Chapter 88: Great Labyrinth (1)

2.57 million AP. Rather than thinking about how to use it, he checked what he received from the last duel.

*Magic Enhancement (Rank C+) – Magic below C+ rank increases by +1.

*Magic Enhancement (Rank B-) – Magic below B-rank increases by +1.

It was a skill that stores didn’t sell. Of course, it was better to up-rank one’s stats instead of upgrading the skill itself.

‘I’ll use this for synthesis later.’

Next, Yoon-seok opened the skill gained from knocking down Sword Saint with his anticipation mounting.

b Violet Mist of Divine Skill}

Rank B – Middle Qigong is unlocked.

Rank C – Increases density of Violet Mist Energy.

Rank D – Consumption of Violet Mist Energy is reduced by 50%.

Rank E – Physical usage of Violet Mist Energy is available, and the maximum accumulation is increased by 3x.

Rank F – Violet Mist Energy accumulates in the body, and magic capacity increases up to +2 depending on the accumulated number.

It was quite similar to {Azure Dragon Energy}. However, it was obvious that the rank was B, the proper beginning, even though there was a correction on his magic stats. Yoon-seok tried to move the Violet Mist Energy, which was twisted in his body.

‘It’s a good match..’

It was different from the mixture of Azure Dragon Energy and Bloodseeker’s Energy; there was no resistance at all. It became water when mixed with water and fire when mixed with fire. Violet Mist Energy was energy with infinite potential. Thus, it had great chemistry with its sword that pursued illusion and gentleness. It was equivalent to the contradictory sword of the Sword Saint.

Soon, Yoon-seok shifted his attention elsewhere.

‘This Middle Qigong..’

There was still only one source of energy at his heart. However, it had spread wider. Not just Bloodseeker’s Energy, but now the Violet Mist was also included. He didn’t know if it was a good thing or not, as he still hadn’t figured out how to use Qigong yet.

‘Let’s put it on hold for now...’

Soon, Yoon-seok even checked the equipment obtained through {Predation}. The embroidered sword, which came as a set with Magic Enhancement, was immediately discarded to Steel Stealth.

「With the effect of Steel Stealth, durability (C+) has been increased.」

As long as the Sword Saint’s sword was obtained, there was no room for concern.

*Plum Blossom Sword (Rank A+) – A precious millennium sword made from steel over ten thousand years old.

Magic recovery speed increases by 10x when equipped, and the magic consumption rate decreases by 50% when the Plum Blossom Sword is used.

It cannot be destroyed.

Rank A+ swords were different. There was a tremendous increase to Yoon-seok’s most prioritized stat, Magic, and it even possessed the indestructible traits.

‘If that’s the case, there’s no reason for me to use the Moonlight Sword anymore.’

Of course, the Moonlight Sword had the characteristics of developing during a duel, and it might have similar efficiencies if they ranked the same. But it was only C+ now; it was too slow to keep up with Yoon-seok’s growth.

‘I should keep it instead of discarding it through Steel Stealth.’

If he still had it, the rank would eventually increase, so he decided that it would be better to discard it after the rank increased. Looking at the Plum Blossom Sword in his hand, Yoon-seok smiled. He got a really good weapon.

‘Well, there’s something even better.’

Among the achievements attained by {Predation}, one of the best was the absorption of stats. The previous Rank A was quickly skipped and reached Rank S-. It might have been natural since it was absorbed from Sword Saint, which would be S+.

‘I was thinking about investing in magic this time...’

There was no need anymore. No, it was impossible even if he wanted to. 6 million AP was needed for Rank S.

‘Then let’s just invest in skills again.’

After deciding to, Yoon-seok boldly put 750,000 AP in b Azure Dragon Energy}. But..

b Azure Dragon Energy}

Rank B – Middle Qigong has been unlocked.

What was this? There was no pain. However, the size of Qigong, which was located at his heart, had grown even wider, and Azure Dragon Energy, which had never been mixed with Bloodseeker’s Energy before, was completely infused together with it now.

‘Does having a Rank B Inner Qi-related skill unlock Middle Qigong?’

Something was missing. It would be nice if he could know the purpose and usage of Middle Qigong. Did it make any difference now that it was wider and the energies were completely mixed?

‘If I knew this would happen, I would’ve upgraded b Predation}...’

1.75 million AP remained, and he would have 1 million left even if {Predation} was upgraded. However, 1.15 million AP was needed to raise Judgment of the Ruined Monarch to A-. Eventually, he had to choose.

Would it be b Predation}? Or Judgment of the Ruined Monarch that destroyed the Sword Saint?

‘So vague.’

If b Azure Dragon Energy} had achieved significant growth, he would’ve prioritized the option of upgrading b Predation}, but that wasn’t the case.

「Rank of the Judgment of the Ruined Monarch (B-) has increased.」

「Rank of the Judgment of the Ruined Monarch (B) has increased.」

「Rank of the Judgment of the Ruined Monarch (B+) has increased.」

Neither activation time nor cooldown had decreased; not even the phrase that the radius increased appeared. However, these types of skills usually increased in power as the rank went up. Of course, that wasn’t the only reason why he invested in this skill.

「The selection of characteristics for Judgment of the Ruined Monarch is available.」

The characteristic selection page appeared. Yoon-seok carefully examined the given options while yelling internally with delight.

—Characteristics 1: Energy Concentration

It enters a state of concentration when the skill is activated. The range and power will increase by 20% every second, and it can be maintained for up to 30 seconds. In this state of concentration, all five senses are disconnected, and all skills are sealed.

In the sense of a game, it became a charging-type skill, but having all five senses disconnected and skills sealed? This meant that he would be utterly defenseless while concentrating.

‘But 20%, and for thirty seconds..’

He couldn’t tell whether it’s multiplication or constant addition. However, it would be reasonable to think it was the latter realistically. If it were the former, it would be too absurd.

“Anyway, it means there will be a 7x increase in power and range when fully charged in terms of fixed-rate...’

Of course, it’s no match for the former, but the latter alone was significant. But, frankly speaking, the practicality didn’t seem that great. Standing defenseless for thirty seconds in a 1:1 match? It was suicide. And did it mean nothing could be seen or heard when his five senses were disconnected? Plus, it would seal skills, including {Bloodseeker’s Ultimatum}, so it was over if his head was lopped off.

‘There might be a way if it’s used with Lady’s Commandment..but the risk is too high even if that’s taken into consideration.’

Yoon-seok confirmed the next option.

—Characteristics 2: Descent

The light of destruction doesn’t harm the User. When the skill is being used, all of the User’s stats increase by +1 for 10 minutes, and the User emits light waves when it’s over.

Although it would no longer be possible to link with Vajra’s Step, it didn’t seem too bad even after taking that into account. By now, it was safe to say that the value of increasing all his stats by one was tremendous. Besides, while he didn’t know what the light wave was, it seemed to give an extra attack.

‘I’m worried..’

To be honest, both characteristics were very tempting. The descent would be much more efficient in duels, but Energy Concentration was better for Earth or other trials. He only thought about it for a second longer.

「Descent is chosen as the characteristic for Judgment of the Ruined Monarch.」

Yoon-seok was a duel challenger, so it was right to put more emphasis on that. Following that, he spent 288,000 AP on upgrading Vajra Step to B-. However, the choice of characteristics didn’t appear again this time. It was inevitable, so Yoon-seok didn’t care and upgraded b Sword Attack Enhancement} to Rank C instead.

b Sword Attack Enhancement}

Rank C – Increases attack speed by 4x during slashing.

Four times attack speed. Well, it wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t that special either. That left 167,000 AP left, but there was no place to use it. Yoon-seok decided to wrap up with the final confirmation of his achievements from the previous duel.

「List of achievements」

*Sword Saint Class (Passed the Sword Saint’s trial) + 1,000LP

The reward was as considerable, but there was nothing to buy with LP right now, so Yoon-seok decided to leave it be. Now he had to organize the messy topics in his head by recalling the duel with the Sword Saint.

Yoon-seok was sure. If the contradiction his sword showed were no longer seen as a contradiction, he would be able to take his sword to the next level.

Sword Saint Lee Hyun-hak. No matter how great Yoon-seok was, he couldn’t imitate that sword even after seeing it multiple times. Unlike his time with the Heavenly Devil, it didn’t seem impossible. Of course, he didn’t mean that he was far behind her, just that the situations were different.

Yoon-seok was no longer a beginner who didn’t know anything as he held a sword. Eventually, he gained experience and was able to use the Heavenly Devil’s Sword. So it was the same; all he needed was time.

“..”

A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. He didn’t reach this state and leaped forward a few levels after one realization. That was why Yoon-seok was preoccupied with one thing since he fell asleep that day. It was to pile up the stepping stones slowly to overcome the wall.

“..”

What was Dominance? The power to reign over people.

Then Strongness? The spirit of remaining solid without breaking.

Then Softness? The mindset to embrace all things with serenity.

What about Illusion? Bluntness? Heaviness? Swiftness? Lightness?

He had no clue; he only knew the definition. But he didn’t understand what it meant, so he had to learn. Otherwise, it would be naught but arrogance to peek at the Sword Saint’s state.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Swoosh!

Yoon-seok quietly rose from his position and wielded his sword. As splendidly, slowly, heavily, quickly, lightly as possible..

If necessary, he made an opponent using Bloodseeker Energy. He even created another ego and controlled it with Yin and Yang, making him look like his cloned self. Well, it wasn’t like his stats or skills were replicated..

He didn’t need that for the training anyway. He tried fighting a fancy sword with a slow sword, and fought a heavy sword with a swift sword. Repeating it countless times, he felt like he learned something.

“..”

Yoon-seok, who had been moving his body for every minute and second since returning, suddenly stopped.

‘How long has it been?’

It felt like a week passed, but he wasn’t certain.

‘It’s good to train, but I’ll have to go to the plaza first..’

Yoon-seok promised to meet Ashton once a week in the plaza, just so as not to repeat what happened on Earth last time. However, as he was immersed in training, he forgot about that promise.

‘I hope nothing else has happened in the meantime.’

Hoping not, Yoon-seok moved to the United Plaza. Since it wasn’t his first time, Yoon-seok opened his eyes at his last location instead of the plaza. It was none other than in Ashton’s space. Was there paperwork at the Tower as well? Ashton, who was writing something seriously at his desk, screamed when he saw Yoon-seok suddenly appear.

“Arghhhhhhhhh!”

Yoon-seok calmed him down first and asked for the date. It had been three weeks since then. Fortunately, there had been no major incidents on Earth.

“It’s been a while since we promised. I was worried since you didn’t come.”

“I was in the waiting room, so I lost track of time.”

At Yoon-seok’s excuse, Ashton kindly informed that Earth-linked watches were sold in the [Convenience] section.historical

“I’ll have to buy one as soon as I get back.”

“Yes, there’s an alarm function, so it’ll be of help.”

Later, Yoon-seok talked to Ashton about the 10th-floor trial. Ashton didn’t miss a single detail and listened as he wrote it all down.

“So that’s the kind of trial that takes place on the tenth floor.”

Yoon-seok had given information on the trials he had experienced so far, hoping that Earth’s duelists could become stronger and defeat any further invaders. He heard that the information was helpful, and the duelers were going up one floor after another..

So far, Fahur, who had reached the eighth floor, was the front runner.

“If one day we have a duel challenger that reaches the 10th floor, I’m sure this information will be of great help. At least we can avoid the last trap.”

Ashton’s final trap was referring to the duel with the Sword Saint.

“Then is there any more information I need to know about?”

Now that he was almost done talking, Yoon-seok was ready to go back to the waiting room. He was going to continue training as soon as possible.

But then.

“Yes.”

Ashton nodded cautiously.

“You were wondering how we could bring the equipment back to Earth last time, right?”

“Yes?”

“I’m not sure, but there might be a way.”

He didn’t know what it was, but..

It was well worth listening to.