NOVEL WEB Chapter 21: Staet of Second Objective?
The Grimfang Revenant collapsed into a heap of dust and rattling bone fragments, the echo of its monstrous growl fading into silence.
Ethan stood there, chest heaving, every inch of his body burning with fatigue. Black ichor dripped from the blade of Warlord's Fang, hissing as it struck the rune-etched stones beneath his feet.
He rolled his aching shoulder, gave the sword a little twirl, and slid it back into the sheath strapped across his back with a satisfying click.
"At least I have to look cool… even though I'm dying inside."
Slow applause cut through the silent chamber.
—clap—clap—clap—
The Tower Master descended the staircase again, her violet robes whispering over the black marble steps. Her eyes glimmered in the dim glow of the floating violet crystals that lit the training hall.
"Well done, kid." Her voice was velvet and steel all at once. "I knew you'd pull it off."
Ethan lifted his eyes to her, sweat dripping from his hair onto the stone floor. "Does this mean… I'm officially a Dark Mage now?"
She lifted one perfectly arched brow. "Not quite."
Ethan deflated slightly. "Of course not."
The Tower Master's lips curled into a smirk. "You've impressed me. But there's just one more task left."
"Don't tell me…" Ethan began, already wincing.
"You must clear the Dungeon of the Lich."
Ethan's expression went blank.
Then he let out a strangled squeak. "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" His voice cracked, echoing around the vaulted ceiling. "I just fought a zombie knight on steroids, and now you want me to go poke a Lich in his own damn crypt?!"
Several robed mages up on the balconies snickered behind gloved hands, their eyes glittering like mischievous crows.
The Tower Master tilted her head slightly. "Is there a problem?"
"Yes! The problem is the part where I die!"
She glided closer, robes swirling like shadows. Up close, she smelled faintly of dark flowers and bitter incense. She reached out and lightly brushed a gloved finger under his chin, tilting his head up to meet her eyes.
"Oh… a man after all this time who wants to be a Dark Mage. How… interesting." Her voice dropped to a silky whisper. "But why… do I sense something else from you?"
Ethan froze, his eyes darting around wildly. "N-no. You must be imagining things."
Her lips curved into a dangerous smile. "Perhaps." She withdrew her touch, stepping back with regal grace. "Regardless… if you complete this last trial, you will earn your place as my disciple."
Ethan exhaled a ragged breath, fingers dragging through his sweat-soaked hair. "Yeah… I know. I'm on my way there… in a bit."
A soft ding echoed in his ears. The translucent system window popped up in front of his vision.
[LEVEL UP!]
[Current Level: 15]
[Stat Points Gained: +30]
[Hidden Item Acquired: Heart of the Grim Revenant]
[Item Type: Crafting Material]
[Description: A pulsing black core extracted from the Grimfang Revenant. Contains potent necrotic energy capable of enhancing Dark Magic or forging artifacts. Can be used to craft the "Deathshroud Pendant," granting:]
[+20% Resistance to Undead Magic]
[+15% Dark Magic potency]
[A passive aura that reduces aggro from Undead creatures]
Ethan blinked a few times. "Holy… Okay. This will help me in the future."
He scratched the back of his head, a faint grin creeping over his face. "And I know exactly where it'll help me."
Another message appeared:
[STAT POINTS AVAILABLE: 30]
Ethan gave a small chuckle. "Well… I'm definitely not saving these for retirement."
He quickly allocated:
[Agility: +10]
[Strength: +10]
[Intellect: +10]
[Updated Stats :]
[Strength: B-]
[Agility: B]
[Intellect: B]
[Endurance: C+]
[Charisma: B]
[Luck: B-]
Ethan clenched his fist experimentally. "Better. Maybe I'll survive more than five seconds in the Lich's dungeon now."
He looked back up at the Tower Master. "Well… thanks for the super chill undead sparring session."
She quirked an eyebrow. "Sarcasm does not suit you, Ethan Graves."
Ethan gave a quick, respectful bow. "I'll try not to get my organs turned into Lich confetti."
"You'd better not," she replied, folding her arms beneath her voluminous sleeves. "I have high expectations for you… Overlord."
Ethan froze for a second, eyes darting to her face. But she offered no further explanation.
Instead, she turned and swept away, leaving a trail of faint purple motes swirling in the air behind her.
Ethan's shoulders slumped. "I swear, every time I talk to her, I lose a year off my lifespan."
He sighed and waved his hand to open his map interface. The glowing grid expanded across his vision, pinpointing several markers.
A skull-shaped icon pulsed ominously to the north, labeled in crimson letters:
[Lich's Dungeon – The Undying Sovereign's Crypt]
[Level Requirement: 15+]
[Entry Condition: Solo Challenger Only]
Ethan dragged his palm down his face. "Solo. Of course it's solo."
He zoomed in on the marker. The route curved through a forest of twisted black trees called the Nightweave, notorious for shadow beasts and bandits.
"God… can't they put these things next to a nice tea shop or something?"
But his eyes hardened. He slammed his map window shut.
"No more whining. Let's get this done."
He strode toward the exit of the tower, his boot steps echoing off the polished black floor. As he passed, several mages peered at him from between their hoods, some whispering, others staring with newfound curiosity or grudging respect.
He shot them a grin. "Wish me luck, folks. I'm off to knock on a Lich's door and probably die."
One of the younger apprentices called out, "Don't let him turn you into a skeleton, Mister Ethan!"
Ethan waved without turning. "No promises, kid."
And with that, he pushed open the heavy obsidian doors, sunlight blinding him for a brief instant as he stepped out into the world again.
Wind rushed over his face, carrying the scent of pine, distant fire smoke, and the cold tang of stone.
He paused, staring north.
"Alright, you undead bastard. Let's see who ends up in the grave."
And with Warlord's Fang glinting at his side, Ethan Graves set off for the Lich's Dungeon.