Ascension Through Skills C.233: 54th Floor (1)

The skill that had evolved further was Continuous Attack.

Continuous Attack now added an additional instance of amplified damage. Influenced by the Ability Sword, the sword would strike twice simultaneously.

And now, an extra effect has been added.

[Special Activation Skill: Continuous Attack]

[Mana Cost: 3]

[Proficiency: 34%]

[The next attack is executed twice. The damage is slightly increased. It is not limited by time or space.]

[Requirement: Advanced Swordsmanship [Ability Sword]]

[1. The next attack will challenge the physical laws twice.]

[2. It can simultaneously execute a physical sword strike and a phantom sword strike. The phantom sword strike can be somewhat controlled by the user. This effect lasts for a certain period.]

[Choose one of the two effects to use.]

The first was an effect Taesan had been utilizing so far. The second was a newly added effect.

Trying it out directly was the best approach. Taesan moved through the passage and sought out a monster. A clustered form of wind charged at him.

[You have activated Continuous Attack.]

The sword strikes were executed.

And accordingly, a black sword strike occurred.

Crash!

Taesan’s sword strike and the black sword strike intermingled chaotically, overwhelming the monster. The monster fortified its defenses but was swiftly penetrated, ravaging its entire body.

[Wind Form takes 5312 damage.]

[Wind Form takes 1232 damage.]

The monster could not withstand it and fell.

Taesan nodded, confirming the effect.

“Not bad.”

The damage was approximately 20% higher. Unlike the previous effect where the sword would shock upon contact, the chaotic sword strikes made defense tricky.

Both options had clear advantages, so he could switch depending on the situation.

And with the increase in proficiency, additional skills had been added to the Ability Sword.

[Special Activation Skill: Stealth]

[Conceals the body and hides presence. Still very unskilled.]

[Requirement: Advanced Swordsmanship [Ability Sword]]

[Can be activated when hiding from an opponent in combat. Evades all detection for 1 second. However, being seen directly ends the activation.]

“Does it block detection?”

The exact effect would only be known upon activation, but if it could render Taesan undetectable except by physical sight, it would be quite useful. It meant that even face-to-face, a surprise attack was possible.

[Special Activation Skill: Blade of Fighting Spirit]

[Mana Cost: 50]

[Damage is tripled. This skill cannot be used again for one hour after activation.]

[Requirement: Advanced Swordsmanship [Ability Sword]]

[Upon activation, any collision with the opponent's weapon will triple the impact.]

The effect of Blade of Fighting Spirit translated into a tangible impact. Naturally, it was a beneficial effect. It could introduce significant variables during combat, potentially making it more useful than the basic effect.

The skills that had changed or been added were these three. Additionally, it was noted that the effects of existing skills like Flow and Counters had been enhanced.

The ghost marveled.

[Although the enemies you've faced recently have overshadowed it, it's definitely a skill of a different caliber.]

Beings that heralded the end of the world. The diminished powers of ancient gods. All these opponents were more about their class and power than detailed skills.

The Ability Sword couldn’t fully demonstrate its power against such heterogeneous enemies.

But against humanoid opponents, unless they were overwhelmingly strong, they generally found themselves outmatched in many aspects when fighting Taesan.

Even the recently changed Continuous Attack made it feel like they were facing two opponents at once.

The true effects of the Ability Sword shone against humanoid figures.

Namely, the Guides of Sin.

“When might they come?”

[Considering the Demon God is quiet, it doesn't seem like they’re about to do anything... I'm not sure. There are several adventurers on the 60th floor who could put up a decent fight against you, but since they're not being sent, perhaps there's something else being aimed for?]

The ghost chuckled as he spoke.

[It looks like it's almost over now.]

Adventurers of the 60th floor.

Once they were dealt with, the next likely targets were the leaders.

Taesan gazed intently at his sword.

The power of the crazed spirit within the sword had grown stronger.

Preparations were gradually being completed.

Taesan gripped his sword tightly as he broke through the labyrinth.

Taesan had also cleared the 54th floor, discovered the secret room, and defeated the boss.

And he didn’t stop there but moved on to the 55th floor.

The monster on the 55th floor interfered directly with the mind itself, showing illusions, and tried to break the spirit. Naturally, it had no effect on Taesan.

He handled everything up to the secret room and defeated the boss.

As he cleared the 55th floor, his equipment changed in two places.

[Ring Encased in Mists of Ruin]

[Intelligence + 100]

[Defense + 100]

[Magic + 30]

[The ethereal mists embedded in the ring were originally meant to change the world.]

[Hat of the Great Sage]

[Defense + 120]

[Magic + 40]

[Action Speed + 7%]

[The hat, once used by a now-forgotten great sage, possesses the value and power befitting a great one.]

Both changed pieces of equipment were related to magic. All other acquired equipment was also magical in nature.

“Is it because mystical things are the theme?”

[That could be it.]

Taesan organized the items he had collected.

It was about time. People who had finished their preparations were firming up their resolve in the community.

Taesan ascended the labyrinth again.

54th floor. He entered the hidden room there. Lilis was waiting for him.

“Yahoo! Long time no see!”

Lilis greeted him with a joyful face, noticeably brighter than before.

“Thanks to you, I even made it to the 50s, and indeed, you never know what life will bring.”

She murmured, her face alight with fresh sentiment. The 51st floor—a forest full of mysteries. For her, who pursued magic itself, it was like a treasure trove. She couldn’t utilize it properly, but checking each one was a joy in itself.

She looked at Taesan cheerfully, but her gaze then shifted to Barkaza.

“…Hello?”

[It's nice to meet you, human. You're the first human I've seen here.]

“A spirit?”

Taesan nodded as he quietly observed Barkaza. Lilis exclaimed in admiration.

“He’s powerful… Just that spirit alone could descend more than 50 floors.”

[I am a being who has received power directly from the king. Even in a labyrinth, its value does not diminish.]

Barkaza proudly stated.

Lilis turned her gaze back to Taesan.

“You came because of the offering, right?”

“Yes.”

Taesan took out the magical equipment. There were many, and they were all of high quality. Lilis’s eyes sparkled.

“Wow… Only good equipment. This amount and quality should be sufficient, right?”

“That’s what I was hoping for.”

“Okay. Just wait a moment.”

Lilis grunted as she moved the equipment.

“Now, all we need to do is pray to the god of magic.”

Taesan sat in front of the offering.

He closed his eyes and offered a prayer.

Then, Taesan’s spirit moved according to the god’s part.

The god of magic, Zelbando, was there.

He was sitting in his chair at the center of the galaxy, as before. Taesan bowed.

“I greet the god of magic.”

[Yes.]

Zelbando responded briefly.

There was a strange light in his gaze as he looked at Taesan.

The reason was not hard to guess.

[I do not know what to do with the power you possess.]

Zelbando said.

[I would like to crush and erase all traces of them... but that power is something you earned with your own strength. I cannot interfere in the affairs of mortals as a transcendent. Use it carefully.]

“Thank you.”

Taesan obtaining the power of a high god was irksome, but it seemed he had no intention of interfering.

[For now, I commend you. You have prevailed admirably in a mortal body. Though it was weakened as you crossed spaces, without being a being of a certain caliber, your mind couldn’t have endured it.]

Zelbando smiled slightly.

[After all, it's unbelievable that you have obtained their power. And yet, your mind is still unshaken. That must be your unique characteristic.]

His cheeks reddened.

[I wonder if the magician longed for a being like you? Interesting. We should meet again sometime.]

“Even if you say so.”

Taesan did not know. Zelbando grinned.

[Curious?]

Taesan nodded. Zelbando leaned back in his chair.

[The answer I can give you remains the same as before.]

“Is my power still insufficient?”

[You've reached a decent level, but not enough to know the secret. However... since you have entertained me quite well, I'll tell you one thing.]

Zelbando opened his mouth.

[What do you think is necessary to become a transcendent?]

“Authority and power, isn’t it?”

The caliber of transcendence. And the power to match it. If one only has power, they become an immortal; possessing both makes one a transcendent. That was the basic understanding Taesan had.

[Both are necessary indeed. But your soul must also reach a certain level.]

“I consider that obvious.”

Surely, the spirit of someone that strong couldn’t be weak. They must have reached a certain level.

However, Zelbando shook his head.

[It's not merely about being exceptional or aloof. Some immortals carry broken souls, don't they? Imagine there's a specific condition one must meet to ascend to either a transcendent or an immortal. What could that condition be?]

Zelbando clapped his hands.

[This is the extent of what I can reveal. The rest, you must deduce on your own. Or grow stronger and seek the answers yourself.]

“Understood.”

[Then, I'll bestow upon you what you've been yearning for.]

Zelbando’s power coalesced.

A transcendent will enveloped Taesan.

[You have acquired the Intermediate Magic: [Starlight Arrow].]

[The offering is slightly less than the value of the magic, but consider it a gesture of goodwill.]

“Thank you.”

[Are you prepared to return now?]

Taesan nodded. Zelbando smirked.

[I eagerly anticipate your future endeavors.]

With those words, the world faded away.

Taesan found himself back in the labyrinth.

“Phew.”

At his side, Lilis was catching her breath, her face alight with excitement.

As Taesan had obtained the Intermediate Magic, so too had Lilis. It was part of their pact. A look of satisfaction spread across Lilis’s face.

“This is wonderful.”

[You can't even utilize it due to a lack of mana, is it truly that significant?]

“It doesn’t matter. What’s important is that I now possess this formidable power.”

Lilis grinned.

“Thank you.”

Taesan nodded and stepped outside.

His next visit was to the blacksmith Hafran. Taesan had previously provided him with materials and commissioned the crafting of a new item.

Upon reaching the 50th floor to meet Hafran, he was presented with a remarkably useful piece of equipment.

And now, it was time to return to Earth.