I FOUND A DOOR TO TENSURA AND BECAME BROKEN IN THE REAL WORLD TOO-Chapter 17: The Forest’s Challenge

After my meeting with Tsukasa Houjou, the chairman of Ousei Gakuen and Kaori's father, I was still reeling from the conversation. The man had been nothing but gracious, thanking me repeatedly for saving his daughter and insisting that I accept a place at his prestigious school.

Even though I hesitated at first—it was an elite school for geniuses, after all—I eventually accepted. His sincerity and Kaori's gentle encouragement won me over.

However, since the paperwork and procedures for my transfer would take several days, I decided to return to the Cardinal World and continue leveling up. I still had a long way to go before I could consider myself strong, especially if I were to face beings like the True Dragons or Demon Lords I'd read about in That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.

"It doesn't look any different..."

When I stepped through the portal into the other world, everything was exactly as I had left it—the quaint house, the flourishing garden, and the surrounding forest. It felt strange how familiar it was, almost as if no time had passed.

As always, I donned my Blood War Demon Armor over my royal silk trousers and shirt. The armor was as ominous as ever—pitch-black with faint red etchings pulsing faintly with power. It offered excellent resistance and boosted my strength, but its dark aura always made me feel like some kind of villain.

After making sure my equipment was in order, I grabbed a few recovery potions from my item box. I didn't know what awaited me deeper in the forest, so it was best to be prepared.

"I've learned the [Map] skill, so getting lost isn't an issue anymore," I reminded myself with a small grin.

Feeling more confident than before, I moved cautiously toward the hinterlands of the forest, a region I hadn't yet explored. It was denser, wilder, and far more dangerous.

As I moved through the thick undergrowth, I kept [Presence Detection] active. My senses were sharp, scanning for any sign of danger. After about half an hour, I sensed a powerful presence ahead.

"There's something big..."

Activating [Assimilation], I blended into the forest, lowering my presence and concealing my movements. Slowly, I crept forward, holding my breath.

Then I saw it.

A massive Devil Bear stood over the mangled carcass of its prey, blood staining its deep crimson fur. Three twisted, jagged horns sprouted from its forehead, giving it a demonic appearance. Its black, razor-sharp claws easily tore through flesh and bone, and its eyes burned with feral rage.

"This thing... is twice my size."

I activated [Appraisal] to check its stats.

[Devil Bear]

Level: 450

Magic: 4,500

Attack: 10,500

Defense: 6,000

Agility: 2,000

Intelligence: 3,500

Luck: 500

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I felt a chill run down my spine.

"Its attack power is over 10,000..."

I gripped my Formless Bow, the invisible weapon materializing in my hand. My breath slowed. My heart pounded. I nocked an arrow and took aim.

"Let's see how it reacts..."

I exhaled slowly and released the arrow.

"GAAAAAAAAH!"

The invisible arrow struck the Devil Bear squarely in its left eye. It let out a deafening roar, staggering back from the pain. Blood poured from the wound, but to my dismay, the beast immediately located me despite my attempt at stealth.

Its enraged, bloodshot eyes locked onto me.

"Damn... so much for the element of surprise."

I immediately pulled out my Absolute Spear, its sharp edge glimmering faintly. Without hesitating, I lunged forward, aiming for the Devil Bear's exposed side.

"Haah!"

The spear struck, but the Devil Bear's monstrous claws slashed out in retaliation. The impact was like being hit by a speeding truck. I was sent flying backward, crashing into a tree.

"Guh!" I groaned, spitting out blood.

I quickly forced myself to my feet. The Devil Bear stared at me, muscles tensed and ready to strike.

"It's fast... even with its size."

The two of us circled each other cautiously, but the Devil Bear soon lost its patience. It let out a guttural roar and suddenly lunged forward.

"Wha—?!"

Before I could react, its jaws opened wide and spewed a torrent of scorching flames.

I barely managed to roll out of the way, the flames scorching the ground where I had just stood.

"It can use magic?!"

I hadn't expected that. The monsters I fought so far had only relied on physical strength. Seeing a Devil Bear wielding flame magic was shocking.

I quickly circled to the side, but the Devil Bear spat out another fireball—this time in a spherical shape.

"Tch!" I cursed, twisting my body to narrowly dodge it.

Sweat dripped down my face.

"If I stay on the defensive, I'll be worn down first."

The Devil Bear charged again, claws swinging viciously. I ducked under the first swipe but barely managed to avoid the second.

"No choice!"

I feinted left, making the Devil Bear turn toward me. In that split second, I threw my Absolute Spear with all my strength.

"Take this!"

The spear streaked through the air, but the Devil Bear responded by unleashing another flame attack. It intended to incinerate the spear, but the weapon's properties made it immune to magic.

Realizing it couldn't stop the spear, the Devil Bear swung its claws instead.

"Now!"

While it was distracted by the spear, I activated [Agility Boost] and closed the distance. My speed surged, making me a blur.

"HAAAAH!"

I equipped the Infinity Gauntlet on my right hand, pouring all my strength into my next attack. The gauntlet's effect triggered—allowing my punch to continuously repeat with the same force.

"ORA ORA ORA ORA!"

My fist slammed into the Devil Bear's abdomen with repeated blows, each one stronger than the last. Blood spurted from its mouth as it howled in agony.

Finally, with a deafening roar, the Devil Bear was flung backward, crashing into the trees with a thunderous impact.

It let out one last weak growl before collapsing.

"...I won."

I took a deep breath, my chest heaving. My body ached from the blows I had taken, but I had defeated the monster.

I checked the loot:

[Red Hair of the Evil Bear] – Fire-resistant and warm, with a soft texture.

[Meat of the Evil Bear] – Tough when grilled but tender when stewed.

[Blood of the Evil Bear] – Could be used to craft flame-resistant potions or consumed to grant temporary fire resistance.

[Magic Stone: Rank A] – A powerful ore used for crafting or enchantments.

[Flame Guitar] – A rare drop. When played, it stirs the heart and can control flames.

"A guitar...?" I muttered, puzzled by the strange drop.

I then heard the familiar chime of a level-up notification.

I quickly checked my status.

[Tenjou Yuuya]

Level: 235 → 237

Magic: 5,900 → 6,200

Attack: 7,900 → 8,200

Defense: 7,900 → 8,100

Agility: 7,900 → 8,300

Intelligence: 5,400 → 5,700

Luck: 8,400 → 8,600

"Two levels up. Not bad."

Satisfied with my victory, I took a deep breath and gazed into the vast forest.

"Alright... let's keep going."

Without hesitation, I stepped deeper into the unknown, ready for whatever came next.