After trying to learn both sword and bow—at which I failed miserably—Alira and Valkira tried introducing me to other combat weapons: spear, chained knife, and even a spiked shield. Unfortunately, I failed at all of them too.
"I feel pity for you," Valkira said, her face clearly showing it.
I turned my gaze toward Alira. She hesitated, her eyes shifting away from mine. It was obvious—they'd given up on me.
"Hahaha…" I laughed awkwardly, though disappointment stung deep inside. "Maybe I just don't have any talent for physical techniques."
"Then why don't you try learning magic?" Verixa tilted her head slightly as she spoke.
"Magic? Hmm…" I murmured, thinking back to the one time I'd tried it in the demon city's prison. That… hadn't ended well.
"Okay, I'll try. Alira, Valkira… please teach me magic," I said, looking at them hopefully.
"Teach you?" Valkira blinked. "Isn't it natural to use it?"
"What do you mean? You must've learned magic from someone, right?" I asked, confused.
"Zacken," Alira explained gently, "maybe because you're from Earth, you don't know—but magic here comes naturally. It's like breathing. No one teaches it; it's just a part of us."
"Yeah," Valkira added. "So we don't really know how to teach you."
"I see… so it's hopeless then," I muttered, slumping in defeat.
"I have an idea!" Verixa puffed up her chest proudly, flashing a smug grin.
"My father once said, when people are in trouble, they discover new skills to survive," she said with a wink, pointing a finger at me. "Maybe if you face danger alone, your Earthling instincts—or even a unique skill—will awaken."
"Are you kidding me?" I groaned. "Struggling in my world is one thing, but struggling in this world—filled with creatures that can eat you alive if you blink—isn't survival, it's suicide!"
I turned desperately toward Alira and Valkira. "Right?"
"Human…" Valkira's aura flared with fury as she pointed her sword at me. "Did I just hear you call our queen stupid? If she suggests something, it's final."
I gasped, turning to Alira in panic. She was thinking deeply.
"Maybe Verixa's idea isn't that bad," Alira finally said. "If it's you we're talking about, we can give it a try."
"Huh?!" I exclaimed. "Why are you siding with the demons all of a sudden?"
But they ignored me.
Moments later, I found myself walking away. "Am I really doing this?" I muttered.
"Just go already!" Verixa called, while Alira waved.
"We've drawn the path for you. If you follow it properly, you'll be fine," she said reassuringly.
I sighed. "Yeah, right…"
For supplies, I had only a water bottle, a few fruits, a smoke crystal, a knife infused with Verixa's energy, some strings, and a map drawn by Alira.
Eventually, I reached a point where the path split into two.
"Let's see… maybe the map will help," I said, unfolding it—only to stare in disbelief. The map was full of trees.
"Hahaha—seriously!?" I yelled, slamming it on the ground. "How am I supposed to know which tree is which when I don't even know the species in this world?!"
I sighed and decided to turn back... but soon realized I was lost.
Hours later, wandering aimlessly through the dense forest, I collapsed under a huge tree. "How did I end up like this? No cheat skills, no reliable companions, no money, probably a wanted criminal… and now lost in the forest." Comedic tears rolled down my face.
Then, I heard movement from the bushes. "Finally! Someone found me!" I shouted. "Hey! I'm over here! Valkira! Alira! Verixa!"
Instead of them, a pair of glowing yellow eyes emerged—attached to a massive frog-like monster.
I froze instantly, ducking behind a tree. The creature sniffed the air. Sweat trickled down my forehead, hitting the dirt like tiny drums.
Then—with a sudden swing—the beast's arm sliced the tree in half, revealing me. Its eyes locked onto mine, and thick saliva dripped from its mouth.
It raised its arm to crush me.
I barely dodged, sprinting as fast as I could through the forest, the monster stomping close behind.
"Damn it! Think, Zacken, think!" I panted between breaths.
Then, an idea sparked. I grabbed the smoke crystal and one of the strings. "Okay, time for my first genius plan in this world."
I tied the string around the crystal and tossed it behind me at a tree root. The monster leapt forward—and the crystal shattered, exploding into thick black smoke that blinded it instantly.
"Now's my chance!" I shouted, circling behind the beast. I picked up a sharp stick near the fire tree root and jammed it into the creature's eye. It roared in pain, thrashing wildly.
When it slammed its head down, I noticed the earlier tree stump's sharp edge sticking out behind it.
"Perfect!" I yelled, using the momentum of its swing. I grabbed the knife, infused with Verixa's energy, and threw it at the monster's throat. The blade hit just as it crashed backward—impaling itself on the broken stump.
It let out one final roar before collapsing with a heavy thud.
I dropped to the ground, panting heavily. "Hah… so this counts as training, huh?"
I gave a weak grin at the dead monster.
"Guess… maybe I'm not that useless after all."
I wiped the dirt off my clothes and looked around. The forest, though deadly, suddenly felt less intimidating. That's when I noticed a faint glow in the distance—like a soft blue shimmer guiding the way.
Following it carefully, I pushed through the thick branches until I came to a clearing. Before me stood an ancient stone arch, the same symbol Alira had drawn on the map's corner.
"This must be the final spot…" I murmured, stepping forward.
To my surprise, three familiar figures stood waiting near the arch—Alira with a calm smile, Valkira with her arms crossed, and Verixa waving proudly like she'd known I'd make it all along.
"Took you long enough," Valkira teased.
"So?" Verixa asked eagerly. "Did you feel it? Any spark of power? Your unique skill, maybe?"
I blinked at them, still out of breath. "…Yeah, I felt it—mostly terror and exhaustion.
"They sighed, trying not to look disappointed. Alira stepped closer, placing a hand on my shoulder. "It's okay. Maybe it takes time."
"Yeah, sure," I muttered, standing up and brushing remaining dirt off myself. "Your 'face danger alone' plan almost got me eaten, by the way.
"Valkira smirked. "Then you must've done something right if you're still breathing."
"Right," I grumbled. "Next time, how about a plan that doesn't involve me nearly dying?
"The three of them tried to calm me as I continued complaining, waving my arms in frustration. Despite their smiles, I could tell they'd hoped for more.In the end, I walked ahead of them, mumbling under my breath. "Unique skill, my ass…"