Just like countless other humans in this world, the young wanderer possessed an inherent affinity for a specific magic path since birth. In his case, this inclination led him down the path of water, a choice that felt the most natural.

And just like all other mages, his progression of magical mastery was centered around his chosen path, resulting in the innovation of a few of his very own water-based mana techniques.

Currently, his combat arsenal consists of 2 such mana techniques. One was a utility technique, while the other was an offensive technique.

In a critical moment during his escape from the monstrous spider, it was his utility technique, [Sliding Ephemera] that facilitated his getaway. It was a mana technique that amplified the effects of lubrication. When activated, any surface he touched would have its friction eliminated, resulting in a smooth sliding effect.

After witnessing the spider’s massive body, he figured that while its size was its greatest strength, it was likely also its greatest weakness. To take advantage of this fact, he had used [Sliding Ephemera] in order to rapidly amass momentum, in order to trick the greedy spider into running itself into the large tree.

As one might imagine, this technique was a highly versatile utility technique, offering various applications. And as such, it was the perfect progenitor for a future series of derivative branch techniques.

One such offspring was his offensive mana technique, [Sliding Edge], a sword aura mana technique that utilizes [Sliding Ephemera]’s foundational sliding ability to branch off and become its own unique skill.

And currently, [Sliding Edge] would be the perfect tool for severing through the vines ahead of him. He began to concentrate, pouring his focus into casting the sword aura technique, [Sliding Edge], onto his blade.

Clearing his mind of extraneous thoughts, the young wanderer directed his focus solely towards activating this sword aura.

This was a step-by-step process. First, he had to become aware of the mana flowing within him. He initiated the process by attuning his senses to the subtle currents of mana coursing within him.

In the realm of his mind, he visualized his body as an empty space, conceiving mana as fluid water as it meandered smoothly through every nook and cranny of his form. With this visualization, he was able to establish a deep connection with the potent energy permeating each of his cells. The mana within him stirred, quickening its pace of circulation and coursing through his body with enhanced vigor.

Next, he had to define the purpose he was trying to accomplish - activating and applying [Sliding Edge] to the blade of his sword.

In his mind, he imagined a subtle, azure glow enveloping the blade, designating his right palm as the conduit. As the conduit, his palm would serve as the connection between his body and his target, acting as a bridge for him to send his mana into his sword.

Feeling the mana igniting and accelerating within his body, he willed his mind to channel a stream of the magical energy into his designated palm.

Fwoom… A faint blue radiance emanated from his right palm, buzzing softly with a light hum. 

Pleased with his results, the young man ran his luminous palm over the surface of the rusty blade. Immediately, a delicate layer of blue luminescent water enveloped the blade, seemingly defying gravity as it clung to the metal without any visible support. 

To the attentive observer, this display of magical prowess would be nothing short of divine. It looked like he had pulled out a bubble of water out of thin air!

Sword Aura : [Sliding Edge], 30% power. He silently congratulated himself on the success. It was a rare feat for him to be able to activate this technique without an incantation, and not to mention, at such a high capacity right from the get-go!

Clutching the handle of his sword tighter in his grasp, he waved his enhanced blade around. It emanated a gentle and soothing azure glow as droplets of sparkling, blue water floated around its orbit. The sword’s rusty and beat down appearance had suddenly transformed into that of a powerful and glowing blade!

This mana technique allowed him to enhance his chosen blade, allowing it to “slide” through its target with greater ease. As such, it was an offensive mana technique that increases the cutting power of blades, raising his attacking damage potential. 

This enhancement technique was cast like an aura, wrapping around the blade like a bubble. It was surely the culprit for its terrible ailment of hideous rust!

Armed with his newly enhanced blade, he approached the formidable vine wall with a renewed sense of confidence, delivering a powerful slash.

In the face of the augmented blade, the thick vines stood no chance. The radiant sword glided seamlessly through the dense cluster of vines, effortlessly slicing through them as if they were mere paper. He drew a shape of a circle, carving out a narrow hole just wide enough to accommodate his body.

To his surprise, he was greeted by a cascade of bright light on the other side of the opaque vine wall, beaming through the fresh hole.

Yes! Light! Am I finally out of this disgusting forest? Excitement surged within him at the mere prospect. He couldn’t wait to get away from this accursed forest!

Ugh! All of a sudden, a dull headache crept into his head, prompting him to press against his temple with a wince of pain. In response, he quickly dismissed his sword aura.

As a somewhat weak mage, he was all too familiar with this uncomfortable sensation— It was one of the effects of a depleted mana level!

This phenomenon was known as “mana exhaustion”, and the increasing intensity of headaches that he was currently experiencing was also one of its symptoms.

As he returned his sword into his sheath, he let out a deep sigh.

Since my mastery level of this sword aura technique is really low, its mana efficiency is unsatisfactory… I can’t keep it active for an unnecessary period of time. And anyway… I already had a low mana capacity to begin with… He shook his head in disappointment.

The general rule of thumb for mana techniques was clear: the more “absurd” and “complex” the mana technique is, the greater the mana consumption.

While [Sliding Edge] operated within reasonable bounds, it was undeniably still an absurd technique. After all, a surface so slippery that it heightened cutting power wasn't a natural occurrence!

Furthermore, activating it at a higher percentage would push it further into the realm of absurdity, demanding more mana. Considering his current mana pool, sustaining the sword aura at 30% potency would likely completely exhaust him within five minutes.

However, this didn't dampen his spirits. He understood that mana techniques were akin to skills— with enough time, practice, and mastery, he would eventually grow strong enough to handle the increased demands.

Moving past that thought, he extended a leg through the bright hole he had created, paving the way for the rest of his body to follow.

Bathed in the brilliant light that offered a soothing respite from the dense foliage, he found himself standing in a wide and open area. 

After nearly two hours shrouded in darkness, his eyes struggled to adjust to the sudden and blinding brightness. Instinctively, his hand shot up to form a visor, shielding his eyes from the harsh sun.

As he gradually adapted to the newfound brightness, he surveyed his surroundings in disbelief. 

Are you serious? His jaw dropped in incredulity. This is just a forest clearing… I’m still not out yet!

Indeed, surrounding the perimeter of the clearing were more and more of the towering trees, stretching endlessly. 

The light from the clearing had given him false hope, and he was genuinely looking forward to finally escaping this accursed place. But unfortunately, there was still more of the forest to conquer. What an utter let down!

Damn it! Damn it! I hate this forest! He felt an urge to lie down and release his pent-up frustration with a fit of tears. However, this wasn’t the time to wallow in self-pity. He mustn't forget that there was still a huge, malicious spider hunting for him. 

Just how much further did the exit lie? With a heavy heart, he pressed forward into the clearing. He had no choice but to cut through it to the other side, his eyes scanning the edges of the clearing as he walked.

But all of a sudden, they were arrested by an unexpected sight. 

Widening in disbelief, he beheld the most surprising spectacle of the day—more surprising than the regenerating vines, the monstrous spider that was made out of it, and the haunting death cocoons, combined! 

Amidst the golden sunlight, right in the heart of the grand forest clearing, stood an enigma. Something that was out of place.

It was…

…a weeping child.

How… How could this be…? His expression morphed into one of dumbfounded disbelief.

He was a young boy with raven-black hair and a petite stature. With his head buried in his arm, he wailed with an intensity that sent shivers down the spine. Seeing his tiny figure in the distance, the young wanderer was certain that the boy was no older than five.

Out of all his expectations, a child appearing in the midst of such a dangerous forest was certainly not one of them. And more than feeling surprised, he was feeling rather unnerved and creeped out by the unnatural presence of the crying child.

After stumbling upon this eerie scene, he instinctively kept a safe distance away, unsure of his next move.

Yet, amidst this strange situation, he found himself experiencing an even more peculiar emotion. Rather than feeling fear and unease, he was taken aback by the sheer magnitude of the child's anguish instead.

The young boy’s face carried an expression of inconsolable sorrow, and his cries grew more intense with every passing moment. This was more than mere weeping; it was a full-blown sob that echoed through the silent expanse of the clearing. 

The sobbing seemed to haunt his spirit, sending chills down his spine. As he stood frozen, the child's sorrowful cries seemed to seep into the very fabric of the woods, as if the forest itself mourned alongside the tormented boy. 

Such painful cries… I don’t think I’ve heard anything worse in my life. How terrible… He caught himself wondering.

Unbeknownst to him, the young wanderer was beginning to feel almost… absorbed… by the mysterious boy's distress. In his mind, a myriad of thoughts swirled, their origin indistinguishable. Whether they belonged to him or not, he couldn't tell.

But right now, none of that mattered to him. More than anything else in the world, he wanted to approach the weeping child to comfort him. He wanted to take all his pain away. He wanted him to cease his crying.

He found himself slowly and gradually becoming more and more captivated by the child's anguish… It was as though an invisible force was trying to draw him closer to the mysterious boy, urging him to come closer, urging him to show himself. 

Just like… a siren’s lullaby…

And before he knew it, his initial feelings of unease had begun to shift into a profound sense of pity. And soon after, he found himself already completely swayed, the initial uneasiness completely eradicated from his heart. 

Slowly, his feet were beginning to shift as his body was slowly pulled toward the mysterious boy. In an almost trance-like state, he began to trudge forwards mindlessly.