Leveling Up With Skills - Chapter 285: 62nd Floor (2)

*[Kang Taesan [Solo]]:* So, how are things going?
*[Oliver Khan [Hard]]:* Everyone’s trying, but… it’s not easy.

After Taesan shared details about the skills with the leaders of each nation, they spread the methods for acquiring those skills among the players.

Skills like *Breathless Attack*, which allows momentary movement ignoring respiration, and *Unyielding Will*, enabling continued combat despite injuries, held immense value. Many players worked hard to acquire them.

But it was no simple task.

—

*[Ichijo Eika [Hard]]:* We’ve barely learned any of them.
*[Oliver Khan [Hard]]:* Same here. There are rumors that a handful have succeeded, but the numbers are minuscule. The supposed “might” of the U.S. players is no joke.

Taesan, unsurprised, observed the community calmly.

From the start, skills like *Breathless Attack* were only obtainable by an extreme minority. Even for those who had survived death-defying situations, actively choosing to risk death was an entirely different challenge.

—

*[Amelia Aerin [Solo]]:* …I’ve learned it.

Amelia chimed in. Taesan chuckled.

—

*[Kang Taesan [Solo]]:* Really? Quick as always, Amelia.
*[Amelia Aerin [Solo]]:* Shut up.

Her brief message betrayed emotions she couldn’t completely hide. Taesan was starting to understand how to deal with her.

—

*[Kang Taesan [Solo]]:* Descending the labyrinth as fast as possible is good, but understanding it fully is more important. Once you go down, you might miss opportunities you can only find in each floor. Make sure to get everything before moving forward.
*[Amelia Aerin [Solo]]:* Got it. …Thanks.

—

*[Kang Junhyeok [Solo]]:* Hey, hyung. I’ve got a question. Are there other skills that transform when combined with Ability Sword, like the ones you mentioned?
*[Kang Taesan [Solo]]:* Yeah. Leap and Landing also evolve.

—

As Taesan shared information, Lee Taeyeon joined the conversation to ask questions about the Solo mode and skills. Toward the end of the discussion, Amelia, who had been listening quietly, asked,

—

*[Amelia Aerin [Solo]]:* How far down have you gone?
*[Kang Taesan [Solo]]:* 62nd floor.
*[Amelia Aerin [Solo]]:* …You’re almost at the abyss?
*[Kang Junhyeok [Solo]]:* Whoa…
*[Lee Taeyeon [Solo]]:* That’s insane.
*[Geum Jung-geun [Hard]]:* Wait. Hyung, when did you even get that far?

The community briefly erupted with activity before Taesan gave a vague reply and closed the interface.

—

“This pace might become a problem.”

Taesan realized he was progressing too quickly.

At this rate, he might clear the labyrinth before Lee Taeyeon or others even reached the abyss.

It wasn’t an immediate concern—there was no telling how long the deeper floors would take. But it was wise to prepare in advance.

Taesan moved forward.

—

Passing through a narrow path flanked by walls, he came across a fork with numerous branching paths.

“As expected, the 60s floors are unique.”

The quest on the 62nd floor differed from other floors:
“Conquer the maze and defeat its master.”

As stated, the 62nd floor was a maze.

—

*[You have activated Leraje’s Domain Detection.]*

Magi coursed through the narrow paths, relaying information about the maze to Taesan.

Countless paths split into dozens, which then fragmented into hundreds more.

Taesan identified blocked paths and moved forward.

He had been tackling the maze for two days now.

—

“It’s ridiculously vast.”

He wasn’t moving slowly. Despite no enemies appearing, requiring only reconnaissance and domain detection to find paths, the destination remained out of sight.

Another fork with dozens of paths appeared before him.

—

*[You have activated Reconnaissance.]*

*[Blocked Path.]*
*[Blocked Path.]*
*[Potentially Blocked Path.]*
*[Unblocked Path.]*
*[Blocked Path.]*

The labyrinth seemed to restrict the information provided by Reconnaissance. Combining it with Leraje’s Domain Detection, Taesan systematically found the passageways.

—

*[Reconnaissance proficiency increased by 1%.]*
*[Leraje’s Domain Detection proficiency increased by 1%.]*

“Not bad.”

Proficiency gains, especially for Reconnaissance, had stagnated for a while. The 61st floor tested overall combat prowess, while the 62nd seemed to assess insight, reconnaissance, and perception.

—

*[Deep layers require diverse abilities. Even I, who never reached the 80s, could tell. The 60s are all about understanding those abilities,]* the ghost explained.
*[Not every floor in the 60s is like this, but plenty are unique.]*

—

*[You have activated Leraje’s Domain Detection.]*

Taesan read the paths, ruling out dead ends and narrowing possibilities step by step. Reconnaissance proficiency steadily rose.

—

*[Reconnaissance proficiency increased by 1%.]*

*[Special Active Skill: Reconnaissance]*
– *Proficiency:* 60%
– *Description:* An evolved form of Insight. Provides extensive information about targets.

As proficiency increased, the description evolved to indicate more detailed information.

—

*[You have activated Reconnaissance.]*

*[Blocked Path.]*
*[Blocked Path.]*
*[Blocked Path.]*
*[Path Leading to the Passageway.]*

“Got it.”

Taesan headed toward the passageway.

—

The ghost murmured in admiration, *[So, Reconnaissance is already at 60%.]*

Even the ghost, who had evolved Insight into Reconnaissance, never surpassed 50% proficiency. Taesan’s speed, even accounting for his point investments, was remarkable.

Few explored the labyrinth as thoroughly and methodically as Taesan.

Skill proficiency wasn’t merely about frequent use but also efficient and effective application. In that sense, Taesan’s pace was natural.

—

Taesan advanced through the maze with ease. Using Reconnaissance, he located a secret room, earning a staff for black magic, which he planned to offer to the Demon God. Afterward, he pressed on.

‘Even if I end up in the Infinite Maze, I should have no trouble escaping.’

The ghost recalled a deep-layer floor he had barely conquered before his death.

Before long, Taesan arrived at the passageway.

—

*[You have encountered the master of the maze.]*

A minotaur-like beast awaited, roaring ferociously. Taesan drew his sword and charged.

—

“Roar!”

The minotaur swung its axe with both hands as it ran toward Taesan.

Taesan parried the blow with his sword, sending the massive beast flying. He closed the distance, deflected the axe, and pierced the monster’s chest.

“Roar!”

Even on the 60s floors, ordinary labyrinth monsters posed no challenge to Taesan. The beast lasted only a few minutes before collapsing.

—

*[Your level has increased.]*
*[Your Soul Rank Enhancement has activated.]*
*[You have cleared the 62nd floor.]*
*[You have acquired Athena’s Crimson Bracelet.]*
*[You have acquired ???.]*

—

*[Athena’s Crimson Bracelet]*
– Strength +200
– Attack Power +120
– Defense +200
*A bracelet worn by the Goddess of War during her descent to the mortal realm. Contains a faint divine blessing.*

A powerful piece of equipment with excellent stats.

—

*[??? was used.]*
*[You have acquired the Pure Magic Grimoire.]*

*[Pure Magic Grimoire]*
– *Magic +50*
– *Mana +2500*
– *Intelligence +70*
*Magic in its purest form, shaped into a grimoire. It contains an unfathomable amount of magic.*

—

“Oh.”

It was excellent equipment, particularly ideal for an offering.

Taesan ascended to the 61st floor. Having cleared the 62nd floor, the maze had disappeared, leaving behind a wide open space.

Waiting there were Beldenkia and an awkwardly fidgeting Lilith.

—

“Ah, Taesan!”

“Hmm? Do you know him?”

Seeing Lilith light up at Taesan’s appearance, Beldenkia inquired. Taesan answered,

“We’ve been helping each other while descending the labyrinth.”

“…Ah, so it’s one of those contracts? I was wondering how someone this weak got this far, but now it makes sense.”

Having learned the context, Beldenkia showed little interest in Lilith. However, Lilith’s eyes sparkled as she looked at Beldenkia.

—

“Wow…”

“What are you doing?”

“He’s a mage who’s learned intermediate magic and descended into the abyss! He’s someone I look up to!”

Lilith grinned with satisfaction.

“I knew forming a contract with you was the right choice.”

“Good for you. Then handle this for me.”

Taesan handed her the staff and grimoire. Lilith eagerly accepted and prepared the offerings.

She closed her eyes and prayed. The God of Magic accepted the offerings.

—

From a distance, Beldenkia’s eyes glimmered with intrigue.

A moment later, Lilith opened her eyes.

“These are significant offerings… With just one more item of this caliber, I’ll be able to learn intermediate magic.”

Taesan nodded. As he prepared to descend further into the labyrinth, Beldenkia spoke to him.

—

“So that’s how you learned intermediate magic? By having her create the pathway for you?”

“Yes.”

“Indeed. The God of Magic is merciful to those who believe. It seems she holds such faith…”

Beldenkia’s gaze at Lilith was filled with curiosity. He approached her and struck up a conversation. Lilith, flustered, hesitantly replied.

At least they didn’t seem to be forming a hostile relationship. Taesan descended the labyrinth again.

—

*[63rd Floor Quest Begins.]*
– Defeat the boss of the 63rd floor.
– *Reward:* Magubania’s Crimson Shoes.
– *Secret Reward:* ???

The 63rd floor was straightforward, unlike previous ones. Other than being larger, it resembled a standard labyrinth.

The monsters were massive crimson crows, whose attacks involved scattering feathers to obscure vision and pecking with their beaks.

—

*Thud.*

The battles were not difficult, allowing Taesan to advance.

Eventually, he discovered an altar.

*[You have discovered the Altar of Arrogance.]*

—

Arrogance. It was a familiar name, belonging to the god who had tested Taesan on the 8th floor.

The God of Trials, Arrogance.

The altar exuded a welcoming power toward Taesan.

“So we meet again.”

—

*[Have you teleported here? It’s rare for altars to change locations,]* the ghost murmured.

As Taesan approached the altar, a system prompt appeared.

—

*[Sub-Quest Begins.]*
– Arrogance wishes to test you for approaching his altar.
– Accepting will initiate a trial. Success will bring rewards.

*[Reward: Determined by Arrogance based on your performance.]*

—

The system was familiar.

Taesan nodded.

—

*[Sub-Quest Begins.]*
*[Arrogance prepares for your trial.]*

—

Feeling the descent of a colossal power, Taesan thought, *What will it be this time?*

Arrogance was a god of trials. His previous trial had tested Taesan’s strength.

He prepared, expecting something similar.

—

*Boom!*

*[Labyrinth Transformation Initiated.]*
*[A massive will overturns the labyrinth.]*

—

The labyrinth trembled. Taesan crouched low as if bracing for an earthquake.

*This…*

The labyrinth was being turned upside down.

*Crack!*

As if buildings were collapsing, everything broke apart and crumbled. Taesan lowered his stance further to maintain his balance.

Eventually, the chaos subsided, and Taesan raised his head.

The labyrinth’s scenery had changed entirely.

The bricks had vanished, leaving behind a space filled with viscous black slime. The floor was coated with the same substance.

Taesan pressed his foot down.

*Squish.*

The slime made an unpleasant sound and resisted with a strong repelling force, pushing Taesan’s foot back.

“Movement will be tough.”

Taesan inhaled deeply. Even the air had changed, becoming oppressive and damp.

*This is different.*

He had experienced transformations in the labyrinth during the trial of Baltazahar, the God of Victory.

But Baltazahar’s changes had merely restructured the labyrinth’s floors. This was something else entirely.

“This isn’t the 63rd floor.”

*[Uh… don’t tell me…]*

The ghost’s voice trailed off, filled with disbelief.

*[I didn’t expect this…]*

“Where are we?”

Taesan pressed against the wall, which squelched unsettlingly. Observing the movements, he murmured, “It’s like being inside a living organism.”

—

*[Exactly.]*

“What?”

*[I’ve heard of this but never seen it myself. It’s said to have vanished…]*

“What is this place?”

*[The Previous Layer.]*

Taesan froze.

The ghost chuckled, albeit with exasperation.

*[Of all things, they brought this. Gods really are something else.]*

“Explain in detail.”

*[It’s exactly as it sounds. You know I was delving into the abyss, right? From the abyss onward, each floor becomes uniquely distinct, clearly defined.]*

The ghost spoke with certainty.

*[This is the Previous Layer. It’s part of the abyss.]*