Chapter 164: Forced Return (1)
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“Is this how the calculation ends?”
Due to the Immortal’s authority, the monsters and structure of the labyrinth floor had changed. However, since the floor itself was still the regular 36th floor, it seemed that he had received all the rewards upon clearing it.
“Not bad.”
If he hadn’t received the rewards, it might have been a different story, but since he got the clear rewards as usual, there was no issue.
Taesan scanned through the system windows one by one.
“My level has increased more than I expected.”
The monsters on the 36th floor originally couldn’t pose a challenge to Taesan, making it difficult to expect much growth even after clearing it. However, thanks to the Immortal’s trial, his level increased by three stages.
Taesan began by checking the clear rewards for the 36th floor.
A small spark of lightning flickered in his hand.
[Lightning Struck Old Tree]
[A lightning strike that hit an old tree has been materialized. Using it on a projectile may cause significant changes.]
“Not an old tree struck by lightning.”
It was the opposite. Taesan pondered the item while pulling out an arrow.
He brought the lightning struck old tree close to an arrow he had obtained by breaking through a trap. Then, the lightning engulfed the arrow with a crackling sound.
[Self-Aware Lightning Arrow]
[An arrow that moves on its own to protect its master. It moves with self-awareness but cannot go beyond a certain range.]
[Current Master: Kang Taesan]
[User’s level is insufficient. Attack power: 1]
[Contains the essence of a lightning struck old tree. Attack power + 50]
[Inflicts paralysis status on hit.]
“Oh?”
An additional 50 attack power. It was no small amount.
Additionally, although minor, the paralysis status increased the value of the arrow.
Taesan had a total of four arrows. They were useful but had minimal damage, making them of little help. Even against the Apostle, they had not been much assistance.
However, if he could acquire three more like this, they could become truly valuable.
[Bracelet Containing Fragment of a Core]
[Attack power + 35]
[Defense power + 6]
[A bracelet refined from something found in the deepest part of a planet.]
[Grants additional stats when fighting nature-related beings.]
It had high attack power and defense, with additional effects. Satisfied, Taesan checked the secret reward.
[Used ???]
[Obtained the Gauntlet of the Rough Grip]
[Gauntlet of the Rough Grip]
[Attack power + 5]
[Created by breaking a gauntlet that crushed everything. It still contains its power.]
[Sealed with mysterious power.]
“What the?”
The attack power was too low.
He expected it to be at least 70 or 80, but it was only 50, barely 20 more than the previous gauntlet he had obtained.
“Is it because of this?”
[Sealed with mysterious power.]
It seemed to be equipment that would gain additional abilities once the seal was released. Since there was no immediate way to confirm, he postponed it and equipped it.
He gained levels and obtained usable equipment. It was a more satisfying outcome than expected.
And the reward bestowed by the Immortal.
Unlike the rewards from gods so far, it was just stats.
[Power of the Hunchback who Pursued Twisted Mysteries. Your health increases by 800, mana by 200, and attack power by 80.]
“Simple.”
[Can’t be helped. The Immortal has no domain to grant power fitting to a domain. Still, not bad, right?]
800 health, 200 mana, and 80 attack power. Just by simple calculation, it was like equipping another weapon in terms of attack power. Considering that, it was quite valuable even as a skill.
And the staff.
[Withered Calamity Staff]
[Magic + 40]
[A staff that brought the world’s downfall through personal greed.]
[Increases magic by 1 every time you kill an opponent using this staff. However, attack power decreases by 1 and health by 10.]
“An evolving equipment.”
It had a whopping 40 magic. If it increased by 1 each time, depending on the conditions, it could reach hundreds.
It was undoubtedly good equipment. For a mage, finding better equipment than this would be difficult. However, due to the penalty, it was also equipment that could not be used easily.
“Is this the staff the Immortal used?”
The description matched.
Taesan stored the staff. Though he couldn’t use it immediately, it was too valuable to discard. He planned to request a blacksmith to modify it.
[Immortals are beings who have not become transcendent. Thus, there are various types. Some, like this time, will try to kill you, while others might be benevolent.]
“They have stronger personalities than the gods.”
Taesan looked at the end of the floor before leaving.
Immortal.
A being that could not become a god.
And the difference lay in whether they achieved the power fitting their status.
It was natural for him to think. Was he on the right path? Had he been building up until now, or not?
Taesan erased his thoughts and was about to descend the stairs.
“Uh.”
He stopped his steps.
A tremendous force was felt from the previous floor.
The force was calling Taesan.
“Finally.”
[Is it time already? This feels fast.]
The ghost grumbled. Taesan turned his steps from heading to the 37th floor towards the direction of the force.
It was a hidden room on the floor.
“You’re here?”
Lillith was waiting for Taesan there.
Her aura was more refined than the last time he saw her. She hadn’t grown stronger but seemed to have found a clue to ascend to a higher level.
“Your proficiency has increased, I see.”
“Thanks to you.”
Lillith smiled faintly.
“Since you don’t like idle talk, I’ll get straight to the point. The God of Magic has called for you.”
Her eyes sparkled.
“For intermediate magic.”
Taesan nodded.
He expected this. If the God of Magic had specifically called for him, there could be no other reason.
The ghost groaned, still skeptical.
[It’s too much… This guy is strong, but he’s not yet ready for intermediate magic.]
“Doesn’t the God of Magic have his reasons? He wouldn’t harm an adventurer.”
[That’s true, but…]
“So, what do I do?”
Taesan cut him off. From his perspective, it didn’t matter whether it was excessive or not; accepting any opportunity to grow stronger was the right answer.
Lillith pointed with a calm tone.
“Sit in front of the orbs.”
Where she pointed, small orbs were arranged at a certain angle.
“Close your eyes and pray. The God of Magic will call for you.”
Taesan sat in front of the orbs. Lillith hesitated before speaking.
“If possible… please tell the God of Magic that I’m always grateful.”
Taesan nodded and closed his eyes.
‘Prayer.’
Come to think of it, he had never prayed properly.
Even at the statue of the Forgotten Goddess, he had only assumed a praying posture to gain skills, and the prayer skill for the Demon God ended as soon as it activated.
It was the same in his previous life. He did not believe in gods.
If there were gods, why must we suffer like this? Why must we die like this? Such feelings dominated him.
The more he saw people die crying out to gods, the more resolute he became.
And it was still the same.
He still did not believe in gods.
But he could perform a formal prayer.
Taesan clasped his hands. Lillith swallowed hard.
Soon, the space opened.
An alien space tried to engulf Taesan.
[Special Quest Started]
[Return to Earth]
[The return begins immediately.]
[This quest cannot be refused.]
Taesan’s pupils dilated.
His body was being forcibly transferred. The alien space was being erased, and the appearance of Earth began to show.
[What the… at this timing?]
The ghost was appalled. Just as he was about to meet the God of Magic, a return to Earth. It could only be explained as a deliberate interference.
“Tsk.”
Taesan clicked his tongue.
From his experience, he knew he couldn’t stop a special quest that involved returning to Earth.
‘I’ll have to meet the God of Magic later.’
As the space of Earth was about to engulf him.
[How dare you.]
A voice, mixed with laughter and anger, was heard.
[There’s a limit to your tricks. Interrupting my meeting like this?]
With a chuckle, the space heading to Earth closed.
Taesan realized that the aura had changed and looked around.
Countless galaxies were visible.
It was like the view he saw through a telescope at the observatory when he was a child.
[Beautiful, isn’t it?]
Taesan turned his gaze toward the direction of the voice.
A young man stood there. Literally, his eyes shone like starlight. He spread his arms wide.
[I created this. How is it?]
“It’s beautiful.”
It wasn’t flattery. It truly was beautiful. The man smiled broadly.
[Thank you.]
The man snapped his fingers, and a leather chair appeared behind Taesan.
[It won’t be long, but let’s sit and talk.]
Taesan’s body was jittery, as if great forces were colliding within him.
The man sat in his chair. Taesan calmly leaned back in his own.
[You probably know, but I should still introduce myself.]
The man raised a finger. The starlight lingered there, then burst out like fireworks, scattering everywhere.
Taesan could feel it. The light contained the power of stars.
[I am the one who has been involved in the labyrinth’s design. The one who established and created magic in the labyrinth. The god who governs the realm of magic.]
The man smiled broadly.
[I am the God of Magic, Zervand.]
This was the fourth time Taesan had met a god directly.
The first was Maria, the Goddess of Choice. Her power was overwhelmingly strong but not oppressive. He could make choices with his own will.
Next was Lucifer, the Demon God. Her power was deep and encompassing, accepting her own but excluding others.
Then there was Rakiratas, the God of Battle and Death. He was simply strong, crushing everything.
And with Zervand, the God of Magic, Taesan felt no particular power.
Or rather, it was completely contained within himself. Sensing Taesan’s thoughts, Zervand grumbled.
[You’ve only met brute gods so far. A god should maintain dignity and respect mortals. Summoning abruptly, making sudden proposals, what’s that all about?]
“Is that so.”
He seemed to have a different nature from the gods Taesan had met so far. The God of Magic glanced at the ghost.
[Hello?]
[…Hello.]
[It’s a pity. I thought you might reach it someday. Even if not clearing, at least challenging.]
[It’s my mistake, and I accept it.]
[Really?]
Zervand’s starry eyes narrowed.
[Then what choice will you make?]
[…What do you mean?]
[It’s for later. You will have to choose one of three. Don’t make a mistake then.]
The ghost closed his mouth at the cryptic words.
Zervand turned his gaze back to Taesan.
[Let’s get to the point. Your purpose here is one, right?]
Taesan nodded.
Intermediate magic. He came here for that.
Zervand twisted his lips.
[I was going to give you a trial. And if you cleared it, I would grant you intermediate magic. But… some annoying entities interfered.]
The God of Magic snapped his fingers. Taesan’s jittery body stabilized slightly.
But the stability didn’t last long and started shaking again.
[Those rat-like entities. To pull such a stunt while you were heading to my domain from the labyrinth.]
The God of Magic laughed. It was a chilling laughter, filled with anger.
[How dare they interfere when I’m about to give a trial?]
A calm but wrathful aura spread out. The ghost swallowed hard.
[So, I’ll change the quest for a bit. Kang Taesan, this is a separate quest from intermediate magic.]
The God of Magic spoke.
[Return to Earth and crush the pride of those ancient gods who dared to interfere with our meeting. Destroy their creations. Then, I will reward you accordingly.]
[Sub-Quest Started]
[The God of Magic is furious at the ancient gods who interfered with your meeting. He wants you to crush their pride.]
[Reward: Determined by the God of Magic based on your performance.]