8 Orientation End (1/2)

Folding his hands, the man declined to answer, which led the chief to curse under his breath before heading back to his position.

Meanwhile, that statement from the Chief had resulted in peals of laughter erupting from the Children, with even Jenny placing a hand over her mouth to hide the fact that she was laughing.

Aaron, though, had a very serious expression on his face, just like Woof, which was keeping its eyes on that man even though he didn't look like that much of a threat.

They could tell that that projectile had the power to penetrate the scales or thick flesh of most of the beings they usually encountered in the jungle. In fact, a hit at a critical spot might even guarantee instant death.

Although the aim seemed to be a problem currently, if it was mastered, it would definitely become a devastating weapon that could rule the jungle.

After the laughter died down, Jenny pointed to the woman, saying, ”All right, that was the path of the Weapon Wielders, and more specifically, it was the sub-path of a Gunslinger. Infusing the Energy absorbed by a Core, a Weapon Wielder increases their offensive or defensive capabilities. Next up, we have…”

Even before the last sentence left her mouth, the delicate-looking woman raised both of her hands and made a cup with them.

”If any of you are feeling cold, come right up!”

Shouting out this weird sentence with glee, this woman, too, made her 'Core' appear, which flashed.

After the impressive performance of the one behind her, everyone, including Aaron, was expecting something even more awesome.

Yet, 10 seconds passed, and there was no change.

With impatience, the children started to move forward, but they gasped after they took a few steps.

Even though the sun was up, Skystead Hamlet was in a location where it was mostly cold all year around.

However, the area near the woman was warm and even toasty.

Raising a hand, a little girl said, ”Y-you're a magician!”

Aaron, too, moved forward, and he was amazed when he felt the warmth. Obviously, it wasn't as majestic as that projectile being shot, but it was still something to behold.

Yet, the next moment, this thought of Aaron's was wrecked.

Fire sprang into being on the clothes of the woman, who yelped and quickly began to put it out.

The Chief, too, leaped forward to help and together, they managed to douse the flames.

Once again, Aaron's jaw dropped.

This woman…could make flames appear out of nothing?! Almost like a Flame-Tongued Viper?

Disbelief clouded his face, but Jenny's explanation made him understand and shake his head, realizing that the world really was much more wondrous than he had thought.

”Little Kaitlyn, yes, that's one name. The official name for that path is 'Energy Manipulator', but many choose to call such people Mages. In that fashion, poor Ying Yao here is a budding Fire Mage. Absorbed Energy is manipulated and imbued into the world to cause changes in the surroundings of a Mage, giving Mages the ability to use elemental attacks. Ying, you're excused, go start sewing up your dress.”

Nodding, the delicate woman who had fair skin and narrow eyes left with a bashful smile on her face.

At this moment, Aaron noticed something.

Why were both the demonstrations so far…such failures?

Were these people weak, or was that power really that uncontrollable?

The children whose eyes had gone as round as saucers on seeing magic for the first time were made to refocus on the bulky man by Jenny.