steadier, lighter, more controlled. I take it the Zoar helped more than just a scare?"
Baker nodded, flexing his arms in a small, controlled stretch. "It wasn't just fighting… it was the combination of using Enduring Body Magic, the fight itself pushing my limits, and the Jerky supporting recovery. My muscles healed while they were reinforced, and now they're naturally tougher. I don't need the Jerky to maintain my strength anymore."
It's like exercising but rapid improvements from the food and healing.
Selene smirked, impressed. "That's a rare kind of adaptation. Most warriors or mages would burn out long before reaching this level of self-sufficiency."
Baker allowed himself a small smile. "It's taken a lot of practice… but I think I've finally synchronized healing and reinforcement perfectly. My body recovers, reinforces, and maintains itself — low cost, indefinitely sustainable."
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The Day's Minor Challenge
As the caravan wound through a narrower forest path, a rustle from the underbrush alerted the guards. From between the trees, a pair of stoneback wolves emerged, their fur mottled with gray and flecks of crystal-like growths along their spines. While smaller than the boar, their bites carried a minor paralytic venom — a real threat if they got too close to the carriages.
Baker dismounted smoothly, letting his Enduring Body Magic flow at its low-cost, sustaining reinforcement in case of sudden impact. He did not need to eat the Jerky — his body, now trained, was ready.
The wolves lunged. Baker moved with precise footwork, dodging the first bite and twisting to counter with a small surge of magic for extra speed. His muscles absorbed impact naturally, minor abrasions already healing in real time. Selene and the guards engaged simultaneously, but Baker noticed he could anticipate the wolves' movements more efficiently than before.
He struck a leg with the flat of his spear, causing the wolf to stumble, and in that instant, a subtle pulse of his Enduring Body Magic strengthened his arms and legs, allowing him to move faster and dodge another snap from the second wolf.
Within moments, the wolves realized they were outmatched and slunk back into the forest. Baker flexed, feeling the familiar hum of magic at low cost, steady and sustainable.
Selene approached, nodding. "You didn't even need the Jerky this time. Your body is naturally reinforced and healed. That… is impressive. Truly impressive."
Baker exhaled, letting the low hum of his Enduring Body Magic continue. "The fight with the flame-maned Zoar yesterday… and the Jerky… it trained my body perfectly. Now I can maintain this level without external aid." He told the captain.
Melody, riding in the family carriage, leaned out slightly, awe clear in her expression. "Master Baker… you're incredible. You've… become almost unstoppable without even touching your special food."
Baker smiled faintly. "It's not about being unstoppable. It's about being ready, for anyone, for anything… and keeping everyone safe along the way." He clenched his fists feeling ready for what's to come.
The caravan continued its journey north, Baker riding steadily, muscles reinforced and healing flowing naturally, feeling a quiet pride in how far he had come. No Jerky, no external aid — just his magic, his body, and the lessons learned from every challenge, ready for whatever laid ahead.