Chapter 88

               

In front of the altar, the ghost spoke.

“Although it’s said to be the demon god, its essence is magic itself. It’s the entity that oversees all magic.” The demon god Lucifer. Perhaps because of this, magical energy was flowing from the altar. The quantity was small, but incredibly dense.

[First Discovery Bonus] [Your intelligence has permanently increased by 3. Your mana has permanently increased by 10.] [Lucifer’s Altar] [An altar made by those who serve Lucifer. It’s a conduit connected to the god. Lucifer can exercise his influence through this place.]

“Do you know what kind of trial it is?”

[Uh…] The ghost hesitated. [Actually, I don’t know.]

“You didn’t receive it?”

[You should know that gods give trials corresponding to their domain. So, what kind of trial do you think a demon god would give?]

Taesan realized from the ghost’s words.

“A god that only gives trials to demons?”

[Not exactly, but it’s extremely stringent for humans.] The god of victory gives trials of victory, the god of struggle gives trials of struggle, the god of choice gives trials of choice.

Naturally, the demon god would give a trial related to magic. And humans weren’t related to magic. Naturally, there was a high possibility that the demon god wouldn’t find it worth giving Taesan a trial.

He understood, but this put him in a difficult position.

“Can’t I receive the trial then?”

He sought the demon god’s altar to learn black magic. But to come all this way and not be able to learn it was disconcerting.

[I didn’t receive it, but it will be different for you. After all, you’ve defeated demons and even acquired black magic, so Lucifer must be aware of you. Even if not, there should be some contact.]

Taesan had cleared all the enhanced trials given by various gods. Moreover, Maria had even extended a direct invitation.

In such circumstances, no god would just stand by and do nothing. The ghost thought so.

[Just… I can’t predict what kind of trial it will be at all.] “I’ll have to come back later.”

[Want to enhance your weapon before you go?] “Since we don’t know what the trial is.”

With no information available, it seemed best to get as strong as possible before facing the trial. Even if the trial was tailored to Taesan’s level, having more cards to play always made a difference.

Taesan completed the 19th floor. Since it was the floor of liches, the secret room, clear rewards, and secret rewards were all magic-related equipment.

Planning to bring them all to Lillith later, he entered the 20th floor.

The monsters on the 20th floor were death knights. Sword-wielding knights of death with considerable swordsmanship skills.

Of course, they meant nothing to Taesan.

Crack.

He swept away the knights with his sword and pierced through their chests. Black energy exploded in all directions.

Though the level was somewhat comparable, the gap in stats was just too vast. There was no way he’d struggle now.

During his advance, Taesan encountered a guide of sin. It seemed Gagorat was passing through and flinched upon seeing Taesan.

“I said I wouldn’t kill you.”

“…The weak can only worry about the whims of the strong.”

Gagorat forced a smile.

“To have come this far already…”

“I’m just passing through.”

Taesan moved past him. Gagorat called out to his back.

“Will you head straight down to the 21st floor?”

“No. I’ll stay a bit.”

He planned to combine his equipment, meet Lillith, and clear the demon god’s trial before descending.

“Then, I have something to tell you before you go down.”

“I know.”

Taesan left Gagorat behind and entered another room. He found the secret room and roughly dealt with the other rooms, leaving one untouched. Then, he entered the boss room.

[The Death Knight has appeared.]

The name was the same, but this one was stronger. The sword strikes carried enough power to compete with Taesan’s own.

Crack.

But as always, the result was the same. Overpowered by strength, the knight couldn’t keep up with Taesan’s speed.

Without any issues, Taesan emerged victorious against the boss.

[It’s strange… It wasn’t supposed to be this easy to pass through…]

“It was a big deal fighting the guides of sin.”

Normally, he wouldn’t have overwhelmed the dungeon this much. It was because he had gained a lot of stats and levels by fighting the guides of sin.

System windows cascaded down. Each theme clear significantly strengthened him. Although it wasn’t a huge increase for the current Taesan, it was still a meaningful figure.

However, Taesan skimmed through the system windows, looking for something specific.

“As expected, it’s not here.”

The secret clear reward, granted when all hidden elements of a floor are uncovered.

That window was nowhere to be seen.

Taesan quietly surveyed the room.

[You feel a strong premonition.]

With the premonition, a brick caught Taesan’s eye.

This brick was a lighter shade of red than the others.

Taesan pressed the brick.

Drerk.

The brick receded, and a passage appeared.

[I suppose I didn’t get the secret reward on the 20th floor either.] “As expected.”

From the 1st to the 10th floor, there were several named monsters, but from the 11th to the 20th, there were none among the NPCs.

He expected at least one on the 20th floor, and he was right. Taesan entered the newly found space.

Inside was a death knight.

[Death Knight Lord. Baloran has appeared.] “A lord-level, huh?”

Lord and king levels were overwhelmingly stronger than the average of their species. Taesan had felt the threat of death several times while facing Haga-Ha, who couldn’t even leave his chair due to a broken leg.

[Your fair duel has been activated.] Baloran spoke.

[You’ve come.] A deep, subdued voice echoed.

[You must be the ghost of the hero.] [You know me?] [The sage often spoke of you. Strong but pitiful and weak.] […You met him?] Between the 10th and 20th floors, there was a significant gap. Baloran chuckled lightly.

[What of it? It’s our little secret. Being bound here, I should at least have this much freedom.] Baloran’s laughter faded, and he turned his gaze, the red glow from his helmet fixing on Taesan.

[Are you my enemy? Indeed, you’re strong. I stand no chance.] “You seem to be enjoying this, despite that.”

Even to Taesan, the voice carried an undertone of amusement.

[This is a hidden room. Not easily found.] A somber, almost mad voice followed as Baloran drew his greatsword and stood up.

[Finding this place… it’s been centuries.] Baloran launched himself forward. Dispensing with conversation, he approached Taesan with swift speed.

Taesan drew his arm back.

Swords clashed, bouncing off each other.

He’s strong. Definitely not at the level of the 20th floor. More like above the 25th floor. Not a level a normal player could defeat.

But Taesan wasn’t a normal player.

[Ha!] With a sharp exhalation, the greatsword moved. Despite its size, the movements were incredibly elegant.

Taesan moved his arms fluidly. The dance of the courtesan. He deflected and twisted the trajectory of the greatsword.

Thwack!

Baloran detached one hand from the hilt and elbowed Taesan in the jaw.

[You take 72 damage.] A brutal amount of damage. The brain rattled. Baloran didn’t miss the opportunity and gripped the greatsword shortly.

Taesan bit his lip. The taste of blood brought some clarity back.

He held the sword in reverse grip with his left hand.

Clang!

He blocked the greatsword, inches from his chin.

Immediately, he stabbed Baloran’s side with the other sword.

The sword pierced through the armor and dug deep.

Baloran stepped back, twisting the sword in his hand and slashing it out. Taesan’s blocking sword was overcome, and the greatsword pierced Taesan’s shoulder.

Taesan retaliated by striking Baloran’s head. The helmet shook violently, creating distance.

In swordsmanship, the opponent had the upper hand. But in stats, Taesan was superior.

Then it’s simple. Win based on superiority.

He slammed down with both hands.

Clang!

Baloran’s arms were slightly pressed down. Without the grace of the courtesan’s dance, he ferociously slashed with the wolf’s fang technique.

Baloran didn’t just take it. He used his entire body to repel and closely cover with the greatsword in reverse grip.

They brought out their strengths in a bloody battle.

And the victor was Taesan.

Crack.

Taesan’s sword pierced Baloran’s chest. The armor, cracked and split, shattered completely.

Taesan caught his breath. His condition wasn’t great. Blood flowed from various parts of his body, and he had lost nearly half his health.

Baloran, leaning against the wall, chuckled.

[Thank you. I didn’t expect you to refrain from using skills.] “The same goes for you.”

Baloran had deliberately refrained from using skills. Taesan matched this by sealing his skills and fighting with swordsmanship alone.

Baloran chuckled softly.

[I am a knight.] A title for those who wield swords.

[I didn’t want to rely on some obscure skill obtained only in this mysterious space. I wanted to fight purely with my sword. But that was my arrogance, my desire. I didn’t intend to force a fair fight… I’m truly grateful. Thanks to you, I can leave satisfied.]

Baloran removed his helmet.

Unexpectedly, he had a clean face. Barely thirty, perhaps. He didn’t seem very old.

[While it might not be a fitting reward, take this.] Baloran had skills but they weren’t his main focus. However, skills were Taesan’s main strength. If he had used them, he could have passed without any injury.

But Taesan consciously accepted a disadvantage by not using skills.

Baloran, fully aware of this, intended to give a proper reward.

The helmet used by the death knight lord. Obviously, it would have excellent performance. Plus, helmets were items that could only be obtained much later down.

Taesan received the black helmet.

[Originally, I planned to give nothing and just leave. But your actions deserve a reward.] Although not intended, not using skills had its benefits.

[Now I am free… Well, not exactly.] Baloran smirked.

[Adventurer, do you know why we, the beings with intellect, are bound here as monsters?] “I don’t.”

[Simple. This place is a land of opportunity for some, but not for others.] Baloran struggled to stand, using his sword for support.

[You’ll naturally find out if you reach the depths. Who we are, who the mage is.] With a bitter voice, Baloran disappeared.

[If you do… Please show mercy to us, who cannot escape. Mighty one.] With those desperate words, Baloran vanished.

All that remained were broken armor and a powerless sword.

[You have defeated Death Knight Lord. Baloran.] [Your level has increased.] [Your Heroic Ascent has been activated.] [You have acquired Baloran’s Helmet.] [You have identified all hidden elements of the 20th floor. You have received the reward [???].] Taesan opened the previously ignored system windows.

[You have completely cleared the 20th floor. You have obtained the title [The Advancer].] [You have perfectly cleared all floors up to the 20th. You have obtained the title [Touched by Perfection].] [You have entered the dungeon with confidence. You have obtained the title [At the Threshold].] [You have proven your strength in this place and even more. You have obtained the title [Successful Challenger].] [You have amassed a wealth of experience. You have obtained the title [Accumulated Achievements] and the special always-active skill [Self-Proof].] [The transcendent beings have started to take more interest in you.]