Though disappointed that they couldn't learn spatial magic, Sen and the others quickly regained their composure and began gathering all the harvested ingredients. Right before their eyes, Bai Mo stored everything into his own spatial inventory.
After all, in this world, magic inherently had its limitations and prerequisites.
"Such a convenient ability! And the fact that everything stays exactly the same when taken out—no changes at all—it's truly unbelievable!"
"Yeah!" Marcille looked utterly bewildered. "I've heard of spatial magic before, but this level of power… it's practically the legendary time-space magic!"
"Being able to create a separate space and manipulate the flow of time within it… this has to be the ancient, mythical time-space magic!"
"Um, Mr. Bai, is there any chance I could learn spatial magic? Do you think I have the talent for it?"
"Sorry, Marcille. Even if you did have the aptitude, I can't teach it freely. My master's restrictions are still in place."
"Oh… I see." Though disappointed, Marcille didn't press further.
While magic schools existed, the most powerful and unique spells were often passed down through master-disciple traditions. Understanding this, Marcille didn't pester Bai Mo any longer.
With Bai Mo acting as their "portable freezer," Sen and the others continued their bountiful harvest through the sea of trees.
After collecting the seeds of the man-eating plants, Sen didn't stop. Instead, he led the group toward another location.
"Since our goal is to defeat the Red Dragon, the fire-resistant feathers and hide of the Blazing Crimson Raptor are perfect for crafting flame-proof gear!"
"Plus, they're delicious!" Sen licked his lips. "Should we go hunt one down?"
"A fireproof cloak would definitely make things easier!" Unsurprisingly, Laios was tempted.
With the chance to slay the Red Dragon and save his sister Falin hanging in the balance, Laios wanted to be as prepared as possible.
"Understood. Sen and I will provide support. Marcille, prepare your spells!"
"Got it! Leave it to me!"
After some camouflage work, Sen—now draped in leafy foliage—pointed toward a distant treetop nest. "That's the Blazing Crimson Raptor's nest I stumbled upon before."
"Can it really withstand the Red Dragon's flames?" Laios's eyes gleamed with determination. "The dragon's fire is a major problem. If we can use the raptor's feathers to make fire-resistant gear…"
Seeing Laios's resolve solidify, Bai Mo knew the decision had been made.
"In that case, I'll take the lead! Consider this a chance to familiarize yourselves with my combat style."
Once Laios finalized the plan, Bai Mo kicked off the tree trunk, launching himself toward the raptor's nest with blinding speed.
"He's fast! Sen, let's move!"
"Right!"
The Blazing Crimson Raptor, previously resting in its nest, immediately perked up at the sound of rushing wind and an unfamiliar scent. But before it could react—
CRACK!
A whip-like kick snapped its slender neck.
Effortlessly dispatching the creature, Bai Mo landed gracefully inside the nest.
As he examined the lifeless raptor, its fiery red feathers shimmering like actual flames, Bai Mo's fingers brushed over its plumage.
Beautiful.
But then, beneath the raptor's body, he spotted three large eggs.
Its offspring, huh?
Not one to waste, Bai Mo stored the eggs in his Gourmet Space. Ayuan would take care of them.
By the time Sen and the others climbed up to the nest, they could only marvel at Bai Mo's strength.
"One kick to break the neck of a high-tier magical beast… You're really strong," Laios admitted.
With the Blazing Crimson Raptor's fire-resistant feathers, their chances of slaying the Red Dragon and rescuing Falin had just skyrocketed.
Marcille, meanwhile, was entranced by the raptor's plumage. "So gorgeous… No wonder these feathers are worth thousands of gold coins!"
"I've heard that in the Northern Kingdom, brides who wear dresses woven from these 'flame feathers' are blessed with eternal happiness!"
As Marcille drifted into romantic fantasies, Sen wasted no time. He hefted his axe, chopped off the raptor's wings, and began plucking the feathers with his thick fingers.
"W-WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Marcille shrieked, pointing at the haphazardly plucked feathers. "You're treating this like some common chicken! You're ruining them!"
"Blazing Crimson Raptor feathers need to be soaked in warm water first before plucking! Otherwise, their quality gets destroyed!"
"Oh… Really? My bad," Sen scratched his head sheepishly. "Didn't know that."
"Ugh! And your technique is so rough—half the fibers are damaged! Fine, I'll handle the delicate work!"
"Got it. I'll go boil water."
Watching Sen head off to prepare hot water and Marcille meticulously sort the feathers, Laios and Chilchack exchanged glances before moving to scout the perimeter.
Processing the feathers properly would take time—clearly, they'd be camping here tonight.
But Bai Mo had forgotten one crucial detail:
If there were eggs here… then the raptor he'd killed must've had a mate.
As night deepened, a blazing streak of fire cut through the sky. Beneath it, the second Blazing Crimson Raptor clutched the corpse of a giant beetle in its talons.
But the moment it spotted Marcille plucking its mate's feathers—
SCREEEEEECH!
The enraged raptor dropped its prey, its feathers igniting into a furious inferno as it dove straight for Marcille!
Too absorbed in her task, Marcille didn't notice the incoming threat. But Chilchack, ever the alert halfling rogue, reacted instantly.
"Marcille! MOVE!"
Trusting her teammate's warning, Marcille dropped the wings and rolled aside—just as a fireball of fury slammed into the spot she'd been sitting.
The sheer force of the dive sent feathers scattering in every direction. The raptor's razor-sharp talons gouged deep grooves into the nest's floor.
Had Chilchack not warned her, Marcille would've been shredded.
Gasping, she grabbed her staff and scrambled to her feet.
Above, the second raptor shrieked in fury.
Bai Mo and Laios, rushing back, exchanged exasperated looks.
This one's holding a grudge.
Bai Mo had killed its mate, skinned it right in front of it… and stolen its eggs.
Yeah, that's pretty unforgivable.
Well, if that was the case…
Might as well reunite the whole family.
Cracking his knuckles, Bai Mo summoned a stone spear and hurled it skyward with a grin.
----------
T/N:
Access 30 chapters in advance on my Patreon:patreon.com/multiversalfeast [Images Included]
You'll also get 5 extra chapters just for being a free member!