Ascension of the Primalist [A Tamer Class, LitRPG]

As Seth made his way toward the Wicked Forest, he ran a hand over his potion pouch, the fletching of his arrows, and his hunting knife—double-checking that everything was where it should be. He’d read enough from his father’s encyclopedia to know that the outskirts weren’t too dangerous, and as long as he didn’t wander too deep, he shouldn’t encounter wolves or any of the stronger arcane beasts like the Cerberus from last night.

Even so, his heart raced a little. He had avoided this place for years, ever since that desperate afternoon when he tried to find valuable herbs to pay for his mother’s treatment. He hadn't even made it deep enough to find anything before a bird had swooped down, unleashing a torrent of flame with a single flap of its wings. He had escaped with severe burns and a vow never to return.

But fear was a luxury he couldn't afford anymore.

That’s the only way to have a real chance, he told himself. I have to do this.

Arthuri was nearly a day’s walk away, and with the selection starting Saturday morning, he only had two days to get stronger. Quickening his pace, he shoved aside the last doubts in his mind, when he suddenly froze, his breath catching and mouth falling open in awe.

The border of the Wicked Forest loomed just a few feet ahead, and the sight was breathtaking. The trees stood tall and mighty, dark brown bark looking as solid as steel. Their large branches stretched toward the sky while their dense green leaves shielded everything below from the sun. They weren’t just bigger—they were more alive, more vibrant than any trees he had seen before.

He cast Identify on one of them.