Chapter 164: Forced Return (1)
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Chapter 164: Forced Return (1)
Is this how things are settled?
The power of the Immortal changed the structure of the monsters and floors in the labyrinth. Since the floor was still technically the 36th, Taesan received all the usual rewards upon clearing it.
Not bad.
There would have been no issue if he hadnt received the rewards, but fortunately, he did.
Taesan browsed through the system window, item by item.
My level has increased more than I expected.
The monsters on the 36th floor were originally no match for Taesan, making it difficult to expect any growth from clearing it. However, the trial of the Immortal had boosted his level by three steps.
First, Taesan started to check the rewards for clearing the 36th floor.
A small spark of lightning flickered in Taesans hand.
[Lightning Struck Dead Tree]
[Lightning struck a dead tree and took form. It seems meaningful changes could occur when used as a projectile.]
Its not a lightning-struck dead tree.
It was the opposite. Taesan mused over the origin of the item as he drew an arrow.
When he attached the lightning-struck dead tree to an arrow he had acquired from disarming a trap, the lightning enveloped the arrow with a crackling sound.
[Self-Aware Lightning Arrow]
[An arrow that moves on its own to protect its owner. It possesses a consciousness and can move independently. It cannot travel beyond a certain range.]
[Current Owner: Kang Taesan]
[User's rank is insufficient. Attack Power: 1]
[Contains the essence of the lightning-struck dead tree. Attack Power +50]
[Inflicts an electrified state on the enemy it hits.]
Oh?
The attack power had increased by 50. It was a significant boost.
Additionally, the value of the arrow was enhanced by the electrified state it could impose.
Taesan possessed a total of four arrows. They were useful but nearly harmless tools that had offered little assistance. Even against the apostle this time, they had not been very effective.
However, if he could obtain three more like this, they would truly be useful.
[Nuclear Fragment Bracelet]
[Attack Power +35]
[Defense Power +60]
[Bracelet refined with materials from the deepest part of the planet.]
[Obtains additional stats when fighting entities related to nature.]
The bracelet boasted high attack and defense power, along with additional effects. Taesan reviewed the secret rewards with a sense of satisfaction.
[??? was used.]
[Obtained the Rough Grasp Gauntlet.]
[Rough Grasp Gauntlet]
[Attack Power +50]
[Made from a portion of a gauntlet that once crushed everything. The former owner's power still lingers.]
[Mysterious power is sealed within.]
Whats this?
The attack power seemed too low.
He had expected it to be in the 70s or 80s, but it was just 50. That was a mere 20 more than the gauntlet he had acquired earlier.
Could this be the cause?
[Mysterious power is sealed within.]
Perhaps unsealing it might reveal additional abilities. For the moment, lacking a method to unseal it, Taesan put the matter aside and donned the gauntlet.
His level had increased, and he had gained valuable equipment. The outcome was more rewarding than he had anticipated.
Then there was the reward from the Immortal.
It differed from what the gods had bestowed upon him so far; it was purely a boost in stats.
[A manifestation of the hunchback who delved into twisted mysteries. Your health increases by 800, mana by 200, and attack power by 80.]
Quite straightforward.
[Can't help it. Since the Immortal doesn't possess a domain, he can't grant power specific to one. But it's not bad, right?]
An increase of 800 in health, 200 in mana, and an 80-point boost in attack power. Just by considering the numbers, it was akin to wielding an extra weapon in terms of added attack power. Given that, the skill was quite valuable.
And finally, the staff.
[The Twisted Staff of Calamity]
[Magic +40]
[This staff caused the world's destruction due to personal greed.]
[Every time you kill an opponent using magic with this staff, magic increases by 1. In exchange, attack power decreases by 1 and health by 10.]
A progressive type of equipment.
The magic was an impressive 40. If it increased by 1 with each kill, given the right conditions, it could soar into the hundreds.
Certainly, a valuable item. Difficult for a magician to find anything superior. Yet, the penalty rendered it impractical.
Was this the staff used by the Immortal?
The description seemed to suggest so.
Taesan stored the staff. It was unusable for him now but too precious to throw away. He intended to have a blacksmith modify it.
[Immortals are beings who failed to become Transcendents. As such, they vary greatly. Some, like this one, attempt to kill you, while others might be amicable.]
[How dare they.]
A voice tinged with amusement yet filled with anger, resonated.
[Such audacity. To do this just as he's about to meet me?]
With chuckling laughter, the pathway to Earth closed.
Sensing the shift in energy, Taesan looked around.
Countless galaxies became visible.
It was a scene Taesan had once seen through a telescope at an observatory during his childhood but was now unfolding before him.
[Impressive, isn't it?]
Taesan turned toward the source of the voice.
There stood a young man with eyes shining like starlight, his arms spread wide.
[I made it. What do you think?]
Its beautiful.
His compliment was genuine; the sight was truly beautiful. The man grinned.
[Thanks.]
The man snapped his fingers, and a leather chair materialized behind Taesan.
[We won't need long, but let's sit and have a chat.]
Taesans body crackled uneasily as if immense powers were clashing within him.
The man settled into his chair. Taesan leaned back into his own chair obediently.
[You probably know already, but introductions are still necessary, right?]
The man lifted a finger. Starlight lingered on it before exploding like fireworks, scattering in all directions.
Taesan could feel it. The brilliant light of the fireworks literally contained the power of stars.
[I am the one involved in the design of the labyrinth, the one who established and created the skill called magic within it. I am the god who governs the domain of magic.]
The man allowed a slight smile to cross his face.
[The god of magic, Zelbando.]
It was Taesans fourth encounter with a god of the labyrinth.
The first had been the god of choice, Maria. Her power was violently strong, yet it didnt feel oppressive. She allowed one to make choices freely.
Next came the demon god, Lucifer. Her power was profound and restrained. She embraced what belonged to her but rejected all else.
Then there was the god of struggle and death, Lakiratas. His strength was sheer and undeniable.
He possessed the power to crush and dominate everything.
And now, with the god of magic, Zelbando, no distinct power was apparent.
More precisely, it was entirely self-contained. Sensing Taesans awareness, Zelbando muttered discontentedly.
[You've only encountered foolish gods until now. A god should preserve their dignity and respect mortals. Just appearing out of nowhere, making offers. What's that about?]
Thats true.
Indeed, he was unlike any god Taesan had met before. The god of magic glanced at the ghost.
[Hello?]
[...Greetings.]
[It's regrettable. I had hoped you might eventually reach it. Even if you couldn't overcome it.]
[I acknowledge my shortcomings.]
[Really?]
Zelbandos eyes, twinkling like stars, narrowed.
[Then what decision will you make?]
[...I don't understand.]
[A conversation for another time. You will need to choose from three options. Be careful not to err.]
The ghost fell silent at the significant statement.
Zelbando shifted his attention back to Taesan.
[Shall we proceed to the matter at hand? You're here for one reason, correct?]
Taesan nodded.
He was seeking intermediate magic; that was his purpose here.
Zelbandos mouth twisted into a wry expression.
[I had planned to present a trial to you. Upon its completion, I intended to grant access to intermediate magic. But... annoying interferences have occurred.]
With a snap of his fingers, the god of magic restored some balance to Taesans body, which had been fizzing with instability.
However, the newfound steadiness was short-lived and began to tremble once again.
[Those rat-like beings, always meddling, sneaking between the labyrinth and my territory.]
The god of magic laugheda cold, angry laugh.
[Dare they interfere when I'm about to give a trial?]
A calm yet furious energy spread, and the ghost swallowed hard.
[So, I'll change the quest content slightly. Kang Taesan. This quest is separate from intermediate magic.]
The god of magics voice echoed.
[Return to Earth. There, trample the pride of the ancient gods who dared to interfere with our meeting, and destroy their creations. Afterward, I'll give you a reward commensurate with your achievements.]
[Sub Quest Initiated]
[The god of magic, angered by the ancient gods' interference, desires for you to crush their pride.]
[Reward: The god of magic will determine it based on your performance.]
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 164: Forced Return (1)
Is this how things are settled?
The power of the Immortal changed the structure of the monsters and floors in the labyrinth. Since the floor was still technically the 36th, Taesan received all the usual rewards upon clearing it.
Not bad.
There would have been no issue if he hadnt received the rewards, but fortunately, he did.
Taesan browsed through the system window, item by item.
My level has increased more than I expected.
The monsters on the 36th floor were originally no match for Taesan, making it difficult to expect any growth from clearing it. However, the trial of the Immortal had boosted his level by three steps.
First, Taesan started to check the rewards for clearing the 36th floor.
A small spark of lightning flickered in Taesans hand.
[Lightning Struck Dead Tree]
[Lightning struck a dead tree and took form. It seems meaningful changes could occur when used as a projectile.]
Its not a lightning-struck dead tree.
It was the opposite. Taesan mused over the origin of the item as he drew an arrow.
When he attached the lightning-struck dead tree to an arrow he had acquired from disarming a trap, the lightning enveloped the arrow with a crackling sound.
[Self-Aware Lightning Arrow]
[An arrow that moves on its own to protect its owner. It possesses a consciousness and can move independently. It cannot travel beyond a certain range.]
[Current Owner: Kang Taesan]
[User's rank is insufficient. Attack Power: 1]
[Contains the essence of the lightning-struck dead tree. Attack Power +50]
[Inflicts an electrified state on the enemy it hits.]
Oh?
The attack power had increased by 50. It was a significant boost.
Additionally, the value of the arrow was enhanced by the electrified state it could impose.
Taesan possessed a total of four arrows. They were useful but nearly harmless tools that had offered little assistance. Even against the apostle this time, they had not been very effective.
However, if he could obtain three more like this, they would truly be useful.
[Nuclear Fragment Bracelet]
[Attack Power +35]
[Defense Power +60]
[Bracelet refined with materials from the deepest part of the planet.]
[Obtains additional stats when fighting entities related to nature.]
The bracelet boasted high attack and defense power, along with additional effects. Taesan reviewed the secret rewards with a sense of satisfaction.
[??? was used.]
[Obtained the Rough Grasp Gauntlet.]
[Rough Grasp Gauntlet]
[Attack Power +50]
[Made from a portion of a gauntlet that once crushed everything. The former owner's power still lingers.]
[Mysterious power is sealed within.]
Whats this?
The attack power seemed too low.
He had expected it to be in the 70s or 80s, but it was just 50. That was a mere 20 more than the gauntlet he had acquired earlier.
Could this be the cause?
[Mysterious power is sealed within.]
Perhaps unsealing it might reveal additional abilities. For the moment, lacking a method to unseal it, Taesan put the matter aside and donned the gauntlet.
His level had increased, and he had gained valuable equipment. The outcome was more rewarding than he had anticipated.
Then there was the reward from the Immortal.
It differed from what the gods had bestowed upon him so far; it was purely a boost in stats.
[A manifestation of the hunchback who delved into twisted mysteries. Your health increases by 800, mana by 200, and attack power by 80.]
Quite straightforward.
[Can't help it. Since the Immortal doesn't possess a domain, he can't grant power specific to one. But it's not bad, right?]
An increase of 800 in health, 200 in mana, and an 80-point boost in attack power. Just by considering the numbers, it was akin to wielding an extra weapon in terms of added attack power. Given that, the skill was quite valuable.
And finally, the staff.
[The Twisted Staff of Calamity]
[Magic +40]
[This staff caused the world's destruction due to personal greed.]
[Every time you kill an opponent using magic with this staff, magic increases by 1. In exchange, attack power decreases by 1 and health by 10.]
A progressive type of equipment.
The magic was an impressive 40. If it increased by 1 with each kill, given the right conditions, it could soar into the hundreds.
Certainly, a valuable item. Difficult for a magician to find anything superior. Yet, the penalty rendered it impractical.
Was this the staff used by the Immortal?
The description seemed to suggest so.
Taesan stored the staff. It was unusable for him now but too precious to throw away. He intended to have a blacksmith modify it.
[Immortals are beings who failed to become Transcendents. As such, they vary greatly. Some, like this one, attempt to kill you, while others might be amicable.]
[How dare they.]
A voice tinged with amusement yet filled with anger, resonated.
[Such audacity. To do this just as he's about to meet me?]
With chuckling laughter, the pathway to Earth closed.
Sensing the shift in energy, Taesan looked around.
Countless galaxies became visible.
It was a scene Taesan had once seen through a telescope at an observatory during his childhood but was now unfolding before him.
[Impressive, isn't it?]
Taesan turned toward the source of the voice.
There stood a young man with eyes shining like starlight, his arms spread wide.
[I made it. What do you think?]
Its beautiful.
His compliment was genuine; the sight was truly beautiful. The man grinned.
[Thanks.]
The man snapped his fingers, and a leather chair materialized behind Taesan.
[We won't need long, but let's sit and have a chat.]
Taesans body crackled uneasily as if immense powers were clashing within him.
The man settled into his chair. Taesan leaned back into his own chair obediently.
[You probably know already, but introductions are still necessary, right?]
The man lifted a finger. Starlight lingered on it before exploding like fireworks, scattering in all directions.
Taesan could feel it. The brilliant light of the fireworks literally contained the power of stars.
[I am the one involved in the design of the labyrinth, the one who established and created the skill called magic within it. I am the god who governs the domain of magic.]
The man allowed a slight smile to cross his face.
[The god of magic, Zelbando.]
It was Taesans fourth encounter with a god of the labyrinth.
The first had been the god of choice, Maria. Her power was violently strong, yet it didnt feel oppressive. She allowed one to make choices freely.
Next came the demon god, Lucifer. Her power was profound and restrained. She embraced what belonged to her but rejected all else.
Then there was the god of struggle and death, Lakiratas. His strength was sheer and undeniable.
He possessed the power to crush and dominate everything.
And now, with the god of magic, Zelbando, no distinct power was apparent.
More precisely, it was entirely self-contained. Sensing Taesans awareness, Zelbando muttered discontentedly.
[You've only encountered foolish gods until now. A god should preserve their dignity and respect mortals. Just appearing out of nowhere, making offers. What's that about?]
Thats true.
Indeed, he was unlike any god Taesan had met before. The god of magic glanced at the ghost.
[Hello?]
[...Greetings.]
[It's regrettable. I had hoped you might eventually reach it. Even if you couldn't overcome it.]
[I acknowledge my shortcomings.]
[Really?]
Zelbandos eyes, twinkling like stars, narrowed.
[Then what decision will you make?]
[...I don't understand.]
[A conversation for another time. You will need to choose from three options. Be careful not to err.]
The ghost fell silent at the significant statement.
Zelbando shifted his attention back to Taesan.
[Shall we proceed to the matter at hand? You're here for one reason, correct?]
Taesan nodded.
He was seeking intermediate magic; that was his purpose here.
Zelbandos mouth twisted into a wry expression.
[I had planned to present a trial to you. Upon its completion, I intended to grant access to intermediate magic. But... annoying interferences have occurred.]
With a snap of his fingers, the god of magic restored some balance to Taesans body, which had been fizzing with instability.
However, the newfound steadiness was short-lived and began to tremble once again.
[Those rat-like beings, always meddling, sneaking between the labyrinth and my territory.]
The god of magic laugheda cold, angry laugh.
[Dare they interfere when I'm about to give a trial?]
A calm yet furious energy spread, and the ghost swallowed hard.
[So, I'll change the quest content slightly. Kang Taesan. This quest is separate from intermediate magic.]
The god of magics voice echoed.
[Return to Earth. There, trample the pride of the ancient gods who dared to interfere with our meeting, and destroy their creations. Afterward, I'll give you a reward commensurate with your achievements.]
[Sub Quest Initiated]
[The god of magic, angered by the ancient gods' interference, desires for you to crush their pride.]
[Reward: The god of magic will determine it based on your performance.]
Chapter 164: Forced Return 1Is this how things are settled?The power of the Immortal changed the structure of the monsters and floors in the labyrinth. Since the floor was still technically the 36th, Taesan received all the usual rewards upon clearing it.Not bad.There would have been no issue if he hadnt received the rewards, but fortunately, he did.Taesan browsed through the system window, item by item.My level has increased more than I expected.The monsters on the 36th floor were originally no match for Taesan, making it difficult to expect any growth from clearing it. However, the trial of the Immortal had boosted his level by three steps.First, Taesan started to check the rewards for clearing the 36th floor.A small spark of lightning flickered in Taesans hand.Lightning Struck Dead TreeLightning struck a dead tree and took form. It seems meaningful changes could occur when used as a projectile. Its not a lightning-struck dead tree.It was the opposite. Taesan mused over the origin of the item as he drew an arrow.When he attached the lightning-struck dead tree to an arrow he had acquired from disarming a trap, the lightning enveloped the arrow with a crackling sound.Self-Aware Lightning Arrow An arrow that moves on its own to protect its owner. It possesses a consciousness and can move independently. It cannot travel beyond a certain range. Current Owner: Kang Taesan User's rank is insufficient. Attack Power: 1 Contains the essence of the lightning-struck dead tree. Attack Power +50 Inflicts an electrified state on the enemy it hits. Oh?The attack power had increased by 50. It was a significant boost.Additionally, the value of the arrow was enhanced by the electrified state it could impose.Taesan possessed a total of four arrows. They were useful but nearly harmless tools that had offered little assistance. Even against the apostle this time, they had not been very effective.However, if he could obtain three more like this, they would truly be useful.Nuclear Fragment Bracelet Attack Power +35 Defense Power +60 Bracelet refined with materials from the deepest part of the planet. Obtains additional stats when fighting entities related to nature. The bracelet boasted high attack and defense power, along with additional effects. Taesan reviewed the secret rewards with a sense of satisfaction.??? was used. Obtained the Rough Grasp Gauntlet. Rough Grasp Gauntlet Attack Power +50 Made from a portion of a gauntlet that once crushed everything. The former owner's power still lingers. Mysterious power is sealed within. Whats this?The attack power seemed too low.He had expected it to be in the 70s or 80s, but it was just 50. That was a mere 20 more than the gauntlet he had acquired earlier.Could this be the cause?Mysterious power is sealed within. Perhaps unsealing it might reveal additional abilities. For the moment, lacking a method to unseal it, Taesan put the matter aside and donned the gauntlet.His level had increased, and he had gained valuable equipment. The outcome was more rewarding than he had anticipated.Then there was the reward from the Immortal.It differed from what the gods had bestowed upon him so far; it was purely a boost in stats.A manifestation of the hunchback who delved into twisted mysteries. Your health increases by 800, mana by 200, and attack power by 80. Quite straightforward.Can't help it. Since the Immortal doesn't possess a domain, he can't grant power specific to one. But it's not bad, right? An increase of 800 in health, 200 in mana, and an 80-point boost in attack power. Just by considering the numbers, it was akin to wielding an extra weapon in terms of added attack power. Given that, the skill was quite valuable.And finally, the staff.The Twisted Staff of Calamity Magic +40 This staff caused the world's destruction due to personal greed. Every time you kill an opponent using magic with this staff, magic increases by 1. In exchange, attack power decreases by 1 and health by 10. A progressive type of equipment.The magic was an impressive 40. If it increased by 1 with each kill, given the right conditions, it could soar into the hundreds.Certainly, a valuable item. Difficult for a magician to find anything superior. Yet, the penalty rendered it impractical.Was this the staff used by the Immortal?The description seemed to suggest so.Taesan stored the staff. It was unusable for him now but too precious to throw away. He intended to have a blacksmith modify it.Immortals are beings who failed to become Transcendents. As such, they vary greatly. Some, like this one, attempt to kill you, while others might be amicable. How dare they. A voice tinged with amusement yet filled with anger, resonated.Such audacity. To do this just as he's about to meet me? With chuckling laughter, the pathway to Earth closed.Sensing the shift in energy, Taesan looked around.Countless galaxies became visible.It was a scene Taesan had once seen through a telescope at an observatory during his childhood but was now unfolding before him.Impressive, isn't it? Taesan turned toward the source of the voice.There stood a young man with eyes shining like starlight, his arms spread wide.I made it. What do you think? Its beautiful.His compliment was genuine; the sight was truly beautiful. The man grinned.Thanks. The man snapped his fingers, and a leather chair materialized behind Taesan.We won't need long, but let's sit and have a chat. Taesans body crackled uneasily as if immense powers were clashing within him.The man settled into his chair. Taesan leaned back into his own chair obediently.You probably know already, but introductions are still necessary, right? The man lifted a finger. Starlight lingered on it before exploding like fireworks, scattering in all directions.Taesan could feel it. The brilliant light of the fireworks literally contained the power of stars.I am the one involved in the design of the labyrinth, the one who established and created the skill called magic within it. I am the god who governs the domain of magic. The man allowed a slight smile to cross his face.The god of magic, Zelbando. It was Taesans fourth encounter with a god of the labyrinth.The first had been the god of choice, Maria. Her power was violently strong, yet it didnt feel oppressive. She allowed one to make choices freely.Next came the demon god, Lucifer. Her power was profound and restrained. She embraced what belonged to her but rejected all else.Then there was the god of struggle and death, Lakiratas. His strength was sheer and undeniable.He possessed the power to crush and dominate everything.And now, with the god of magic, Zelbando, no distinct power was apparent.More precisely, it was entirely self-contained. Sensing Taesans awareness, Zelbando muttered discontentedly.You've only encountered foolish gods until now. A god should preserve their dignity and respect mortals. Just appearing out of nowhere, making offers. What's that about? Thats true.Indeed, he was unlike any god Taesan had met before. The god of magic glanced at the ghost.Hello? ...Greetings. It's regrettable. I had hoped you might eventually reach it. Even if you couldn't overcome it. I acknowledge my shortcomings. Really? Zelbandos eyes, twinkling like stars, narrowed.Then what decision will you make? ...I don't understand. A conversation for another time. You will need to choose from three options. Be careful not to err. The ghost fell silent at the significant statement.Zelbando shifted his attention back to Taesan.Shall we proceed to the matter at hand? You're here for one reason, correct? Taesan nodded.He was seeking intermediate magic; that was his purpose here.Zelbandos mouth twisted into a wry expression.I had planned to present a trial to you. Upon its completion, I intended to grant access to intermediate magic. But... annoying interferences have occurred. With a snap of his fingers, the god of magic restored some balance to Taesans body, which had been fizzing with instability.However, the newfound steadiness was short-lived and began to tremble once again.Those rat-like beings, always meddling, sneaking between the labyrinth and my territory. The god of magic laugheda cold, angry laugh.Dare they interfere when I'm about to give a trial? A calm yet furious energy spread, and the ghost swallowed hard.So, I'll change the quest content slightly. Kang Taesan. This quest is separate from intermediate magic.The god of magics voice echoed.Return to Earth. There, trample the pride of the ancient gods who dared to interfere with our meeting, and destroy their creations. Afterward, I'll give you a reward commensurate with your achievements. Sub Quest Initiated The god of magic, angered by the ancient gods' interference, desires for you to crush their pride. Reward: The god of magic will determine it based on your performance.
