Leveling Up With Skills - Chapter 200: 45th Floor (1)
Taesan looked up at the sky.
The enormous rift in the sky was still there, but nothing emerged from it.
The gigantic, unidentified monster that had appeared in his past life was nowhere to be seen.
This was the end. Aphrodia’s trial had concluded.
However, Taesan hadn’t yet returned to the Labyrinth.
“What are you doing?”
“Nothing.”
Lee Taeyeon approached him and asked. Taesan responded calmly.
She gave a faint smile.
“People are making quite a commotion.”
“I figured they would.”
The power Taesan had displayed was entirely different from what he had shown before. It was only natural that people were confused and bewildered.
“And that includes me…”
Lee Taeyeon looked at him with a complicated expression.
She could tell that the power Taesan had displayed was similar to the power of the demons she had encountered in the Labyrinth.
“You’re not…”
“What do you think?”
Taesan spoke, causing her pupils to tremble greatly.
“I had a hunch, and it turns out I was right.”
She nodded quietly.
“Yes, that’s… what it was.”
She gave a sorrowful smile.
“Can I ask which number it is?”
“If I count, it’s the second.”
His previous life and this current life. Easy Mode and Solo Mode. Just twice.
“The second… and only that much.”
Lee Taeyeon laughed weakly.
“Well, thanks. Thanks to you, I survived.”
She sat down on the ground with a gloomy expression and hugged her knees.
“Honestly, that monster was supposed to be mine to defeat.”
Taesan had taken on two S-rank monsters, while she was supposed to handle an Apostle. That was how they had divided their responsibilities.
And Taesan, after defeating the two S-ranks, had come to assist Lee Taeyeon.
However, she had barely managed to launch an effective attack against the Apostle.
“I’m… a coward.”
She bit her lip.
The reason she couldn’t defeat the Apostle wasn’t just due to a lack of ability; there was a deeper issue.
She hadn’t taken any risks.
She tried to fight as safely as possible. Because of that, she couldn’t make the necessary moves and always hesitated. This undermined her power.
“I always try to push my responsibilities onto others. Honestly, I was so relieved when you arrived. I thought I wouldn’t have to fight the Apostle. I keep delaying rewards, failing to claim what should be mine, and only pursuing my own survival.”
She poured out what she had been holding deep inside.
“What if our roles had been reversed?”
If she had been in the weak Easy Mode, expected to receive protection, and Taesan had chosen Solo Mode, with more powerful and superior strength.
It would have been a perfect scenario.
In reality, Taesan had chosen Solo Mode, obtained the dark magic she couldn’t, and successfully defeated the Apostle. With proof of his strength, her emotions grew even darker.
“Everyone has high expectations of me, but I can’t meet them. Just look at you. You defeated a monster I thought I could never overcome without much trouble. What I’ve done seems meaningless. What’s my worth, anyway?”
She gave a bitter smile.
“Sorry… I guess this is confusing. I’m just rambling.”
“I’m not really confused. I already knew.”
“What?”
“That you were harboring these feelings.”
Taesan spoke nonchalantly.
“I’ve had the longest conversations with you. How could I not know?”
“Huh? Wh-what?”
“You might have thought you were hiding it, but it wasn’t something you could hide.”
Lee Taeyeon’s mind was weaker than the power she wielded.
The self-hatred she harbored deep inside. The pressure of expectations. The desire to let go of everything and run away, but not being able to.
But she couldn’t confide in anyone. Because she was stronger and more outstanding than anyone as a Solo Mode player. Everyone had high expectations of her.
She couldn’t tell Taesan either, for fear that he would be disappointed in her, or worse, that he would despise her as a Solo Mode player who was strong despite being in Easy Mode.
She tried to hide it by focusing on collecting flashy trinkets, as if to show that she was fine, that she had enough leisure to care about such things.
But those feelings had subtly shown through during her conversations with Taesan.
‘I understand now.’
Taesan realized why Lee Taeyeon had handed him the Ouroboros Meteorite.
She had been afraid.
Afraid of returning to the past repeatedly, of taking on Solo Mode again, and of meeting everyone’s expectations once more.
But she couldn’t choose Easy Mode either. Without her in Solo Mode, Earth would be destroyed. She wasn’t shameless enough to abandon everyone.
She wanted to run away.
But she couldn’t just let things go.
Under constant pressure, Lee Taeyeon had made her choice.
She chose Taesan, not herself.
Fearful of death, she entrusted the Ouroboros Meteorite to the one who could save the Earth.
Taesan looked at the bewildered Lee Taeyeon and smiled.
“I never thought I’d say something like this, but…”
In his previous life, he had no time to spare. Because of that, he hadn’t noticed her feelings, and even if he had, he probably wouldn’t have cared.
Even now, he couldn’t tell the current Lee Taeyeon. After all, she was receiving help from him, following his advice as they descended the Labyrinth. Since their starting points were different, his words wouldn’t resonate with her.
So these words could only be understood by the Lee Taeyeon standing before him now.
This Lee Taeyeon was an illusion, a fake created by the gods through temporal manipulation, but Taesan still wanted to say these words.
“You did well. You did enough. You led us this far. Without you, this would have been impossible.”
It wasn’t a lie. Taesan’s unbalanced stats were suitable for defeating a few monsters but weak against multiple foes. Without Lee Taeyeon, they would have perished long ago, or only a few of them would have survived.
“So have confidence. Don’t blame yourself.”
Lee Taeyeon stared blankly at him. She stammered as she asked,
“You don’t hate me? Even though I pushed the responsibility onto you?”
“Not really.”
Taesan shrugged. Lee Taeyeon let out a hollow laugh.
“Seriously… I was struggling on my own. Worrying alone, making decisions alone…”
She lowered her head and laughed. Finally, when she lifted her head, small tears were gathered in her eyes.
“Thank you, Taesan.”
With those words, the world began to distort.
When he came to his senses, he was back in the Labyrinth.
[Have you said all you wanted to say?]
Aphrodia asked quietly.
“Were you waiting?”
[I figured you’d have quite a bit to discuss with her. Seems I was right. Are you satisfied?]
“I’m not satisfied, but… it’s fine.”
There were many things he wanted to ask her. The origin of the Meteorite, which cycle she was on, and many other questions.
He hadn’t received answers to any of them yet.
[Secrets are valuable when hidden. Those who grasp omniscience fall into the boredom that leads to death.]
Aphrodia spoke leisurely.
[There must be things left unknown for life to remain interesting. Besides, it was difficult to sustain the time even after defeating the Apostle. Consider it a reward for what you’ve shown.]
“I appreciate it.”
[And this won’t be your only opportunity. You’ll meet again someday.]
Aphrodia was right. The gods could manipulate time itself.
That meant he could meet Lee Taeyeon again in the future.
Aphrodia laughed.
[It was very entertaining.]
Her voice was full of laughter.
[So that’s how it is. I like it.]
“Even you didn’t know?”
[I knew you went back in time and used the Ouroboros Meteorite, but I didn’t know what happened there.]
Aphrodia let out a pleasant laugh.
[Now I see. I understand why those guys were interested.]
The god’s gaze turned to Taesan.
[You’re special. So much so that even we are surprised.]
“Is that so.”
[First, I should give you a reward.]
The god’s power filled the room.
[You perfectly cleared my trial. You overcame your despair. So first, I’ll give you this.]
Aphrodia’s divine aura flowed into Taesan.
It settled within him, embedding itself in his being.
[Your special activation skill *Apostle Transformation: Rakiratas* has evolved into *Apostle Transformation: Fused Spiritual Force*.]
[He may not like it, but… that’s not my concern. I’ve strengthened your Apostle power. You can use it longer and stronger than before.]
“Thank you.”
Taesan bowed his head.
The Apostle Transformation was a skill that would be essential in future battles. With its duration extended, there was now a clear reason for undergoing the trial.
[And I’ll give you this as well.]
From Aphrodia’s fingertip, a small purple core merged into Taesan.
[You have acquired the special activation skill *Seed of Despair*.]
[It has taken root within you. When the time comes, it will bloom. You’ll likely be satisfied.]
Aphrodia didn’t stop there. She clenched her fist. When she opened it, there was a small arrowhead inside.
[You have acquired the *Arrowhead of Despair*.]
[*Arrowhead of Despair*]
[*An arrowhead formed from accumulated despair.*]
[*Attack Power +6*]
[*Imposes random status effects and mental checks on the target. If the target lacks sufficient mental strength and power, they will fail the check.*]
It looked like it could be attached to one of Taesan’s arrows.
The attack power was quite high, and the additional effects were useful. Taesan thought it was a reward fitting of a god as he stored the arrow.
[This should satisfy you.]
“Very much so. Thank you.”
He hadn’t expected Aphrodia to enhance the Apostle Transformation. Just that alone was far better than receiving dozens of pieces of equipment.
[I saw something good. I can afford to be this generous.]
Aphrodia’s voice was filled with satisfaction.
[Honestly, I was a bit flustered when my domain shrank significantly… but having seen something this interesting, I can accept it.]
She suddenly chuckled.
[The ancient monsters of the gods possess spiritual forces that mortals can’t approach. What you call an Apostle is a being that has barely stepped out of mortality. How amusing it is that a mere mortal could engage in a battle against such a being.]
She was likely referring to the Taesan from his previous life. Back then, he had fought an Apostle but had been defeated shortly afterward.
[It was fun, Kang Taesan. I now have something to boast about to the others. As a token of my appreciation… ask me one question. I’ll answer whatever you’re curious about.]
Aphrodia’s words brought several things to Taesan’s mind. Finally, he settled on one.
“Where did you get the Ouroboros Meteorite?”
The Ouroboros Meteorite, the item that turned back time.
Even the ghost didn’t know about it, so it must have been obtained from a deep, hidden place.
[So that’s what you’re asking.]
Aphrodia smiled faintly.
[You really are an extraordinary human. A human we deemed worthless obtained something we thought was beyond our reach. I’m honestly impressed by your potential.]
The human she referred to was likely Lee Taeyeon.
Aphrodia spoke.
[The 91st floor. The world swallowed by the serpent. You’ll find out when you get there.]
With those words, Aphrodia’s presence began to fade.
[Come to think of it.]
As if remembering something, Aphrodia spoke.
[Valencia. The madman who pursues the great spirit. You’ve taken on a quest from him, right?]
Taesan nodded.
[A madman is always unpredictable and uncontrollable. Keep that in mind.]
“I’m aware.”
With those final words, Aphrodia vanished.
Taesan stared blankly at the altar for a moment before sitting down.
Aphrodia’s words had raised a few questions, but they were not things he could resolve immediately. He would have to ask the gods directly.
For now, there were more pressing matters to attend to.
He had obtained and received many things by clearing the trial. He needed time to sort through each one.
First was the transformation of the Apostle skill.
[*Special Activation Skill: Apostle Transformation: Fused Spiritual Force*]
[*The power granted by the god of struggle and death for the first time since his birth. That power has been fused by another god. You can now wield part of the power held by the Apostles for 1 hour. This skill cannot be used again for one day after activation.*]
“Ooh.”
Taesan couldn’t help but be impressed.
The Apostle Transformation originally lasted only 20 minutes. This meant that he had to finish the battle within 20 minutes when facing opponents that required the transformation.
But now, the duration had been extended to an hour.
It meant he no longer had to fight under the pressure of time.
“Nice.”
[They really changed it. Aphrodia must have taken a liking to you.]
The ghost, who had been silent until now, spoke up.
Taesan quietly looked at him. The ghost spun around.
[Well… I have a rough idea of what happened and what brought about such a trial.]
The ghost spoke calmly.
[But I won’t ask first. Once everything is settled, if you feel like talking, tell me. I’ll wait.]
“Got it.”
The ghost must have had many questions.
Who was Lee Taeyeon? Was the information she provided about Solo Mode true? How had time become so twisted?
But he didn’t ask.
He was likely being considerate of Taesan. Taesan felt grateful in his heart as he checked what Aphrodia had given him.
He attached the arrowhead to his self-moving arrow.
[*Self-moving Arrow of Despair*]
[*An arrow that moves on its own to protect its master. It moves with self-awareness. It cannot go beyond a certain range.*]
[*Current Master: Kang Taesan*]
[*The user’s status is insufficient. Attack Power: 1*]
[*The Arrowhead of Despair is attached. Attack Power +60*]
[*Imposes status effects and mental checks on the target.*]
Now, three of his four arrows had enhanced attack power and effects. This would surely bring about a significant change in battles.
And then there was the skill he had received.
[*Special Activation Skill: Seed of Despair*]
[*Mana Cost: 50*]
[*Proficiency: 1%*]
[*Each time your enemies feel despair, the seed absorbs that emotion and grows. When the time is right, the seed will bloom.*]
“A growth-type skill, huh.”
It didn’t seem to have any immediate effect. He would likely need to descend further into the Labyrinth and raise its proficiency before it became useful.
He had now reviewed all the rewards Aphrodia had given him.
Next, it was time to check the skills he had acquired by clearing the trial.
[*Special Passive Skill: Mental Separation*]
[*Proficiency: 1%*]
[*You can observe, act, and think simultaneously on multiple fronts. The number of tasks you can manage is currently limited.*]
“A multitasking skill, huh.”
The description was straightforward. He tested it by moving each of his hands to perform different tasks simultaneously. It felt much easier than before, as if each hand had its own mind.
It was a useful skill to have.
[*Special Activation Skill: Spreading Cursed Branches*]
[*Proficiency: 1%*]
[*You materialize your spiritual force to spread cursed branches that devour the world. If your spiritual force is insufficient, the skill will activate at the cost of your life force.*]
“I can’t use this.”
Taesan immediately dismissed the skill.
Even using Twisted Spiritual Force Coordination was taxing. And this one explicitly stated that it consumed life force.
He would likely die before seeing any real benefit from it.
If he were to use it, it would have to be much later, perhaps after reaching the deep layers and gaining enough spiritual force.
By clearing the trial, the proficiency of his existing skills had also increased significantly. His Ability Sword, Irach Weaponry, and Magic proficiencies had risen meaningfully, and the details of many skills had changed.
[*Special Passive Skill: Battle Continuation*]
[*Proficiency: 80%*]
[*You can fight for an extended period without accumulating fatigue. The time you can fight at peak condition has greatly increased. The limit of your stamina no longer exists. You can move continuously.*]
Battle Continuation had reached 80%. The updated description was exactly as the skill stated.
He would no longer experience fatigue in battles, nor would he be hindered by reaching his limits. It was a small but certainly welcome improvement.
The proficiency of *Deflection* was also approaching 90%. It wouldn’t be long before it reached 100%.
The *Counter* skill had also changed.
[*Special Activation Skill: Counter*]
[*Mana Cost: 5*]
[*Proficiency: 60%*]
[*You retaliate against the enemy’s attack, dealing significant damage. You can counter attacks that normally can’t be countered, including projectiles.*]
Having frequently used this skill in various battles, he reached 60% proficiency faster than expected.
The updated effect allowed him to counter projectiles as well. According to his memory, if he countered an incoming arrow, he could send it back to the opponent with the same speed and force.
While useful on its own, it would become even more powerful when combined with the effects of his Ability Sword.
The *Continuous Attack* and *Strong Strike* skills had also been updated.
[*Special Activation Skill: Continuous Attack*]
[*Mana Cost: 3*]
[*Proficiency: 22%*]
[*Allows you to execute the next attack twice. The damage has slightly increased. It is not constrained by time or space.*]
[*Special Activation Skill: Strong Strike*]
[*Mana Cost: ?*]
[*Proficiency: 23%*]
[*Delivers a stronger blow with the next attack.*]
All the accumulated efforts had resulted in these changes. He had clearly grown stronger compared to before clearing the trial.
Satisfied, Taesan proceeded to the next floor.
He went to the room Valencia had indicated and retrieved the emotional core. Then he collected the hidden rewards and dealt with the boss.
Afterward, he ascended the floor and handed the core to Valencia.
“Y-yes! We’re almost there! Bring me more powerful emotions!”
Valencia exclaimed, his eyes wide with madness.
As Taesan brought him more emotions, Valencia seemed to be growing increasingly unhinged.
[You should be careful.]
“I know.”
Taesan replied and descended the floor again.
The rewards on the 44th floor were mostly related to dark magic. Since there was nothing for him to use, he offered them to the demon god.
[This should be enough for next time.]
Despite offering a significant amount of tributes, the demon god didn’t grant him a new skill. However, Taesan was actually looking forward to it. If this wasn’t enough, it meant the next skill would be truly exceptional.
Taesan arrived on the 45th floor.
[You’re already halfway there.]
Despite the divine trial in the middle, his progress was remarkably fast.
[45th Floor Quest Start.]
[Defeat the boss on the 45th floor and pass through.]
[Reward: Green Vine Root]
[Secret Reward: ???]
The monsters on the 45th floor were spirits drained of all emotions except helplessness.
Taesan advanced through the floor. First, he gathered the core that Valencia had indicated and then searched for the hidden room.
*Crack.*
He smashed through the traps and claimed the hidden room’s reward.
[*A Statue Made Entirely of Gems*]
[*Extremely valuable and precious. It would likely fetch a very high price in a shop.*]
After collecting the hidden room reward, Taesan didn’t leave immediately.
[You have activated Scout.]
The scouting skill swept through the room, but nothing unusual appeared.
“So it’s real.”
Lee Taeyeon had mentioned that there was a hidden room within the 45th floor’s hidden room. She said that it was concealed in a special way, making it undetectable by skills.
‘Let’s see.’
Recalling what she had said, Taesan examined the walls. He soon found a small blemish.
He pressed it with the tip of his sword.
*Click.*
A sound of something locking into place echoed from somewhere. Taesan continued inspecting the walls, searching for newly formed blemishes.
*Click.*
When he pressed it, another locking sound echoed.
After repeating the process more than five times, Taesan let out a dry laugh.
‘How did she even find this?’
It couldn’t be detected with scouting. It meant she had found each blemish purely through trial and error.
Though Lee Taeyeon was a coward, she excelled at discovering and exploiting loopholes and unconventional methods.
*Click.*
The final locking sound echoed. Then, a passageway slowly opened at the end of the hidden room.