Chapter 269: The Spear and Shield of the Spirit King (3)

Taesan began to organize his rewards.

There was much to review—not only the rewards from defeating the King’s Spear and Shield but also the 60th-floor clear rewards, which he hadn’t checked yet.

First, his stat changes. Defeating the Spear and Shield had raised his level by five. Along with the effects of Soul Rank Enhancement and Craving for Victory, he saw a significant increase.

He decided to leave detailed reviews for later. His first priority was the skills.

*[Permanently Active Skill: Guardian’s Fortitude]*

*[The power of the protector of the king. Reduces all incoming damage by 20%. This skill activates after defense and defense skills are applied.]*

“Oh?”

A 20% reduction—an impressively high value. He finally understood why his attacks barely dealt three-digit damage to Hasan when he didn’t use Absolute Judgment.

“If I hadn’t had Absolute Judgment, this would’ve been a real struggle.”

There was indeed a reason he was called the King’s Shield.

Then, the skill he had obtained from the Spear.

*[Special Activation Skill: Guardian’s Barrier]*

*[Mana Consumption: 20]*

*[The power of the protector of the king. Creates a barrier to suppress opponents.]*

This was the flame barrier he had seen in battle. It seemed he had gained that ability.

Since Minerva had broken through it, it appeared that a strong enough opponent could shatter the barrier. Thus, it was only effective against those weaker than himself.

“This one’s so-so.”

It wasn’t a bad skill. If his opponent was weaker than Taesan, it could allow him to avoid battle entirely.

“No equipment… it seems.”

The armor Hasan wore, his sword, shield, and the peculiar power wielded by the Spear—none of these had dropped.

Though it was disappointing, it wasn’t unexpected. Equipment drop rates were notoriously low, especially for deep-level items. For Taesan, it was typical not to receive them.

However, he would soon claim such power through his own strength.

Next, Taesan moved on to check the 60th-floor rewards he hadn’t examined while battling the Spear and Shield.

*[You have reached the 60th floor. Title acquired: Seeker of the Depths.]*

*[You have perfectly cleared the 60th floor. Title acquired: One Who Beholds a New Domain.]*

*[You have perfectly cleared all floors up to the 60th floor. Title acquired: Feat of the Impossible.]*

*[You have reached the doorstep of the depths, a rare achievement in the labyrinth’s long history. The labyrinth honors your achievement and hopes you realize your desire.]*

*[Title acquired: One Who Has Reached the Entrance.]*

*[Special Activation Skill: Conversion acquired.]*

*[Title: Seeker of the Depths]*

*[Aims to venture deeper. Health +400, Strength +200, Attack Power +70, Defense +70]*

*[Title: One Who Beholds a New Domain]*

*[One who advances forward, with the impossible now in sight. Strength +200, Agility +200, Intelligence +200, Attack Power +70, Defense +70]*

The remaining two titles had similar effects. Though they were similar to titles gained upon reaching the 50th floor, the attribute increases were significantly higher.

These titles alone provided a substantial stat increase. The labyrinth granted generous rewards to those who succeeded, and titles were one of them.

“Status window.”

*[Kang Taesan]*

*[Level: 125]*

*[Shield: 4199/4199]*

*[Health: 53820/53820]*

*[Mana: 4280/4280]*

*[Magi: 659/659]*

*[Strength: 9651]*

*[Intelligence: 8361]*

*[Agility: 9115]*

*[Attack Power +3175]*

*[Defense +2022]*

*[Target is in optimal condition.]*

His health had finally surpassed Lee Taeyeon’s completely.

His attack power also exceeded 3000. Slowly but surely, he was catching up.

Additionally, he acquired a new skill, likely as a reward for reaching the 60th floor.

*[Special Activation Skill: Conversion]*

*[Mana Consumption: 1000]*

*[Allows adjustment of attack and defense values. The maximum adjustable value is the sum of attack and defense. This skill can only be used once per week, and values revert after an attack.]*

Taesan paused as he read the skill description.

He glanced at the ghost.

“This is what I think it is, right?”

[Though I don’t know exactly what you’re thinking, it’s probably close.]

The ghost replied.

[You can adjust your attack and defense stats as you wish. Given your current stats… you could increase your attack power to 5197. But your defense would drop to zero.]

“Heh.”

Taesan chuckled.

“They’re giving out skills like this?”

[You’re on the 60th floor, right at the entrance to the deep levels. It’s not strange to give you something like this.]

The ghost responded as if it were no big deal. Taesan tapped his wrist.

‘Conversion of attack and defense.’

The limit was the sum of his attack and defense.

It wasn’t without its restrictions. The mana cost was high at 1000, and it could only be used once a week.

Even though he could freely shift his stats, reducing his defense to zero was a significant drawback. Essentially, it was akin to applying Absolute Judgment on himself.

But for Taesan, it was a different story.

He had Absolute Nullification and Endurance.

“Hmm.”

Lee Taeyeon hadn’t mentioned a skill like this.

The reason was easy to guess. Conversion was likely not very useful to her. She didn’t have Absolute Nullification.

Moreover, her cautious nature probably didn’t see much value in trading defense for attack power.

It was likely she didn’t consider it important enough to mention to him.

But for Taesan, it was an exceptionally valuable skill. With a basic calculation, he could reach 5197 in attack power. Coupled with skills like Addition, Blade of Determination, and Strong Strike, he could potentially deal close to 40,000 damage without even using the golden sword.

And that wasn’t all.

‘With this, I might be able to obtain it more easily.’

The conversion of attack power.

The best part was that this was an activation skill, meaning the reset occurred with a single attack.

This feature could greatly aid in obtaining a certain skill.

Specifically, the Special Activation Skill, Multiplication.

He still had a long way to go. Considering the conditions for Multiplication, there were many skills he still needed.

But Conversion would allow him to acquire it faster than before.

Though it would still be a task for after the deep levels, he could now see the possibility. That alone was enough.

Next was the clear reward for the 60th floor.

*[Ankle Guards Blessed by an Unknown God]*

*[Strength +200]*

*[Agility +200]*

*[Intelligence +200]*

*[Defense +200]*

*[Movement Speed +5%]*

*[Remnant of an ancient, forgotten god. An ankle guard blessed for a faithful follower.]*

A useful piece of equipment that boosted all-around stats.

*[Soil of the Black Earth]*

*[Soil from a land shunned by sunlight, feared by all beings. It holds innate power, never having seen the light of day.]*

A material item. As Taesan considered taking it to Haphran, the ankle guard began to move.

Swoosh!

It twisted like a whip, scattering the soil. The soil touched the ankle guard, and its power slowly seeped into it.

*[Ankle Guards with a Killing Intent]*

*[An ankle guard that desires to kill all except its master. Crafted by a witch’s whim. There are still hidden attributes. It has absorbed Red Rose Thorns, Green Vine Roots, Cursed Leaves, and Black Earth Soil.]*

*[Attack Power +225]*

*[Defense +100]*

“Oh…”

Attack power increased by 100 and defense by 90. It was a satisfying improvement without needing to switch equipment.

The ankle guard had been crafted whimsically by a witch. And the Soil of the Black Earth was a reward from the 60th floor.

The fact that it absorbed such a reward without any issue meant that the witch’s power was considerable.

‘Is she an immortal?’

It piqued his curiosity.

Taesan finished checking his rewards. Minerva, who had been waiting quietly, raised her hand.

“Can I go back now?”

“Take a break. You’re near your limit, aren’t you?”

Minerva nodded.

The King’s Spear had been powerful. She hadn’t been able to conserve her strength and had expended most of her energy required for her descent.

It was time for her to return to recover.

“It’s unfortunate… but I accept it. They made their choice. And I made mine.”

Minerva stood up, dusting herself off.

“And their presence here means their master isn’t far behind?”

Taesan nodded.

The Spear and Shield were directly under the king’s command. There was nothing between them.

In other words, it was now the king’s turn.

“I wonder… what will happen.”

Minerva smiled.

“Still, I’m on your side. Good luck.”

With that, Minerva departed.

After gazing at the spot where she had been, Taesan moved toward the stairs and descended.

*[This is the entrance leading to the depths of the labyrinth.]*

*[You are approaching the Abyss. Those who claim the role of gatekeepers guard this place and will test those who approach.]*

*[61st Floor Quest Start.]*

*[Defeat the boss on the 61st floor and pass.]*

*[Reward: Emperor’s Ring.]*

*[Secret Reward: ???]*

Finally, he had reached this place.

“Not much further.”

Taesan continued his journey, heading deeper and deeper.

—

“You’ve lost.”

The Council of Sin. In the meeting room of the top echelon.

The light from two gems at the center of the table had faded. The fiery woman’s face twisted in rage.

“Unfortunate, isn’t it, madam?”

“Silence.”

Vishnu snapped at Ambresia, clenching her fist on the table.

Her Spear and Shield—her faithful companions who had been with her since she entered the labyrinth. They had vowed unbreakable loyalty, dedicating their lives to her.

Now, both were dead.

The flames wavered with her anger. The Archmage clicked his tongue.

“This was beyond even our expectations.”

The King’s Shield. They had given Hasan three pieces of deep-level equipment. Though they had requested them from the Demon, they hadn’t been certain she would allow it.

Thus, they had expected victory. Deep-level equipment held that kind of power.

They believed anyone who hadn’t reached that depth wouldn’t be able to overcome it.

But they had lost.

And the fight had ended far too quickly. It meant he was far stronger than they had anticipated.

“Now I understand why she laughed.”

The Demon had worn an odd smile when granting the deep-level equipment. They hadn’t understood it then, but they did now.

It was a sneer as if asking if that would really be enough.

The Lion King spoke.

“Regardless… he’s coming here. And we have no more cards to play.”

Now, it was their turn to act.

The one who had climbed from the very bottom was now at their doorstep.

“The one fortunate aspect is that we’re no longer stuck either.”

The 74th floor.

How many years had they invested in it? Some leaders had died trying to clear it.

But they had finally broken through.

Now, they too had the possibility of growth.

“But ideally, we should kill him before he arrives here.”

“Let it be me.”

Vishnu spoke fiercely, her flames dancing.

“I’ll go up and kill him.”

“Calm down, Spirit King. We have no say in this.”

The Lion King reminded her. In the end, the decision rested with the Demon. Without her judgment deeming Taesan a worthy opponent, they couldn’t even face him.

“For now… it’s time we move.”

The top echelon of the Guide of Sin. The most powerful mortals.

They had begun to move, targeting Taesan directly.