The beast's eyes fixed on them immediately, territorial instincts flaring at the intrusion. Its massive paws left deep impressions in the forest floor as it began advancing, clearly viewing them as threats to be eliminated.
Jasmine didn't wait for Arthur's instruction. The moment she saw the Grizzly Mane, something clicked into place.
She raised her hand, fingers spreading as she reached out with senses she'd never possessed before.
Gravity. The fundamental force that holds reality together.
One moment, the Grizzly Mane was charging forward with epic-rank momentum. Next, it slammed into the forest floor as if struck by an invisible mountain.
The debris flew into the air, causing a large cloud of dirt to obscure normal vision.
Damn...that was cool. I need to try that one time.
Arthur watched in fascination as gravitational force pressed the creature down with irresistible power. The beast's massive frame, capable of withstanding attacks from magical weapons, couldn't fight gravity.
The Grizzly Mane struggled against its invisible prison, muscles straining as it tried to rise. But Jasmine's control was absolute—she wasn't just increasing gravity's pull, she was creating a localised field where the creature experienced forces that should have required planetary mass.
"Now for the finishing touch," Jasmine murmured, her voice carrying new confidence.
She activated her Saintess class abilities, dark energy flowing from her hands toward the helpless creature. The combination was terrifying in its efficiency—gravity manipulation for control, blood magic for execution.
Pin them down and suck their blood.
Arthur watched, equal parts impressed and disturbed, as the epic-rank monster withered before their eyes. Its blood essence flowed in visible streams toward Jasmine's position, leaving behind a shrivelled husk that bore little resemblance to the mighty predator from moments before.
She's like a vampire with perfect crowd control.
Mercury flowed closer, approval radiating from his liquid form. "Exceptional control for a first attempt, Master. Your father would be proud."
First attempt, and she dominated an epic-rank boss. I think I underestimated her power...by a lot.
Jasmine stared at her hands, still glowing faintly with residual power.
"I can feel it," she whispered with surprise on her face.
"The gravitational fields, the way space bends around mass... It's like seeing a new colour that doesn't exist on the spectrum."
Arthur nodded, understanding what she meant.
This wasn't just about gaining new abilities—Jasmine was discovering an entirely new way to perceive and interact with reality.
"How do you feel?" he asked.
She turned to him, her golden-silver eyes blazing.
"Powerful. I feel like I can crush mountains."
And she probably could.
Arthur nodded with a smile. The casual way she'd dominated an epic-rank boss suggested her power ceiling was far higher than either of them had initially realized.
"I wouldn't be surprised if you actually could. So, what's your plan now? Do you still want to familiarise yourself with your powers?"
One test fight isn't enough to get a good grip on abilities this complex.
Jasmine's expression grew thoughtful as she considered the question.
Her fingers absently traced patterns in the air, gravitational fields responding to her subconscious commands.
Small stones near her feet began orbiting in lazy circles.
She's not even aware she's doing that.
"Yeah, just one more fight. Perhaps a superior-ranked boss would do..."
Her voice carried new confidence, the kind that came from understanding your own capabilities.
"You know, Fateless, a couple of days ago, I really thought that epic-ranked bosses would be the only monsters I would ever be able to beat, and that's by fighting them to the death."
Arthur reflected on their journey together. From a frightened girl being chased by thieves to a girl who begged him for silver coins in the most shameless way, to one of his subordinates and now to a powerful girl.
Each challenge had stripped away another layer of self-doubt.
"But after all the opportunities you gave me..."
Her voice grew softer and much more intimate.
"I can battle monsters that I've never dreamt of even encountering, let alone killing..."
The village trials. The inheritance chamber. Now this.
She stepped closer, her presence radiating gratitude so intense it was almost tangible. The forest around them seemed to respond to her emotional state, leaves rustling without wind.
"Seriously, thank you." She whispered, her face growing a shade of pink that made her golden hair seem to glow.
She's quite adorable. She's powerful enough to crush superior-rank monsters, but still blushes like a schoolgirl.
Arthur chuckled at her response, warmth spreading through his chest. Helping her discover her true potential had been more rewarding than any treasure or experience points.
"You're welcome. Do you know how you can repay me?"
Let's lighten the mood...just a little.
Her eyes lit up immediately, eager energy radiating from every line of her body. The gravitational distortions around her intensified slightly, responding to her emotional spike.
"Yes, yes. How? I will do it without a doubt!"
She fell into the trap.
Arthur's grin turned mischievous.
"How about you pay me back for the silver coins I gave you a month ago for your inn coverage? I still haven't been paid back, by the way."
The look on her face...
The transformation was instantaneous and spectacular.
Jasmine's expression shifted from eager gratitude to shocked indignation in the span of a heartbeat.
Her cheeks flushed crimson, the pink blush deepening to something that rivalled summer roses.
"HEY! You are so mean!" she shouted, her voice carrying enough force to shake nearby leaves from their branches.
She's actually pouting.
The gravitational fields around her spiked erratically, responding to her emotional outburst.
Several small rocks lifted off the ground, orbiting her position in agitated patterns that mirrored her internal state.
Hey, it was just a joke...don't kill me now.
"After everything we've been through together, after I just inherited legendary power, after I poured my heart out thanking you..."
She gestured wildly, her movements causing spatial distortions that made the air shimmer.
"You want me to pay you back some silver coins? Besides, why the hell do you still remember that? You are such a cheapskate, Hmph!"