The Copy Mage

Both of them had an elated expression as they were hailed as heroes, but looking at the faces of the villagers who held their noses, they realised that after breaking through, some impurities had left their bodies.

Despite the good feeling that being celebrated and praised gave them, they were embarrassed about the state they were in and wanted to quickly leave and return to the academy.

"As our heroes, you may use any bath you please and we can prepare a meal. If you would like it" offered the village chief who was an old man that was respected by all the villagers.

They had approximately 4 and a half hours to return to the academy, and if they factored in the 1-hour ride back on the carriage, that would be longer while carrying the beast, they would have some time.

If they also factored in selling the beast's body, they could spend an hour at most in the village if they wanted to get back on time.

Milo looked over to Damian and it was obvious that he wanted to accept their offer, but he didn't want to do so without Damian agreeing.

"Well, we are quite dirty and hungry, and have some time" accepted Damian.

"But one hour at most" conditioned Damian.

"Woo" cheered Milo joyously as the thought of a grand banquet ran through his mind.

They had a 20-minute shower in a random house of their choice, and cleaned their academy robes in water, that had the property to immediately dry.

After cleaning themselves, they excitedly headed towards where the village had prepared a meal and they ate lots of delicious food.

Although the village was poor and couldn't afford any beast meat, despite living next to a forest that had beasts, they had good cooks and made wonderful foods.

Milo wanted to stay in the small village forever where he was treated like a king, but after thanking the villagers, Damian dragged him away towards the carriage.

They stuffed the large boar beasts body in the back of the carriage, and because there was no more space, they had to ride on the front beside the young and happy driver.

Looking at the youths beside him, who in comparison to himself had incredible strength, the young man was in awe of their ability.

However, he didn't seem jealous or unsatisfied with himself in the slightest as they began talking to each other about random topics.

The beast pulling the carriage seemed to have aspects of a bull and a donkey and was one of the cheapest beasts that were used for farming and carriages, but despite its cheap price, it was a useful beast that was easily tamed.

Soon after their journey back to the academy began, Damian began cultivating and understanding more of the Golden Flame Method, leaving Milo and the driver talking between themselves.

"Just leave him, he is always so determined to gain strength and doesn't ever relax" commented Milo.

"Well, I must admire such determination at such a young age. And your strength is also incredible. You will both grow up to be amazing people" complemented the driver who was enjoying watching Milo and Damian complete their mission.

"Of course we will" affirmed Milo gloatingly.

The ride was smooth, but slow and the beast leading the carriage was tired and struggling to pull them and the large beast.

They allowed it to take a break halfway, then continued onwards towards their destination.

Along the way, many had seen the large beast on the back of the carriage and were all shocked by such a large beast being delivered by a driver and two young boys.

As they were nearing the central area of the city, where the academy was, they were suddenly stopped by a man that was rushing towards them.

"Stop, Stop" he called out as he tried catching up to the carriage.

The driver slowed down the carriage and didn't think much of it, but Damian had awoken from his cultivation and both him and Milo circulated their internal energy, ready for battle.

It was a middle-aged man with a large belly and wearing expensive clothing and from his speed while approaching the carriage, and his aura, he didn't seem to be a cultivator.

"Who are you" questioned Damian as the man reached their carriage.

The man that was out of breath and gasping for air, after catching his breath answered.

"I am a merchant that buys and sells beast bodies to other organisations, such as restaurants or alchemy associations that may have uses for it" answered the man as he presented himself professionally.

From the way he presented himself he seemed to be telling the truth and he didn't seem to be a cultivator, but Damian still had a bad feeling about him.

"How much are you offering for the beast's body," asked Milo excitedly, wanting to get his hands on some money.

"I will give you 500 spirit coins for this body that seems to be a rank 3 beast" offered the man.

His price was shocking and was a large sum of money for a beast body that they weren't expecting, but despite it, Damian still felt wary of the man.

"Hand over the money and we will hand over the beast" stated Damian directly, as he cautiously prepared to trade with the man.

"Would you mind driving it over there so I can unload the beast in my storage container" he requested as he pointed towards a gap between the trees around them.

It seemed very shady and suspicious, but before Damian could decline, Milo had already accepted and the driver headed into the path that the merchant pointed towards.

As they entered, Damian wanted to see whether the merchant was following after them to open the supposed storage container he had, but when he looked back, he saw that the merchant was running in the opposite direction.

However as they realised that it was a trap, it was too late.