Evelyn's POV
Marcus and James stepped into the center of the clearing, the gathered children and villagers falling silent around them.
Marcus closed his eyes for a moment, reaching into his mana reserves. In a shimmer of light, armor formed around his body, a spear manifesting in his hand. The gasps from the children told me they had never seen him look so imposing.
James's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly masked it with a smirk.
James: "Not bad for a child… Let's see if you can keep up."
With a sudden burst of speed, he blurred to Marcus's back, daggers flashing as he aimed to end the fight before it began.
But Marcus didn't even turn his head. He thrust his spear straight backward, the tip slamming into James's stomach with a dull thud.
James staggered, breath catching in his throat. Before he could recover, Marcus spun smoothly to face him. The spear's point pressed lightly against the side of James's neck.
Silence blanketed the clearing.
Marcus (calmly): "If this were real, you'd be dead."
James froze, his pride crumbling in front of everyone. I half-expected him to lash out in anger or throw a tantrum, but he just stood there, trembling with frustration. He hadn't realized that Marcus's armor, formed from mana, enhanced his strength and speed beyond normal limits.
That was the difference. A Stage Two cultivator who had learned how to forge armor and weapons with mana could fight on equal ground—or even surpass—a careless Stage Three who fought bare. James had underestimated Marcus, and he paid the price.
Alice stepped forward, her voice sharp.
Alice: "James! That's enough. You've embarrassed yourself and us already—don't make it worse."
James scowled but obeyed, retreating to the side.
Alice turned to me next, her tone softer.
Alice: "How… did he do that? Most cultivators can't form armor and weapons until Stage Four."
I didn't hesitate.
Evelyn: "I taught him. And the children as well."
Alice studied me for a long moment, then gave a slow nod.
Alice: "Impressive. Truly. Forgive James—his pride speaks louder than his sense. We should be going now. The Adventurer's Guild expects us to report the mission's completion and claim our reward."
I blinked.
Evelyn: "Adventurer's Guild?"
Alice (smiling faintly): "You'll learn of it in time. Farewell."
With that, she gathered her companions, and the adventurers departed down the road.
For a moment, the clearing remained quiet. Then the children burst into cheers, running toward Marcus.
Alex : "You beat a real adventurer!"
Anna : "That was amazing, Marcus!"
Marcus scratched the back of his head, clearly embarrassed by the attention.
Lina folded her arms, though a proud smile tugged at her lips.
Lina: "Show-off."
Marcus (grinning): "Hey, Evelyn told me not to hold back."
Even some of the villagers chuckled, nodding with approval. Pride flickered in their eyes—the kind parents have when they realize their children are capable of more than they'd imagined.
I watched it all unfold, warmth blooming in my chest. For the first time, it truly felt like our lessons were making a difference. And though Alice's words lingered in my mind—the Adventurer's Guild—I set that thought aside for now.
For today, this was enough.