Ascension Through Skills

Taesan stared at the ring.

A ring of black and white.

The rings were born as twins from the very beginning, like black and white twins.

If so, could this pair of rings be used by two people as one?

Taesan could tell. It was possible.

But not at the moment.

Although the rings were twins, their power wasn’t equal. The black ring contained offensive power, while the white ring was imbued with divinity and grace.

It was uncertain if the skill conditions were perfectly met.

Moreover, Taesan had not yet fully mastered the rings.

So, first, he decided to clearly understand the skill conditions. Then, he planned to find Hafran, who created the pair of rings, to seek assistance.

“There’s much to do.”

It seemed that a lot of preparation was needed.

The next acquisition was the special Continuous Action skill of the Fist Saint: Fist Saint’s Martial Arts.

However, as Taesan was an adventurer wielding a sword rather than his fists, the skill merged into Airak Weapon Technique and Ability Sword.

The proficiency of Airak Weapon Technique increased by 5%, finally reaching 54%.

It was a skill that was difficult to progress. Despite activating in almost every battle due to its nature, it hadn’t even reached 60%.

“Thinking about it now, it’s quite stubborn.”

He was now on the 76th floor.

And Ainzhar’s destination was the 78th floor, the Library of All Things.

Only two floors remained.

Would he achieve his goal, or would he still wander aimlessly?

It wouldn’t be long before he found out.

After defeating the Guides, he finished reviewing the rewards he obtained. Overall, they enhanced and supported his existing powers rather than granting entirely new ones. Р𝘼𝐍Ɵ𝐛ЕŚ

It might seem like a minor gain, but it wasn’t bad. Especially since Taesan already possessed an overwhelming variety of powers.

Instead of acquiring powers he couldn’t fully utilize, strengthening his existing abilities was far more beneficial.

And that wasn’t all.

Upon entering the deeper levels, Taesan acquired a title that boosted his skill proficiency growth.

While fighting the eight Guides, he used numerous skills.

As a result, many stagnant skills underwent changes.

The first to change was Ability Sword.

[Advanced Swordsmanship: Ability Sword]

[Proficiency: 62%]

[A unique swordsmanship created by a Labyrinth adventurer, based on the Labyrinth’s system. It is built upon the swordsmanship used by the Prince of the Destroyed World. It allows perfect integration of various skills with swordsmanship.]

The proficiency of Ability Sword reached 60%.

Although the skill’s description didn’t change significantly, many related skills were affected.

[Special Activation Skill: Reconnaissance]

[Proficiency: 82%]

[An evolved form of Insight. Provides extensive information about the target.]

[Condition: Advanced Swordsmanship [Ability Sword]]

[If the target uses a sword, their swordsmanship’s traits, weaknesses, and principles can be analyzed in detail.]

When Reconnaissance reached 80% proficiency, the effects of Ability Sword were added.

Reconnaissance provided general information but couldn’t delve into finer details. Now, against sword-wielding opponents, it could offer even deeper insights.

Skills like Acceleration, Strong Blow, and Flow Skill, which could continuously activate with proper timing, also evolved.

An additional effect was added: the more successful activations, the stronger the effect.

Skills already difficult to counter became even harder to deal with.

[Special Activation Skill: Conversion]

[Mana Consumption: 1,000]

[Allows adjustment of offensive and defensive stats. The maximum adjustment value equals the sum of offense and defense stats. This skill can only be used once a week, and stats revert to normal immediately after the attack.]

[Condition: Advanced Swordsmanship [Ability Sword]]

[When attacking with a sword after adjusting offensive stats through Conversion, an additional 20% boost is applied.]

“Oh?”

A skill that enabled a single all-out attack: Conversion.

The additional effect from Ability Sword was simple yet powerful, increasing adjustable stats by 20%.

This meant that converting 5,000 defense into offense would yield an attack power of 6,000.

It was straightforward yet immensely impactful. Taesan was satisfied.

[Special Activation Skill: Forced Descent]

[Mana Consumption: 20]

[Proficiency: 7%]

[Temporarily reduces the opponent’s stats by a certain percentage.]

[Condition: Advanced Swordsmanship [Ability Sword]]

[When clashing swords with an opponent, increases the weight of their weapon. This effect can stack.]

“Weapons’ weight?”

The effect didn’t seem particularly compelling. Against beings with monstrous stats, increasing weapon weight felt insignificant. He couldn’t imagine how it might be advantageous.

Still, since it was an effect unlocked at 60% proficiency, it was bound to be useful in some way.

That concluded the changes brought by Ability Sword.

The focus then shifted to regular skills.

The proficiency of Frozen World reached 40%.

[Intermediate Magic: Frozen World]

[Mana Consumption: 30]

[Proficiency: 40%]

[Summons frost that freezes everything. Brings forth a fragment of the power to freeze the entire world.]

The Frozen World skill had already reached 40% proficiency. Repeated use of magic overlays seemed to have significantly contributed to its progression.

[You activated Frozen World.]

Frost enveloped the world.

The power of Frozen World manifested through the conduit of mana.

It had certainly grown stronger. Even without using magic overlays, defending against it would be challenging.

‘But.’

Though it was a potent power, Taesan felt it lacked something.

The partial world-shifting effect, utilizing boundaries beyond, was included when he activated Frozen World in the fight earlier.

Its contained strength was a force surpassing mortality itself, created directly by the God of Magic.

Compared to that, it felt far too inferior.

Someday, without relying on external assistance, he would fully wield that power. Taesan calmed his emotions and examined other skills.

Numerous skills had changed: Vital Point Designation, Synced Eye, Essence Analysis, Counter, Forced Duel, and Acceleration.

Additionally, various Continuous Action skills’ proficiencies had increased.

After checking them one by one, Taesan was satisfied.

But it wasn’t over yet.

The space split apart. Dark, thick yet familiar shadows flowed out, and the figure of a girl appeared.

With the sound of applause, the Demon God appeared.

[Well done, Taesan.]

“Were you watching?”

[Of course. With a feast before me, why would I look away?]

The Demon God smiled mischievously.

[You accomplished it more easily than expected, which is a bit disappointing... but it’s all thanks to the strength you’ve built up. I’m satisfied.]

The Demon God’s rewards were granted. Darkness engulfed Taesan.

[You acquired Intermediate Black Magic [Zepar’s Black Storm].]

[You acquired Intermediate Black Magic [Asmodeus’s Chains of Decay].]

[You acquired the special Continuous Action skill [Return as Darkness].]

[The special activation skill [Apostle Transformation [Darkness and Chaos]] evolved into [Apostle Transformation [Pitch-Black Chaos]].]

Two intermediate black magic spells.

Additionally, a Continuous Action skill and an evolution of Apostle Transformation.

The exact effects remained to be seen, but this alone justified the effort of fighting while limiting his recovery.

“Thank you.”

[You fulfilled my request. As a god, it’s only natural to reward you.]

The Demon God spoke cheerfully. Instead of leaving immediately, she gazed at Taesan.

[You know where you are now, don’t you?]

“Yes.”

Taesan stood on the boundary between mortality and what lay beyond.

[Until now, I thought you weren’t ready, so I left you alone... but now, they may start approaching you in earnest.]

Taesan realized what the Demon God was implying.

The masters of black magic. The demons.

They intended to approach Taesan.

[I have no intention of interfering. Everything is your choice.]

“Understood.”

Taesan nodded.

The Demon God laughed pleasantly and vanished into the darkness.

[Special Continuous Action Skill: Return as Darkness]

[Proficiency: 1%]

[Restores a portion of the magical energy (magi) consumed while using black magic.]

This skill returned some of the magic energy consumed when using black magic. Magic energy was more taxing to use than mana and harder to replenish. Though minor, this skill was helpful in reducing its consumption.

Apostle Transformation also underwent significant changes. Its duration increased from two hours to three, and magi consumption during activation was halved.

After reading the descriptions of the two intermediate black magic spells, they seemed quite useful. He planned to test their actual effectiveness in battle.

“Phew.”

Finally, everything was organized.

It felt like the longest time he had spent reviewing skills since entering the Labyrinth. What Taesan had accomplished was significant.

Instead of standing up, Taesan spoke.

“Come out.”

“You noticed?”

A frivolous red-haired man appeared from thin air, smiling awkwardly.

“I tried my best to hide.”

“I knew from the moment you snuck in.”

While Taesan had been reviewing his skills, Ambracia had hidden himself and entered the room. Taesan had considered attacking but decided against it since there was no hostility.

“Is that so?”

Ambracia scratched his head.

Despite putting all his effort into hiding, Taesan had known from the beginning. This signified the gap between them.

“Wow… so much has changed.”

Ambracia was the first to meet Taesan.

Back then, Ambracia had casually blocked his attacks and thrown him aside without much effort. It wasn’t long ago.

Yet now, their positions had reversed so quickly. Ambracia chuckled bitterly.

“I’ve never felt this way before, but you feel like a wall.”

“What do you want?”

Taesan gripped his sword. Ambracia stepped back.

“I don’t intend to fight you. Unlike those who died at your hands, I don’t have a death wish.”

Some had outright refused to engage in combat with Taesan and chose to hide. Ambracia was one of them.

“Then why are you here?”

“I was curious about the outcome of the battles.”

[Boredom and curiosity, I suppose. Well, you were always the most curious of the Guides. You were also the most adventurous among them.]

The ghost spoke. Ambracia looked at the ghost with a conflicted expression.

“Ghost… well, I don’t know what to say.”

[I hold no grudges against you, so let’s leave it at that.]

The ghost spoke calmly. Ambracia scratched his cheek.

“Anyway, I don’t intend to fight you. But if you try to kill me, I will resist.”

Ambracia raised his hand.

In it was a small key.

Taesan stared at him expressionlessly. Ambracia swallowed quietly.

“Fine.”

Taesan lowered his sword.

“I don’t plan to waste my time.”

Taesan remembered how Ambracia had used a similar key to transport him from the lower floors to the 70th floor.

It meant the reverse was also possible.

If Ambracia had multiple similar items, defeating him could take an exceedingly long time. While Taesan was strong, he wasn’t yet at the level to swiftly subdue someone of Ambracia’s caliber who was determined to flee.

Starting a chase would likely consume too much time. Ambracia exhaled in relief.

“Thanks. Really.”

Ambracia had confidence in his ability to escape. But if Taesan truly pursued him to the end, he wouldn’t survive. The fact that Taesan was letting him go was something to be profoundly grateful for.

“It’s a stretch to call it a repayment… but I’ll give you some information.”

Ambracia increased the distance between them as he spoke.

“Most of the Guides have made the same choice as me. Those who decided to fight you are already dead. However, there are two Guides who have chosen a different path.”

[Who are they?]

The ghost asked. Ambracia answered.

“The Lion King and the Ashen Lady, Societ. Both are waiting for you deeper in the Labyrinth.”

“Just two, huh.”

Their numbers had significantly dwindled. Taesan felt a bit bored, but the ghost clearly did not.

[They haven't fled, Societ.]

“It didn’t seem like they ever planned to.”

Ambracia muttered. The ghost chuckled softly.

[Good. Very good.]

“Well then, goodbye.”

Ambracia raised the key.

“Let’s hope we never meet again.”

With those words, his body disappeared. He had used the key to move to another floor.

With just two more to defeat, no more Guides of Sin would block Taesan’s path.

This also meant the day the ghost’s wish would be fulfilled was approaching.

Taesan stepped forward. A previously ignored altar came into view, one he had overlooked while battling the Guides.

Clearing Maria’s trial. That was the quest for the 76th floor.

[You have discovered Maria's Altar.]

The Goddess of Choice, Maria.

It wasn’t their first meeting. As Taesan placed his hand on Maria’s Altar, a powerful presence began to descend upon the Labyrinth.

[It's good to see you, child.]

Maria’s presence filled the Labyrinth.

Facing the voice filled with a hint of laughter, Taesan replied.

“It’s been a while.”

[A while, you say. Not enough time has passed to justify those words. But it was a fruitful time nonetheless.]

Maria laughed.

[Watching your choices was delightful. You brought life to dull moments.]

“Do I need to pass Lady Maria’s trial?”

[Yes. For someone like you, I shall grant a trial.]

Maria’s power enveloped Taesan.

[Sub-quest initiated.]

[Maria wishes to test you as you stand before her Altar. If you accept, the trial will come to you. Overcome it, and you shall be rewarded.]

[Maria’s area of influence has diminished.]

[Maria offers you an enhanced trial.]

Taesan nodded.

[Sub-quest initiated.]

[A being of divine blood wishes to become an offering for the Emperor amidst despair. Assist his journey and allow him to choose for himself.]

[However, physical interference with the being of divine blood is forbidden.]

[Reward: Maria will determine your reward based on your performance.]