HBWnovel Chapter 353: 74th Floor, Battlefield Of The Immortals (6)
Chapter 353: 74th Floor, Battlefield Of The Immortals (6)
Chapter 353: 74th Floor, Battlefield Of The Immortals (6)
“Before we continue, I have something to ask.”
Taesan frowned.
“Why did you start reclaiming power before I even returned?”
The transcendent beings were in too much of a hurry. If they had waited until Taesan returned to the labyrinth to reclaim his power, there would have been no issues.
However, they began reclaiming his power before he even returned, giving the High Gods an opportunity to intervene.
If they weren’t careful, Taesan could have died. Balbabamba spoke in a hesitant tone.
[In regards to that, it’s unjust. To clarify, it wasn’t a group that reclaimed Valhaluni’s power. It was a single transcendent. And that one isn’t one who resides within the labyrinth.]
“...Is that so?”
Taesan realized something.
While he had the attention and favor of many transcendent beings, that was limited to those who had met and tested him directly. There was no reason for those outside the labyrinth to take an interest in him.
To such a transcendent, Taesan was merely a mortal. Whether he lived or died made no difference.
[Among the transcendent beings outside, there are some who do not look favorably upon the labyrinth. From their perspective, it’s only natural that they’d be displeased to see someone worthy of becoming their servant drawn into the labyrinth.]
“I already know that.”
Even the transcendent beings Taesan encountered on the Battlefield of the Gods displayed hostility toward the labyrinth.
It wasn’t strange for them to dislike Taesan, who had the favor of the labyrinth’s transcendents.
[A transcendent from the labyrinth tried to intervene, but the High Gods stepped in, and they lacked the power to stop him. I pass along their apologies.]
“That’s enough.”
With that explanation, he could understand. Balbabamba continued.
[However, because of this incident, the gods outside the labyrinth will also take an interest in you. At the very least, you’ll be etched into their minds.]
After defeating the remnants of the Immortal, a system message appeared, indicating that the gods outside the labyrinth had taken an interest in him.
[Whether that is good fortune or misfortune, even I cannot say. It’s beyond my domain. Still, I hope it brings you fortune.]
Now it was time for his reward once more.
Balbabamba addressed Taesan.
[You’ve solved a problem that has long troubled the transcendent beings.]
The quest on the 74th floor had been created at the gods’ request.
Even the gods had to rely on the power of mortals to counter the High Gods.
Completing such a quest perfectly without any issues was certainly a remarkable achievement.
[First, you’ll need a new weapon.]
The boundary, close to immortality, had shattered under the strain. Balbabamba gathered his strength.
[Balbabamba has activated #000451.]
[You have obtained a sword created by the Labyrinth’s Wizard.]
[Sword Created by the Labyrinth’s Wizard]
[Attack Power +750]
[A sword forged during the design of the labyrinth. Though not made with serious intent, it holds tremendous power within.]
[A sword made by the wizard as a pastime. It should still be quite useful for you now.]
Balbabamba gathered his strength once more.
[Additionally, I will provide the materials for your wrist guard.]
Balbabamba summoned gray soil. The wrist guard, which had been lying silently, sprang to life and absorbed it.
Clack.
With a pleasant sound, the wrist guard returned.
[Wrist Guard of World Transformation.]
[Attack Power +600]
[Defense +500]
[A wrist guard infused with power directly by a witch. Under certain conditions and with a catalyst, it can alter the rules of the world around it.]
His attack power increased by 100, and his defense by 100. The wrist guard, usable until he cleared the labyrinth, was certainly a worthwhile gain.
[And those rings.]
Balbabamba’s gaze fell upon the black and white rings on Taesan’s fingers.
[It’s reached its limit. Consider it a small service. I’ll break through it for you.] @@@@
[Special Activation Skill: Challenger of Immortality]
[Proficiency: 1%]
[When facing an Immortal, raises one’s authority and power to a level capable of opposing an Immortal. However, the strain must be endured by the user themselves.]
The description indicated it was an immensely powerful skill. To elevate his authority and strength to contend with an Immortal — this meant that even Taesan could somewhat challenge a complete Immortal.
‘But...’
The condition was that he had to endure the strain on his own.
Even facing it would strain his mind, and he would have to withstand it himself.
“I won’t be able to use it recklessly.”
Still, the skill itself was valuable enough to warrant further study.
[Title: Achiever of Unattainable Feats]
[You have accomplished a feat that no one else in the world has.]
[Health +3,000]
[Mana +1,000]
[Strength +500]
[Agility +500]
[Intelligence +500]
[Attack Power +300]
[Achieving what no one else could has elevated your authority.]
The overall stats were beneficial, but the most significant part was the increase in his authority noted afterward.
Authority would be extremely important in future battles. In some ways, it was even more crucial than simple stats.
Authority wasn’t something that could be gained from mere victory; any reward that raised his authority carried significant meaning.
“Just because I’m on the boundary doesn’t mean my authority can’t rise.”
After defeating the remains of the Immortal, the system message indicated that his authority was on the boundary. However, this didn’t mean that his authority couldn’t increase.
It seemed logical to assume that merely increasing his authority wouldn’t be enough to transcend mortality.
Finding that path would likely become his next goal.
After defeating the god’s angel, Taesan had obtained divine power.
When he defeated the three-digit monster, he gained the Twisted Spirit Coordination.
When he defeated Hazzak, the High Gods’ slave, he gained a transcendent skill — the Black One.
And now, having defeated the remains of the Immortal, he acquired a soul skill similar to Soul Ascension.
What he acquired was a soul skill: King of Machinery.
[Soul Skill: King of Machinery]
[Proficiency: 1%]
[King of Machinery. The power possessed by their lord. Currently, the user’s authority and strength are far too insufficient to wield this power.]
[This is......]
The ghost let out a sigh. Taesan quietly examined the skill.
Even after acquiring the soul skill, Taesan didn’t feel any significant change.
He hadn’t obtained any new power, nor had his authority or strength increased.
This could only mean one thing.
As stated in the skill description, Taesan hadn’t yet reached the level necessary to wield this skill.
Thus, the skill wasn’t showing any effects.
And if it was beyond his current capacity, there could only be one explanation.
The Immortal.
A power that transcended mortality, possessed solely by those who had surpassed it.
Soul Ascension had granted even that power.
‘I suspected as much from the moment I acquired the Black One.’
The ghost let out a small laugh. Now, he was certain.
The soul skill Taesan possessed, Soul Ascension.
The power it contained was greater than that of an Immortal’s power.