Leveling Up With Skills - Chapter 264: Special Activation Skill, Absolute Judgment (1)

Taesan was surprised.

“Are you giving me two?”

Of course, Taesan had accomplished not just any task.

He had met an Old God directly and emerged victorious; receiving significant rewards was expected.

But the value of mid-level black magic was immense, even taking that into account. Even Zervand, the God of Magic, had only given him one spell when Taesan had saved the Giant’s World.

Moreover, he had already received additional rewards for his victory over an Old God: the evolution of his Apostle Transformation and the enhancement of his ring. He hadn’t expected to receive another on top of that.

[I intended to give you just one. But as I said, they intervened.]

The demons.

Beings who embodied black magic itself.

[They’ve taken an interest in you. And it’s more like goodwill—a kind tinged with curiosity.]

The Demon God spoke with a displeased expression.

[They want to establish a relationship with you. Not through me, but through a direct contract where they can impart their power to you.]

“So that’s what you meant when you said it wasn’t bad news.”

Whatever it was, he had gained two mid-level black magic spells. This was undoubtedly an advantage. The Demon God nodded.

[One comes from me. The other is a reward given directly by the demons. Both of these spells are among the top-tier of mid-level black magic, so you won’t be disappointed.]

“Thank you.”

Taesan expressed his gratitude. He was satisfied. But the Demon God’s expression remained ambiguous.

[They will continue to take an interest in you. One day, they may approach you. I’ve warned them not to show hostility, but… they might want to test your power.]

The Demon God leaned back on her throne.

[Do as you wish. Show them your power or reject their approach.]

“I understand.”

It was Taesan’s choice entirely. There was no dilemma. He would act according to his will and desires.

[Now, it’s time for you to descend, isn’t it?]

“Yes. The labyrinth’s progress has been delayed for quite some time.”

Between the trials of gods and his returns, he had been constantly going back and forth. Consequently, his progress in the labyrinth itself had been quite slow.

[But before you go, let me tell you two things.]

The Demon God spoke slowly.

[On the 60th floor, they will be waiting for you.]

“You mean the Guide.”

[Yes. You just need to win, as always.]

Taesan nodded, and the Demon God continued.

[And soon, there will be interference within the labyrinth. You all will encounter each other.]

“The God of Fall, Essence?”

The Demon God’s eyebrow twitched at Taesan’s words.

[How did you… No, now that I think about it, of course, you would know.]

The Demon God knew Taesan had returned from the past. Thus, everything that had occurred in the labyrinth was part of Taesan’s experiences.

[Yes. He is preparing a party for his favored one. I don’t usually like orchestrating meetings this way, but… he’s quite the restless one.]

The Demon God grumbled. It seemed she didn’t hold the God of Fall in high regard.

[You’ll be informed of this soon enough, but I wanted to tell you in advance.]

“Thank you.”

The Demon God stared at Taesan intently.

[It’s best to make this clear.]

She said:

[If Essence approaches you and attempts anything, you may use my name.]

“…I’ll keep that in mind.”

[That’s all I had to say. Now, it’s time for you to proceed with your objective, Taesan.]

The Demon God waved her fingers with a smile.

[I look forward to our next meeting.]

As space inverted, Taesan returned to the labyrinth.

“It’s been a while.”

A small, familiar room surrounded by bricks now felt as comfortable as home.

Taesan sat on the floor.

It was time to organize what he had gained. He first looked at the ring.

[Ring Infused with Majesty and Blackness]

[Attack Power +750]

[A ring crafted by mixing the essence of a dragon’s claw and the flame of the Spirit King. Though immensely powerful, the conflicting forces within have created a will of its own. This will is unruly and recognizes nothing but its twin. Those who completely subdue it will gain new strength.]

The attack power had increased by 250.

A solid yet impactful boost. Even now, a value of 250 was substantial.

Next, Taesan opened the skill window.

The proficiency of *Twisted Spirit Coordination* was at 58%, with 60% in sight.

Perhaps because he had been frequently battling beings related to the Old Gods, its growth rate was overwhelmingly fast compared to other skills.

Other skills, including *Ability Sword*, *Small Ember*, and *Small Flame of Calamity*, had also seen significant proficiency gains.

Then there was the evolved Apostle Transformation.

[Special Activation Skill: Apostle Transformation [Darkness and Chaos]]

[The power granted by the God of Strife and Death for the first time since his birth. Infused with darkness, only chaos and blackness remain. For 2 hours, you gain a portion of the power held by a divine apostle. Magic power increases significantly, and partial control over black magic is acquired. This skill cannot be used again for a day after activation.]

The most noticeable change was the duration.

Originally one hour, it was now two hours. This meant he could use Apostle Transformation more flexibly.

And perhaps due to the Demon God’s influence, the total amount of magic power increased, and he gained control over black magic.

“Not bad.”

He had learned the proper application of black magic from the recent quest. Plus, he now had two more mid-level black magic spells.

Considering the power of black magic, it would be a substantial aid in combat.

Moreover, with the addition of divine essence, the power of Apostle Transformation itself had likely increased. It was a good outcome.

Then there was *Double Casting*, acquired after defeating Ilraine.

[Special Passive Skill: Double Casting]

[Proficiency: 1%]

[Allows you to use two skills simultaneously, consuming mana or magical energy and a separate essence. However, the speed of skill manifestation is significantly delayed.]

Double Casting. An S-rank magic-type opponent he had fought in his past life had used this skill.

It had taken the combined effort of him and Lee Taeyeon to defeat that creature. The relentless use of the Old God’s power had made Taesan prepare for death against that monster.

The “separate essence” mentioned in the description likely referred to the power of the Old Gods.

Taesan decided to test it.

[You have activated Frozen World.]

[You have activated Star Arrow.]

Crack!

Whizz!

Cold swept through the area as a Star Arrow formed in Taesan’s hand. Though the manifestation was almost simultaneous, it was noticeably slower than before.

Previously, magic would activate instantly, but now there was about a one-second delay. At Taesan’s current level, even one second was a significant difference.

“This won’t work like this. Then…”

[You have activated Decarabia’s Twisted Vegetation.]

A path manifested, and power began to surge. Before the black magic fully materialized, Taesan activated magic in succession.

[You have activated Star Arrow.]

[You have activated Frost Arrow.]

[You have activated Particle Diffusion.]

A multitude of spells materialized, and Taesan called power from the path. Roots tore through the labyrinth.

[It’s tricky, huh?]

“It feels like neither here nor there.”

It was possible to use magic while invoking black magic, but the delay was significant. At this stage, there was no advantage to using two powers consecutively.

[It must be a proficiency issue.]

It appeared to be a skill that was ineffective when proficiency was low. In other words, increasing proficiency might allow the simultaneous use of two skills without a delay.

Opportunities to raise that proficiency would soon come.

Until then, he decided to keep it sealed.

[Mid-level Black Magic: Naberius’s Golden Sword]

[Mana Cost: 30]

[Magi Cost: 150]

[Proficiency: 1%]

[Summons the golden sword that protects Naberius’s body. The summoned sword disappears after one use.]

The description was brief. Not unusual.

*Frozen World* and *Star Arrow* were similar. The stronger the skill, the shorter the explanation tended to be.

“That’s quite the Magi cost.”

150 was no joke. Taesan’s current Magi was about 600. Using this through a path would deplete it in one go.

But the power would likely justify the cost.

Mid-level black magic.

Taesan descended into the labyrinth, eager to test its full potential. The best way to understand its true power was to use it against a monster.

[Quest on the 59th floor initiated.]

[Defeat the boss of the 59th floor and pass through.]

[Reward: Echo of the Forerunner.]

[Secret Reward: ???]

The monster on the 59th floor had a humanoid form but with hands longer than its body covering its eyes, giving it an eerie atmosphere. Its body was covered in what looked like a hard shell.

[A cowardly, eyeless aberration has appeared.]

Taesan swung his sword as soon as he saw the monster.

Crunch.

[1,324 damage to the cowardly, eyeless aberration.]

“Hmm?”

Taesan’s brow furrowed.

It was tough.

Although he hadn’t used *Addition*, the damage was less than half of what he usually dealt. This monster was unique.

[A cowardly, eyeless aberration. Quite the peculiar monster.]

The spirit muttered. Taesan recalled something.

‘Come to think of it.’

Lee Taeyeon had mentioned this monster.

What had she said exactly?

Taesan’s memory sparked. He laughed.

“This is good. I didn’t expect to get it right away.”

[Get what?]

“I’ll explain later.”

First, it was time to test things out.

[You have activated Naberius’s Golden Sword.]

He used black magic without opening a path. A golden sword materialized above Taesan’s hand, layering over the one he was already holding.

Taesan’s eyebrow twitched.

The power emanating from the sword was immense.

The force equivalent to that used in *Star Arrow* was concentrated in this single blade.

Taesan swung the golden sword.

A sharp, golden slash was unleashed.

Screech!

The walls of the labyrinth were harshly scraped. With a loud noise, the aberration slowly collapsed.

[9,324 damage to the cowardly, eyeless aberration.]

“Ho?”

Taesan’s eyes sparkled with interest.

He had used the spell without even opening a path, yet the damage was substantial, comparable to a lethal strike.

“A black magic that focuses the power of a mid-level spell into a single sword strike.”

It wasn’t ideal for handling multiple opponents but was effective for creating opportunities in one-on-one situations.

‘And if it’s a sword strike…’

Taesan summoned the golden sword again. He swung it at a monster that was still staggering to its feet.

[You have activated Strong Strike.]

[12,547 damage to the cowardly, eyeless aberration.]

Crunch!

The monster that had been struggling to rise crumbled completely.

[You have defeated the cowardly, eyeless aberration.]

The damage had clearly increased. Taesan’s smile was one of satisfaction.

The golden sword allowed Taesan’s strikes to inflict attacks.

This meant it could be used in tandem with *Ability Sword*.

In essence, it allowed for a lethal strike in situations where the opponent couldn’t respond.

“A mid-level spell worthy of its name.”

Taesan nodded in satisfaction and checked the other black magic.

[Mid-level Black Magic: Amon’s Jet-Black Spike]

[Mana Cost: 40]

[Magi Cost: 170]

[Proficiency: 1%]

[Summons a jet-black spike created by Amon’s power. Though it holds the power to shatter a continent, its destructive capability seems to be tempered into a strong explosion.]

The description didn’t clarify its effects. Taesan proceeded to the next room and focused on an aberration that appeared.

[You have activated Amon’s Jet-Black Spike.]

A black spike materialized above Taesan’s hand.

He charged at the aberration, dodged its attacking limbs, and thrust the spike into its chest.

Boom!

The spike detonated.

The creature’s chest shattered into pieces, propelling it against the wall. The aberration, which had been trying to rise, collapsed completely.

[9,924 damage to the cowardly, eyeless aberration.]

“A spike that detonates on contact.”

Though it rendered one hand unusable while being held, its power made up for that.

And the instant detonation upon impact was an advantage. This level of force could shatter defenses and pierce through an opponent. Opening a path would only amplify this power.

Both black magic spells Taesan had gained were more advantageous for single-target combat than fighting groups. For Taesan, this was a good thing. All his previously acquired magic and black magic were more suited for handling groups.

Finally, there was:

[*Lemegeton*]

[A contract with demons. If you wish, and they agree, you can form direct contracts and wield black magic. For now, it is just a privilege and has no effect.]

The interest the demons had shown, as the Demon God mentioned, likely referred to this.

After examining the skills for a while, Taesan closed the system window. He wasn’t planning on engaging with the demons just yet.

“Now, it’s time.”

It was time to claim what he rightfully deserved.

Taesan finished off the staggering aberration and cleared the room.