31. Taming the Beast

At the inn, Rufus declines to investigate the astral space further per the mayor’s cautious plan. The team bids farewell to Mayor Greg and Hiram, who thanks Jason; Farrah teases Jason about likely patrol punishments. They depart on foot after Anisa claimed the wagon for her church.

Crossing the desert, Jason benefits from his new Oasis Bracelet, which keeps him cool and resistant to heat. Along the road, they joke about Jason naming his familiar Colin. They stop to help a fruit wagon with a broken wheel; Gary repairs it and Farrah displays surprising strength, prompting discussion of their combat styles and human affinities.

Jason privately asks Rufus about not needing a toilet since ranking up, and Rufus explains iron-rank bodies waste little. They reach a large, walled town that serves as a marble distribution hub. Rufus and Farrah explain decennial monster surges and the town’s design to shelter evacuated villagers.

On the west wall at sunset, Rufus teaches Jason how to advance abilities: avoid using monster cores, which erode long-term potential and present effectiveness; instead, develop through three elements—intense training of body and mind, real combat that pushes limits, and meditation to consolidate gains. Rufus frames post-rank magic as a beast to be tamed through practice and meditation.

Rufus guides Jason through his first meditation until sunset, which Jason finds grounding. That night, Jason checks his interface and sees minimal progress across abilities, resolving to try his shadow-teleport power later.