"Do you know why I always warned you not to try spells above your grade?"
Isaac's tutor asked, gazing down at the boy from a tree branch.
Isaac drew a magic circle, then fired a concentrated bolt of lightning at the mountains in the distance.
It struck cleanly, producing a distant rumble as rocks collapsed.
"You said I'd die because my brain can't handle it."
He looked at the results of his attack, then turned to the beggar.
The ragged man leaned on the tree, eating a fruit clumsily.
"That's right. However, don't you think there should be a solution?"
Isaac lowered his head, pondering. "Training the brain to be sharper and smarter? If the brain capacity can handle it, then there's no reason not to try it."
The beggar laughed. "That's a sharp insight, boy."
He threw the last piece of the fruit in his mouth, then hopped off the tree.
"That is a very good and applicable measure. But I doubt it'd work for you."
"Why is that?"
"Oh boy. At the age of twelve, you're already at the peak of the Third Grade, and I'm sure you'll be advancing into the Fourth Grade soon. That's not normal at all."
The man shook his head, scattering his dirty long hair.
"Only people at the age of twenty and above should have the capacity of becoming a Fourth Grade mage."
Isaac's eyes widened in realization. "Ohh, I get it now. My progress is very fast.
The man nodded. 'Very fast that you might incur the envy of the Palmera Royal family.'
He didn't say that aloud, but his worries were genuine. Great talent without a strong background always brought misfortune. Even if he belonged to the Palmera Royal family, another kingdom might want to eliminate him as a potential danger.
"Teacher… you look worried. Is something wrong?"
Having spend years with the beggar, Isaac was sensitive to his mood changes.
"Haha, it's nothing for you to think about. I can solve it." The man laughed, his yellow teeth glistening.
"Hmph! I know you're the strongest!" Isaac puffed out his chest, proud. "But wait. How strong are you exactly?"
The man revealed a sly grin. "You wanna know? Give me a portion of your dinner tonight."
The boy's expression darkened, and he scowled. "Aren't you too greedy? Ugh."
Even then, his curiosity won over, and he agreed. "Fine! But just this once!"
Smiling widely, the beggar said. "You're really my favorite student, Isaac."
Unmoved by the praise, Isaac waited for his answer.
"Now regarding your question, I cannot tell you my exact grade, but I am beyond the Tenth Grade."
Isaac's eyes slowly widened. 'Beyond Tenth Grade…?'
Tenth Grade was the level of grandmaster mages, capable of single-handedly changing the course of a battle.
To be stronger than that… he couldn't even imagine it.
'He's got to be like these popular superheroes from the movies!'
Although there was barely any technology in this world, Isaac still likened him to the figures in his memory.
"Stunned, aren't you?" The man grinned. "I am strong, but that doesn't mean I'll protect you all the time. Don't go looking for trouble beyond your ability."
Isaac nodded like a hen, his expression solemn. "Teacher… I wonder when you'll tell me your name."
"My name…" A bitter smile crossed his lips. "I already abandoned that name long ago."
Isaac knew he had touched a sensitive topic. "How about I give you a new name?"
"What's that?"
"Winifred! That's an awesome name, isn't it? You should gladly accept it."
Watching the young boy make comical expressions, the beggar laughed. "Hahahaha. Alright, kid! I'll accept your suggested name for now."
Isaac put on a proud expression, but thought internally. 'Is it getting too obvious that my intelligence is like that of an adult? I can't let anyone know I'm reincarnated.'
He liked his current life like this, and he didn't want any disruptions. Although he sometimes felt longing for his family back on earth, he was helpless and had no understanding of his situation.
'Maybe when I become a Tenth Grade mage, haha…"
A palm landed on his shoulder, gently squeezing. He looked up at his tutor, Winifred.
"I don't know what you're thinking about, but a solution would come eventually."
Isaac smiled bitterly, knowing he couldn't hide much from this man. But at least he was relieved he didn't need to explain everything. He'd shoulder his burden alone, until he could meet someone who'd understand him.
"Now then, why don't you go hunt a Fourth Grade beast for me? If you do so, I might consider teaching you a secret technique."
Isaac's eyes brightened, and he was immediately motivated.
"Alrighty! Don't forget you promised!"
Without waiting, he bolted into the forest. His speed was fast, augmented by mana. After a few minutes of searching, he spotted a suitable prey.
It looked like a bull with four twisted horns and flame-red eyes.
'Titanic Masons!'
He recognized it immediately, and charged while preparing spells. As he got closer, the beast sensed him and flared up.
MOO~!
Raising its head, it prepared to smash against him.
Isaac's expression relaxed, and he turned deftly. The horns missed him by an inch, while his own fist; covered in a red glow, smashed into its side.
Bang!
The impact was heavy, and the beast cried out in pain. It stumbled slightly, suffering from cracked ribs.
Isaac didn't stop and immediately attacked. His leg was raised high, and brought down sharply.
Bang!
The attack connected with the spine, forcing it to the ground with broken bones. Again, the beast cried out in pain, unable to retaliate at all.
Without missing a beat, Isaac struck a palm at its head, his hand covered in blue lightning.
The force of the attack stunned the beast and fried its brain, killing it in a few seconds.
"Phew… that was easy."
He exhaled, then casually pulled the corpse by the legs. For a moment, he paused.
'I've really changed. Killing isn't strange anymore. But I have to adapt to this world to survive.'
His brown eyes sharpened with resolve, and he continued moving.
This was who he was now.