Chapter 473: The First Ranged Spell

Luke studied all five skills.

[Earth Ball (Common)]: Compacts earth particles into a heavy sphere. Upon impact, it breaks apart in a solid collision, scattering fragments that can slightly destabilize the target.

[Water Ball (Common)]: Forms a sphere of pressurized water. When it hits, it bursts with concussive force, briefly throwing off the target’s balance.

[Wind Ball (Common)]: Concentrates wind energy into a light, fast-moving sphere. On impact, it detonates into a short gust that pushes the target back and causes shallow cuts from compressed air.

[Shadow Ball (Common)]: Condenses shadow energy into a small sphere of dark flame. Upon striking the target, it erupts into black sparks that burn corrosively, inflicting mild damage over a short time.

[Light Ball (Common)]: Gathers radiant energy into a bright sphere. When it bursts, it releases a heated flash that injures and can temporarily blind the target, leaving their vision flickering for a few seconds.

A ranged attack, finally.

It was not powerful on its own, but it was useful, and more importantly, it was different. Among the options, his choice was obvious.

[You have acquired the Witch Class Skill: Shadow Ball]

As he raised his hand, Luke felt the energy flow into his ring. Above his palm, a sphere of mana began to form. It resembled the mana orb he had once devised himself, but this one darkened as it took shape, its form shifting. The color deepened, tinged with violet, like black fire laced with shadow.

Luke pointed his hand. The Shadow Ball launched toward the wolf’s corpse and detonated, releasing an eruption of black energy that burned like flame.

“It’s kind of like a fireball,” Charlie commented.

“A very interesting power, my lord. Congratulations,” Angie said.

“It’s just a weak starter skill.”

“Every achievement of yours is worthy of my admiration.”

***

They continued through the forest. At one point, several creatures began to emerge from the ground.

[Earth Worm Hatchling – Level 12]

Luke raised both hands and activated his magic.

Shadow Balls formed in quick succession, floating above his palms. He fired the first, which exploded against the creature. He kept walking as he shot, each impact blooming into black fire.

[You have slain an Earth Worm Hatchling – Level 12]

**[You have reached Level 58! Half-Demon (Rank E)] (+2 bonus point to all attributes, +5 free point)**

[You have slain an Earth Worm Hatchling – Level 12]

[You have slain an Earth Worm Hatchling – Level 12]

I only needed a bit of experience to push my race level up. And with that, I added another ten years to my lifespan.

He kept moving. In the distance, he spotted a group of boars and fired again.

[You have slain an Earth-Ripper Boar – Level 16]

[You have slain an Earth-Ripper Boar – Level 14]

He walked on, energized, hurling spheres without slowing down.

**Your second class [Witch] has reached Level 6!**

“Sorry, Angie,” Luke said. “I got carried away. I should have left those for you.”

“It’s fine, my lord,” she replied, looking down at a fallen worm.

***

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Luke sat in front of the campfire, watching the flames twist and crackle.

“They could’ve taken me with them,” Artemis complained.

“No one’s taking you along for a bath,” Luke replied flatly. “Everyone knows your personality. And your real intentions.”

Angie and Charlie had gone off to wash, cleaning the grime from their bodies and their clothes.

Beside Luke, a cauldron was finishing a potion. Whenever the journey slowed, he always did the same thing. He tended his plants or worked on brewing. He brushed his fingers against the bracelet he had bought from the post-tutorial shop. At his touch, the image of his pocket dimension unfolded in the air before him.

Inside were his precious plants, all of them. The ones he had nurtured back in Maine, and the ones he had cared for during the voyage by ship. The pocket dimension appeared in miniature, but he could still interact with it, turning the soil, watering the leaves, keeping everything alive.