Chapter 110 : The 23rd Floor. Wind Spirit, Kashpa (1)
“I refuse.”
He was the first to reject the apostle’s contract, and Pavsha immediately backed off. Given what had been known of Taesan’s exploits thus far, it wasn’t surprising he didn’t insist too much.
[Pavsha looks forward to your next meeting.]
I found myself humming…
As the darkness faded, the labyrinth revealed itself.
“He really just let me go.”
Of all the gods he had encountered, this one was the most straightforward. Taesan quickly checked the reward he had received.
“I saw a strange system window last time.”
The message that all skill proficiencies had increased seemed preposterous. Taesan reopened the system window.
[Your ‘Soul Ascension’ has been activated. The proficiency of all skills except ‘Soul Ascension’ has increased.]
“…Is this real?”
Taesan stared at the message dumbfounded before opening the skill window.
The system window’s information was accurate. The proficiency of all the skills he had increased.
“Wow.”
It was beyond imagination.
Not just one, but all skills. Every spell, passive skill, active skill, and even the seldom-used dark magic had seen a rise in proficiency.
Each skill’s proficiency had increased by about 2-3%. While this might seem trivial on an individual level, it was a remarkable development when considered collectively.
Taesan possessed around eighty skills. A quick calculation revealed that the total boost was nearly 200%.
“This is peculiar.”
It wasn’t that he didn’t understand. ‘Soul Ascension’ was a skill that siphoned off an opponent’s power. The entity he had defeated was none other than the soul of Mallesten, a mighty warrior who had ventured deep into the labyrinth, essentially a clone of his own body. So, it made sense if he thought he had stolen a bit of everything Mallesten possessed.
Yet, the extent of the increase was hard to believe.
This surge indeed enabled him to achieve 100% proficiency in several skills.
[Special Constant Activation Skill: Composer]
[Proficiency: 100%]
[This being’s psyche has reached death’s threshold.]
Calm. A skill he had held from the beginning had finally reached 100% proficiency. Upon reaching 100%, the lengthy description was shortened to a single line.
[Composer’s proficiency has reached 100%. ‘Composer’ has evolved into a special constant activation skill named ‘Mastery State’.]
[Special Constant Activation Skill: Mastery State]
[Proficiency: 1%]
[Unwavering mind. Unchanging will.]
The evolution of composure into Mastery State.
It was a skill that affected the psyche on a broad scale, ensuring that at its peak, one wouldn’t waver under any circumstances. While it didn’t directly impact combat, it was an incredibly vital skill.
[Special Constant Activation Skill: Death’s Line ]
[Proficiency: 100%]
[The ability to sense death’s brink. Activates in all crises.]
Death’s Line had also been simplified. However, it wasn’t as intriguing. A fantastic skill for detecting mortal danger, but since most of the trials Taesan faced were life-threatening, this skill offered him little advantage.
Even though its proficiency had reached 100%, it had yet to evolve. Death’s Line only evolved under specific conditions.
His field of vision was soon to reach 100%. The Airak martial arts skill, which had been frustratingly stagnant, also saw a 2% increase.
“I wish to undergo it once more.”
Given this rate of progression, he would have eagerly faced numerous trials. With a sense of regret, Taesan checked the remaining rewards.
[Proven One’s Dagger]
[Attack Power: +25]
[A reward bestowed by the God of Proof. An exceptionally distinguished piece of equipment.]
The attack power was an impressive 25. It was 10 points higher than the weapon he had been previously equipped with.
There was no reason not to equip it. And then, the skill.
[Special Constant Activation Skill: Proven One’s Soul Strike]
[You have triumphed over another version of yourself. When faced with death, your soul faces Pavsha’s Trial. This skill can only be used once.]
“Hm?”
Facing Pavsha’s Trial? It was a perplexing description.
“Do you know what this is?”
[Eh…]
The ghost, which had been zoning out, refocused.
[…I’m not sure about the trial, but the part about facing death, I understand. It’s often a skill that extends one’s lifespan.]
“A second life? Is that it?”
[It’s very likely, yes.]
In that case, it was an excellent skill. Attack nullification, resilience, and on top of that, Proven One’s Soul Strike. To kill Taesan, one would have to overcome numerous obstacles.
“Hmph.”
He had confirmed everything.
Taesan finished his inventory check and looked at the altar. The power he had felt was almost entirely gone, as if its purpose had been fulfilled.
“A god’s apostle.”
A contract where one’s soul remains bound to a god even after death.
The ghost spoke calmly.
“Clearing the labyrinth is near impossible, even for those with talent, luck, and skill. Some among those who lose hope, give up, or fear death accept the offer of a god.”
“Why?”
Their souls become bound to a god. Taesan saw no reason to accept such a deal. The ghost replied.
“Because one’s power remains intact.”
Taesan understood.
“So they don’t want to give up what they’ve built up?”
“When you die, you lose everything. But with the apostle’s contract, you can retain your sense of self even if you’re forever bound to a god. Which is more painful? I cannot decide for you. Malesten chose the latter.”
The ghost shrugged its shoulder-like part.
“It’s not a bad deal. But it’s not a good one either. Take your time to think about it. At least, I see no need to accept it.”
“I feel the same.”
At least for him, it wasn’t a good deal.
Taesan moved on.
He defeated the spirits he encountered and arrived at a secret room. He deactivated the traps and received his reward.
[Black Rune Necklace]
[Defense: +5]
[Magic: +3]
[Strength: +10]
[Intelligence: +10]
[A magical necklace. The power of the rune contained within is decently useful.]
Though it had lower attack power and no agility compared to the necklace he currently wore, all other stats were higher. It was worth switching, especially with the rare magic stat boost.
He then headed towards the boss room. The boss was an intermediate ice spirit.
It was stronger than the intermediate fire spirit but not strong enough to stop Taesan.
[You have defeated the Intermediate Ice Spirit of the labyrinth.]
[Your level has increased.]
[You have obtained an Icy Fragment.]
[Soul Ascension has been activated.]
The Icy Fragment, like the Spirit Gem, was a refining item. He checked the reward for the 22nd floor.
[Ironrock Momentum]
[A book containing the essence of Black Magic. It’s sold expensively at the store.]
A Black Magic item. It was said that when you offer a related item to the Demon God, you receive Black Magic in return. However, Taesan had no intentions of making an offer yet.
“I haven’t even fully mastered the Black Magic I’ve learned so far. There’s no need to learn more just yet.”
He knew the basic usage but didn’t know detailed damage assessments, affinities, or how to combine various skills. If he tried to learn more here, it could just complicate things.
He planned to sell it at the store if the price was right.
[??? was used.]
[Bracelet made from Dragon-Human’s skin]
[Defense: +30]
[Attack: +10]
[A bracelet made from the peeled skin of a Dragon-Human. The tough and sharp leather will protect its owner.]
Its defense was high. Additionally, it had an attack power of 10. Clearly, the equipment quality had significantly improved past the 20th floor.
Then, he proceeded to the 23rd floor.
[Starting the 23rd Floor Quest.]
[Defeat the boss of the 23rd floor and pass.]
[Reward: Snake Skin Belt]
[Secret Reward: ???]
At the entrance of the 23rd floor, Taesan showed the Ironrock Scripture to the store owner.
“How much is this worth?”
“A hundred thousand gold.”
The shop owner replied after taking a quick glance.
As expected, it was priced quite high, so Taesan sold it. The shop owner received it with a slightly nervous look.
“You’re not offering it to the Demon God?”
“There’s no need to right now.”
There was still a lot to buy at the shop. With basic items ranging from tens of thousands to a hundred thousand gold, it was always good to have more funds. Taesan thought it was better to have the gold than the unpredictable Black Magic.
“Objectively speaking, it’s probably better this way… It doesn’t really matter. Even if her space is narrow, she’s unlikely to be moved by such an item.”
The shop owner muttered as he bade Taesan farewell.
Taesan arrived on the 23rd floor.
The monster on the 23rd floor was a Wind Spirit. It moved without a tangible form, so one had to rely on senses to strike it.
While Lee Taeyeon had a tough time properly attacking it, Taesan could handle it directly with his highly refined sensory enhancement.
He moved forward four times and to the right five times. He arrived in an ordinary empty room.
This was the place the crazed spirit had mentioned.
[You have activated Reconnaissance.]
A single brick caught Taesan’s eye. He pressed it and headed towards the revealed passageway.
The deeper he went into the corridor, the stronger the scent of mold became, nearly unbearable to breathe halfway through.
[A human?]
A clear voice echoed, filled with evident surprise.
In a room resembling a tropical rainforest, a blue deer appeared.
[A Superior Wind Spirit of Mold, Kashpa, has appeared.]
“What brings a human here?”
“I’m here on a request from the White Spirit.”
Upon hearing Taesan’s words, Kashpa fell silent. After a moment of rustling his antlers, Kashpa spoke again.
[You must be referring to the deranged spirit. That pitiful being asked you to kill me.]
A heavy sigh followed.
[It’s broken. A twisted spirit lacking proper intelligence. Following its words will only lead to destruction.]
Kashpa raised his antlers.
[So, return from whence you came, human. Go back and complete your mission. That’s what you, as a human, should do.]
“Sorry, but this is my mission.”
Taesan drew his sword. The flames emanating from Calvert’s Artifact began to burn away the surrounding mold. Anger surged in Kashpa’s voice.
[You…]
[Kashpa activates the Deer that Walks the Wind Path.]
A sharp wind extinguished the flames.
[Despicable human! To think you would set fire to my domain for your petty ambitions, even after I showed mercy!]
“Mercy?”
Taesan chuckled.
“Mercy is mine to grant, not yours.”
[Human.]
With a steely tone, a gale ensued.
[Die.]
Wind blades surged towards him. Taesan swung his sword, the wind shattered and dispersed with a sharp sound.
“Hmm.”
As Taesan began to move swiftly, Kashpa directed blades of wind toward him. An invisible force struck the walls.
[You have activated Reconnaissance.]
With the skill activated, Taesan started to discern the approaching wind blades one by one. He stopped moving and, with graceful manipulation of his hands, evaded each blade.
[Human…]
Kashpa gritted his teeth. The wind blades were an invisible natural attack. No matter how keen one’s senses, they couldn’t be completely blocked, but Taesan defended against them as if they were visible.
[It seems you have the ability to defeat a golem created by a king. But if that’s all you’ve got, you cannot defeat me.]
Suddenly, the wind condensed and shot towards Taesan like a giant cannonball. Without a moment to spare, Taesan wrapped his arms around himself.
Arms!
[The first attack nullification has been activated.]
The wind exploded, violently shaking Taesan’s body. Using the nullification, Taesan quickly charged at Kashpa.
[Hmm!]
Kashpa, surprised by Taesan’s charge which seemed unaffected by his attack, flicked his antlers slightly. A wind barrier separated Taesan and Kashpa.
That sound!
Taesan swung his sword. The barrier shook violently but did not collapse.
‘Strong.’
[An impressive skill, but it’s still human-made.]
With a scoff, the air burst out. Taesan, having activated the reconnaissance skill, saw thousands, tens of thousands of wind needles aimed at him.
‘Is this the skill of a spirit?’
The skill activation window didn’t appear except for the first use. For activated skills, a pre-activation system window would pop up, allowing for preemptive response. However, this was utterly impossible with the spirit’s attack.
‘I wish to learn that too.’
Taesan smiled contentedly.
“I refuse.”
Taesan promptly declined the apostle’s contract. Pavsha withdrew without much fuss, understanding Taesan’s past actions, showing no excessive attachment.
[Pavsha looks forward to your next encounter.]
The darkness dissipated, revealing the labyrinth once again.
“He really just let me go.”
Among the gods he had encountered, Pavsha was the most straightforward. Taesan quickly checked his reward.
“I saw some strange system notifications.”
The claim that all skill proficiencies had increased was unbelievable. Taesan reopened the system window.
[Your Soul Ascension has been activated. The proficiency of all skills, excluding the Soul Skill [Soul Ascension], has increased.]
“It’s real.”
Taesan stared blankly at the sentence before opening his skill window.
The content of the system window was accurate. The proficiency of all his skills had increased.
“Incredible.”
Not just one or two but all skills. His magic, passive skills, activated skills, and even the black magic he hardly used had increased in proficiency.
The increase was about 2 to 3% per skill, which might seem minuscule individually but was astounding collectively.
With around eighty skills Taesan possessed, the simple math amounted to nearly a 200% increase overall.
“This is peculiar.”
It wasn’t incomprehensible. Soul Ascension was a skill that usurped another’s stature. The spirit he had defeated was that of Malesten, a strong warrior who had descended deep into the labyrinth, and essentially a clone of his body. So, it made sense if considered that he usurped a little of everything Malesten had.
Yet, the increase was beyond reasonable.
In fact, thanks to this increase, several skills had reached 100% proficiency.
[Calm]
[Proficiency: 100%]
[The mind of this being has reached the final precipice of mortality.]
Calm, a skill he had from the beginning, finally achieved 100% proficiency. Upon reaching full proficiency, its lengthy description was reduced to a single sentence.
[Calm’s proficiency has reached 100%. It has evolved into the special passive skill [Clear Mirror, Still Water].]
[Clear Mirror, Still Water] [Proficiency: 1%]
[An unwavering mind. An immutable will.]
The evolved skill of Calm. Clear Mirror, Still Water.
A skill that globally affected the psyche, ensuring unwavering steadiness in any situation. It didn’t directly impact combat, but it was crucially important.
[Death’s Edge]
[Proficiency: 100%]
[One can sense the approach of death. Activates in all crises.]
Death’s Edge too had simplified to a brief sentence. However, Taesan was not particularly moved. While it was a good skill for detecting the brink of death, most trials Taesan faced were life-threatening, rendering it less valuable to him.
It reached 100% proficiency but had not yet evolved. Death’s Edge only evolved under special conditions.
Sight Enhancement was also close to 100%. Even the Ira’s Weapon Technique, which seemed forever stagnant, had increased by 2%.
“I wish I could take it again.”
With such benefits, he’d willingly undergo the trial multiple times. Taesan felt a tinge of regret as he checked the rest of his rewards.
[The Dagger of the Proven]
[Attack Power +25]
[A reward from the God of Proof. Among the exceptional equipment.]
An impressive attack power of +25, ten more than the Transformative Weapon he currently wielded.
There was no reason not to equip it. And then there was the skill.
[The Soul of the Proven]
[You have defeated another version of yourself. Upon facing death, you will undergo Pavsha’s trial. This skill can only be used once.]
“Huh?”
A trial by Pavsha upon death. It was a confusing explanation.
“Do you know what this is?”
[Um…]
The ghost, previously lost in thought, snapped back to attention.
[I’m not sure about the trial… But the part about ‘upon facing death’ is clear. It often means a skill that extends life.]
“A second life? Is that it?”
[Most likely.]
If so, it was an excellent skill. Attack nullification, Endure, and now The Soul of the Proven. Overcoming Taesan would require navigating numerous obstacles.
“Ah.”
With that checked, Taesan concluded his review.
He looked back at the altar. The power that had been palpable was nearly gone, as if its purpose had been fulfilled.
“Apostles.”
The contract that binds the soul to a god even after death.
The ghost commented neutrally.
[The labyrinth’s clearance is nearly impossible even for those with talent, luck, and skill. Some who are broken or fear death accept the apostle’s offer.]
“Why?”
The soul would be tied to a god.
Taesan couldn’t see any reason to accept. The ghost explained,
[Because it allows them to retain their power completely.]
Taesan understood.
“So they don’t want to let go of what they’ve built up?”
[When you die, you lose everything. But with the apostle’s contract, even though you’re bound to a god forever, you can keep your identity. Which is more painful, I can’t say. Malesten chose the latter.]
The ghost shrugged.
[It’s not a bad story, but it’s not a good one either. So, take your time to think about it. At least, I see no need to accept.]
“Neither do I.”
At least for him, it wasn’t a good tale.
Taesan moved on.
He defeated the spirits he encountered and arrived at the room of secrets. He disarmed traps and collected rewards.
[Necklace of Black Runes]
[Defense +5]
[Magic +3]
[Strength +10]
[Intelligence +10]
[A magical necklace. The power contained within its runes is quite useful.]
It was less powerful in attack than the necklace he was wearing for his master and lacked agility, but the other stats, including a rare boost in magic, made it worthwhile to switch.
He then headed to the boss room. The boss was a mid-level ice spirit. Stronger than the mid-level fire spirit but not enough to stop Taesan.
[You have defeated the labyrinth’s mid-level ice spirit.]
[Your level has increased.]
[You have obtained an Ice Shard.]
[Soul Ascension has been activated.]
Ice Shard, like the Spirit Jewel, was an item for smelting. He checked the rewards of the 22nd floor.
[Dark Tome]
[A book containing the secrets of black magic. It sells for a high price in stores.]
A black magic item. The Demon God had said he would bestow black magic in exchange for items related to it. However, Taesan had no immediate plans to offer it.
‘I haven’t even mastered the black magic I’ve learned yet, no need to learn more right now.’
He knew the basic usage, but not the detailed damage calculations, compatibilities, or skill synergies. Learning more now could just confuse him further.
He planned to sell it if the price was good.
[You have used ???]
[Wrist Guard Made from Dragonkin Leather]
[Defense +30]
[Attack Power +10]
[A wrist guard made from the skin of a dragonkin. Its tough and sharp leather will protect its wearer.]
The defense was high, with an attack power bonus of 10. Past the 20th floor, the quality of equipment clearly improved.
And then he descended to the 23rd floor.
[23rd Floor Quest Start.]
[Defeat the boss of the 23rd floor and pass through.]
[Reward: Serpent Leather Belt] [Secret Reward: ???]
He showed the Dark Tome to the shopkeeper at the entrance of the 23rd floor.
“How much for this?”
“Ten thousand gold.”
The shopkeeper, after a brief look, replied.
Given its value as described, he sold it. The shopkeeper accepted it with a reluctant expression.
“Aren’t you offering it to the Demon God?”
“No need to do that right now.”
There was still much to buy in the store. With items costing tens to hundreds of thousands, it was better to have more money. Selling it was a better choice than keeping an unused black magic item.
“Looking at it coldly… it shouldn’t matter. Even if he’s petty, he wouldn’t be moved by such a thing.”
Muttering to himself, the shopkeeper saw Taesan off.
Taesan arrived on the 23rd floor.
The monsters here were wind spirits, moving without a solid form and requiring reliance on senses to strike.
Taeyeon had a hard time just landing a hit, but Taesan, with his high Sensory Enhancement proficiency, dealt with them easily.
He moved straight four times, then to the right five times, arriving at an ordinary-looking room.
This was the place the deranged spirit had mentioned.
[You have activated Scouting.]
A brick caught Taesan’s eye. Pressing it opened a pathway.
The deeper he went down the passageway, the denser the smell of vegetation became. Halfway through, it was almost suffocating.
[Human?]
A clear voice echoed, filled with astonishment.
A room resembling a tropical rainforest appeared, with a blue deer in view.
[The superior wind spirit of vegetation, Kashpa, has appeared.]
[What business does a human have here?]
“I was requested by the white spirit.”
Upon Taesan’s words, Kashpa fell silent. After shaking its horns momentarily, Kashpa spoke.
[You mean the deranged spirit. That lowly being has requested you to kill me.]
A deep sigh echoed.
[It has lost its way. A spirit twisted and devoid of proper consciousness. Following its words will lead you to ruin eventually.]
Kashpa raised its horns.
[So, return, human. Go back and complete your task. That is what you, as a human, should do.]
“Sorry, but my task is right here.”
Taesan drew his sword. The flame imbued in the artifact of Carver began to burn the surrounding greenery. Anger resonated in Kashpa’s voice.
[You…!]
[Kashpa activates Deer that Walks the Wind.]
Sharp winds blew from the blue deer, extinguishing the flames.
[You have been shown mercy you lowly creature, yet you dare to set fire to my land for your petty reasons!]
“Mercy?”
Taesan chuckled.
“That’s not for you to grant me.”
[Human.]
The voice hardened as the wind surged.
[Die.]
Blades of wind rushed at him. Taesan swung his sword. With a clang, the wind shattered.
“Hmm.”
Taesan moved swiftly, and Kashpa sent more blades of wind at him. Invisible forces pounded the walls.
[You have activated Scouting.]
With the skill activated, the incoming blades of wind began to become visible. Taesan stopped and gestured with his hands. Smoothly, he deflected each blade.
[Human…]
Kashpa gritted its teeth. Blades of wind were nature’s invisible assault. No matter how keen one’s senses, blocking them all was impossible, yet Taesan did as if he could see them.
[So, you’re at the level to defeat golems made by the King. But that alone won’t be enough to beat me.]
Suddenly, the wind gathered and shot towards Taesan like a massive cannon. The attack, without any delay, forced Taesan to wrap his arms around himself.
Boom!
[Your first absolute nullification is activated.]
The wind exploded, tossing Taesan around. Using nullification, he quickly closed the distance to Kashpa.
[Hmm!]
Surprised by Taesan’s approach, as if untouched, Kashpa shook its horns slightly. A barrier of wind separated Taesan from Kashpa.
Crash!
Taesan’s sword swung, causing the curtain to tremble but not break.
‘So sturdy.’
[A remarkable talent, but in the end, it’s merely human.]
With a scoff, the air burst forth. Upon activating Scouting, Taesan saw thousands, millions of wind needles shooting towards him.
‘Is this a spirit’s technique?’
The first time he used a skill, a system window appeared, but not after. For activated skills, a system window popped up before use, allowing for preemptive measures. However, for a spirit’s attack, this wasn’t possible.
‘I’d like to learn this too.’
Taesan laughed joyfully, eager to engage.