Leveling Up With Skills - Chapter 289: The Previous Abyss Layer. The Giant King’s Flesh (4)

[The first thing I wanted to confirm was your strength.]

Arrogance cast a peculiar gaze at Taesan.

[The other gods were making such a fuss, so I wanted to see if you truly possessed such power. When you cleared my trial on the lower floors, your strength was exceptional, but there have been others like that from time to time.]

Those who had been powerful outside.

Individuals who had reached the peak in their original worlds could descend to the 20th or 30th floor of the labyrinth without much trouble. The critical question was what happened after that.

As they approached the Abyss, nearing the limits of what mortals could achieve, did they still possess power beyond the floor they stood upon?

[That’s why I summoned an unused space to impose this trial upon you.]

“Did you find the answer you were seeking?”

[More than enough.]

Arrogance smirked.

[I thought you’d clear it, but I didn’t expect you to do so this easily.]

His tone carried a mix of awe and disbelief, unusual for a transcendent being, as though even he had underestimated Taesan.

[Your strength now stands as one of the most overwhelming in the labyrinth’s long history. No one else has ever attained the power to reach the Abyss from the 60th floor.]

Arrogance’s eyes gleamed.

[And the nature of your strength is peculiar. For a mortal who hasn’t even reached the threshold of transcendence to wield such power… It’s clear why they’re so interested in you.]

Arrogance muttered quietly.

[You surpass any mortal I’ve encountered.]

“Thank you for your kind words.”

[Don’t die and keep descending. You might reach places no one else ever has.]

Clapping his hands, Arrogance continued.

[The other reason I summoned you was to offer a contract of apostleship. But you’re not going to accept, are you?]

“No.”

Taesan nodded. Arrogance, unsurprised, spoke casually.

[If you were still at the beginner levels of the labyrinth, maybe. But now? There’s no reason for you to accept such a contract. It would only be a loss for both you and us.]

Taesan observed Arrogance silently.

He was sharing a great deal of information, even details Taesan had not previously known. While it was beneficial, it was unusual considering how gods typically restricted information.

Sensing Taesan’s reaction, Arrogance explained.

[You’re standing on the doorstep of the Abyss. Withholding information now serves no purpose.]

“What exactly is the Abyss?”

Taesan’s curiosity was evident.

He had heard bits and pieces from the ghost and Lee Taeyeon but still lacked a full understanding. All he knew was that it was incredibly difficult and strange.

Arrogance answered.

[The second reason we gods inhabit the labyrinth.]

“The second reason…”

[Some settled here to witness the adventures and challenges of warriors, heroes, and magicians. But do you think that alone explains why so many gods abandoned their worlds to dwell in this labyrinth?]

[You’ll understand once you reach the Abyss. Let’s save that revelation as a future surprise.]

Arrogance grinned.

[Well then, it’s been fun.]

He waved his hand, and his power began to envelop Taesan.

[You have obtained the Ring of the Triumphant.]
[You have earned the title: [One Who Has Proven Their Strength].]
[Farewell. Let’s meet again in the deeper depths.]

Arrogance waved as Taesan’s body began to return to the labyrinth.

[Oh, one last thing.]

Arrogance’s voice echoed.

[I’m quite close to the Demon God. She told me something interesting. Soon, those who call themselves ‘Guides’ will come seeking you.]

With those final words, Taesan was returned to the labyrinth.

The labyrinth had returned to the 63rd floor, not the Giant King’s body.

Before him lay the stairs leading to the 64th floor.

Taesan sat down.

While the sudden transition to the Abyss layer had been surprising, it had resolved without major complications. The rewards had been abundant, making the experience worthwhile.

—

Equipment Rewards:

[Magubania’s Crimson Shoes]
– Attack: +10
– Defense: +300
– Strength: +300
– Agility: +300
– Action Speed: +14%
– Movement Speed: +14%
– *The crimson shoes worn by the apostle Magubania at their time of death.*

The equipment offered high attack and defense stats, along with bonuses to attributes. Though it lacked special effects, it was still exceptional.

[Orb of Dark Essence]
– Black Magic: +150
– Magi: +400
– Intelligence: +1000
– *An orb infused with the essence of darkness. Even the most steadfast black magicians risk corruption when wielding this artifact.*

A black magic item, perfect for intermediate-level black magic users.

[Remnant of a Meteor Staff]
– *A staff crafted from the remnants of a meteorite. An offering for advanced magic.*

Taesan’s eyes sparkled. This opened the possibility of learning another intermediate-level magic skill.

—

Trial Reward:

[Ring of the Triumphant]
– Attack: +20
– *A ring bestowed by the God of Trials upon those who overcome their challenges. Grants effects tailored to the wearer.*

Taesan smirked. Though the effect was simple, it perfectly aligned with his current priorities. Attack power was what he valued most.

—

Title:

[One Who Has Proven Their Strength]
– Health: +1000
– Mana: +300
– Magi: +70
– Attack: +10

*Bestowed by the God of Trials upon those who have demonstrated their abilities.*

Though the stat bonuses were modest, titles were permanent, unlike equipment, which could be replaced.

It was a fitting reward, all things considered.

Taesan was satisfied. His stats had all surpassed 10,000, and at this rate, he might surpass Lee Taeyeon’s stats by the 70th floor.

‘Now then.’

It was time to test things out.

The biggest change from clearing the trial was the concept skill. He needed to understand its precise effects and limitations.

Arrogance had mentioned that those who called themselves “Guides” would soon seek him out.

The remaining Guides were the leadership—a group who had reached the very edge of mortal limits. The time to confront them was drawing near.

Before that, Taesan needed to fully grasp and consolidate the power he had obtained.

He wandered around the 63rd floor. Since he had been transported to the Abyss layer mid-clear, the monsters were still present.

Although he couldn’t expect much from the monsters after already receiving the floor-clear rewards, his goal was experimentation, so it didn’t matter.

“Caw!”

A crimson crow spotted Taesan and charged at him. Taesan focused his mind on the crow.

Spreading his will, he exerted pressure on the crow. The charging crow flinched and shuddered.

“Caw! Caw!”

Even with its enemy in front of it, the crow writhed in agony, unable to decide what to do. Within its mind, two conflicting emotions clashed: the drive to kill Taesan and the urge to obey him.

“Caw…”

Eventually, the crow trembled and lowered its posture.

A monster of the labyrinth, tasked with killing adventurers, now displayed a gesture of submission.

Taesan observed the crow briefly before turning his gaze to his sword. He began concentrating his will on the blade.

As his will enveloped the sword, it slipped from his grasp and flew toward the crow.

Thunk.

“Caw!”

The sword pierced the crow’s chest. It screeched in pain, writhing violently before charging at Taesan.

“So that’s the limit.”

After subduing the charging crow, Taesan conducted several more experiments.

He confirmed the rough capabilities of his new power.

Projecting one’s will onto the world—this simple phrase held profound meaning. It allowed him to exert physical and mental influence on reality through sheer will.

The monsters on the 63rd floor submitted to him with just the pressure of his will.

He also successfully controlled his sword, piercing the crow purely with his mind.

If pushed to its absolute peak, this power might rival that of gods—capable of delivering death sentences with a mere thought.

It was not a power meant for mortals.

‘But its limits are clear.’

The crow that had submitted to him broke free of his control once it was impaled and in pain. This meant that extreme emotions or suffering could disrupt his domination.

His ability to manipulate physical reality with his will was also relatively weak. Anyone with skill or preparation could easily resist it—it was akin to arrows formed from his will.

But the most significant problem lay elsewhere.

Every time he projected his will, his head throbbed intensely, as though he was forcing himself to wield a power he wasn’t yet permitted to use.

Even someone as accustomed to pain as Taesan found it hard to ignore. It felt less like ordinary pain and more like a restriction—a penalty for using a power beyond his current limits.

Unless the circumstances were unusual, like with the centipede, it seemed difficult to use this ability meaningfully in combat for now.

—

Concept Skill: Will ??? Form
– Mastery: 62%
– *The power of will ??? descends. Synchronize with the will of all things, perceive it, and adjust it. Project your will onto the world. ??? has been obtained.*

—

Taesan looked at the description of his concept skill.

He had acquired it during his encounter with the General in Haphran’s ruined world.

“Maybe it’s time to visit there again.”

Coincidentally, he had also gathered some material items. Taesan began to move.

Returning to the 60th floor with a satisfied expression, he offered another tribute and acquired a new intermediate magic skill.

[Intermediate Magic: Earthquake]
– Mastery: 1%
– Mana Cost: 50
– *Collapses the earth. Currently has only localized effects.*

The skill could collapse the ground, though it was unlikely to be effective within the labyrinth. The labyrinth’s floors were impervious to damage unless the adventurer was at the Abyss level or higher.

However, for Taesan, who often ventured outside the labyrinth, this wasn’t an issue. Satisfied with the new spell, he headed toward Haphran.

—

“Ah, it’s been a while.”

Haphran was still there.

In a place lit by flickering flames, Haphran hammered away at an anvil, forging something.

“What brings you here this time?”

“I have something for you to craft.”

Taesan pulled out the materials.

[Remnants of the Giant King’s Heart]
– *Remains of the heart of one who once rivaled the gods. It holds immense power.*

[Blood of the Giant King]
– *Blood of one who once rivaled the gods. It holds immense power.*

“Hoh…”

Haphran’s eyes sparkled.

“These aren’t materials someone like you should be carrying. How did you acquire them?”

“I obtained them while clearing a trial. Can you make something from them?”

“Of course. What do you want?”

“A weapon I can control with my will.”

“With your will? I can make that. But I’ll warn you—it’s unlikely you’ll be able to wield it effectively right now.”

Haphran looked at Taesan skeptically.

“Influencing reality with pure will is something only those who’ve glimpsed the heights can do. Even with the help of equipment, it’s beyond most mortals.”

Haphran extended his hand.

“I’m a blacksmith, so I’ll make it if you insist… but I’d advise against it. If you’re sure, hand over the materials.”

Taesan didn’t hand them over physically. Instead, he focused his will.

“What the…?”

Haphran’s expression stiffened.

The blood and remnants of the heart floated into the air and landed in Haphran’s hand.

“That power…”

“You recognized it immediately.”

Haphran’s world had been destroyed by the will of the world itself. Someone like Haphran wouldn’t fail to notice Taesan manipulating objects with sheer will instead of magic.

“I want to revisit your ruined world.”