《My Charity System made me too OP》


 Chapter 1 Arune Key

    In the heart of an ancient, grand hall bathed in soft golden light, the air was thick with an otherworldly energy. The stone walls were adorned with intricate carvings of forgotten deities and symbols that pulsed faintly with a mystic glow.


    The floor, a perfect circle of smooth obsidian, reflected the seated figures of twenty children, each around sixteen years of age, arranged in a meditative stance. Their eyes were closed, faces serene, as they sought the inner key that would open the gateway to their destiny: the Celestial Tower.


    At the center of this solemn gathering stood a woman, robed in deep, flowing azure fabric. Her presence wasmanding, yet serene, like a calm storm waiting to unleash its fury. She was their guide, a master in the Celestial Tower, and her name was revered among the children and elders alike. Her voice, though soft, echoed through the vast hall as she instructed them.


    "Focus your breath," she spoke, her words as smooth as a mountain stream. "The Arune Key lies within you all. It is the essence of your spirit, the key that will unlock the path to the Celestial Tower."


    The children sat in silence, their focus sharpening, guided by her presence. Each of them had been preparing for this moment for years, a journey of meditation, discipline, and growth. The Arune Key was their purpose, their first step into a greater world.


    Among the children, seated in perfect stillness, was Leon¡ªan orphan like many of them, but unlike anyone else. His messy, dark hair brushed lightly against his forehead, and his sharp green eyes, now closed in concentration, betrayed the stillness he maintained on the outside.


    While the others focused solely on their inner journey to unlock the Arune Key, Leon''s mind was constantly pulled by memories that no one else here could even fathom.


    In a life long past, Leon had been calm, diligent, and kind, living as an orphan in a world much like this one. He had worked hard, keeping his head down, epting the cards life had dealt him. But that life hade to an abrupt, strange end when, out of nowhere, he was hit by a truck¡ªyes, a truck.


    A sudden, forceful impact that had shattered his world and, in the blink of an eye, transported him to this one.


    He remembered that moment vividly, more clearly than anything that had happened since his rebirth. The disorienting sh of light, the fleeting sensation of pain, and then... stillness. He had awoken here, in this world of magic and ancient rituals, with the memories of his old life intact, as if it had been yesterday.


    Since then, Leon had kept those memories to himself. How could he possibly exin to anyone that he had once lived in apletely different world? How could he describe the life where things like magic, towers, and Arune Keys were nothing but stories? He couldn''t. And so he remained silent, harboring his knowledge, knowing he was different from the others in more ways than one.


    Leon was hard working kid, he has to if he wanted to live afortable life, so he never had the luxury to enjoy his life like other kids, watching TV, animes, books nothing so he is not aware of transmigration thing, but he is aware of reincarnation as his friend used to watch a certain slime, so he some what was able to understand his situation.


    But now, as he sat in the grand hall, the echoes of his past life swirled with the present. Here, he wasn''t just another orphan. He was one with knowledge of another world and the patience to navigate this new one. His diligence from his previous life had tranted into his training here, making him an unusually focused and capable student.


    He followed every instruction with precision, always calm, always determined.@@novelbin@@


    As the guide''s voice washed over him, urging them to unlock the Arune Key, Leon found himself slipping deeper into the meditation. Unlike the others, who fidgeted with nervous energy or struggled to concentrate, Leon was familiar with the inner stillness required. His past life had taught him that calmness in the face of chaos was the key to survival.


    Beneath the surface of his mind, Leon could feel something stirring. It wasn the Arune Key, the mystical force they all sought to awaken. A warmth spread through his chest, like a forgotten power resurfacing, demanding to be recognized.


    The guide, sensing his sudden shift in energy, turned her attention to him. "Leon," she called softly, her voice cutting through the silence. "You are close. Trust in what you feel. The Arune Key is within you."


    Leon''s breathing deepened, steadying as the warmth in his chest grew more intense. He could feel it now¡ªa surge of energy coursing through his veins, awakening something dormant within him. His body trembled slightly, but he remained seated, holding onto the calmness he''d mastered in his previous life.


    The Arune Key, the mystical force they were all striving to unlock, was no longer a distant concept for Leon. It was real, tangible, like a me flickering brighter with each passing moment. His thoughts, once clouded by memories of another world, sharpened as the energy pooled in his chest, coiling like a spring ready to unfurl.


    Suddenly, a searing sensation spread across his torso. It wasn''t painful, but it was intense, as though the very essence of his being was being branded with something ancient, something powerful. His eyes snapped open, glowing faintly with a golden hue as he looked down at his chest. Beneath his shirt, a light pulsed¡ªa symbol forming just beneath his skin.


    The guide''s gaze fixed on him, her calm demeanor hiding a flicker of surprise. The other children remained unaware, still deep in their meditative trances, but Leon could feel her focus entirely on him.


    Slowly, he pulled the cor of his shirt down, revealing the mark that had begun to take shape¡ªa trident-like symbol, glowing with radiant gold light, etched into his skin like a brand. The mark thrummed with power, an ancient energy that seemed to pulse in time with his heartbeat.

 Chapter 3 Trial

    Leo curiously looked at the little fairy that came out of the golden white screen. "Who... What are you?" he asked, curious about this system.


    [My name is Cherry, and I am the guide of your system,] she answered with a nonchnt look on her face.


    "Ahh, really?" Leo nodded, while nothing went through his head. "What is this system actually?" he asked.


    [It''s a system, what else could it be?] she replied.


    "Hmm, so, can you exin the system functions to me?" Leo asked, wondering which question to ask so he could get a proper answer.


    [As a guide, that''s my purpose,] Cherry said as she continued.


    [The Super Charity System works based on Good Karma.]


    [It basically has many functions; however, right now only two functions are activated.]


    [They are Appraisal and Rebate,] she exined.


    [Appraisal: It allows the host, which is you, to appraise anything and find its value.]


    [Rebate: It is the most important function of the system. Anything donated by the host will be returned to the host multiplied by 25 times.]


    [Basically, anything the host giveses back to him increased by 25 times.]


    "What do you mean by that?" Leo asked, his heart pounding. If what he was thinking turned out to be true, this could be a game changer for him.


    [Allow me to exin by giving an example.]


    [Suppose the host donates a gold coin. Now, the host has two options: either receive a quality rebate or a quantity rebate.]


    [If the host chooses quantity, then the host will receive 25 gold coins. However, if the host chooses quality, then the host will receive a higher form of currency, like mithril coins or tinum coins.] Cherry said with her same emotionless face.


    "It''s true!" Leon mumbled, covering his mouth with his hand. "Ahahaha, great! Now I can get to the same level as the other big ns'' kids," he thought to himself with a happy smile, as he sat on his sofa in the Arune Room.


    Cherry very much felt the need to tell him that his potential is now limitless as so his future and he shouldn''tpare himself to any mortals, but she stopped '' He should find out it himself'' she thought, as she calmly sat on is shoulders and looked around the Arune room.


    The room of Arune is the space in their Arune key, Like an resting area in the Tower. They can enter this space whenever they are in any non-restricted and battle-free zone; it essentially acts as a traveling home.


    Not to mention, it can also store items. However, it is limited to the capacity of the chest present in the room.


    Currently, his chest storage is 100 square meters.


    But, he can''t use it now, it will be only avable when his Tier advances to Tier 1, after hepletes the Ascension Trial and reaches next tier from his current Tier 0 state.


    "Let''s now start the Trial" he mumbled to himself as he pressed on the blue screen which belongs to Tower.


    {Set Your Avatar}


    In the Tower, everyone has the option to enter with a different appearance. This function is usually utilized by people like Leon, who don''t have support from a big n or family. It''s meant to ensure their survival, as using powers gained in the outside world is strictly forbidden unless necessary.


    It acts as a form of secrecy, protecting individuals in the real world if they identallye under the radar of a big n.


    Leon decided to use it. He changed his avatar from his original ck hair and green eyes with tan skin to white-blue hair, the same eye color, and a lean build, unlike his current muscr build obtained through hard work.


    After setting his avatar, he looked at his status.


    "Status Open," Leon spoke out loud as a blue screen materialized in front of him.


    [ Ascender Name: not assigned


    ss: Reach Level 100 or reach 10th floor of tower


    Title: none


    Legacy: None


    LVL: 0


    Rank: Mortal (Tier 0)


    STATS


    AGI: 10


    VIT: 10


    INT: 10


    STA: 10


    STR: 10


    HP: 120/120


    Unassigned stat points : 0


    Hidden stats


    Luck: ???


    Charm: ???


    Reputation: ???


    condition: Healthy


    Equipment :


    Weapons: hardened steel sword (Umon)


    Equipment Ranks : {Common - Umon - Rare - Epic - Legendary - Mythical}


    Skills : Mortal Swordsmanship (C) ]


    Skill ranks : {E - D - C - B - A - S - SS - SSS - Ex }


    Leon nodded, as ten is the limit for any mortal like him, of course unless you have bloodline of a big n running through you and having it as a bloodline legacy.


    Leon shook his head as he looked at next Step.


    {Choose difficulty : Easy, Normal, Hard, Very Hard, Expert, Nightmare, Legendary, Insane}


    Choosing a difficulty level is crucial as it defines one''s future. For example, Leon''s current status is at the maximum for any mortal without any bloodline legacy.


    If he were to choose Easy difficulty, his stats would multiply by 1x as he ascends to the next tier, with the multiplier increasing as the difficulty rises:


    Easy: 1x


    Normal: 2x


    Hard: 3x


    Very Hard: 4x


    Expert: 5x


    Nightmare: 6x


    Legendary: 8x@@novelbin@@


    Insane: 10x


    Leon looked at the difficulties, as he thought for a moment ''Normally I should have chosen expert level but now that I have this System, I will chose Insane'' he thought as he moved his finger from Expert to Insane and pressed it.


    As he pressed, another screen pop up in front of him .


    {Awaken Inherent Ability}


    {Y/N}


    Awakening an ability or not doesn''t affect the end result, at least that''s public knowledge.


    "Honestly, if I think about those greedy ns, I believe they would definitely hide this information," he thought as he pressed "No."


    It was a big gamble, as he would not receive any boost from his ability. If he had taken an ability, the apanying stat boost would have been involved with it.


    Which means he will now enter with a peak mortal body in an Insane difficulty level which even Mythical awakeners can''t guarantee a sessful Trial pass.


    As he pressed it , a portal appeared and then taking out the steel sword in his hands he stepped inside.

 Chapter 5 Trial III

    The trials after Expert¡ªnamely Nightmare, Legendary, and Insane¡ªinvolve much more than just surviving waves of monsters. These trials require more than just personal strength; you need allies and strategy to prevail in the final three difficulty stages.


    With each increase in difficulty, the trials be more challenging. For instance, if Leon had chosen Nightmare, he might have started in a position like a city leader or someone of simr status. In Legendary, he could have been a regr person, perhaps with a decent role like a guard.


    But in Insane, he starts as a beggar, making it incredibly difficult for the challenger to rise in status and be the city''s leader within just six months.


    For most, this would seem impossible, but for Leon, his "Charity system" turns this disadvantage into an opportunity. In areas like slums, where people are desperate for help, even providing food can make you a hero in their eyes. Additionally, many skilled or resourceful individuals often emerge from these difficult environments, giving Leon a unique advantage.


    "Time to find my first ally," Leon mumbled to himself as he looked around. With his appraisal active, he began to focus on two categories: first, the young with potential and the will to move forward; second, the experienced, those crippled by the city''s top brass yet still possessing the determination to make things right.


    Leon first activated his Appraisal on the nearby people scattered around, but after seeing therge status screen, he paused.


    "Cherry, can you make adjustments to the Appraisal results?" he asked, stopping and leaning against a wall.


    [I can. What do you want?] Cherry asked, looking at him.


    "Remove everything from the Appraisal results except for the name, potential, charity need (on a scale of 1 to 10), and a bit of background," Leon said. Cherry nodded, and after a moment, her glow turned red briefly before she said, [Done.]


    Leon nodded and then used it on a nearby drunk man.


    [Name: Arthur Mane]


    [Potential: Not noteworthy]


    [Charity need: 10 (Alcohol)]


    [Description: A drunkard waiting for more drinks. Give him one, and you''ll be his god.]


    "Now, this is good," Leon nodded in approval as he started moving, pulling out a loaf of bread. As he did, many people turned to look at him. He noticed a nearby kid staring at him with puppy eyes, so he handed the bread to him.


    The kid took the bread and dashed off, while other kids ran after him.


    [Host received 25 wheat breads]@@novelbin@@


    Leon nodded, satisfied with the result, and continued moving, using Appraisal as he went. After half an hour of walking and eating more than five loaves of bread, he had yet to find any potential candidates. He decided to leave the slum area.


    As he stepped outside, the guards standing just outside the slum pushed him back in.


    "Scram, kid. The outer area isn''t for scum like you," one guard said harshly, forcing Leon back into the slum.


    "This is more difficult than I thought," he mumbled as he walked through the same damp and smelly streets of the slum.


    "Damn it, were all those stories of heroes I read in the orphanage just lies?" Leon mmed his hand against the wall, wincing as he felt the pain. When he came to this world, he started reading books rted to his situation, mostly fantasy stories. In eight out of ten of those stories, the heroes always rose from the slums, yet here he was, struggling to find one.


    "Argh, what should I do?" Leon mumbled as he sat in a corner, staring at the vast sky. He had already wasted a whole day without any results.


    As he sat there, brooding over what to do next, he suddenly felt a pat on his head.


    Lifting his gaze, he saw the same kid he had given bread to that morning.


    "I''m sorry, I don''t have any more bread," Leon said, thinking the boy was back for more. He hung his head again.


    Pat, pat.


    "What do you want?" Leon asked, lifting his head once more, only to see the kid offering him a quarter of the bread he had given earlier.


    Leon chuckled softly. "It''s okay, you eat it. I''ve already had enough," he said, ruffling the kid''s hair. The boy nodded, then grabbed Leon''s hand and started pulling him along.


    "Where are you taking me?" Leon asked, not resisting, but the kid didn''t answer and just tugged him along. Leon shrugged and stood up. Maybe he''s taking me to his home. Well, it can''t be worse than my situation, sleeping on the streets, he thought as he followed the boy.


    Just like Leon, the kid wore dirty clothes and rags. His hair was ck, but his eyes were a striking shade of red¡ªnot sinister, but like a beautiful, jewel-like red.


    Leon kept following the kid as they moved from one street of the slum to another, asionally passing groups of gangsters. They eyed Leon suspiciously, but as soon as they noticed the boy, they backed away.


    "Who are you?" Leon asked, noticing how the thugs seemed to avoid the kid.


    But the boy didn''t answer, continuing forward in silence until they reached a house. Like the others in the slum, it was broken and filthy¡ªjust the norm here. The kid motioned for Leon to enter, and Leon followed as he nced around, finding the inside just as rundown and dirty.


    "Is this your ce, kid?" Leon asked, looking around. The boy shook his head, pointed silently behind him.


    Leon turned around, and that''s when he saw a girl peeking out. She seemed to be his age, but it was hard to tell with her malnourished body.


    "Did you give bread to my sister?" she asked, stepping out into the light. Just like the boy, she had ck hair and striking red eyes.


    "Wait, that''s your sister?" Leon asked, confused as he looked between the two. The boy or rather little girl shyly nodded, while the girl patted her head, gazing at him.


    "Yes, I keep her dressed like a boy for her safety," the girl exined. "My name is Sabrina, and you are?" she asked, straightening up and introducing herself with curiosity.

 Chapter 8 Trial VI

    Soon after, Lana, now dressed in sleek ck clothes that fit her assassin role perfectly, left for her advancement outside the city. She was cautious, knowing that any disturbance caused during her advancement might alert Brian if she stayed within the city walls.


    "Well, looks like it''s just the two of us now," Leon said with a smile, gently patting Millie''s head.


    "You should go and do your usual stuff, but don''t leave the house, okay? I''m not as strict as your sister, but we need to stay safe," Leon added with a light tone. Millie nodded and returned to her room quietly.


    Now alone, Leon stretched his arms, feeling the tension ease. "Alright, time to get myself a ss too," he mumbled to himself, a hint of excitement bubbling up.


    With the unknows ss token still in his inventory, Leon prepared to use it, hoping the ss he would gain would help him change his fate and bring him closer to his goal.


    "I wonder what mypatibility is," Leon mumbled as he gazed at the round token in his hand. It was like a coin, made of a ck metallic material, with intricate red carvings etched on its surface.


    "Hmm, I''ve died, so maybe I''ll get a death-rted ss... but I''ve also been reborn, so perhaps something connected to life," Leon mused. "And since my soul has traveled through space and time, maybe I''ll get something rted to that." He wondered as he ced the token on the table.


    Leon pricked his finger and let a drop of blood fall onto the token. As the blood spread over the surface, the token glowed for a moment before shooting into Leon''s chest. He nced down, expecting some dramatic transformation, but nothing seemed to happen. "Hmm, I guess I''m still waiting for something to happen," he thought,@@novelbin@@


    [Host has received a ss,] Cherry chirped, perched on Leon''s shoulder. Suddenly, his mind was bombarded with the information of his new ss, and the Tower system came into view.


    {Challenger used Unknown ss Token}


    {Challenger received the ss: Paradox Mage}


    {Paradox Mage: ???????????}


    {No information avable, Challenger must learn about his ss himself.}


    {Title unlocked: Unique ss Holder}


    {Effect: Luck +100, Chances of finding unique things increased by 5%.}


    {Debuff applied: All gains temporarily reduced by 50%.}


    Leon stood there for a moment, taking in everything that had just happened. "Paradox Mage? No information, huh?" He scratched his head, confused. "Figures¡­ it wouldn''t be straightforward." The debuff worried him slightly, knowing that his progress would be slower.


    "Cherry, tell me more about this ss," Leon asked, hoping his own system might offer some insight despite the Tower system earlier vagueness.


    Cherry''s voice chimed in promptly,


    [Paradox Mage: A Mage whose existence itself is a mystery]


    [Affinity Unlocked: All Affinities]


    [ Select the First path ]


    [ Summoner ]


    [ Necromancer ]


    [ Elemantalist ]


    [ Chronomancer ]


    [ Astromancer ]


    [ Tamer ]


    [ Warlock ]


    Leon looked at the options and asked, "What is meant by choosing a path?"


    [First path means, what abilities would you like to have at the Tier I stage.]


    [Keep in mind, the second path will only unlock when you reach the Tier II stage.] Cherry said.


    "hmm, give me a description of each path" Leon said as Cherry nodded.


    1. Summoner


    A Summoner is a mage who specializes in calling forth creatures, spirits, or elemental beings from other realms or dimensions to fight or aid them. Theymand and control powerful entities that fight on their behalf, often manipting the battlefield with sheer numbers or powerful summoned beings.


    Strengths: Versatile due to various summons, crowd control, battlefield dominance.


    Weaknesses: Dependent on the strength of their summons; without them, they can be vulnerable.


    2. Necromancer


    A Necromancer wields power over life and death, primarily focusing on reanimating the dead or draining life force. They summon skeletons, zombies, and other undead to serve them and may curse or drain the life energy of enemies.


    Strengths: Raises undead armies, powerful in long battles, life-drain spells.


    Weaknesses: Often considered morally dark; some limitations in environments without dead bodies.


    3. Elementalist


    An Elementalist draws their power from the natural elements: fire, water, earth, air, and sometimes other forces like lightning, ice, and magma. They are masters of elemental maniption, using these primal forces to attack, defend, or alter their surroundings.


    Strengths: Raw, destructive power, high versatility with elemental spells.


    Weaknesses: Can be weak to opposing elements and require focus on elemental bnce.


    4. Chronomancer


    A Chronomancer maniptes the flow of time, bending it to their will. They can slow or speed up time, rewind events, or even glimpse into the future. They excel in battlefield control by distorting the flow of time for themselves or their enemies.


    Strengths: Time-based spells, battlefield control, foresight abilities.


    Weaknesses: Oftenplex and situational, and time maniption cane with dangerous risks or paradoxes.


    5. Astromancer


    An Astromancer draws power from the celestial bodies¡ªstars,s, and the void of space. They can harness cosmic energy to create gravitational fields, shoot meteorites, manipte space, and tap into the mysteries of the universe. Astromancers are particrly skilled in bending space itself, allowing for powerful spatial maniption, including teleportation.


    Strengths: Cosmic-scale power, spatial maniption, strong AoE attacks.


    Weaknesses: Powers may have slow casting times, tied to celestial cycles.


    6. Tamer


    A Tamer forms bonds with beasts, monsters, or mystical creatures. They train, summon, and control these creatures, using them as powerful allies inbat. Tamers often develop strong synergies with theirpanions, bing stronger as their bond deepens.


    Strengths: Versatilepanion-basedbat, the stronger the bond, the stronger the Tamer.


    Weaknesses: Heavily reliant on the strength and survival of their tamed creatures.


    7. Warlock


    A Warlock draws their power from dark pacts with otherworldly entities like demons, spirits, or ancient gods. They gain ess to forbidden magic and are skilled in curses, dark rituals, and shadowy spells. Their magic oftenes with a price, usually in the form of consequences for using dark power.


    Strengths: Powerful and versatile magic, curses, debuffs, strong destructive abilities.


    Weaknesses: Often requires making risky pacts or facing consequences for wielding forbidden magic.

 Chapter 11 Trial IX

    As Leon thought of the cat, he wondered what it actually was. His curiosity grew, but then, realizing he was about to get his own familiar, he chuckled.


    "I wonder what kind of familiar I''ll get," he mused, excitement bubbling inside him at the thought of summoning something just as powerful as the witch''s familiar. The possibilities raced through his mind, and he couldn''t help but anticipate what creature woulde forth to serve him.


    "Pity, I have to wait for my mana to fully replenish," Leon sighed as he sat on a stone, closing his eyes. He concentrated, entering a meditative state to increase his mana regeneration faster.


    As he focused on calming his mind and drawing in energy from his surroundings, he felt a gentle flow of mana beginning to refill within him, and coupled with his new 10x mana regeneration, he replenished his mana within minutes.


    Still, Leon kept meditating, taking his state of mind to perfection before deciding to summon his familiar. He knew that rushing the process could lead to instability, and he wanted everything to be wless when the moment arrived. His breaths became deeper and more controlled as he continued to focus, feeling his mana swirling within him calmly.


    "I need to be fully ready," he thought, keeping his concentration sharp. This familiar would be more than just a servant¡ªit would be a reflection of his power.


    "Phew..."


    After some time, Leon released a deep breath as he opened his eyes. "Now, I''m ready," he said with determination, feeling the fullness of his mana and a sense of calm confidence.


    The moment had arrived to summon his familiar, and Leon stood ready for whatever powerful entity might appear before him.


    Rising to his feet in the vast hall, Leon began to chant, his voice steady andmanding as he invoked the skill required for the summoning.


    "Spirits of shadow, heed my call,


    Through ancient rites, I bind you all.


    From realms unknown, to me you''lle,


    Unveil the power, let the summoning be done!


    My name is Leon, if any hear,


    To be my familiar, draw near.


    Bound by a bond, not of master and ve,


    But as partners, our spirits behave."


    The ancient words echoed through the spacious hall as Leon''s chanting reached its crescendo. A surge of energy filled the air, swirling around him like an invisible storm. His heart pounded in anticipation¡ªsurely a being of great power was about to emerge.


    With a final word, the spell was cast.@@novelbin@@


    A sh of light burst in the center of the room, followed by a thick cloud of mist. Leon shielded his eyes, waiting for the mighty familiar to reveal itself. As the mist began to dissipate, something small and shadowy stepped forward.


    There, sitting calmly in the middle of the summoning circle, was a ck cat.


    Leon blinked, staring at the creature. It meowed softly, its green eyes glowing with an eerie intelligence.


    "What¡­ What the heck is this?" Leon muttered, utterly baffled. This was not the fearsome entity he had expected. He crouched down to get a better look at the cat, wondering what kind of familiar it could possibly be.


    The cat simply blinked at him, as if already knowing something he didn''t.


    The cat sat there, its glossy ck fur shimmering under the dim light of the hall. Its eyes, a deep, glowing blue, held a strange, otherworldly gleam.


    Leon blinked again. It was¡­ just a cat. A simple cat.


    "No, maybe there''s something hidden," he muttered, ncing over at Cherry, hispanion, who gave an approving nod. With a quick motion, Cherry showed him the notifications.


    two system notifications appeared before Leon:


    [ Summon Familiar Sessful ]


    [ Host summoned Ancient Dark Magus: Roselia ]


    Leon stared at the words, his mind scrambling toprehend. His eyes shifted back to the small ck cat, now casually licking its paw.


    Ancient Dark Magus¡­? Was this cat actually a powerful ancient entity?


    Before he could process the thought, another notification shed:


    [ Host can give her a name to form a pact or simply let her return ]


    Leon hesitated. "Roselia, huh?" He knelt down, studying the cat''s mystical blue eyes again, trying to sense some grand, hidden power.


    The cat blinkedzily, then yawned.


    "Seriously?" Leon muttered under his breath. "An ancient dark magus...?"


    "Hey! , are you really a Magus?" Leon asked picking her up,


    The cat''s gaze shifted, locking onto Leon with a look that was anything but feline. A human-like expression of mild annoyance crossed her face.


    "Humph, so¡­ you''re notpletely clueless," the cat scoffed. "At least you have some knowledge."


    Before Leon could respond, the air around the cat shimmered, her small form dissolving into mist. In an instant, the shape of a woman emerged from the haze.


    Leon watched, wide-eyed, as the transformation unfolded. The once-small cat had turned into a woman of breathtaking beauty. Dark, flowing hair cascaded down her back, shimmering like ck silk. Her eyes, once the glowing blue of the cat, were now a deep, burning ck¡ªintense and mesmerizing. And her face... it was so perfect, so enchantingly beautiful, that Leon could hardly believe it.


    She was, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman he had seen in both of his lives.


    "I was just testing you" Roselia''s voice echoed in his mind, rich and velvety, as she stared at him with a curious, almost amused expression.


    "I wanted to see, someone who holds so much potential is a fool who just acquired it or he at least have some understanding of his abilities" Roselia continued.


    Leon was at a loss for words. He hadn''t expected this¡ªa being of such power and grace, standing before him where a simple ck cat had been moments before, and was actually testing him, what about the promise of loyalty system disyed to him.


    Roselia arched an eyebrow, a faint smirk ying at the edges of her lips. "You''ve passed my test"


    She then just kneeled as she took Leon hand and kissed the back of it, as she kissed a ck magical circle appeared on his hand back.


    Leon looked at it curiously as he asked "what is it?"


    Roselia''s smile deepened as she stepped closer, her voice a low murmur. "That mark¡­ it signifies your domination over me," she said, teasingly, her fingers gliding over the straps of her dress.


    With a swift motion, she let the fabric slip from her shoulders, the dress falling in a cascade of dark silk, revealing her bare form beneath. Leon''s breath caught in his throat, his eyes widening in shock as he quickly looked away, his heart pounding.


    Roselia chuckled softly, amusement clear in her voice. "Oh? You''re not shy, are you?"


    Leon''s gaze darted back, still unsettled, his face reddening slightly as he tried to meet her eyes. He shifted his nce repeatedly from her to anything else in the room, struggling to keep his focus on her face.

 Chapter 14 Trial XII

    The next day, Leon could be seen frowning as he fed little Millie. "She''ste," he mumbled to himself. Lana was supposed to be herest night, but now it''s already morning, and there''s no sign of her.


    "What happened?" he muttered to himself as he patted the ck wolf on the table. "Go and search City Lord''s mansion for a girl named Luna," he said quietly to Roselia. She nodded and then, after jumping from the table, disintegrated into the air. Soon, she appeared in the streets of the slum.


    "He lives in such a filthy ce," Roselia thought as she looked around, her nose wrinkling at the stench of the dirty smell assaulting her senses.


    "I should just kill the City Lord and take over the mansion," she thought with a sly smile, soon arriving at the mansion''s wall. "Primitive defenses," she muttered under her breath, as she scaled the wall with ease.@@novelbin@@


    "Division, huh? They''re practically inviting enemies to kill them," Roselia shook her head as she kept moving.


    Roselia frowned at the way Brain had divided the city into segments for the rich, poor, and nobles. "He''s created a wedge between citizens himself."


    "Now the enemy only needs toe and conquer them," she shook her head as she reached the outer area, where the rich who aren''t nobles live.


    The outer area of Blue Wind City, known for housing the wealthy citizens who aren''t of noble status, stands as a sharp contrast to the slum-like outskirts of the city.


    This district is filled withvishly built homes, though not as grand as the estates of the nobles. The streets are wide and paved with cobblestones, lined with manicured trees, gardens, and ornatemps that give the area a more polished, affluent feel. Despite its luxury, the outer areacks the elegance and prestige of the inner noble districts.


    Large houses with intricate stonework, wrought iron gates, and sprawling gardens aremon, though the architecture is more practical than opulent.


    Though wealthier than the slum dwellers, the people here live in an uneasy state, aware that they are close to the poorer sections, yet unable to enter the noble circles. The area is calm and quiet, but there''s a lingering sense of tension, as these citizens strive to maintain their status and protect their wealth.


    The outer walls separating the noble district from this part are imposing, reminding the inhabitants that they are still second-tier in the city''s hierarchy.


    From this outer area, the slum district is visible in the distance, a harsh reminder of the stark social divide within Blue Wind City.


    Roselia nced around the outer district for a moment, taking in the sight of the elegant homes and well-kept streets. However, the disy of wealth held no interest for her. With a flick of her cloak, she dismissed the scene entirely and set her sights on the inner part of the city, where the nobles resided.


    As she moved toward the inner walls, the atmosphere shifted noticeably. The streets became narrower, and the security heightened. Tall, ornate gates separated this district from the outer area, with guards stationed at various points. Beyond the gates, the noble estates loomed¡ªgrand structures adorned with intricate carvings, towering spires, and lush gardens that extended for acres.


    The air itself seemed different here, filled with a sense of superiority and arrogance that clung to the noble district.


    Roselia''s eyes narrowed as she approached, undeterred by the increasing barriers. The wealth and power concentrated in this part of the city didn''t intimidate her¡ªit only caused her disdain to rise even more.


    Next, Roselia reached the central part of the city¡ªher true goal. However, this area proved more difficult to infiltrate, as it was protected by a dome of energy. Only one entry point was essible from the outside, and it was heavily guarded.


    Roselia scanned her surroundings, analyzing every detail. She tried to find a weakness or a hidden path, but even with her keen senses, nothing stood out. Frustrated but determined, she turned her attention to the guards. Observing them from the shadows, she quickly memorized their patrol patterns and shifts. Once she was confident of their routine, she waited for the right moment.


    Approaching one of the gates during a quieter time, Roselia knocked out a lone guard with a swift, silent blow. Disguising herself in the guard''s uniform, she seamlessly blended in with the others, slipping past the outer defenses unnoticed. Now within the central part of Blue Wind City, her targety just ahead¡ªthe City Lord''s mansion, towering ominously in the distance.


    Roselia, now disguised as a guard, patiently waited for her turn to enter the energy dome. As she stepped through, a subtle shift in the air confirmed her suspicion¡ªher demonic eyes detected the faint curse radiating from the dome. "It''s inside the mansion," she thought to herself, her gaze narrowing with resolve.


    Maintaining her cover, she carried on with the usual rounds, her sharp ears attuned to any useful discussions. As she moved through the mansion, she couldn''t help but notice the fearful stares of the maids. From their demeanor, she caught a whiff of something¡ªfaint but unmistakable¡ªthe scent of men who had been with them recently. "It seems City Lord Brian is more of a bastard than I thought.


    If that Luna is important to Leon, she might be in danger. I can''t let that happen."


    "Leon''s woman... no one else should touch her," Roselia thought with cold determination.


    She quickly during her patrol found another good target, a target that could get her inside the mansion without any suspicion.


    Spying a maid with a lifeless expression nearby, Roselia made her move. She approached silently, knocking the maid out with a swift strike. After hiding the unconscious body in a secluded corner, Roselia used her shape-shifting abilities to assume the maid''s appearance.


    With her disguise in ce, she confidently entered deeper into the mansion, ready to infiltrate and uncover the truth about Luna''s whereabouts.

 Chapter 17 Trial XV

    Brian didn''t realize it, but in reality, he had killed himself. After falling victim to Deception, everything he saw was nothing more than an illusion generated by Roselia. Though his son''s condition was true, the rest was a carefully crafted mirage. The illusion drove Brian into despair, ultimately making him Roselia''s ve.


    Once she had enved him, Roselia manipted his mind, convincing him that his Arune Key¡ªthough still intact¡ªwas broken. This led him to believe he couldn''t use his magic, rendering him defenseless. In his weakened state, he couldn''t even fend off the corpse Roselia had raised to kill him.


    It was a brutal end for Brian, one that he brought upon himself after earning Roselia''s ire.


    After Brian''s brutal end, Roselia lingered in the shadows, her sharp senses attuned to the mansion around her. The eerie silence that followed his death was almost soothing. With the most dangerous threat inside the mansion now neutralized, she took her time to explore it.


    The ce was still, but notpletely empty; guards patrolled outside the inner rooms, and a few maids continued their duties, unaware of what had just transpired.


    Roselia, now in the disguise of a maid, moved seamlessly through the halls. Her sharp eyes scanned everything, from thevish d¨¦cor to the subtle hints of magical protection hidden throughout the structure. Expensive paintings lined the walls, gold-trimmed furniture filled every room, and artifacts that reeked of power and wealth were carelessly disyed.


    "This fool," Roselia thought, a smirk tugging at her lips. "He hoarded all this wealth while his city crumbled around him."


    Her fingers twitched with excitement as she began carefully selecting items to take. Moving silently from room to room, she pocketed valuable trinkets¡ªenchanted rings, rare gemstones, and magical scrolls. She found a chest hidden in one of the inner chambers, locked with an intricate magical seal. Smiling to herself, she knelt down and used her own magic to dispel it.


    Inside, she found a hoard of gold coins, but what truly caught her eye was a beautifully crafted dagger, its de engraved with ancient runes. "This will be useful," she muttered, tucking it into her belt.


    In another room, she found a secret passage leading to a vault beneath the mansion. Here, the treasures were even greater¡ªrows of sparkling jewels, rare magical artifacts, and ancient tomes of forbidden magic. She quickly stuffed a few into her satchel, feeling the weight of her haul grow.@@novelbin@@


    "Brian was too easy," she thought, her smirk widening. "Arrogant and careless."


    After ensuring she had taken everything of true value, she paused in the grand hall. Her dark eyes nced around one final time, and she extended her hand.


    With a soft whisper of magic, she left her mark¡ªan invisible rune etched into the air, one that would detonate once the a powerful person appears near it, in other words Rex, and she also made itpact so that she could deal maximum damage in limited area.


    "Let''s see how Rex reacts when he returns to find this mess," she thought, satisfied. Roselia strode confidently through the mansion''s corridors, heading back toward the exit.


    Once outside, she nced up at the grand structure, now void of its corrupt master. The night air was cool against her skin, and with a swift movement, she vanished into the shadows, leaving nothing but chaos and an empty mansion behind.


    Roselia, with the grace of a cat, leaped from one rooftop to another, her movements swift and silent as she made her way back to the slums. The night was her ally, its darkness concealing her presence as she crossed the city without a trace. Shended on a final roof with barely a sound, her sharp eyes scanning the shadowy streets below.


    By the time dawn broke, the nobles and residents of Blue Wind City would wake to a shocking discovery. Many would find their homes mysteriously missing precious items¡ªgold, jewels, and even enchanted artifacts. The noble district, in particr, would be in disarray, the once-secure estates now stripped of their wealth overnight.


    Roselia allowed herself a smirk. "Let them wake to their little nightmare," she thought. In the slums, her presence was nothing more than a fleeting shadow, unnoticed and untraceable, as the city stirred toward chaos.


    Her mission was sessful but given the conditions near Leon she decided to help him in that regard too.


    So, she packed all the valuables as well as many food too.


    Roselia returned to Leo''s room, finding him peacefully asleep. A soft smile crept onto her face as she gazed at his resting form. She moved quietly toward him but stopped abruptly when she sensed a pair of eyes watching over him from the shadows.


    "He left a guard too?" she thought, slightly amused.


    "Good, you didn''t disappoint me," Roselia mused to herself, knowing that whoever was watching would never harm her, not with her having no malicious intent toward Leo. The silent protector''s presence didn''t concern her; she was confident in her rtionship with Leo and her ce beside him.


    Roselia continued her approach, her movements soft and deliberate. When she reached his side, she removed her cloak, letting it fall quietly to the floor. Slipping into the bed beside him, she snuggled up close, her warmth mingling with his as she finally allowed herself to rx.


    With a contented sigh, she decided to let sleep im her, knowing she was exactly where she needed to be.


    The next morning, Leon woke up feelingpletely rxed. His eyes fluttered open as he stretched, but when he moved his hand, itnded on something soft. Confused, he instinctively gave it a light squeeze.


    "Ahhh~~" A soft moan filled the air.


    Startled, Leon quickly pulled his hand back, his mind racing as he turned and saw Roselia lying next to himpletely naked.


    "What the hell... Is she a subus or something?" Leon thought, his heart racing as he stared at her in disbelief. Trying to keep calm, he quietly slipped out of bed, doing his best not to wake her.


    As Leon moved away, Roselia stirred. She opened her eyes, noticing him leaving the bed. A small sigh escaped her lips as she watched him go. "Has my charm decreased?" she thought to herself, feeling slightly disappointed.


    ****


    Roselia image is now on my patreon you can go and see it there.


    Don''t worry it''s free

 Chapter 20 Lunas Return

    By the time afternoon rolled in, the room was filled with the lingering heat of their passionate morning, the air thick with the melodic sounds of their shared moments. Both Leon and Roseliay intertwined, their breaths steadying after hours of being lost in one another.


    "You''re quite good for a virgin," Leon teased with a yful grin, his voice carrying a hint of smugness as he leaned back.


    Roselia, still catching her breath, rolled her eyes at him but couldn''t help the smirk that tugged at her lips. "For someone who''s never been with a demon before, you managed just fine too," she retorted, her tone dripping with sarcasm, though there was an unmistakable warmth in her gaze.


    They shared a quiet moment, their bodies finally at rest, yet the connection between them felt stronger than ever.


    Leon chuckled at Roselia''s remark, finding her yful defiance charming. Hey back beside her, both of them catching their breath. The room was quiet now, filled with nothing but their soft breathing. A few moments passed before Leon broke the silence.


    "Well, I guess I should get used to this, having a familiar like you around," he said with a smile, though there was a hint of seriousness in his voice.


    Roselia turned her head to look at him, her yful expression softening. "You didn''t have to be so kind, you know. You could''ve just taken what you wanted, like most others would," she admitted, her voice quieter now.


    Leon nced at her, then turned to stare at the ceiling, gathering his thoughts. "That''s not who I am," he said simply. "I don''t want to be like the demons or the people who see others as tools or objects. If you''re by my side, it''ll be because you want to be, not because you''re forced."


    Roselia shifted closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder. "I see that now," she whispered. "You''re different. That''s why...I''ve chosen to stay."


    Leon felt the warmth of her body pressed against his, and in that moment, he realized that their bond had deepened beyond just a contract. It was something more.


    Leon then stood up, leaving Roselia to rest on the bed, and made his way back to the hall. Even if it can be called that.


    Upon reaching the hall, he found Millie ying in the space he had created. Seeing her, he thought, "Should I try to summon a rank 1?"


    His Origin Conjurer ability allowed him to summon three beings equal to his level, and seeing Millie ying alone, he thought about summoning anotherpanion for her.


    "But... what if I end up summoning another lesser Cthulhu or something?" He imagined Millie crying because of it, and the thought made himugh.


    Leon chuckled at the thought of summoning something as terrifying as a Lesser Cthulhu and scaring poor Millie. He couldn''t risk unsettling the peaceful atmosphere he''d created for her.


    "Maybe I should be more careful this time," he muttered to himself, crossing his arms as he observed Millie happily ying.


    Despite the overwhelming power of the Origin Conjurer, Leon had learned that raw strength wasn''t everything. Summoning a powerful being was one thing, but summoning someone who could fit in with his ns and hispanions was just as important.


    "Let''s see¡­ maybe something small, harmless... or at least friendly," he mused, trying to strike a bnce between power andpatibility. He wanted Millie to have apanion, not a nightmare.


    With that, he decided to take his time with the summoning, thinking of the possibilities while watching over Millie.


    Over time, Leon grew more curious about the full potential of his summoning abilities. He knew that with careful control, he could push the limits of what he could summon. His Origin Conjurer skill wasn''t just about brute force¡ªit was a delicate bnce of energy, intent, and willpower.@@novelbin@@


    He decided to experiment.


    First, Leon took a deep breath and centered himself, feeling the mana within his core. He had been practicing meditation more frequently since summoning Roselia, knowing that mastering his own energy was crucial for summoning the right beings. With Millie still ying nearby, he focused his thoughts.


    "Alright," Leon said to himself, "this time, I''ll try something different."


    He closed his eyes and envisioned a being of light, something small, yful, and protective. Unlike the intimidating entities from higher realms, he wanted to summon a creature that could bond with Millie¡ªa creature with gentle energy but still enough power to defend them if needed.


    He whispered the incantation, his fingers tracing the air as a summoning circle began to form in front of him. The intricate lines glowed with a soft, ethereal light, the hum of mana filling the air around him.


    The circle pulsed once, and Leon''s heart raced. He watched as the light within the circle condensed, shaping itself into a small form. When the light finally faded, what stood before him was a small, fox-like creature with gleaming silver fur and bright, sapphire-blue eyes. Its tail was bushy, almost ethereal, and it gave off a warm,forting aura.


    The creature looked up at Leon, blinking itsrge eyes. It seemed curious but not afraid.


    Leon smiled. "Perfect," he said softly, reaching out his hand. The fox-like creature cautiously approached, nuzzling his palm.


    Millie, noticing the new arrival, ran over excitedly. "What is it?" she asked, her eyes wide with wonder.


    Millie crouched down, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she reached out to the small fox-like creature. "You''re so cute!" she eximed, her fingers brushing through its soft, silver fur. The creature responded by nuzzling against Millie''s hand, its tail swishing gently behind it.


    The fox-like creature blinked up at her, then let out a soft, melodic sound, almost like a purr mixed with a chirp. Millie giggled, delighted by the creature''s response. "What''s your name?" she asked, even though she knew it couldn''t answer.


    Leon watched the two bond, feeling a sense of satisfaction. He had summoned a being that was not only harmless but one that seemed to naturally resonate with Millie''s energy. "Maybe we should give her a name," Leon suggested, stepping closer.

 Chapter 22 Lunas return III

    Luna continued petting Lulu, unable to resist the adorable little creature.


    "You didn''t make this difficult for Leon, did you?" Luna asked as she picked up the little fox and gentlyughed while looking at her sister.


    Millie shook her tiny head silently and said, "No, I didn''t."


    "Were there any who came toin to you?" Leon asked, but Millie shook her head again. Luna kept talking with Millie as she leaned in, showing how much she missed her sister during her absence.


    Meanwhile, Leon unsummoned thest creature he had summoned, bringing things back to calm. He then turned toward Luna.


    "So, what''s your ss now?" Leon asked.


    Luna responded, "It''s called Night Lord, a shadow magebined with assassin skills," she said, to which Leon nodded.


    "Night Lord, huh? That sounds powerful," Leon remarked, rubbing his chin.


    "It is," Luna replied confidently.


    "How about I lead you out of the city tomorrow and help you raise your level a bit?" she suggested. Leon nodded, knowing it was an opportunity he''d been waiting for, as he had his own goals to meet too.


    "Let''s go tomorrow then. You should rest tonight," Leon said, and Luna nodded in agreement.


    "Yes, I miss my sister too," Luna said as she stood up.


    While Luna got ready, Leon went to cook dinner using the ingredients Roselia had brought. A few minutester, Luna entered the kitchen with a surprised expression. "Where did you get all of this?" she asked, looking at the magical stove and the abundance of rare food ingredients Leon was preparing.


    "My familiar brought them for me," Leon exined, causing Luna to raise an eyebrow.


    "Familiar? Who is it?" she asked.


    "She''s a demoness¡ªRoselia. My familiar," Leon replied casually, and Luna nodded thoughtfully.


    "Hmm," Luna mused, sitting at the table as Leon continued cooking.


    As Leon continued cooking, the rich aroma of the ingredients filled the room. Luna leaned back in her chair, watching him work, her mind wandering between the new developments of the day.


    "So, a demoness as a familiar?" Luna asked with a intrigued smile. "You''re collecting quite the entourage, Leon."


    Demons are notorious for their bad deed after all, most of the menance caused in Tower is done by Demons and other Dark creatures.


    Leon chuckled. "She''s powerful and resourceful, plus I trust her. Besides, she''s... well, she''s different from the others."


    Luna raised an eyebrow. "Different how?"


    "She''s loyal, but not because of a contract or some forced obligation," Leon said, stirring the pot. "She chose to be with me, and that''s why I value her even more."


    Luna nodded, understanding the weight behind those words. In a world filled with power struggles, where strength often dictated rtionships, having someone who stayed out of genuine loyalty was rare.


    "She sounds interesting. Maybe I''ll meet her tomorrow before we head out," Luna said, standing up to grab a te as Leon finished cooking.


    "Yeah, you should," Leon replied with a grin, cing the food on the table.


    They sat down to eat infortable silence, both lost in thought about the next steps they would take. Tomorrow was a big day¡ªLuna''s advancement to Epic-tier ss and Leon''s own ns. It was clear that they were both growing stronger, but the path ahead was full of uncertainties.@@novelbin@@


    As they finished eating, Luna stood up, stretching. "I''ll get some rest now. We''ve got a long day ahead tomorrow."


    "Yeah, goodnight," Leon said, watching her leave. He cleaned up the dishes and, after a moment of quiet contemtion, decided to check on Roselia.


    Heading back to his room, Leon opened the door to find Roselia still resting, her peaceful expression a stark contrast to her usual confident demeanor. He smiled to himself, thinking about how much things had changed since he first summoned her.


    "We''re getting stronger," he whispered, closing the door quietly behind him. Tomorrow, they''d continue moving forward.


    Leon sat on bed as he thought " The other guy who was helping Brain as also an Tier III, but unlike the fool Brian, defeating him with deception would be difficult" he thought as he wondered.


    "I just have to reach the peak of Tier II, and then I''ll be able to summon and keep those beings for long enough to defeat him. Not only that, but with the increase in strength, I''ll also be able to defend the city better," Leon thought, a determined glint in his eyes.


    He leaned back, the weight of his ambition settling on his shoulders. His Origin Conjurer abilities were steadily growing, and with just a little more progress, he''d unlock the power he needed to stand against his enemies.


    "I should wrap everything up in just a month," Leon mused, feeling the urgency of his ns. Every decision he made now was a step toward not only his survival but his dominance over the challenges ahead.


    His mind raced with strategies, envisioning the battles toe. He knew that power alone wouldn''t be enough¡ªhe needed to outthink his opponents as well. The city was aplicated web of politics and hidden agendas, and only with careful maneuvering could he maintain control and protect those who relied on him.


    "I''ll get there," he told himself, confident but cautious. The peak of Tier II wasn''t far off, but he had to be patient.


    Leon stood up, taking a deep breath as he contemted his next moves. The city was still buzzing with activity, and he knew that his enemies wouldn''t wait for him to grow stronger. Time was precious.


    He made his way to the window, gazing out at the bustling streets below. Luna''s return was reassuring, but the threat of the City Lord affiliate loomed ever closer. Their eyes were always watching, searching for any weaknesses to exploit.


    "I can''t afford to be careless," Leon muttered to himself. He needed to keep a low profile while growing his strength, but he also had to gather information¡ªespecially on the City Lord''s forces.

 Chapter 25 Dungeon

    They continued cautiously, and soon they stumbled upon an opening that revealed a vast underground chamber. The ground beneath their feet vibrated subtly, and what once was a sewer now resembled the entrance to a dungeon. Dark stone pirs rose from the floor, twisted and malformed, and the faint hum of magical energy filled the air.


    Luna looked up at Leon, her expression serious. "This isn''t just an underground tunnel anymore. It''s turned into a dungeon."


    Leon frowned, his gaze scanning the surroundings. "A dungeon forming in the middle of a city... This could be a problem."@@novelbin@@


    The formation of a dungeon is a natural yet dangerous process. It begins when a monster nest is left unchecked, allowing a Dungeon Core to find the area and merge with the nest. Once merged, the core slowly takes control, turning the entire area into its domain and empowering the monsters that inhabit it to act as its guards.


    Over time, the monsters evolve under the influence of the core, bing stronger and more vicious.


    A Dungeon Core itself functions like an egg, gestating and growing until it''s powerful enough to give birth to a demon lord. As it matures, the dungeon evolves in strength andplexity, bing more dangerous with each passing day. Dungeon Cores are not simple objects, though¡ªthey are actually Demon Seeds, entities that search for suitable nests to "hatch" themselves into fully-fledged demons.


    The type of demon birthed depends on the grade of the dungeon at the time of its hatching.


    For instance, the dungeon Leon and Luna now face is currently a simple Grade 1 Dungeon. If left unchecked, it can evolve into higher grades over time, allowing the core to eventually hatch a higher-tier demon. Right now, the core is capable of birthing a Peak Tier II demon.


    But if no one interferes, the dungeon could continue to grow, evolving from Grade 1 to Grade 2, and beyond, birthing even more powerful demonic entities.


    "The core is probably buried deeper inside, protected by all these monsters," Luna remarked as they observed the area.


    Leon nodded, his gaze focused. "Then we need to clear this ce out before it evolves any further. Otherwise, we might be dealing with something far more dangerous than a Tier II demon."


    In the distance, they could see shadows moving. Larger versions of the gue rats they had fought earlier prowled near the dungeon''s entrance, guarding the way forward. These new enemies seemed to exude a much stronger aura, radiating with malice.


    "We need to be careful," Leon said, gripping his staff tightly. "The creatures in here are no longer just sewer rats. They''ve evolved."


    Luna nodded, her eyes sharp. "And I''m guessing the rewards are greater too."


    Leon rolled his eyes but nodded in agreement. If a Dungeon Core is interrupted during its gestation, there are typically two oues: the core either abandons the dungeon, leaving behind a treasure, or it hatches prematurely, birthing a demon. Given that this is only a Grade 1 dungeon, the odds of it fleeing and leaving behind treasure are close to 90%.


    However, there remains a 10% chance it could hatch a demon instead, which is why they needed to proceed carefully.


    "We should eliminate all the monsters and get you to at least the peak of Tier II before we confront the core," Leon said, his tone serious.


    Luna nodded in agreement, fully aware of the risks involved. With that, the two steeled themselves and ventured deeper into the dungeon, knowing that every battle they fought would be crucial to their survival and eventual sess.


    As Leon and Luna stepped deeper into the dungeon, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The sewers, which once smelled of stagnant water and filth, transformed into a dark, foreboding passageway lined with jagged ck stone. The walls seemed to pulse faintly, as if the dungeon itself was alive.


    A cold, damp air clung to their skin, and the sound of distant echoes hinted at unseen dangers lurking ahead.


    The tunnel ahead expanded into a massive, octagonal chamber. It was lit by eerie, glowing crystals embedded into the walls. The light they gave off was dim, casting long, unsettling shadows across the chamber. The floor was uneven, with cracks running through it like veins, and in the center stood a towering obelisk¡ªa clear indicator that this was no ordinary ce.


    Surrounding the obelisk were stone pirs, each etched with ancient demonic runes that flickered with a faint red glow.


    Leon nced around, his instincts on high alert. "This ce¡­ it''s like apletely different world."


    Luna, standing beside him, nodded grimly. "This is where the core''s influence is strongest. We''ve definitely entered the dungeon''s heart."


    Since , this is only a Grade 1 dungeon, this is only a single floor or single room dungeon, leading them to arriving directly at the center of Dungeon where the core is located.


    The air felt thick with power, almost suffocating, as they stepped further inside. Strange, twisted creatures scurried along the walls¡ªcreatures neither fully rat nor fully demon, their bodies a grotesque mix of fur and scales, their eyes glowing red with malevolent intent.


    These were the dungeon''s defenders, the gue-ridden rats now fully transformed into monsters under the Dungeon Core''s control.


    Leon flexed his fingers, summoning his Aether magic. "Get ready. This is going to be a rough fight."


    Luna drew her weapons, her eyes narrowing as she surveyed the enemies around them. "I''ll take the ones on the left. You handle the right."


    With a nod, they split off, moving swiftly into battle. The rats shrieked and charged at them, their ws ttering against the stone floor as they swarmed the duo. Luna''s movements were fluid and precise, each strike of her de dispatching a rat in a single motion.


    Leon, meanwhile, summoned bursts of energy, hurling Aether bolts at the creatures, incinerating them before they could get too close.


    Despite their strength, the enemies seemed endless, pouring from hidden cracks in the walls, as if the dungeon itself was birthing them. The chamber reverberated with the sound of battle, each sh of weapons and st of magic echoing through the room.


    "These things just keeping!" Leon shouted, panting slightly as heunched another spell.


    "They''re buying time!" Luna replied, her voice sharp. "The Core must know we''re here!"

 Chapter 27 Final Boss

    A/N : You guys might have noticed the name changing of Luna from Sabrina to Lana and now Luna, well, it was all Luna doing, she was not speaking her real name until Leon told her they are on same side.


    Hope it helps


    *****


    After about ten minutes, Leon opened his eyes and noticed the cocoon that had formed near the dungeon core. It pulsed faintly, like a heartbeat, as though preparing to give life to whatever monstrosityy within. He eyed it carefully, thoughts swirling in his head. I wonder what''s going to emerge... he mused, silently hoping for a magical-type boss.


    He nced over at Luna, who was still deep in meditation. "It''ll probably hatch in another ten minutes or so," he muttered to himself, his voice barely a whisper in the eerie silence of the dungeon.


    Out of curiosity, Leon tried using his appraisal skill on the core and the cocoon. Unfortunately, his appraisal yielded little information beyond the fact that the cocoon housed a Seed of the gue Demon. That revtion stirred a mixture of understanding and caution within him. So it''s a gue demon¡­ makes sense given the rats, he thought, reflecting on the nature of this dungeon.


    Dungeon core also has types after all, Like this gue type dungeon core thus it chose this sewers which has not been maintained after Luna''s father death, leading to infestation ofrge number of gue rats which resulted in nest formation which in turn invited the Dungeon core.


    The dungeon core''s purpose was clear now: once the boss was defeated, the core would flee, leaving behind a reward. But if someone dared to approach the core while it was hatching, the cocoon would break, and there would be no more dungeon core. Taming a dungeon core, Leon knew, was an incredibly rare feat, with odds so slim they were nearly impossible.


    It required either a powerful time-based spell to freeze the core in ce or a rare domination scroll, neither of which could be found in a mere tutorial town like the one they are in.


    Leon chuckled quietly at the thought. If only I had something like that, he considered. But for now, he focused on the task at hand¡ªdefeating the boss, iming whatever reward the core would leave behind, and getting out of this sewer-turned-dungeon intact.


    After a few more minutes, Luna opened her eyes and looked at Leon. "Let''s make a n," she said, and Leon nodded in agreement.


    "First, let me tell you what skills I can use," Luna began. "There''s Shadow Control, which you''ve probably seen a lot already. Then, I have Shadow Dive, a kind of teleportation spell that lets me move from one shadow to another. I also have Heart Strike, Backstab, typical assassin skills. And finally, there''s Dark Poison, though I doubt that''ll be much use here."


    Leon listened carefully, already formting ideas based on Luna''s abilities.


    Leon nodded as Luna listed her skills. He absorbed the information, already formting ideas in his head. "Alright," he started, "your Shadow Control will be our key for positioning, especially if things get out of hand. We can rely on your Shadow Dive to move quickly and avoid direct attacks from the boss."


    He paused, considering her next abilities. "Heart Strike and Backstrike will be critical for dealing big damage from behind or when it''s distracted. As for Dark Poison..." He frowned slightly. "Yeah, given the gue theme here, I doubt it''ll be effective against whateveres out of that cocoon."@@novelbin@@


    Luna nodded in agreement. "So, what do you have in mind?"


    "Here''s the n," Leon said, leaning in. "I''ll stay in front and keep its attention, using my summons and Aether magic to weaken it. You can use Shadow Dive to nk it and hit it with your assassin abilities, especially when it''s vulnerable. The key will be hitting it hard when it''s distracted.


    I''ll do my best to block its attacks, but I need you to make sure it doesn''t overwhelm us with sheer force."


    Luna''s eyes gleamed with determination. "Got it. I''ll focus on dodging and finding the right moments to strike."


    Leon added, "We have to watch for any tricks this boss might have. If it has any area-of-effect spells or summoning abilities, we''ll need to be ready to adapt."


    "Okay, I''ll be the main dealer, and you''ll be the supporter and secondary dealer?" Luna asked, confirming the strategy. Leon nodded.


    "Yes, I''ll be tanking too. I''ve got defensive spells," Leon replied, and Luna nodded in agreement.


    Crack!


    Both turned toward the sound.


    "Right on time," Leon said as shadows coiled around Luna''s hands, forming two gleaming obsidian daggers. Leon smiled as he summoned his own weapon¡ªa white staff with a red gemstone on top.


    "Where did you get that?" Luna asked, her eyes narrowing as she recognized the staff. It belonged to Brian, the man who killed her parents and loyal supporters of her father, the former city lord.


    "My familiar stole it after killing Brian," Leon shrugged casually.


    "Huh?" Luna looked at him in shock.


    "Oh yeah, Roselia killed him in a fit of rage," Leon said nonchntly.


    "What the¡ªwhat do you mean she killed him? Brian was a Tier 3 fighter! How did she manage to kill him despite only being Tier 1?" Luna asked, bewildered.


    "She used her brains and her illusion abilities. She made him her puppet, forced him to humiliate himself in front of his son, and then ordered him to kill himself," Leon exined, still shivering slightly at the memory of how Roselia described the scene.


    Luna''s face went pale with fear as she absorbed the information, but it quickly transformed into one of satisfaction. "She''s good," Luna said with a sly smile.


    ''Women are terrifying,'' Leon thought as he saw the sinister grin spread across Luna''s face.


    "Anyway, let''s focus on the boss," Leon said, snapping out of the conversation as Luna nodded in agreement. Their eyes fixed on therge cocoon ahead, which started to crack open.


    A hand emerged, holding a staff.


    "I guess we''re facing a magical type," Leon said, preparing himself. Luna nodded, feeling confident since she had an advantage against mages. But before they could react, another hand shot out, this one holding a sword.


    "What the hell?" both Leon and Luna muttered in unison, eyes widening.

 Chapter 30 Change of Plans

    With the dungeon destroyed, Leon and Luna walked forward through the now eerily silent sewers. The pungent air, once filled with the scurrying sounds of gue rats, had be unsettlingly calm. Shadows danced along the damp stone walls as their footsteps echoed through the empty tunnels.


    "It''s strange," Luna murmured, ncing around. "It feels like the sewers are apletely different ce now."


    Leon nodded. "Without the dungeon core binding them, the gue rats must''ve abandoned this area entirely. Let''s hope they don''t regroup somewhere else."


    Luna smirked. "If they do, we''ll just clear them out again."


    Leon nced back at her. "Don''t get overconfident. We got lucky¡ªmy Aether Magic works well against dark creatures. Without it, we might not have made it out alive," he said, though he thought privately, I would''ve made a break for it if things got that bad.


    "Yeah, yeah," Luna said with a casual wave of her hand, but then paused, giving him a thoughtful look. "Wait. You''re strong against dark-type creatures, right?"


    Leon nodded, curious. "Yeah, why?"


    A grin spread across Luna''s face. "Then you''re in luck. Just like these sewers, the cemetery''s been neglected by that idiot lord. Last time I passed by, there were a lot of skeletons and other undead wandering around. There might even be a dungeon there now"


    Leon''s eyes lit up. "Let''s go check it out, then."


    Without wasting any time, they climbed out of the sewers and made their way toward the cemetery. The graveyard, once maintained by priests and guards who periodically blessed the grounds, had been left abandoned for over five months since Luna''s father''s death. Now, thanks to the umting mana and miasma, the grounds were rumored to be crawling with the restless dead.


    Standing outside the cemetery, Leon surveyed the graveyard. "This ce has really turned out like this," he sighed, observing the many graves that had already been dug open, the bodies beneath them starting to w their way out and roam restlessly.


    "Hmm, if the bodies are digging themselves out, that means there''s a high-ranking undead here," Leon said, ncing at Luna.


    "What do you mean?" she asked, furrowing her brow in confusion.


    Leon looked at her incredulously. "Aren''t you the daughter of the lord? Howe you don''t know anything about this?"


    Luna shrugged. "I wasn''t of age at the time, and not to mention, I wasn''t good at studying," she replied, a hint of defensiveness in her tone.


    Leon shook his head, deciding to exin further. "In a cemetery, normally, miasma or Death Mana gives rise to low-level skeletons. It''s more like creation rather than raising the dead."


    "But it changes when a higher undead is born. Unlike Death Mana, the high level undead isn''t powerful enough to create undead from scratch, it reanimates the dead. That''s why these graves look like someone has wed their way out rather than being dug up," Leon borated.


    Luna nodded, her expression shifting to one of understanding as she grasped what he meant. "So we''re dealing with something serious here, huh?"


    Leon nodded solemnly, his gaze fixed on the creeping undead. "Exactly. We need to be cautious."


    "By the way, is it powerful than a Dungeon?" Luna asked looking at Leon.


    "It depends, "Leon replied, and then he added more "There can be Dungeon or now it''s an Domain"


    "Domain?" Luna asked once again as Leon got irritated, by her constant questioning but then he sighed and began to exin.@@novelbin@@


    "domain can be said to be an open Dungeon unlike closed off Dungeon, it''s ....more like a Lord ruling hisnd, with a single lord at top and his many troops, but it''s also like an Dungeon, defeat the final boss and it''s over" He said as Luna nodded.


    "Okay, you should have said that at start why make it soplicated" Luna said as he took out her new Dagger, Leon shoo his head as both began to enter.


    The moment both entered the gate, they fell as if they have crossed a thin almost non existing film, "This was..?" Luna asked as Leon answered " That was the Domain wall, now we are inside his Domain he must have known it and son be sending his troops to attacks us"


    Luna nodded as he got ready, while Leon also took out his staff, ''Skeletons and Zombies, against them I should try to save as much as mana for thest boss , after all Undead Monsters usually have high HP'' Leon thought as he looked at his Mortal Swordsmanship.


    "It seems it''s time to use you," he mumbled to himself as he clenched the gue Bearer Sword. ''Though, I don''t think you''ll do much damage to the undead,'' he pondered, sheathing the sword and instead drawing another weapon. He pulled out a dagger and handed it to Luna.


    "What is this?" she wondered as she examined the dagger.


    "This is a Blessed weapon; it deals 100% more damage to undead," Leon exined. These were old weapons once wielded by the guards who patrolled the cemetery.


    "They were blessed by a priest but were never used, so they still retain their holy blessing¡ªanother good find stolen by Rosleia for me," he added, a hint of pride in his voice.


    Not to mention...


    [You have donated: Holy Blessed Dagger (Umon)]


    [You have gained: Holy Dagger (Umon)]


    Leon looked at the rewards with satisfaction. The blessing was no longer limited; it would now permanently retain its holy power. No matter how much he used it, the blessing wouldn''t wear off.


    "Now you can really make a difference against the undead," he said, a determined glint in his eyes. Luna nodded, gripping the dagger tightly, feeling its weight and significance. "Let''s clear this ce out."


    "And this time, you can level up after all the undead are magical beings," Luna said, her excitement evident.


    Leon nodded. ''Well, I was already leveling up, but now my speed will increase even more,'' he thought inwardly, ncing at his stats. He was currently at Level 51 of Tier I.


    "Let''s get this done, then," he replied, determination fueling his steps. With Luna by his side, he felt more confident facing the undead that awaited them in the cemetery.

 Chapter 32 Field boss II

    The cemetery was shrouded in an eerie fog, the moonlight barely piercing through as if afraid to touch the corrupted ground. Gravesy desecrated, and the stench of decay filled the air as more undead creatures crawled and staggered toward Leon and Luna. Skeletal soldiers ttered forward, rusted armor clinging to their brittle bones.


    Behind them, grotesque zombies shuffled and groaned, their vacant eyes locked on their prey.


    The next wave of undead charged forward, a mix of armored skeletons wielding chipped swords and rotting zombies with flesh hanging from their bones. Among them were a few new horrors¡ªspitting zombies that hissed as they spewed acidic bile and bursting zombies, bloated with dark energy, that exploded upon impact, releasing a noxious mist that clung to the ground.


    Leon gritted his teeth, shing through a spitting zombie with his blessed sword, watching as it disintegrated upon contact with the holy de. "These exploding ones are a nightmare!" he called out as he narrowly dodged one of the bursting zombies, which detonated with a sickening squelch, releasing a cloud of foul-smelling gas.


    "Tell me about it!" Luna replied, her dagger shing as she cleaved through a cluster of skeletal warriors. Her quick footwork kept her just out of reach of the acidic bile, her expression fierce as she cut down another zombie. "We have to keep moving forward¡ªif we get surrounded, we''re done for!"


    Leon nodded, rallying his energy as he cut a path through the endless waves of undead. They fought like a storm, relentless and unyielding, each strike pushing them closer to the cemetery''s heart where the undead leader surely awaited. The haunting silence in the distance was almost worse than the sounds of battle.


    It was as if the cemetery itself was watching, waiting for them to make it to their final test.


    After an hour of relentless assault, they had finally taken down all the waves. "Ugh, I''m so done with this!" Luna shouted in frustration, looking at Leon and then down at herself, both of them exhausted and covered in grime.


    "This dagger''s broken too," she muttered, lifting the Holy Blessed Dagger, now dull and missing its holy glow.


    Leon caught his breath, ncing at Luna with a weary grin. "Yeah, that was¡­ intense," he muttered, sheathing his own weapon, which bore signs of wear after the relentless assault. He noticed her broken dagger, its holy glow nowpletely faded.


    "Looks like the blessing couldn''t withstand all that undead mana," he observed, his voice tinged with disappointment.


    Luna scowled as she tossed the dagger aside. "So much for blessed gear," she muttered, running a hand through her hair. "Guess we''ll need a priest to re-bless this stuff, or better yet, get something tougher for the next dungeon."


    "I have more of them" Leon said tossing two more blessed dagger to her, "You should have given it to me earlier" Luna muttered catching the daggers''.


    Leon nodded, eyeing the eerie silence that had settled over the cemetery. Despite their exhaustion, a sense of dread still filled the air. They''d cleared the waves, but now they both knew the real challengey ahead.


    "Think we''re close to the boss now?" Leon asked, gripping his remaining sword tightly.


    Luna smiled, though fatigue weighed on her. "After all that? He better be. Let''s make sure this wasn''t for nothing."


    With a nod, they each looked at the gate that separated themoners'' graveyard from the noble burial grounds.


    "This ce has distinctions too," Leon sighed, noticing the ornate gate and the maintained path leading beyond it.


    "Can''t help it," Luna replied with a scoff. "Nobles are an obnoxious bunch; they think they''re great. My father had to respect their traditions, so he maintained it separately."@@novelbin@@


    Leon nodded, understanding her frustration as they both stepped through the gate.


    As they entered, a stark difference became clear. Unlike themon graveyard, which was cluttered and chaotic, this section was eerily clean, almost untouched by the decay and chaos outside. A single figure was waiting in the middle, towering above the graves.


    It was a skeletal warrior, robed in tattered ceremonial garb, hovering a few inches off the ground, clutching an ancient sword with both hands as if eternally guarding something precious.


    Leon took a step forward, feeling the weight of the air shift. "This must be the boss," he whispered, his grip tightening on his sword.


    The skeletal figure raised its empty gaze to meet theirs, and a hollow, echoing voice filled the cemetery. "Intruders¡­ your souls are forfeit."


    Luna nced at Leon, smirking. "Ready for round two?"


    Leon gave her a quick, confident nod, his eyes narrowing with anticipation. "This one''s different¡ªfeels like a true gatekeeper. Stay alert."


    As they edged closer, the skeletal warrior let out a chilling wail that reverberated through the noble graveyard, summoning the ground beneath them to tremble. Suddenly, faint blue mes ignited within its empty eye sockets, and the de it held began to glow with an ominous energy.


    With a sweeping motion, it raised the sword high and brought it crashing down, sending a shockwave of dark energy rushing towards them.


    "Move!" Leon shouted, pushing Luna aside as he dodged the wave. The dark energy struck a nearby tombstone, shattering it instantly.


    Luna quickly recovered, rolling back onto her feet. "He''s no joke. Looks like we''ll have to y smart," she muttered, her eyes fixed on the skeleton.


    Leon circled to the left, attempting to nk the skeletal warrior. "We have to split its focus. I''ll draw its attacks¡ªtry to get behind it and aim for the spine or any weak point you can find."


    With a nod, Luna readied her dagger, keeping her stance low. As Leon darted forward, the skeletal warrior''s gaze locked onto him, its eyes ring even brighter. It swung its sword in a powerful arc, but Leon sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the de as it sliced through the air with a menacing hum.


    Taking advantage of the distraction, Luna lunged forward, aiming her dagger at the skeleton''s spine. She struck true, the de finding its mark between its vertebrae. But instead of breaking, the skeleton''s form wavered, its bones shifting like mist before snapping back into ce.


    "Persistent, aren''t you?" Luna muttered under her breath, backing up quickly as the skeleton whirled around, now facing her.

 Chapter 35 Peak of tier I part 2

    As he absorbed more of the magic sources, a faint glow surrounded Leon, intensifying with each source consumed. He could feel his connection to magic deepening, his spells bing more potent. The cave around him seemed to amplify the energy, as if resonating with his progress.


    After a while, he opened his eyes, a new rity in them. His level had advanced significantly, and he felt more powerful than ever. With a smirk, he clenched his fists, marveling at the newfound strength flowing through him.


    Just then, Luna returned, carrying a small pouch filled with freshly caught fish. She raised an eyebrow, noticing the aura of energy still lingering around him.


    "Looks like you''ve leveled up quite a bit," she remarked, impressed.


    Leon grinned, nodding. "It''s amazing how much stronger I feel. These magic sources really make a difference."


    Luna handed him a fish, already cleaned and ready to cook. "Good. We''ll need all the strength we can get if we''re nning to clear out more of those dungeons or fields."


    As they settled by the small fire Luna had set up, they roasted the fish. Leon nced at her with curiosity. "There are more dungeons nearby?"


    Luna nodded. "Yes, I know of a few others, but I never went in myself. Alone, it''s too dangerous, and there''s no one I could call from the city to help."


    "So, you ignored them until now?" Leon asked, intrigued. "But now that we''re a team, you think we could take them on?"


    "Exactly. With the two of us, it''s worth the risk," she said with a glint of excitement in her eyes.


    Leon raised an eyebrow. "What level are these dungeons?"


    "Most of them are Grade 1, but they''ve been untouched for ages," Luna replied. "That means the first team to clear them gets the best rewards¡ªlike rare items, monster cores, and treasures that haven''t seen daylight in years."


    "Sounds like they''re gold mines," Leon remarked, understanding her logic. "Old dungeons left unchecked could be packed with resources... if we''re strong enough to survive whatever''s guarding them."


    Luna smirked. "Exactly. They''re like wealth machines, but also incredibly risky. Monsters and traps lie dormant, waiting to challenge anyone brave enough to try."


    "What about the adventurers from the city? Why haven''t they raided it?" Leon asked as he took a bite of the roasted fish.


    "Because the lord is a greedy bastard," Luna replied with a sigh. "He tries to hoard everything. He pped a 50% tax on adventuring profits, so most of the adventurers left. Now, it''s barely a city in name¡ªit''s more like a glorified vige. Bandits and smugglers have taken over."


    "Figures," Leon muttered, frowning. "No wonder I kept getting a bad feeling whenever I was in the city. With such high difficulty, it did make sense why it wasn''t thriving."


    Luna gave a bitter chuckle. "Yep, a ce once bustling with adventurers has been reduced to nothing. It''s probably why those dungeons have been untouched so long; the lord practically handed them over to decay."


    "we should rest now" Luna said finishing her fish as Leon nodded too.@@novelbin@@


    As the night deepened, Leon and Luna settled around the small, crackling fire, letting their weary bodies rx after the long day. The stars above were faint, peeking through the dense forest canopy that surrounded their makeshift camp. They finished the roasted fish inpanionable silence, each lost in their thoughts.


    After a while, Leon leaned back against a tree, feeling the weight of exhaustion finally settle in. "This is the first peaceful night I''ve had in ages," he said quietly, closing his eyes. "Feels good to actually rest without watching my back."


    Luna chuckled softly. "Yeah, let''s enjoy it while itsts. Tomorrow, we''re diving back into the thick of things." She rolled out her cloak, settling onto it with a yawn.


    They took turns keeping watch, but the night passed without disturbance. In the morning, sunlight filtered through the trees, warming their faces as they woke. Luna stretched, rubbing her eyes, while Leon packed up their supplies.


    "Ready for the next dungeon?" Luna asked, shouldering her bag.


    "As ready as I''ll ever be," Leon replied, gripping his sword tightly.


    They followed a winding trail as Luna led him through the outskirts of the city, where abandoned buildings and overgrown fields hinted at what had once been a bustling ce. Eventually, they reached the outskirts of what used to be the city''s fish farm, now warped and twisted by dark mana into a swampy dungeon teeming with creatures.


    The watery still, a murky green, dotted with patches of algae and thick reeds. The air was heavy with an earthy, damp smell, and an eerie quiet settled over the area, disturbed only by the asional ssh of something moving just below the surface.


    "This used to be a peaceful ce where people woulde to fish," Luna exined, her voice barely above a whisper. "Now, it''s known as the Monster Swamp. Whatever dark magic got into the water turned it into a dungeon, and creatures mutated to adapt to this ce."


    Leon nodded, scanning the swamp ahead. "Any idea what kind of monsters we''ll be dealing with?"


    "Mostly water beasts¡ªgiant frogs, undead fish, and swamp spirits. Nothing like the skeletons from before, but they''re just as relentless. And whatever dark power twisted this ce, it''s left it... vtile. No one''s managed to clear it yet," she said.


    "Sounds perfect," Leon said with a grin, steeling himself as he stepped forward. "Let''s see if we can bring a little peace back to this ce."


    Side by side, they ventured into the Monster Swamp, prepared for whatevery in the dark waters ahead.


    As they continued, the mist began to gather as it began to disrupt there views.


    "I guess we are near the entrance" Leon said seeing this as Luan nodded "yes, we are nearing it"


    Soon, they are near the edge of an swamp which now looked like an swirling dark water, it is the entrance to the Dungeon.

 Chapter 37 Swamp Trouble II

    "Luna, fall back!" Leon called out as he summoned a spell. The air around him shimmered with energy before condensing into a glowing ball of light. With a wave of his staff, he sent the spell hurtling toward the group of zombies, and it exploded on impact, casting a blinding sh of light across the swamp.


    The zombies staggered, momentarily stunned by the light, and Leon seized the opportunity. "Now!"


    Luna didn''t hesitate. She surged forward, her dagger shing as she quickly dispatched the weakened zombies, cutting through them with ruthless precision. Within moments, thest of the creatures fell to the ground, lifeless once again.


    Breathing heavily, Luna wiped her brow and looked at Leon. "How much further do you think?"


    He surveyed the area, his gaze falling on an overgrown path winding deeper into the mist. "Not far, I think. I can sense something strong just up ahead... possibly the dungeon''s core."


    As they ventured further along the path, the swamp seemed to grow denser, the air thickening with an almost tangible weight. Strange, eerie lights flickered in the fog, casting ghostly reflections on the water. It wasn''t long before they reached arge clearing where the trees parted, revealing a wide, stagnant pool.


    In the center of the pooly an enormous, half-submerged structure¡ªan ancient stone altar, covered in strange, pulsating moss. Dark symbols were etched into the stones, glowing faintly in the mist. And there, looming over the altar, stood a massive, shadowy figure. It was humanoid but grotesque, its skin a blend of decayed flesh and murky slime, with piercing, red eyes that glowed with malice.


    Leon took a deep breath, steeling himself. "This... must be the dungeon''s core guardian. If we defeat it, the dungeon should copse, and the curse on this swamp might finally lift."


    Luna nodded, her expression determined. "Then let''s finish this."


    The guardian let out a deep, guttural roar that shook the ground, sending ripples through the swamp. It raised its massive, wed arms and stomped toward them, each step echoing like thunder.


    Leon and Luna exchanged a nce, then charged forward together, ready to face the final challenge.


    The guardian''s roar seemed to stir the swamp itself. The murky waters around them bubbled, and smaller, twisted creatures began to rise from the depths¡ªcreatures with slimy skin and empty, hollow eyes. They wed and crawled toward Leon and Luna, as if summoned to protect their monstrous leader.


    "Keep the minions off me!" Leon called, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the massive guardian. He held his staff high, summoning a flickering orb of light that hovered at its tip. The orb crackled, growing brighter until it zed with energy. With a swift movement, heunched it straight at the guardian.


    The energy st struck the creature in the chest, staggering it back a few steps, but it hardly seemed fazed. The guardian let out another furious roar, raising one massive, wed hand, and with a powerful swipe, it unleashed a wave of dark energy that rippled through the swamp, sending water and debris flying.@@novelbin@@


    Luna ducked to avoid the wave, slicing through the smaller creatures with swift, practiced movements. She wove between them, shing and dodging, her de glinting in the dim light as she kept them away from Leon. Despite their grotesque appearance and relentless advance, they were sluggish, and her agility allowed her to dispatch them quickly. Yet, their sheer numbers kept her busy, each one seemingly more determined than thest.


    Leon, meanwhile, focused on the guardian. He switched tactics, drawing upon a different spell. He whispered a chant, and the ground beneath the guardian''s feet began to glow. Vines of pure energy erupted from the ground, wrapping around the creature''s legs, binding it in ce.


    The guardian struggled against the magical restraints, roaring as it tore at the vines with its ws. The ground trembled with its fury, and cracks appeared in the glowing vines as it slowly began to break free.


    "Luna, now!" Leon shouted.


    Luna sprang forward, sprinting through the mud and dodging the remaining minions. With a leap, sheunched herself toward the immobilized guardian, her dagger raised high. She drove her weapon into the guardian''s shoulder, twisting it as dark, oozing liquid spilled from the wound. The guardian howled, thrashing violently to shake her off. She held on, gripping tightly as she drove her dagger deeper.


    Leon took advantage of the distraction, gathering another surge of energy in his staff. He muttered a spell under his breath, and a blinding beam of light shot from the tip of his staff, striking the guardian directly in the face. The creature reeled back, momentarily blinded and disoriented.


    The vines shattered as the guardian broke free, but it was weakened, its movements slower and more sluggish. Leon could see the damage starting to take its toll; the creature''s once-powerful roars were now rasping breaths, and it staggered with each step.


    Seizing the moment, Luna leapt back, distancing herself from the iling guardian. "It''s close, Leon! We just need one final blow!"


    Leon nodded, gripping his staff tightly as he gathered every ounce of magical energy he had left. The staff glowed brightly, nearly blinding, as he raised it high above his head. With a shout, he brought it down, sending a massive wave of light and force crashing into the guardian. The energy enveloped the creature, consuming it in a zing inferno.


    The guardian let out onest, guttural roar as it disintegrated, its form dissolving into shadows and ash that scattered into the mist. The swamp fell eerily silent, and the remaining minions copsed, lifeless, into the water.


    Leon and Luna stood there, panting and covered in mud, as the dark energy around them dissipated. Slowly, the fog lifted, and the swamp seemed to regain a faint glimmer of natural light.


    Luna wiped her brow, ncing over at Leon with a weary smile. "That... was exhausting."


    Leon managed a tired grin. "But we did it. The swamp should return to normal now."


    Together, they made their way out of the swamp, their steps lighter with the knowledge of their victory. As they emerged from the dungeon, the first rays of dawn were breaking over the horizon, casting warm light across thend, washing away thest traces of the swamp''s darkness.

 Chapter 40 Peak of I final

    As they ventured deeper into the dungeon, the air grew thicker and damp,ced with a bitter stench of decay. Twisted roots snaked across the walls, and the stone pathways were slippery with moss, making each step treacherous. Both Leon and Luna moved cautiously, their eyes scanning for movement in the shadows. The faint drip of water echoed in the silence, adding to the tension hanging between them.


    Leon could feel the anticipation building within him; they had already uncovered incredible loot, and there was no telling what awaited them in the dungeon''s depths. The ring he had given Luna was powerful¡ªalmost too powerful¡ªand he had felt a strange energy emanating from it the moment she put it on. It was almost as if the artifact recognized her, binding itself to her with an unsettling ease. But he kept his concerns to himself. After all, he had his own reasons for pushing forward.


    "Hey, Leon," Luna whispered as they reached a bend in the corridor. "I think I hear something up ahead."


    Leon held a finger to his lips, signaling for silence, and peered around the corner. In the dim light, he could just make out the shape of several shadowy figures. They moved with an unnatural grace, their outlines wavering as though they were not entirely solid.


    "Wraiths," Leon muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing. "It looks like they''re guarding something."


    Luna gripped her weapon tightly, the new ring on her finger feeling almost warm, as if it were eager for battle. "Do we go for them, or is there another way around?"


    Leon considered their options for a moment. "We take them head-on. Wraiths are tricky, but they''re vulnerable to holy energy. Use that amulet I gave you to enhance your attacks."


    Luna nodded, pulling out the amulet from her pouch. The faint glow of holy light radiated from it, casting a soft golden aura that made the shadows retreat slightly. She could feel the energy pulse through her, amplifying her power and steadying her nerves. With a silent nod from Leon, they both sprang into action.


    Luna dashed forward, her de shing in the dim light as she struck the first wraith. The creature shrieked, recoiling as the holy energy seared through its ethereal form. Another wraith lunged at her, but Leon intercepted it with a swift sh, his own weapon infused with energy as it cleaved through the creature.


    The battle was intense, each wraith a whirl of darkness and ghostly howls as it attacked with ws of shadow. Luna moved with a newfound agility, the ring enhancing her reflexes as she danced around her foes, striking with precision. Leon held his ground, his strikes methodical and controlled, each swing of his sword calcted to maximize damage.


    As thest wraith dissolved into wisps of shadow, they both took a moment to catch their breath. Luna wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead, her gaze shifting to arge, ornate door at the end of the corridor. Intricate carvings of ancient symbols adorned its surface, and the faint glow of purple light seeped through the cracks around the frame.


    "Looks like we found the boss room," Leon said, his tone one of grim satisfaction.


    Luna''s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Finally! Let''s finish this and im whatever treasures it''s guarding."


    Leon raised an eyebrow. "Remember, this isn''t just about loot. Dungeon bosses are dangerous, and we don''t know what kind of creature we''re dealing with. Stay focused."


    "Don''t worry about me." Luna smirked, a yful glint in her eyes. "Just don''t get in my way."


    Together, they pushed open the heavy doors, which creaked ominously as they swung open. The room beyond was vast and cavernous, with walls lined in twisted vines and dark crystal formations jutting out of the ground. At the center of the room stood a massive throne, carved from obsidian and iid with runes that pulsed with a dark, foreboding energy.


    Sitting upon the throne was a figure draped in tattered robes, its skeletal hands gripping the armrests tightly. Its eyes glowed with a malevolent red light, and as it noticed the intruders, a sinister grin spread across its hollow face.


    "Wee, foolish mortals," it rasped, its voice echoing through the chamber like the sound of bones scraping together. "You havee far, but your journey ends here. I am Mortius, Lord of Shadows. And I shall consume your souls!"


    Leon and Luna exchanged a quick nce, their expressions hardened.


    "Ready?" Leon whispered, tightening his grip on his sword.


    Luna nodded, a determined smile on her face. "Let''s end this."


    With a deafening roar, Mortius raised a bony hand, summoning waves of dark energy that pulsed outward, causing the ground to tremble. Shadows coalesced around him, forming into twisted figures that moved with unnatural speed, their glowing red eyes fixated on Leon and Luna.


    Leon charged forward, his sword zing with energy as he shed through the nearest shadow creature. Luna followed closely, her de moving with a deadly grace as she struck at Mortius''s summoned minions, each swing dispelling the dark energy that bound them.


    Mortius watched their approach, an amused expression on his face as he raised his other hand. A dark orb of energy formed in his palm, crackling with malevolent power.


    "Take this O Foolish Mortal!" he hissed,unching the orb at Leon.


    Leon barely had time to react, diving to the side as the orb exploded where he had been standing, sending a shockwave through the room. The force of the st knocked Luna off her feet, but she quickly recovered, her eyes zing with anger.


    "Now you''ve done it!" she growled, charging at Mortius with renewed fury.


    Leon joined her, the two of themunching a relentless assault on the dark lord. Luna''s attacks were swift and fierce, each strike infused with the power of the ring and the amulet, her de glowing with holy light as she shed at Mortius. Leon''s movements were precise and controlled, his every move designed to exploit Mortius''s weaknesses.


    But Mortius was no ordinary foe. Each time theynded a hit, his form would shift, dissipating into shadows only to reform a few feet away. Heughed, a cold, mocking sound that grated on their nerves.


    "Fools! You think you can defeat me? I am eternal! I am darkness incarnate!"


    Luna gritted her teeth, her frustration mounting. "We need a new strategy. He''s too quick!"


    Leon nodded, his mind racing. "We need to bind him somehow¡­ keep him from shifting away."


    His gaze fell on the dark crystals lining the walls, an idea forming in his mind. "Luna, distract him for a moment!"


    Without hesitation, Luna lunged at Mortius, her attacks wild and unpredictable, forcing him to focus on her. Meanwhile, Leon dashed to the nearest crystal, channeling his mana into it, hoping his hunch would pay off.


    As the crystal absorbed his energy, it began to glow, a faint hum resonating through the room. Leon felt a surge of power as the crystal linked with its counterparts, forming a web of energy around Mortius.


    Mortius sensed the trap toote. Shadows began to swirl around him, his form flickering as he struggled to escape the web of energy.


    "No! What is this?!" he roared, his voiceced with desperation.


    Leon smirked. "Your end."


    With Mortius temporarily bound, Luna took her chance, unleashing a powerful attack that pierced through his chest. Mortius shrieked, his form disintegrating as the light from Luna''s weapon dispelled the darkness within him.


    As thest remnants of Mortius faded, the room fell silent. A soft glow appeared where he had once stood, revealing a pile of treasures that sparkled in the dim light.


    They exchanged a nce, a shared sense of victory and relief washing over them.


    "We did it," Luna whispered, a weary smile on her face.


    Leon nodded, breathing heavily. "Yeah¡­ we did." He reached down, picking up one of the treasures¡ªa glowing gemstone with a faint pulsing light within it.


    The system notifications began to appear, listing their rewards:


    [Epic Item: Darklight Gemstone]


    [Artifact: Mortius''s Cloak of Shadows]


    [Legendary Consumable: Elixir of Eternal Night]


    Seeing yet another set of artifacts, Leon couldn''t help but shake his head. In his original world, the chance of finding items like these was incredibly low, as most dungeons there had been raided countless times, unlike here, where they were left untouched for ages. "I hope I can take some of the loot from here with me," he thought, knowing that not everything from trial worlds could be taken back to the real one.


    [Rest assured, Leon, all the items provided by the system can be retained by the Host in any world,] Cherry''s voice chimed softly in his mind, making him smile as he mentally thanked her.


    As they gathered their loot, both Leon and Luna felt a renewed sense of purpose. The dungeon had tested them, pushing them to their limits, but they had emerged victorious.@@novelbin@@


    "Ready to head back?" Leon asked, ncing at her.


    Luna nodded, slipping the new cloak over her shoulders. "Let''s go. I think we''ve earned a long rest."


    Together, they made their way back through the dungeon, the weight of their victory and newfound power filling them with excitement for the challenges thaty ahead.


    ''With this loot, I will now be peak of Tier I'' Leon thought as she came out of Dungeon and began to get ready to absorb the sources.

 Chapter 42 Against Rex II

    Luna didn''t waste any time. With lightning-fast reflexes, she lunged at Rex, her daggers shing as they struck out toward him. Rex barely managed to block the assault, the sh of their weapons ringing out. His smirk quickly faded, reced by a grim realization as he realized she was stronger than he had anticipated.


    Leon, meanwhile, moved with precision and efficiency, taking down Rex''sckeys one by one. His strikes were swift, and each movement was calcted. With his newfound Tier II strength, he dispatched the mobs effortlessly, clearing a path through the chaos. For the first time, he felt the true extent of his power, the magic sources he''d absorbed fueling him with renewed vigor.


    He even didn''t used his Summons even, just dispatching them with his magic and swordsmanship.


    Rex, distracted by his struggling forces, turned his full attention back to Luna. He grunted, blocking her assault as he tried to strike back, but her agility kept him on the defensive. "You think you can stand against me, little girl?" he taunted, his voiceced with frustration.


    Lunaughed, a fierce grin on her face. "I don''t think; I know." Her movements became faster, her strikes sharper, forcing him to take several steps back. Her experience and newly leveled strength made her a dangerous opponent, one Rex was starting to regret underestimating.


    Seeing the tide of the battle turn, Leon called out to Luna, "Don''t give him an inch! We''ve got him pinned down!" His own battle against the remaining thugs was nearly over, his path almost clear.


    Rex, now realizing his forces were dwindling, gritted his teeth. "You think this is the end? You have no idea who you''re messing with!" He charged at Luna with renewed aggression, throwing all his strength into each strike.


    Luna met him head-on, her de catching the light as she deflected his attacks. She maneuvered around him with a grace that belied her fierce determination. Finally, she saw an opening. With a swift movement, she disarmed him, her dagger cutting into his arm, forcing him to drop his weapon. Rex stumbled back, clutching his bleeding arm, eyes wide in disbelief.


    Leon approached, his expression calm but resolute. "Looks like your reign is over, Rex. The city doesn''t belong to you anymore."


    Rex, panting and weakened, looked around at the remains of his defeated forces and the determined expressions of Leon and Luna. "This isn''t over," he spat, trying to maintain his bravado, but his voice trembled.


    Luna stepped forward, her gaze cold. "Oh, I think it is. You''re going to die here."


    With no other option, Rex staggered back, his pride shattered. "You''re making a big mistake. You''ll regret this," he hissed, before turning and retreating into the shadows, his once-powerful presence reduced to a figure slinking away in defeat.


    As Rex disappeared, Leon and Luna exchanged a nce. "Didn''t know he still had that trick left," Leon said, eyeing the shadows from which Rex had retreated.


    "I should''ve killed him faster," Luna frowned as she looked ahead as well.


    "It''s okay," Leon replied, though inwardly he shared her concern.


    Luna nodded as they returned to rest. Leon decided to check out his system notifications¡ªrewards he''d received upon reaching Tier II. He had been about to look at them earlier when Rex and hisckeys had arrived, interrupting him. Now, he could finally take a closer look.


    [ Congrattions, Host, on reaching Tier II! ]


    [ Host can now choose a second path. ]


    [ Host can now make a second Dark Pact. ]


    [ Host has unlocked the Puppeteer skill. ]


    [ Host has unlocked Hellfire Chain. ]


    [ Host has unlocked Blood Pact. ]


    ''hmm, cherry expand them'' Leon said as Cherry sitting on his shoulders nodded.


    [Second Path Choice]


    Host could now branch into another specialized path, enhancing either his offensive or support skills depending on the choice. Each path offered unique skill advancements, allowing him to tailor his power set for specific scenarios.


    [Second Dark Pact]


    The opportunity to form another pact with a dark entity would amplify Host dark magic potential. It will allow host to wield even more potent dark arts, though it came at the cost of aligning further with the dark forces.


    [Puppeteer Skill]


    With this skill, Leon could control weakened or mindless foes, turning enemies into temporary allies. This maniption was useful for confusing opponents or overwhelming others with sheer numbers. The number of targets depends on user own mind strength.


    [Hellfire Chain]@@novelbin@@


    A brutal offensive skill, Hellfire Chain allowed him to summon chains engulfed in dark mes to bind or sear enemies. The chains inflicted both physical and magical damage, making it a versatile tool against many foes.


    [Blood Pact]


    A necromancy-derived skill that allows the host to drain blood from defeated foes and create blood golems based on the form of the target whose blood was taken.


    The golem also shares damage dealt to the host, effectively acting as an additional health buffer.


    Leon nodded, anticipation stirring within him. "Cherry, show me the paths unlocked."


    Cherry''s voice chimed in his mind, steady and efficient.


    [ Aside from the original paths, new paths have also been unlocked ]


    [ Disying them... ]


    [ Abyssal Sorcerer: ] Master of dark, forbidden magic and illusions. Gains ess to advanced shadow maniption, curses, and powerful dark elemental spells.


    [ Arcane Conduit: ] A being who channels raw magical energy, enhancing spell potency and reducing casting time. The Arcane Conduit path provides bonus mana regeneration and energy siphoning abilities.


    [ Soulbinder: ] Maniptes souls for powerful enchantments, summoning, and life-stealing abilities. Grants skills in soul maniption, spiritual tethering, and conjuring spirit guardians.


    [ Dimensional Weaver: ] A mage who bends space and time to their will, with ess to teleportation, dimensional pockets, and spatial rifts. Grants unique abilities for battlefield control and enhanced evasion.


    [ Elemental Sage: ] An advanced path for elemental mastery. The Elemental Sagemands all elemental forces, gaining enhanced damage, immunity, and unique dual-element spells.


    [ Primordial Shape-Shifter: ] Mastery over primal forces of nature, granting abilities to transform and adapt various aspects of their body to elemental or creature forms.

 Chapter 45 Taking over the City II

    For many, the biggest surprise came with the revtion that Leon was connected to the old City Lord''s lineage¡ªalbeit through his rtionship with the former City Lord''s daughter, Luna. This connection granted him legitimacy in the eyes of the kingdom, establishing him as a suitable choice under Azure''s tradition-bound rules.


    With the announcement, Luna could sense a renewed energy in the air. The people had hope again, a sense of optimism she hadn''t seen in years. Overnight, the entire city had transformed from a ce of fear to one buzzing with anticipation.


    Meanwhile, Leon spent the night focusing on his system notifications, diving deeper into the abilities and options his recent growth had unlocked. He had advanced to Tier II, a significant leap forward in his power, and with it, new paths and skills had be avable. However, one feature intrigued him the most: the next pact.


    "Cherry, my Origin Conjurer ability is affected by my will, right?" Leon asked as he stood in a spacious room, his tone thoughtful.


    [Yes, Leon,] Cherry replied promptly.


    "Then how was I able to summon such a dangerous being the first time I used it?" he asked mentally, recalling the immense power of the being he had summoned.


    [Host, at that time, your wish for a powerful pact was intense. Aether Magic is one of the most powerful magic types out there, so the ability summoned the nearest Aether Magic wielder.] Cherry''s exnation made Leon nod thoughtfully.


    "Hmm, that makes sense. But what should I choose next?" he wondered aloud.


    [Due to Host''s special mage ss, the Paradoxical Mage, you are capable of learning any kind of magic. Cherry suggests choosing a pact that grants additional capabilities, such as physical strength or versatility, toplement your current abilities.]


    "You''re right," Leon agreed. "But what specifically should I go for?"


    [Cherry believes Host is already powerful enough for the current stage. It might be wise to explore more dungeons and then decide on a pact that aligns with Host''s future needs. Alternatively, Host could save this pact opportunity and aim for an even stronger er.]


    Leon nodded in agreement. "You''re right. Summoning another being and forming a pact without a specific goal would be a waste. My current skill set is sufficient for now."


    He paused before asking another question. "By the way, why haven''t any new Aether Magic abilities unlocked?"


    [Dark Pact Level 1 only allows ess to three few perks sharing. Host needs to upgrade the skill level to unlock more Aether Magic or other perks from the pact.]


    "Show me my skill points," Leon said, switching focus as the Challenger System interface appeared.


    {Challenger currently has: 103 skill points.}@@novelbin@@


    Leon nodded, understanding the numbers. Each level up granted him 10 free stat points and 1 skill point per level. Since he was now Level 103, he had umted 103 skill points to allocate.


    "Show Status" Leon said as his Challenger status sprang up.


    [ Ascender Name: Fang ]


    ss: Paradox Mage (???)


    Title: Unique ss, Unique Ability


    Legacy: None


    LVL: 0


    Rank: Tier II (Temporary)


    Level: 103


    STATS


    AGI: 650


    VIT: 800


    INT: 1050


    STA: 780


    STR: 610


    HP: 8000/8000


    MP: 10,500


    Unassigned Stat Points: 0


    Skill Points : 103


    Hidden Stats


    Luck: ???


    Charm: ???


    Reputation: ???


    Abilities


    Origin Conjurer (??)


    Equipment


    Weapons: Hardened Steel Sword (Umon), gue Bearer Sword (Growth), Holy Dagger (Umon)


    Artifacts: Amulet of Darkness, Shadow Lord Cursed Soul Ring, Darklight Gemstone, Mortius''s Cloak of Shadows


    Consumables: Elixir of Eternal Night


    Skills


    Mortal Swordsmanship (C)


    ss Skills


    Soul Drain (S)


    Eldritch st (S)


    Dark Pact (Ex)


    Summon Demonic Servants (S)


    Summon Familiar (Ex)


    Dimensional Rift (S)


    Gravity Flux (A)


    Pocket Dimension (Ex)


    Spatial Ward (A)


    Blood Pact (A)


    Hellfire Chain (A)


    Puppeteer (Ex)


    Aether Magic:


    Aether Bolt


    Aether Shield


    Aether Shift


    Aether Maniption


    Summons


    Lesser Cthulhu: Mind Shatter, Space Shattering Tentacle Strike, Reality Warp


    Roselia: Skills include Dark Magic, Alchemy, Void me, Soul Shackles, Deception Arts


    Titles


    Child of Aether


    Unique ss Holder


    Unique Ability Holder


    Notable Items in Inventory


    Swamp Lord Summoning Stone


    Wraith Lord Cloak


    Grimoire of Forbidden Rites ]


    ''Cherry, show me full information of this Eternal Night Elixir'' Leon said mentally as he remembered he also got an Elixir, but since at that time both of them didn''t had any Appraisal skills Leon stored it temporarily, though Leon has it but obviously he can''t expose it as Appraiser is a ss specific skill and his Magic type ss don''t have any such skill.


    ''Though, now that I think of it I can disguise myself as Appraiser and earn a lot of money'' Leon chuckled as Appraising is actually a profession out there in real world.


    [ Elixir of Eternal Night


    Rating: Legendary Consumable


    Description


    This legendary elixir, said to be a fragment of the Eternal Night King''s essence, is a forbidden creation crafted through dark alchemy and ancient rituals. The liquid appears as an abyssal ck, swirling with faint specks of violet, resembling distant stars trapped in an endless void.


    Effects


    Permanent Gains:


    Unlocks 1¨C3 exclusive spells from the Eternal Night King''s Legacy.


    Exclusive Spells:


    Night''s Dominion (Ex): Grants absolute control over darkness within a 500-meter radius, allowing creation, maniption, and weaponization of shadows forbat or defense.


    Eclipse Surge (S): Temporarily creates a localized eclipse, nullifying enemy buffs and debuffs while empowering dark magic by 200% for 5 minutes.


    Starlit Abyss (Ex): Summon a massive rift that traps enemies in an illusory, starless void for 30 seconds, dealing psychic damage and causing terror.


    Temporary Power Surge:


    Increases all dark magic-rted stats by 150% for 15 minutes.


    Restores 100% HP and MP instantly.


    Mana regeneration rate increased by 300% during this period.


    Eternal Night Aura:


    Grants an aura of darkness for 10 minutes, reducing enemy visibility and slowing their movements by 30% in a 50-meter radius.


    Immunity to Light:


    Negates all light-elemental damage for 5 minutes during use.


    Permanent Effects


    Legacy of the Eternal Night King:


    Permanently increases dark magic affinity by 500%.


    Increases MP pool by 20% and mana regeneration by 300%.


    Grants immunity to basic light-based curses.


    Shadowborn Ascendance:


    Permanently enhances stealth and invisibility abilities, making the user undetectable in low-light or dark conditions.


    Increases evasion rate by 50% in darkness.


    King''s Aura:


    Instills respect or fear in dark-aligned creatures, granting bonuses when interacting with them.


    Side Effects


    Eternal Price: If consumed more than once, the user''s soul will bear a permanent mark of darkness, leaving them vulnerable to soul-binding or corruption.


    Post-Surge Exhaustion: After the temporary effects wear off, stamina and mana regeneration are halved for 1 hour.


    Conditions of UseThe user must possess a dark affinity of S-rank or higher to unlock the elixir''s full potential.


    Overuse may result in permanent alignment with darkness, limiting ess to holy or neutral magics. ]


    Leon eyes sparkled as he looked at the Item description but his eyes widened more as he realized he can donate it and obtain something better or just 25 of such items.


    Leon analyzed the Elixir of Eternal Night''s description thoroughly, his mind racing with possibilities. The power it offered was extraordinary, but the risks of overuse or permanent alignment with darkness made him pause.


    "If I use this right, it could be a game-changer," Leon mused, "but donating it might open doors to something even greater. Cherry, keep this as a top priority in my inventory for now. I''ll decide once I''ve explored more options."


    [Understood, Leon.] Cherry''s confirmation brought a sense of assurance.


    With his path set and the city looking to him for leadership, Leon knew that every decision he made now would shape his future¡ªand the challenges awaiting him would demand nothing less than perfection.


    Leon spent the next few days settling into his role as the new City Lord of Blue Wind City. The responsibilities were vast, but his sharp mind and Luna''s unwavering support made the transition smoother than he had expected. Together, they focused on rebuilding the city''s defenses, restoring order, and creating opportunities for its people.


    Word of Rex''s downfall and Leon''s rise spread quickly throughout the Azure Kingdom. Many were skeptical at first, given Leon''s outsider status, but his decisive actions and the visible improvements in the city began to change public opinion. He addressed the citizens directly, ensuring they understood his intentions were to protect and uplift them, not exploit them like Rex had.


    One of his first major projects was establishing a council of trusted individuals to help manage the city''s affairs. Luna took a prominent position, naturally stepping into the role of advisor and strategist. Leon also recruited a few skilled individuals he had encountered during his travels¡ªeach of them bringing unique expertise that strengthened their efforts.


    Though unknown to everyone in council, Leon has also left Roselia to make sure none use the power he has granted them to make the already almost destroyed city more devastated.


    One evening, as Leon sat in his private quarters, he summoned Cherry for a progress report.


    "Cherry, update me on the city''s state and my current objectives," Leon said, leaning back in his chair.


    [City defenses are now at 60% operational capacity. Trade routes have reopened, and merchant activity has increased by 35%. Recruitment for the city guard has brought in 120 new trainees. Additionally, Host''s renown has spread to neighboring regions, and some travelers have expressed interest in serving under Host''s banner.]

 Chapter 46 Improving the City

    Leon nodded, pleased with the progress. "Good. And what about my challenger system? Any new updates or notifications?"


    [Host''s current objectives are as follows:]


    Rebuild Blue Wind City: Progress at 45%.


    Rewards increase with efficiency andpletion.


    Explore the Dark Abyss Dungeon: Unexplored dungeon located near the city. Estimated to hold rare treasures and advanced materials.


    Forge a New Pact (Optional) : Host has an opportunity to form a new pact or save it for a more strategic time.


    Unlock Tier III Status:


    Requirements: 1. Clear a high-difficulty dungeon.


    2. Expand mana pool by 20%.


    3. Upgrade at least 5 skills to S-rank or higher.


    Leon stroked his chin thoughtfully. "The Dark Abyss Dungeon sounds intriguing. It might hold the resources we need to push the city''s development further¡ªand expand my power."


    [Cherry agrees. Based on Host''s current stats, the dungeon is within Host''s capability, though it may prove challenging.]


    "Perfect. That''s exactly what I need¡ªa challenge," Leon said with a smirk.


    "Though the problem is my skill levels," Leon sighed as he looked at the Challenger or Ascender System interface.


    Skill Upgrade Costs:


    D and below - 1 SP


    C - 10 SP


    B - 20 SP


    A - 40 SP


    S - 60 SP


    SS - 80 SP


    SSS - 100 SP


    Ex - 200 SP


    [Cherry thinks it''s normal. After all, improving a skill is like evolving it to the next rank, as mentioned in the system provided by the Tower to your people,] Cherry exined.


    [Every 10 level-ups result in a skill evolution to the next rank,] she added, making Leon nod in understanding.


    "Still, it''s too costly," Leon muttered. He tilted his head towards Cherry. "Can I donate skill points?" he asked curiously.


    [You can''t yet,] Cherry responded, shaking her tiny head. [But the Host will be able to do so after reaching Level 5 in the System.]


    Leon nodded thoughtfully, though he wondered how long it would take to reach that milestone. He hadn''t even leveled up to Level 2 yet, though he only needed a few more acts of charity to make it happen.


    ***


    The next morning, Leon called a meeting with Luna and his council to discuss the dungeon. Afterying out his n, he made it clear that this would be no ordinary exploration. The dungeon had a reputation for being deadly, but its rumored rewards were worth the risk.


    "Are you sure about this, Leon?" Luna asked, her eyes full of concern. "If something happens to you, the city¡ª"


    "It''s a calcted risk, Luna," Leon interjected. "I won''t go alone. I''ll take a team, and I''ll be prepared for anything. The rewards could help us fortify the city further and secure its future."


    Reluctantly, Luna agreed, knowing Leon''s determination. Soon, the preparations wereplete, and Leon, along with a carefully selected team of skilled adventurers, set out for the Dark Abyss Dungeon.


    As they approached the dungeon, an ominous energy hung in the air. The entrance was a gaping maw of ck stone, with faint blue runes glowing along its edges. The air felt heavy, as if the very ground beneath them resisted their presence.


    "Stay alert," Leon instructed, drawing his gue Bearer Sword. "This ce is alive in ways you won''t expect."


    With his team behind him, Leon stepped into the dungeon, ready to face whatever awaited inside.


    The descent into the Dark Abyss Dungeon was marked by an eerie silence, broken only by the asional distant rumble or the faint sound of dripping water. The walls were lined with ancient, glowing runes, their light barely enough to illuminate the path ahead. Each step deeper into the dungeon seemed to weigh heavier on the group, as if the air itself was resisting their presence.


    Leon took the lead, his gue Bearer Sword glowing faintly with an unnatural green hue, a testament to its corrosive power. Behind him were four carefully selectedpanions:


    Kara, a battle-hardened warrior with a massive tower shield and unshakable resolve.


    Lyric, a rogue and expert trap disarmer with an uncanny knack for sensing danger.


    Marian, a healer specializing in light magic, her presence a counterbnce to the dungeon''s oppressive darkness.


    Dren, a fire mage whose raw destructive power made him a valuable ally inbat.


    They were among the few adventurers who haven''t left the city even after the high taxes as it was their birth ce.


    The group''s formation was tight, their senses heightened as they moved cautiously through the dungeon''s winding corridors.


    They encountered their first challenge in a vast chamber where the ground was littered with skeletal remains. As the group stepped forward, the runes on the walls red to life, and the bones began to stir.


    "Undead," Kara muttered, raising her shield as the skeletons assembled into grotesque, mismatched forms.


    Leon stepped forward, his voice calm butmanding. "Hold formation. I''ll thin them out."


    He extended his hand, and a surge of dark energy coalesced into an Eldritch st. The projectile mmed into the nearest skeleton, shattering it instantly. Dren followed up with a wave of fire, his mes engulfing the advancing horde and reducing several to ash.


    Despite the initial sess, the undead kepting, seemingly endless.


    "These aren''t ordinary skeletons," Lyric called out, her daggers shing as she darted around the battlefield. "They''re regenerating!"


    Leon frowned, his mind racing. He activated Dimensional Rift, teleporting to a higher vantage point where he could better assess the situation. From above, he noticed a glowing sigil etched into the floor at the chamber''s center.


    "It''s a summoning circle!" Leon shouted. "Marian, purify it!"


    Marian nodded, her staff glowing as she channeled her magic. A wave of radiant energy swept across the chamber, dispelling the dark magic animating the undead. The skeletons crumbled to dust, and the sigil''s glow faded.@@novelbin@@


    "Good work," Leon said as he dropped back down to the group. "But this was just the beginning."


    The dungeon''s traps grew more devious as they pressed on. Lyric''s expertise saved the group multiple times, from disabling pressure tes that would have triggered poison darts to identifying false floors that led to spike-filled pits.


    Eventually, they reached a vast cavern dominated by a shimmering ckke. In its center stood a pedestal, atop which rested a glowing ck crystal. The moment they entered, the air grew colder, and an oppressive presence filled the room.

 Chapter 48 Abyss Dungeon II

    As the dust settled, a shimmering object floated in the air where the creature''s core had been. It radiated an eerie, pale-blue light, pulsating faintly like a heartbeat.


    "This is an Abyssal Bead," Marian said, her voice filled with excitement.


    "If one purifies it with the help of a high-level priest and consumes it, they can gain powerful magic or a skill rted to their ss. The best part is that those skills are incredibly effective against any evil-aligned existence!" Marian continued, her eyes glinting with enthusiasm.


    Leon studied the bead for a moment before speaking calmly. "Hmm, but this is also the key to thest floor."


    The group collectively froze, stunned by the revtion.


    "Huh?" Kara muttered, blinking in surprise. "No wonder the key to thest floor was never found¡ªit was this Abyssal Bead all along. And here we were, using it recklessly every time!" She shook her head at the irony.


    Leon nodded. "Anyway, what about this?" He gestured to the faintly glowing Dungeon Core from the first floor. Unlike ordinary rewards, it was said that segmented dungeons like this one left behind a core on each floor.


    Absorbing the core granted one of two oues: 1 to 3 random skills or a randomly generated item.


    "Captain, you should take it," Lyric said, looking at the others for confirmation.


    "Yeah, you''ve earned it," Marian agreed, nodding firmly.


    Leon shook his head. "It''s just the first floor. We''ve got nine more floors to clear, and each will reward us with a dungeon core. There are six of us, including me, but excluding Roselia since she''s my summon. That means we''ll all get two cores each by the end."


    He paused, ncing around at the group. "So, who''s taking the first one?"


    The group looked at one another, hesitant. Finally, Kara spoke up. "Captain, you should decide. You did the most work here."


    Leon considered this, then smiled. "Let''s leave it to chance. We''ll draw lots."


    He took out five sticks and marked one of them. "Each of you pick a stick. Whoever gets the marked one takes the core."


    One by one, the group drew their sticks. Kara went first, followed by Lyric, then Leon, Dren, and finally Marian. When the sticks were revealed, Kara held the marked one.


    "Alright, Kara, it''s yours," Leon said with a small smile.


    Kara hesitated for a moment before stepping forward. She reached out and touched the core.


    [ Host donated a low rank Epic skill core ]


    [Congrattions! You have gained an peak Epic ss Skill Core!]


    Leon raised an eyebrow as the system announcement popped up in his mind. ''Hmm, it seems the system is calling it a Skill Core, not a Dungeon Core.''


    [Host, these cores are technically sub-cores. They are fragments of the original Dungeon Core. When each floor is cleared, the sub-core transforms into either a Skill Core or an Item Core. This one turned into a Skill Core, which is why it provides random skills.]


    Leon nodded thoughtfully. "I see. That makes sense."


    Kara looked at the shimmering object now in her hands, her excitement barely contained. "Thank you, Captain!"


    Leon smirked. "Don''t thank me just yet. Save your energy for the next floor. We''ve got nine more to go."


    The group chuckled, their spirits high as they prepared to move forward.


    "Come on, Kara. Absorb it!" Lyric encouraged with an eager grin.


    Kara nodded, gripping the core tightly. A faint glow enveloped her, and the core dissolved into shimmering particles that sank into her skin.


    "I gained two skills!" Kara eximed, her eyes wide with excitement.


    "Whoa, that''s lucky!" Dren said, clearly impressed. "Usually, one skill is the norm, but getting two? That''s like a three-out-of-ten oue!"


    "What skills did you get?" Lyric asked, leaning in with curiosity.


    Dren frowned, shaking his head in disapproval. "That''s rude, Lyric. You shouldn''t ask for someone else''s skills like that."


    But Kara waved off his concern with a smile. "It''s fine. I was going to share them with the captain anyway." She turned to Leon, who gave her a calm nod, signaling her to continue.


    "Captain," Kara said proudly, "the first skill I gained is Repel Block. It allows me to absorb iing damage and release it as a shockwave. The second one is Iron Will, a passive skill that grants me immunity to many status effects."


    Leon smiled slightly, impressed by her luck. "Both are strong skills, especially for your ss. Repel Blockplements your defensive style, and Iron Will will help you resist maniption and debilitating effects in tougher battles."


    "Thank you, Captain!" Kara beamed, feeling validated by his words.


    The rest of the group murmured their admiration, clearly thrilled by the powerful addition to their team''s arsenal.


    "Well," Leon said, gesturing toward the path ahead. "Let''s not lose this momentum. Nine floors to go, and it''s only going to get tougher."@@novelbin@@


    The group nodded, their resolve strengthened as they pressed onward, their eyes set on the challenges that awaited deeper in the dungeon.


    The air grew heavier as they descended further into the dungeon. The faint luminescence of glowing moss on the walls was the only source of light, casting eerie shadows around them. Every step echoed ominously, a constant reminder that the deeper floors would not be as forgiving.


    Leon led the group, his keen senses on high alert. He asionally nced at Cherry''s interface, monitoring their surroundings for traps or hidden enemies.


    "Kara''s skills really boosted our chances," Lyric said, walking a few steps behind. "With her defensive abilities, we''ve got a better shot at surviving whateveres next."


    "True," Dren added. "But let''s not forget: the dungeon adapts. The next floor won''t be as straightforward."


    "Straightforward?" Marian smirked, raising an eyebrow. "You call that boss straightforward? A shadow-water hybrid nearly crushed us back there!"


    "Focus," Leon interjected, his tone calm but firm. "We can''t afford to getcent. The dungeon''s core is intelligent¡ªit learns from our actions and adjusts its tactics. Every floor will test us in new ways."


    The group nodded, their banter subsiding as the gravity of Leon''s words sank in.

 Chapter 50 Abyss Dungeon IV

    The group stood together, bruised but victorious. Kara leaned on her shield, smiling. "Looks like we survived the second dungeon floor."


    Roselia smirked faintly, brushing some dust off her shoulder. "Barely."


    Marian stepped forward, her staff glowing softly as she began to heal the minor injuries among the group. "We should rest before moving on. That thing wasn''t easy."


    The group stood in silence for a moment, catching their breath.


    "That... was intense," Lyric panted, lowering his bow.


    "We''re lucky we had Kara''s skills," Marian said, wiping sweat from her brow.


    Leon walked over to the faintly glowing remnants of the core floating in the air. "Rest, yes, but we can''t getcent. This was only the second floor. Eight more to go."


    The team chuckled tiredly, but there was a spark of determination in each of their eyes. Together, they were ready to face whatever challenges awaited deeper within the dungeon.


    Leon then turned his attention to the creature''s remains, sifting through the ash. Among the debris, a crimson gemstone pulsed faintly with heat.


    "A Magma Core," he said, holding it up for the group to see. "It''s rare and valuable. Perfect for forging fire-resistant equipment or enhancing fire-based magic."


    Lyric tilted his head curiously. "So, who gets it?"


    Leon shook his head. "Let''s save it for now. It''s not going to power any of us up in the short term, but it''ll definitelye in handyter."


    He then held up another glowing item¡ªthe second-floor dungeon core, which Roselia had retrieved.


    "This, however, is immediate. Now, who''s going to get the floor core?" Leon asked, lifting the core for all to see.


    The group exchanged nces, then turned to Leon, who smirked at their silence.


    "So, who gets it?" Lyric asked again, this time with a teasing grin.


    Leon chuckled. "Let''s y the lottery again."


    The group groaned in mock protest but quickly gathered around, ready to test their luck once more. Leon pulled out a set of sticks, each marked with a number, and held them out.


    "Alright, everyone pick one. The lowest number wins," he said, watching as they eagerly drew their sticks.


    One by one, they revealed their numbers. Kara groaned as her stick showed a high number, while Lyric''s shoulders slumped when his wasn''t much better.


    Marian grinned as her stick had the winning number. "Looks like it''s mine this time," she said with a triumphant smile.


    Leon nodded. "Go ahead. Let''s see what you get."


    Marian held the core tightly, concentrating as it dissolved into her body. A momentter, her eyes widened in surprise.@@novelbin@@


    "I gained three skills!" Marian eximed, her voice filled with excitement.


    The group gasped. It was already rare to gain two skills from a dungeon core, like Kara had earlier, but gaining three? That was practically a legendary feat.


    "What are they?" Kara asked, leaning forward eagerly.


    Marian grinned, her excitement contagious. "The first is me Ward, a defensive spell that reduces fire damage for the entire group. The second is Mana Infusion, which boosts mana regeneration duringbat."


    She paused for dramatic effect before revealing the third. "And thest one is the real game-changer. It''s called Magma Knight. Now, I can summon a powerful Magma Elemental Knight!"


    Her words left the group in awe. Their expressions ranged from envy to sheer admiration. Summoning skills were extremely rare among it humanoid summoning ones starts from Epic ranks, and one as unique as this could prove invaluable.


    Leon''s gaze lingered on Marian for a moment, pondering. A summoning skill like that... if only I could get something simr. Humanoid summoning abilities are the best after all.


    ''Well, after rebate I do got an Peak Epic rank Skill core, so I might get it'' Leon thought inwardly.


    Breaking out of his thoughts, Leon nodded in approval. "Those are perfect for you. They''ll make a big difference as we move forward."


    The group cheered for Marian''s extraordinary luck, their spirits lifted despite the challenges that stilly ahead. With renewed energy, they began setting up a temporary camp, ready to rest and recover before tackling the dungeon''s deeper floors.


    ***


    The group set up camp in the wide, open chamber near the remains of the defeated creature. The air was still heavy with the scent of scorched stone and ash, but the faint warmth of the Magma Core gave their temporary base aforting glow.


    Kara sat sharpening her shield''s edges, her face calm but her eyes focused. Lyric inspected his bowstring, testing its tension and flexibility after thest battle. Dren leaned against the cavern wall, chewing on a piece of dried meat, his expression unreadable. Marian sat cross-legged near the center of the camp, experimenting with her new skills. A faint shimmer of mes appeared around her fingers as she tested me Ward, while a glowing aura pulsed faintly around her during Mana Infusion.


    Roselia, ever watchful, stood at the edge of the group, her sharp eyes scanning the cavern for any signs of danger. Her presence, though silent, was reassuring.


    Leon crouched near a makeshift table they had assembled from the rubble, inspecting the Magma Core. It pulsed faintly in his hand, its warmth coursing through his fingertips. His thoughts drifted toward the battles ahead. We''re only two floors in, and the challenges are already pushing us. How much tougher will it get as we descend?


    "Captain," Kara''s voice broke through his musings. "What''s the n for tomorrow?"


    Leon ced the core down gently, his expression thoughtful. "We''ll rest here for the night. Tomorrow, we''ll tackle the third floor. From the map we''ve been piecing together, it looks like it''ll have environmental hazardsva streams, copsing paths, maybe even traps. We''ll need to be careful."


    Marian looked up from her practice, her face serious. "Environmental challenges are one thing, but if there''s another creature like what we just faced, we''ll need a strategy."


    Leon nodded. "Agreed. Kara, your Shockwave ability was crucial in disrupting its movements. Lyric, we''ll need precise, long-range attacks to control the battlefield. Marian, your me Ward and Magma Knight will help with both offense and defense. Dren¡­" Leon''s gaze shifted. "Keep doing what you do best¡ªholding the line and dealing heavy hits."


    Dren smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Got it."


    "And Roselia," Leon added, turning to her, "you''re our wild card. Stay in the shadows, strike when needed, and protect the group if anyone''s in danger."


    Roselia''s lips curved into a faint smirk. "Understood."


    As the night crept in, the cavern grew eerily silent. Each member took turns on watch while the others rested, the glow of the Magma Core and the asional flicker of Marian''s me aura illuminating the darkness.


    When it was Leon''s turn to watch, he sat quietly, his hand resting on his sword''s hilt. His sharp gaze flicked between the cavern''s darkened corners and his team as they slept soundly. Each member was exhausted yet secure, the faint glow of Marian''s me Ward casting gentle shadows over their resting forms.


    They''re strong, but we''ve still got a long way to go, Leon thought. His grip on his sword tightened. I need to get stronger, too¡ªstrong enough to protect not just them, but the city when the monster invasiones.


    The old guards'' warnings echoed in his mind. They spoke of the Abyss Dungeon as challenging but isted¡ªa ce where you could face one powerful foe at a time. But the monster waves would be apletely different beast. Endless hordes. Countless creatures surging forward like a flood, testing every defense, exploiting every weakness. A chill ran down his spine at the thought of the city''s walls being overrun.


    His gaze fell to the faintly glowing dungeon cores resting in his inventory. These were valuable artifacts, capable of granting skills or powerful enhancements. Should I absorb them? The question lingered, tempting him. He knew that gaining more skills would undoubtedly increase his power.


    But he shook his head. No, I shouldn''t. Even if Iplete the insane difficulty Trial, the Insane reward will give me at most ten total skills. These cores can bypass the system''s restrictions, but if I use them now, I risk wasting their potential. It''s better to hold onto them, keep them in reserve. There might be a time when we desperately need them. Or when someone else does.


    With a sigh, Leon leaned back against the cool stone wall, his sword resting across his knees. Patience. Strength isn''t just about what you can gain for yourself¡ªit''s about knowing when to use what you have.


    The faint rumble of the dungeon deep below echoed in the cavern, a reminder that their journey was far from over. Leon adjusted his grip, his senses alert. His watch continued in silence, the resolve in his heart firm as he stood guard over his sleeping team and the weight of the battles yet toe.


    Back in the city, Luna was working tirelessly, her determination unwavering as she pushed herself harder with each passing day. I''ll make this city great for you, Leon, she thought, her resolve shining in her eyes.


    Unbeknownst to many, after achieving her goal of revenge, Luna''s focus had shifted entirely. Leon had be her top priority. Her heart had fallen for him, and she was determined to build a thriving city for her man. The thought of his approval and pride drove her to take on challenges without hesitation, working hand in hand with others, leading by example, and ensuring the city flourished.

 Chapter 52 Abyss Dungeon VI

    The group gathered at the edge of the tenth floor, their spirits weary but unbroken. Each member had grown stronger, their new abilitiesplementing the group dynamic.


    Leon addressed the team, his voice steady. "This is it. The final floor. It''s going to be entirely different from the previous ones¡ªwe have no prior knowledge of what lies ahead." His words carried a sense of caution, and the others solemnly nodded.


    Up until now, no one had been able to ess this floor. The key to its entrance had remained a mystery, but with Leon''s efforts, they finally had the means to open it.


    Leon turned to the pitch-ck door towering before them. "This is the final boss chamber. After defeating what''s inside, we''ll clear the dungeon once and for all," he said firmly, and the group nodded in unison, their resolve solidified.


    Leon then produced the Abyssal Beads, holding them carefully as he approached the door. Embedded in the surface were nine grooves, each shaped to hold a bead. He began cing the beads into the grooves, one by one.


    As he ced the first bead, a sudden sliding sound echoed through the cavern. The group tensed momentarily, but Leon raised a hand, signaling them to stay calm. "It''s just the locks disengaging," he exined, continuing his work methodically.


    Bead after bead was inserted, each triggering another resonant click, as though the door itself was awakening. When the final bead was ced, a deep, final click reverberated through the air. With a rumble, the enormous door slowly began to open, revealing a dark, foreboding passage beyond.


    The group exchanged nces, steeling themselves for what was toe. "No turning back now," Leon said, stepping forward into the unknown, with his team close behind.


    *****


    The door creaked open, revealing a massive chamber bathed in an eerie crimson glow. The air was thick with oppressive energy, and the faint sound of something breathing echoed through the cavern. The group stepped inside cautiously, weapons drawn, their senses heightened.


    The floor beneath their feet was a mosaic of ckened stone and glowing red veins that pulsed rhythmically, as if alive. Stctites hung from the ceiling, dripping a glowing liquid that hissed when it hit the ground. The heat was stifling, more intense than even the volcanic fourth floor.


    At the center of the chamber, a hulking figure emerged from the shadows. It stood nearly twenty feet tall, its body encased in jagged ck armor. Its eyes glowed a malevolent red, and in its hand, it wielded a massive, molten axe that radiated searing heat. The creature''s aura was suffocating, pressing down on the group like a tidal wave.


    Leon''s voice was steady butmanding. "Stay focused. This is the Abyssal Tyrant, It seems to be the dungeon''s final guardian. Its power will test everything we''ve learned."


    The Abyssal Tyrant let out an earth-shaking roar and raised its axe, mming it into the ground. A wave of molten fire erupted, racing toward the group.


    "Kara, shield!" Leon shouted.


    Kara nted her shield into the ground and activated me Ward. A shimmering barrier of energy enveloped the group, deflecting the fiery wave. "I''ve got this!" she yelled, holding steady under the immense pressure.


    "Spread out!" Leonmanded, and the team moved in coordinated precision.


    Lyric darted to the side, firing arrows aimed at the creature''s glowing joints. "Its armor''s too thick! We need to find a weak spot!" he called out.


    "Leave that to me," Roselia said, vanishing into the shadows. She reappeared momentster on the creature''s shoulder, plunging her daggers into the exposed flesh near its neck. The Abyssal Tyrant howled in pain, swatting at her like a fly, but she was too quick, flipping back into the shadows.


    Marian summoned her Magma Knight, directing it to engage the Tyrant head-on. The elemental warrior shed with the creature, its molten de sparking against the Tyrant''s axe. "Keep it busy!" she urged, channeling Mana Infusion to keep the Magma Knight fighting at full strength.


    Leon activated Gravity Flux, creating a localized field that slowed the Tyrant''s movements. "Aim for the exposed areas!" he shouted, charging forward with his sword glowing with Eldritch energy.


    Dren moved in tandem with Leon, using his new Stone Shard skill to create sharp projectiles that pierced the creature''s softer spots. The Tyrant staggered under thebined assault, its movements bing more erratic.


    The fight dragged on, each strike and counter leaving the group more drained. The Tyrant unleashed devastating area attacks, forcing them to adapt and rely on one another''s strengths.


    "Kara, brace for impact!" Leon warned as the Tyrant swung its axe in a wide arc. Kara blocked the blow, her shield glowing as she absorbed the impact. The energy released in a shockwave that staggered the Tyrant.


    But within a second it was back to normal as it red at them as if mocking them.


    The massive chamber''s oppressive air felt like a silent warning, each pulse of the glowing red veins beneath their feet syncing with the dread looming in their chests. The Abyssal Tyrant stood at the center, its molten axe raised high, staring at them with a malevolent intelligence. Its roar echoed through the cavern, shaking the very ground as it charged.


    Leon held his sword firm. "Kara, shield the group! Everyone else, move!"


    "Don''t falter despite it acting strong it was affected" Leon said to bring their Morale back as they all nodded.


    The Tyrant''s axe came crashing down, splitting the floor and sending a wave of molten fire surging toward them. Kara mmed her shield into the ground, activating me Ward. The fiery torrent collided with the barrier, crackling and hissing, but her face twisted with strain. "This thing''s no joke! It''s draining me fast!"


    "Switch tactics!" Leon ordered, sidestepping the copsing rocks as the chamber trembled. "Lyric, aim for the glowing joints! Roselia, find a way to blind it! Marian, summon the Knight!"


    Lyric rolled to the side, drawing his bow and loosing an arrow at the Tyrant''s knee joint. The projectile hit true, causing the massive creature to stumble slightly. "I don''t think it likes that!" he called out, firing more arrows to keep its attention divided.


    Marian''s staff red with fiery light as her Magma Knight materialized, its molten form radiating intense heat. It shed directly with the Abyssal Tyrant, matching the creature''s strength blow for blow. But the Tyrant roared and swung its axe with incredible force, shattering part of the Magma Knight''s arm. Marian staggered from the bacsh of the connection. "It''s too strong! My summon won''t hold much longer!"


    "We''ll make it hold!" Roselia shouted, emerging from the shadows andnding gracefully on the Tyrant''s back. With quick precision, she plunged her daggers into the exposed joints near its neck, causing it to thrash violently.


    The Tyrant suddenly let out a guttural snarl, and the veins beneath the floor pulsed brighter. Without warning, ck spikes erupted from the ground in random patterns, forcing the group to scramble for safety.


    Kara barely managed to deflect a spike with her shield. "It can control the arena! Watch your step!"


    Leon growled in frustration, his mind racing. "Dren, use Stone Shard! Block the spikes!"


    Dren mmed his hands into the ground, summoning jagged barriers to intercept the emerging spikes. But the Tyrant wasn''t done. With a chilling roar, it swung its axe horizontally, sending a wall of molten energy racing toward them.


    Marian reacted quickly. "me Ward won''t hold! Everyone, move behind the Magma Knight!"


    The team dove behind the summon as it absorbed the brunt of the attack, its molten form flickering. It retaliated byunching a torrent ofva at the Tyrant, momentarily staggering it.@@novelbin@@


    Leon saw an opening and activated Gravity Flux, anchoring the Tyrant to the ground. "Focus your attacks now! Go for its core!"


    Lyric''s arrows began glowing as he infused them with mana, piercing deeper into the cracks of the Tyrant''s armor. Roselia darted in and out of the shadows, shing at weak points. Even Kara, with her shield in hand, charged forward to deliver a crushing blow to the Tyrant''s leg, destabilizing it.


    But the Abyssal Tyrant wasn''t going down easily. It released a deafening roar, and the molten veins in its armor surged with power. A shockwave of energy erupted, sending the group flying backward. Marian copsed to one knee, her breathing ragged as the Magma Knight flickered and dissipated.


    The Tyrant now glowed with an intense crimson light, its strength seemingly renewed. "It''s entered its berserk state!" Leon warned.


    Roselia reappeared beside him, blood dripping from her arm. "What now, Captain?"


    Leon''s grip on his sword tightened. "We hit it with everything we''ve got."


    The Tyrant raised its axe again, this time summoning molten meteors that began falling from the ceiling. The group scattered to avoid the fiery bombardment, their movements frantic but calcted.


    Lyric''s voice cut through the chaos. "I''m down to myst arrows! Make them count!"


    Marian raised her staff, channeling her remaining mana. "I''ll support you! Magma Infusion¡ªonest push!"


    With Marian''s boost, Lyric''s arrows glowed with an intense fiery energy. He loosed them at the Tyrant''s exposed chest, the projectiles exploding on impact and cracking the armor further.


    "Now, finish it!" Leon shouted.


    Marian''s Magma Knight delivered a crushing blow to the Tyrant''s chest, cracking its armor. Seizing the opportunity, Leon leaped forward, channeling every ounce of his mana into his de. With a powerful strike, he drove the sword into the creature''s core, unleashing a burst of energy that erupted through the chamber.


    The Abyssal Tyrant let out a deafening roar as its body began to disintegrate into ash. The ground trembled, and the crimson glow faded, leaving behind only silence.


    The group stood together, panting and bruised, but victorious. At the center of the chamber, a shimmering golden core floated, radiating an aura of immense power.

 Chapter 54 Abyss Dungeon VIII

    "Faster than I thought," Leon muttered, steadying himself.


    The demon didn''t relent. It spun with its massive tail, aiming to sweep both Leon and Roselia off their feet. Leon ducked, narrowly avoiding the strike, while Roselia vaulted over it with agile precision, throwing a dagger mid-air. The weapon struck the demon''s shoulder but merely nced off its hardened skin.


    "You think those toothpicks will harm me?" the demon mocked, swiping at Roselia mid-air.


    She twisted her body, barely avoiding the w, andnded gracefully a few feet away. "We''ll see," she retorted, her voice calm but sharp.


    Leon seized the opening, dashing forward and shing at the demon''s leg. His de cut into the flesh, but it wasn''t deep enough to slow the massive creature.


    The demon growled, its sapphire eyes ring. "You''re persistent... like gnats!"


    With a roar, the chamber darkened, and an oppressive aura surged out. A storm of azure winds whipped around the room, cutting through the stone like invisible des. Roselia darted into the shadows, her presence vanishing, while Leon raised his sword defensively, struggling against the onught.


    "You won''t win with brute force alone!" Leon shouted, searching for an opening.


    Roselia''s voice echoed from the shadows. "Then it''s a good thing I specialize in finesse."


    A flicker of movement¡ªRoselia appeared behind the demon, plunging her dagger into a gap in its thick hide. The demon roared in pain, swinging wildly to dislodge her. Using the momentum, she leapt off its back,nding beside Leon.


    "Nice shot," Leon said, a hint of a grin on his face.


    "Save thepliments," she replied. "We''ve still got a long way to go."


    The demon straightened, its wound glowing faintly as it began to heal. "Impressive... but futile," it said, its voice colder now. "You will regreting here."


    Leon exchanged a nce with Roselia. This fight was far from over, and the demon was only getting started.


    The Azure Bull Demon stood tall, its massive horns and wed hands gleaming in the dim light of the chamber. Its body rippled with power, blue energy flowing through every vein. It towered over Leon and Roselia, its deep azure eyes shing with fury.


    "You will not leave here alive," the demon growled, stepping forward. The air around it pulsed with the weight of its presence. Every breath it took seemed to warp the very air, as though the room itself was bending to its will.


    Leon narrowed his eyes. The fight was far from over, and this was only the beginning.


    The demon''s azure energy coiled around its body, forming jagged spikes along its arms and legs. With a roar, it mmed its fist down at Leon, who narrowly dodged, twisting out of the way with his enhanced agility. His boots scraped across the floor as he rolled back to his feet, his sword raised in defense.


    "This won''t be easy," Leon muttered, tightening his grip on his weapon. He could feel the heavy pressure in the air. The demon wasn''t just strong¡ªits power was amplified by the dungeon, the very core of the ce.


    Roselia, like the silent predator, flicked her wrist, throwing one of her daggers with deadly precision. The de sped through the air, aimed directly at the demon''s exposed side. But just before impact, the demon''s hand shot out like a blur, snatching the dagger from midair and crushing it with a single squeeze.


    "Pathetic," the demon sneered, tossing the remains aside.


    Leon didn''t waste a second. He dashed forward, using his "Dash" ability to disappear from sight and reappear behind the demon. His de glinted as he swung it toward the demon''s back, aiming for the exposed flesh between its shoulder des. The sword struck true, cutting through the demon''s tough hide, but the wound didn''t go as deep as Leon hoped. The demon howled in pain, spinning to retaliate, but Leon was already gone, vanishing into thin air once more.@@novelbin@@


    Roselia, timing her move perfectly, emerged from the shadows just as the demon swung its massive w toward Leon''sst known position. She dashed forward, aiming for its unprotected underbelly. Her daggers shed as she struck with lightning speed. The demon roared, shaking its body as though trying to dislodge her, but Roselia was already gone, melding back into the darkness like a ghost.


    "You think you can evade me?" the demon bellowed. Its blue energy crackled around it, sending out shockwaves of force that rippled through the air.


    The ground beneath Leon''s feet cracked as the demon summoned an eruption of power, aiming to knock him off bnce. Leon barely managed to leap to the side, his heart racing. The demon was not only strong¡ªit was fast, its senses sharp and its attacks relentless. But Leon had trained for years, and he wouldn''t let this monster take him down so easily.


    "Stay sharp, Roselia," Leon called out, his voice steady despite the chaos around them.


    Roselia didn''t respond with words, but Leon could feel her presence, the quiet assurance of a master assassin, as she readied herself to strike again.


    The demon bared its teeth, its eyes glowing with fury. It surged forward, its wed hands reaching out to grab Leon. But just as it lunged, Leon used his "Air Trick" again, disappearing in a sh and reappearing above the demon, sword raised high. He brought the de down in a brutal arc, aiming for the demon''s horned skull. But the demon was ready this time. It twisted its body, its massive tail sweeping up and knocking Leon out of the air, sending him crashing to the ground with a bone-rattling thud.


    "Ugh¡­" Leon groaned, struggling to push himself up. The demon''s tail had left a deep bruise along his side. He felt the impact all the way to his bones, but he couldn''t afford to let the pain slow him down.


    The demon turned its glowing gaze toward him, its lips curling into a malicious grin. "You are persistent. But I will end this."


    Before Leon could react, the demon unleashed a wave of blue energy from its hands, a concentrated st that shot toward him at lightning speed. Leon dove to the side, narrowly avoiding the st that exploded into the ground, sending debris flying in all directions.


    "Roselia!" Leon shouted, his heart pounding. He needed to keep the demon distracted long enough for Roselia to find an opening.


    But Roselia had already anticipated Leon''s request. She surged forward, reappearing behind the demon with one of her daggers poised to strike. With swift precision, she drove the de into the demon''s exposed side, right where Leon''s previous strike had left a wound. This time, the de sank deeper, drawing a roar of pain from the demon.


    "You think you can kill me?" the demon howled, its energy surging once more. It spun around, its massive fist mming into Roselia''s midsection and sending her flying across the chamber.


    "No!" Leon shouted, his blood boiling with anger. He knew that Roselia was fast, but the demon''s strength was overwhelming. He couldn''t let it keep gaining the upper hand.


    Leon stood tall, his gaze hardening. "Enough."


    The air around him began to shimmer, a strange energy building as he activated one of his hidden abilities. With a deep breath, Leon focused all of his strength into his sword, which began to glow with a radiant light. This was no ordinary attack¡ªit was a full-powered strike,bining his enhanced speed and strength with the might of his sword.


    It was the Aether Infusion he has came up with, using the Aether Control skill.


    The demon seemed to sense the change, its eyes widening as it prepared to retaliate. But Leon was too fast. He disappeared in a sh, reappearing right in front of the demon, his sword raised high. With a single, powerful sh, he cut through the air, unleashing a wave of energy that sliced through the demon''s defenses.


    The demon''s body trembled, the wound Leon inflicted deep enough to send waves of pain coursing through it. But still, it fought on. Its hand swung at Leon with a devastating strike, but before it couldnd, Leon used his "Dash" again, vanishing from sight and reappearing behind the demon. He shed again, this time cutting through the demon''s tail and sending it spiraling to the ground.


    He is not going to use magic against a Demon as they usaully have high Magic Resistance, so he would be doing nothing but just waste his Mana.


    Roselia, now back on her feet, wasted no time. She threw a handful of her remaining daggers, each one aimed with deadly precision. The demon was too injured to react in time, and the daggers found their mark, embedding deep into its exposed flesh.


    The demon roared in fury, but its strength was waning. Leon pressed the attack, his de shing with each strike, each one weakening the demon further.


    But suddenly it''s body shone in azure light as from it''s humanoid from it turned into an giant Bull like form, resembling a minotaur.

 Chapter 56 Trial Complete

    A/N : there is slight correction in his initial real world stats as his Tier 0 stats were 100 each, there was mistake of 10, but now it''s fixed, and it was only that chap that has correction ,aster when in Trial world he has average stat of 500, I said it''s an average awakener stat.


    ****


    {Congrattions, Challenger. Your final rating is: EX.}@@novelbin@@


    {Congrattions, Challenger, on being the 2nd person to achieve this rating in the Trial Floor.}


    {Challenger''s rewards are...}


    {Challenger''s stats are multiplied by 10.}


    {Challenger has received the ss Change Token (Legendary).}


    {Challenger has received the Secondary ss Opening Token.}


    {Challenger''s Arune Ability is fully awakened.}


    {Challenger''s Arune Ability grade is raised by two ranks.}


    {Challenger has gained a Legendary Item Box.}


    {Challenger has received a Legendary Skill Catalogue.}


    {Challenger has received a Legendary Pet Egg.}


    {Challenger is now Tier I.}


    {The trial world is closing.}


    {As Challenger is rewarded with an EX rating, Challenger can take any 10 things to the real world.}


    {The items include skills, items, and such; no living beings are allowed. Challenger''s Familiar is not counted as it is a lifelong contract.}


    {Challenger''s Dark Pact is dissolved.}


    {Challenger has 1 minute to choose the ten things. Make haste.}


    Leon looked at the Tower system notification, his expression silent and heavy. "This is¡­"


    "I didn''t even get a chance to say goodbye to her," he mumbled. Even though he knew she was not real¡ªjust an illusion created by the Tower¡ªhe couldn''t help but regret not meeting her onest time or expressing his farewell properly.


    ''Fortunately, most of my things are in my charity system,'' he thought, turning his focus to the remaining skills.


    "Cherry, will my ss skills be lost?" he asked, ncing at the familiar system AI.


    [Yes, Host, they will be lost, but you will have a new chance to begin. This time, the opportunity will not start with basic choices but advanced ones, as your base stats¡ªdespite regressing to Tier I¡ªare stronger than before,] Cherry replied calmly.


    Leon nodded thoughtfully, acknowledging the exnation. He then scanned through the skills, making deliberate choices. Once he finalized his selections, the countdown timer for the trial''s end ticked down to zero.


    As the timer reached its end, the world around him began to dissolve. Before leaving, Leon nced at Roselia and smiled faintly. "See you in the real world," he said softly.


    Roselia, watching him with a mixture of emotions, nodded. "Until then," she replied before her figure vanished into the familiar space.


    Leon sighed as the sound of the trial world being deleted echoed around him. Bit by bit, the space disintegrated into nothingness.


    ''Such a cruel Tower,'' Roselia thought as she, too, entered the familiar space. Both Leon and his contractedpanion exited the trial world, prepared to face the challenges of the real world ahead.


    ****


    Leon opened his eyes as he looked around and found himself back in the Arune space of his, from where he started the trial.


    { Challenger Fang now can ess the 1st floor of the tower }


    With the tower system notification, a portal appeared in the room of his, and above is the symbol of Tower.


    Leon nodded as heid on the bed, "This feels like shit" he mumbled to himself, as Roselia materialized near him a she snuggled to him.


    "You knew it was a trial world, so why?" Roselia asked softly, her gaze fixed on Leon.


    "I don''t know," Leon replied, his voice heavy with emotion. "Many times, I tried to ignore her, to remind myself she wasn''t real. But there was something about her¡­ something that always drew me in. And now¡­ she''s gone, just like that." He closed his eyes, his frustration and sorrow evident.


    Roselia stepped closer, her voice gentle yet firm. "It''s okay. Sometimes, the Tower lies. It twists things to mess with people."


    Leon nodded faintly, but his weariness was evident. "I''m tired," he murmured, leaning against Roselia.


    She sighed softly, guiding him to rest. "Then sleep," she whispered, wrapping her arms around him as he sumbed to exhaustion, finding sce in her embrace.


    Though Roselia held him close, shielding him from the world, Leon''s sleep was far from peaceful. Nightmares seemed to linger, haunting him even in rest.


    Meanwhile, outside the trial, chaos erupted. The Tower had made an unprecedented announcement, shaking its challengers and the influential figures who monitored its progress. Whispers of Leon''s achievements spread like wildfire, igniting a storm of spection and intrigue across the Tower''s countless levels.


    Especially on the 100th floor, known as the Human Tower, chaos ensued. This level served as a bastion for humanity¡ªthe ce where the strongest humans had carved out a foothold. Above it, each race had imed dominion over their respective territories, with their footholds spanning from level 50 to level 200. While humanity wasn''t the weakest race, it certainly wasn''t among the strongest either. They had long struggled to keep up with other races, constantly fighting for survival and recognition.


    However, today''s announcement of an EX rating shattered the status quo. Across all floors, not just humanity but members of other races, scrambled for information. The announcement had named the challenger as Fang¡ªan alias Leon had chosen during his time in the Tower.


    The revtion of such a high rating had far-reaching consequences. For humans, it was a source of immense pride, a beacon of hope that they could rise beyond their current limitations. For the other races, it was a wake-up call, a stark reminder that humanity was not to be underestimated. Alliances were questioned, ns were revised, and countless influential figures mobilized their resources, determined to uncover everything about the enigmatic Fang.


    Within hours, search parties were deployed, databasesbed, and whispers spread through every corner of the Tower. To many, Fang was no longer just a name¡ªit was a mystery, a challenge, and a threat.


    Especially to the n ruling the 200th floor, the announcement sent shockwaves. In their extensive databases, they were well aware that it was their revered ancestor who had first achieved an EX rating. However, their ancestor had done so on Nightmare difficulty, whereas Leon had managed the same feat on Insane difficulty¡ªa distinction as vast as the heavens and earth.


    Thankfully, the Tower''s announcement hadn''t disclosed the trial''s difficulty level. Had it done so, the Fate Fairies n, known for their ruthless pride and unyielding dominance, would have already sent their deadliest assassins to annihte every single human in the Tower. Such a drastic measure would be taken not out of fear, but to preserve their supremacy and the prestige of their ancestor''s unparalleled legacy.


    This delicate omission from the announcement kept humanity momentarily safe. However, the Fate Fairies n was still on high alert, their pride unsettled by the mere possibility that someone¡ªlet alone a human¡ªmight rival their ancestor''s achievement. Whispers spread through their ranks, and orders were quietly given to monitor and investigate this mysterious Fang.


    For now, Leon''s anonymity was his shield, but it was only a matter of time before the storm came crashing down.

 Chapter 57 Rewards

    Unknown to the mayhem outside, Leon continued to sleep peacefully. The next day, he woke up, stretching as his nose caught the delicious aroma of food. Turning toward the source, he saw Roselia cooking for him.


    As he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, Leon took a moment to look around. The Arune space had significantly changed. Before, it was a simple bedroom with some basic furniture, but now there was a proper kitchen and even a bathroom.


    "I guess this is another perk of the EX rating," he thought, shaking his head in amazement before heading off to freshen up.


    When he came out, Roselia had already set the table. Leon sat down, beginning to eat as Roselia watched him with a soft smile.


    "Is it good?" she asked after a moment of silence.


    "It''s delicious," he replied, causing her to beam with pride.


    "So, are you feeling better now?" she asked as Leon nodded.


    "Well, I have to be," he said, his voice steady.


    "So, you''ll head to the 1st floor now?" she asked. Leon nodded again.


    "Yes. Now that I''vepleted the trial, I can start focusing on climbing further," he said before taking another bite.


    "Speaking of which," he murmured, "I wonder what my inherited Arune ability is." Curious, he opened his status screen.


    [ Ascender Name: Fang ]


    ss: Paradox Mage (???)


    Title: Unique ss, Unique Ability, Child of Aether


    Legacy: None


    LVL: 0


    Rank: Tier I


    Level: 1


    STATS


    AGI: 1000


    VIT: 1000


    INT: 1000


    STA: 1000


    STR: 1000


    HP: 10000/10000


    MP: 10,000


    Unassigned stat points: 0


    Hidden Stats


    Luck: ???


    Charm: ???


    Reputation: ???


    Condition: Healthy


    Abilities


    Origin Conjurer (??)


    Trident of Destruction (Myth)


    Equipment


    Weapons: gue Bearer Sword (Umon ,Growth), Elixir of Eternal Night (Legendary), Grimoire of Forbidden Rites (Epic) , ss Change Token ( legendary) , Secondary ss Slot opening Token (Legendary), Legendary Item Box, Legendary Skill Catalogue, Legendary Pet Egg.


    Skills


    yer Swordsmanship (A), Pocket Dimension (Ex), Hellfire Chain (A), Summon Familiar (Ex), Aether Magic (Ex), Dark Pact (Ex).


    ss Skills : none (no path chosen)


    [Trident of Destruction]: The weapon of the God of Destruction, Lord Shiva. This Trident embodies the wrath of Lord Shiva. Once thrown, it brings True (unblockable) destruction.


    Effects:


    10,000% damage boost to all abilities/skills when released through the Trident.


    1,000% damage boost to all skills when the Trident is not in use.


    A random Special ss rted to Lord Shiva will be avable upon ss change.


    Skills Gained:


    Total Annihtor Strike


    Existence Erasure


    World Piercer


    Absolute Hit ]


    Total Annihtor Strike


    Description: A devastating attack where the user channels the wrath of destruction into the Trident, unleashing a massive energy wave that obliterates everything in its path. This skill has unparalleled destructive power, capable of leveling mountains and cities in a single strike.


    Effects:


    Unblockable, ignores defenses and barriers.


    Deals 15,000% weapon damage to all targets in arge area.


    Causessting environmental destruction, making the affected area inhospitable for decades.


    Mana : 5,000


    Cooldown: 12 hours. ]


    Existence Erasure


    Description: A god-like ability that targets a specific entity or object and removes it from existence entirely. Once erased, the target cannot be revived, reconstructed, or remembered by anyone except the user.


    Effects:


    Erases a single targetpletely, bypassing all resistances, immunities, and regeneration abilities.


    Limited to targets with lower or equal tier to the user.


    Mana requirement : 100% of user mana


    Cooldown: 30 Days. ]


    World Piercer


    Description: A transcendent attack where the Trident is thrown with such force that it pierces through dimensions, space, and reality. The skill can bypass physical obstacles and directly strike a target, no matter where they are located.


    Effects:


    Infinite range; the user must visualize or know the target''s location.


    Bypasses any shields, wards, or dimensional barriers.


    Deals 10,000% weapon damage upon impact and disrupts spatial stability in the area.


    Mana requirement : 20,000 mana@@novelbin@@


    Cooldown: 24 hours. ]


    Absolute Hit


    Description: A passive ability that ensures all attacks made with the Trident will never miss. The skill adjusts the attack''s trajectory, speed, and force to hit the intended target, even if they attempt to dodge or hide.


    Effects:


    Passive: All attacks made with the Trident are guaranteed to hit the target.


    Negates evasion, stealth, and discement abilities.


    Ignores illusions or decoys, targeting the true form of the enemy.


    Consumes 1% mana per seconds when in use ]


    [ Legendary Item Box : grant a legendary item upon opening ]


    [ Legendary Skill Catalogue : Grant a legendary skill upon opening ]


    [ Legendary Pet Egg : hatches a legendary pet ]


    "So, my trident-shaped Arune Key was rted to the God of Destruction. That''s great," Leon mumbled happily. For a moment, he had thought his Arune ability was connected to Poseidon, but the God of Destruction is far more superior connectionpared to the God of Seas. So, he weed it with open arms.


    "The only problem is that it consumes too much MP," he sighed, checking the mana consumption of his skills. Then, he summoned the trident.


    As he summoned it, a ck-silver trident with golden runes engraved on its surface materialized in his hands. "So cool," he murmured, waving it gently. "Though now I wonder, do I have to learn spearmanship to master this? Or would it be called ''Tridentsmanship''?" he joked, examining the trident.


    "This looks dangerous," Roselia suddenly said, her expression serious. Leon looked at her curiously. "Dangerous?" he asked.


    "Yes," she replied, nodding. "It has a divine aura, the presence of overwhelming destruction magic, and beyond that... it feels as if it could kill me just by being near it." She shuddered slightly as she stepped back.


    "Well, it is the Weapon of Destruction, after all," Leon said with a smirk as Roselia nodded in understanding.


    He deactivated his ability, the trident vanishing. Even summoning it consumed 1% of his mana, which was substantial considering his current mana pool.


    "I really need to increase my mana capacity by a lot," he thought, ncing at the other items in his inventory.


    "Fortunately, I chose the Dark Pact skill. I can use it to bind with a target that has a high amount of mana," he muttered as he opened his status screen.


    "Now it''s time to see the rewards," he dered, taking out the ss Change Token and Secondary ss Slot Opening Token.


    "Roselia, this is for you," he said, handing over the tokens to her.


    "This is...!" Roselia eximed, her eyes wide with surprise. She quickly realized the immense value of the Legendary items. "These are too precious!" she said, knowing their worth.


    Leon just waved his hand dismissively. "You can have them," he said nonchntly, causing Roselia to nod in gratitude.


    [Congrattions, Host...]


    [Host has obtained a Hidden Legendary ss Change Token and a Mythical Secondary ss Slot Opening Token.]


    Leon smiled inwardly as Cherry confirmed the value of the items through his Charity Rebate system.


    [The Charity Rebate system exp is full, it has leveled up.]


    [The rebate is now 30 times the value of items given.]


    Cherry informed him, delivering yet another good piece of news. Leon nodded, smirking. "Sweet."


    ****


    A/N : so, how do you guys like it so far, givements and also leave a review it helps me make this story better.


    Happy Reading~~

 Chapter 58 Rewards II

    "Now, should I get a ss first, or should I open the Legendary boxes?" Leon pondered aloud.


    [It is suggested to select a ss first and then open the boxes. Those boxes will resonate and adjust to offer items aligned with your chosen ss,] Cherry advised. Leon nodded in agreement.


    "By the way, have these two," Leon casually said, passing one Legendary Item Box, the Legendary Skill Catalogue, and the Legendary Pet Egg to Roselia.


    "Huh?" Roselia looked confused at Leon''s generosity as she stared at the items in her hands.


    "Rx. I have my own set," Leon said with a small smile, holding up his share of the rebate items: another mythical Item Box, Skill Catalogue, and a Mythical Pet Egg.


    He got them after 30 times Rebate, since they were already peak of legendary, hence he got Mythical rebate.


    Roselia hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded, seeing Leon''s confidence. Together, they secured the treasures.


    "Now, Cherry, show me the new ss paths that have opened up," Leon requested as he refocused his attention.


    [Here are your options, Host,] Cherry responded promptly.


    Avable sses:


    Arch Warlock


    Arch Sorcerer


    Grand Wizard


    Overlord


    Chromancer


    Necro Lord


    "Hm, what''s the difference between the three magic-based sses¡ªWarlock, Wizard, and Sorcerer?" Leon asked curiously, and Cherry immediately borated.


    Arch Warlock:


    Masters of forbidden and destructive magic. Warlocks specialize in pact-based magic, often harnessing powers from external entities or contracts.


    Strengths: High destructive potential, curse magic, and summoning abilities.


    Weaknesses: Relies on external forces, significant mana consumption, and cooldowns for pacts.


    Arch Sorcerer:


    Natural-born wielders of magic. Sorcerers are known for their instinctive control over raw mana and elemental forces.


    Strengths: Bnced offense and defense, powerful AoE spells, and mana efficiency.


    Weaknesses: Limited in diversitypared to other sses, relying more on direct elemental attacks.


    Grand Wizard:


    Schrs of magic who draw from vast knowledge and spellbooks. Wizards excel in creating intricate spell arrays and counter-magic.


    Strengths: Flexible spellcasting, utility magic, and the ability to counter or manipte enemy spells.


    Weaknesses: Requires preparation, slower casting timespared to Sorcerers or Warlocks.


    "Hm, well, not taking the Warlock path again since I already have an insane skill with the Dark Pact thanks to my EX-Rating. That leaves me with the other choices," Leon muttered as his gaze shifted to thest option. "What''s this Necro Lord?" he asked curiously.


    Necro Lord:


    Masters of death and the undead, Necro Lords can summon and control vast armies of undead creatures while enhancing themselves with death magic.


    Strengths:


    Summoning: Can summon legions of undead with varying capabilities.


    Death Magic: Debuffs enemies with decay effects and bolsters allies or summons with life-drain and necrotic energies.


    Immortality Traits: High resilience to physical and magical damage, as well as self-revival options.


    Weaknesses:


    Mana Dependency: Extremely high mana cost for summoning and maintaining undead.


    Lack of Burst: Relies heavily on sustained damage and overwhelming numbers rather than high-damage bursts.


    Alignment Issues: Being a Necro Lord might negatively impact interactions with others who view death magic as taboo.


    "Interesting. So, it''s a summoning ss, but it leans more into death and decay," Leon mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I''ve already got some summoning skills, but this would take it to another level... Cherry, do you think this would synergize with my current Arune abilities?"


    [Yes, Host. The Necro Lord ss wouldplement your current abilities well. Its summoning mechanics pair effectively with the mana amplification you gained from your EX-Rating rewards. Furthermore, the necrotic buffs and resilience align with yourbat style, allowing you to dominate in prolonged battles,] Cherry exined.


    "Hmm, still, let''s see what secondary ss I''ll get, then I''ll choose my primary ss path," Leon said as he took out the Secondary ss Opening Token. These kinds of tokens were rare and could only be found in S-Rating or above rewards. Secondary sses required such a token to unlock.


    "Let''s use it," he murmured as he channeled mana into it. The token shimmered in his hand and then dissolved into light, enveloping him.@@novelbin@@


    {Congrattions, Challenger, you now have a secondary ss option limited to Mythical ss.}


    Leon nodded. Unlike the primary ss, the secondary ss had restrictions, but thanks to the Charity System, his legendary token had been upgraded to Mythical, allowing him to unlock a Mythical Secondary ss Slot.


    "Now, let''s see what I get," he mused, activating the ss Change Token for his secondary ss.


    {Congrattions, Challenger, on using the ss Change Token.}


    {Challenger already has a Primary ss.}


    {Challenger has unlocked a Secondary ss Slot.}


    {Challenger''s Arune Ability has been identified.}


    {Congrattions, Challenger, for obtaining the ss: World Destroying Berserker from Lord Shiva''s Lineage.}


    World Destroying Berserker:


    The ss represents the wrath form of Lord Shiva, the God of Destruction. It grants unparalleled destructive power at the cost of sanity and self-control.


    Skills Gained:


    Tandav ¨C Dance of Destruction: A divine dance that unleashes waves of destruction around the user. It increases power exponentially with rage and can devastate entire regions.


    Effect: As host dance while fighting, power of all Skills increase by 1% for every second, while the Man consumption remains the same


    Cooldown : none


    Third Eye ¨C Eye of the Sage: A skill that grants omniscience for a short period. It allows the user to see through any illusion, identify weaknesses, and foresee enemy movements.


    Effect: Temporarily enhances perception and grants unparalleled insight.


    Current limit : 3 seconds


    Mana consumption : 1,000 points for each activation and then 100 mana for each second.


    Cooldown : 1 hour


    Body of Destruction: Enhances physical capabilities to divine levels while also increasing resilience and regenerative powers.


    Effect(passive): Grants a body that is resistant to 30% magical and physical damage.


    Meditation: A skill that allows the user to calm their mind, control their rage, and recover mental and physical fatigue. Essential to maintaining sanity.


    Effect: Reduces berserk status and regenerates stamina and mana while maintaining rity.


    {Stat: Berserker is now avable.}


    Current Berserker Points: 10.


    If Berserker Points exceed 80, Challenger will lose their sanity, and only destruction will upy their mind.


    While Every point increase in Berserker also gives 1% increase in all stats.


    {To lower Berserker Points, please meditate and calm your mind.}


    Leon let out a slow breath as he processed the information. "A ss born of destruction itself," he muttered. The sheer power of this ss was overwhelming, but the dangers were clear¡ªlosing control could cost him everything. "I''ll need to focus on mastering Meditation. Otherwise, this ss might destroy me before I destroy anything else."

 Chapter 61 1st Floor II

    The First Floor of the Tower was a hub of activity, serving as a critical starting point for all climbers. Its vast expansebined practicality with grandeur, creating a ce where adventurers from every corner of the world could find their footing.


    The first ce Leon found himself in was the Market area.


    The Market Area was a vibrant and sprawling center of trade, buzzing with life as climbers from all walks of life bartered, browsed, and haggled. Colorful banners and canopies stretched across the open streets, casting shifting shadows over the bustling crowd. Vendors, each more animated than the next, shouted out to advertise their unique wares, their voices blending into a harmonious cacophony that spoke of opportunity and ambition.


    The wide cobblestone streets were nked by rows of stalls, each offering an array of items tailored to meet the needs of Tower climbers. Basic provision vendors sold dried meats, bread, and water skins, all essential for survival in the Tower''s unpredictable environments. A few stalls specialized in restorative potions, their liquids glowing faintly in the sunlight, boasting benefits like increased strength, quicker reflexes, and rapid healing. The potions were neatly arranged in rows, their bright colors catching the eyes of passing adventurers.


    cksmiths were hard at work, their hammers ringing against anvils as they shaped glowing metal into swords, axes, and shields. Some had weapons disyed on racks¡ªgleaming swords adorned with runes, bows reinforced with monster sinew, and armor imbued with defensive enchantments. Each piece seemed tailored to a specific race or fighting style, catering to the diverse needs of climbers. The rhythmic ng of metal blended seamlessly with the hum of conversation, making the air hum with purpose and potential.


    Further into the market, a few stalls stood out with their exotic offerings. Enchanted essories, like rings that boosted mana regeneration or nes that increased resistance to poison, sparkled under the sunlight, their allure undeniable. Vendors selling magical scrolls proudly disyed parchment imbued with elemental spells, offering instant power to those who could afford it. Monster hunters had set up shop as well, showcasing rare materials from the Tower''s higher floors¡ªfangs, ws, and hides that pulsed faintly with residual energy. Adventurers crowded these stalls, debating the value of a monster''s venom sac or the utility of a basilisk''s petrified eye.


    The air was thick with the enticing aroma of food, luring climbers to pause and indulge. Roasted meats, spiced skewers, and sizzling sausages were grilled on open mes, their juices dripping into the fire and releasing mouthwatering scents. Sweet pastries zed with honey and dusted with powdered sugar tempted passersby with their golden sheen. A few vendors offered regional delicacies, such as fermented drinks, spiced soups, and fruits preserved in syrup. For the more adventurous, some stalls specialized in dishes made from Tower-specific ingredients, like the tender meat of Floor 5 me Boars or broths brewed with Moonlit Mushrooms from Floor 7.


    Musicians dotted the market, their lively tunes adding to the energetic atmosphere. Drummers, lute yers, and flutists entertained climbers, often earning a few coins for their efforts. Street performers showcased their skills: an elemental mage conjuring miniature firework disys, a rogue performing acrobatic stunts, and a beast tamer showing off their trained pets to the delight of onlookers. The crowd surged with excitement, andughter filled the air, giving the market an almost festival-like ambiance.


    Leon moved through the bustling hub, his eyes scanning the stalls and the crowd, taking in the sights, sounds, and scents. Each step brought a new temptation¡ªa dazzling weapon, a glimmering trinket, or the promise of a meal unlike any he had tasted before.


    Leon casually bought a meat stick as he continued his tour to next area which was the inn section. Experience more on My Virtual Library Empire


    The inn district was a wee reprieve from the bustling chaos of the market. Though quieter, it carried its own charm, offering weary adventurers a chance to rest and recharge. The cobbled streets were lined with buildings of varying sizes and designs, each bearing a unique signboard swaying gently in the breeze. Names like The Restful de, Skyward Retreat, and Traveler''s Haven promised warmth andfort within, enticing climbers to pause their arduous journeys.


    Leon strolled through the district, his steps slowing as he observed the inns. Some were modest structures, with wooden signs carved by hand and simple banners announcing their services. These inns catered to climbers on a budget, offering shared rooms with bunk beds, hearty but basic meals, and little else. The windows flickered with the warm glow of candlelight, and softughter asionally spilled out into the streets, giving them a homely, unpretentious air.


    Other inns were far more luxurious, their facades polished and adorned with intricate carvings. Gleamingnterns lined their entrances, casting golden light on paths paved with smooth stones. These establishments were built for wealthier adventurers, the ones who could afford private suites, gourmet meals, and even personal attendants to cater to their every need. Leon paused outside one such inn, its grand entrance guarded by two imposing figures d in fine armor. A fountain bubbled softly in the courtyard beyond, and the scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the open windows.


    Stepping into one of the more modest inns, The Restful de, Leon was greeted by a wave of warmth. Arge hearth crackled in the corner, its orange mes casting dancing shadows across the wooden beams of the ceiling. The scent of roasted meat and spiced ale filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of fresh straw. Climbers of all kinds sat around sturdy wooden tables, their conversations a medley of stories, strategies, and boasts. The atmosphere was lively but not overwhelming, a perfect blend of camaraderie and respite.


    The walls of the inn were adorned with notices pinned to corkboards. They listed group hunts for rare beasts, quests requiring skilled climbers, and challenges specific to certain floors. Leon skimmed one of the boards, his sharp eyes catching glimpses of intriguing opportunities. "Reward: Rare me Boar Tusks ¨C Team Required for Floor 5 Hunt," one read. Another, scrawled hastily in red ink, warned, "Beware Floor 7: Reports of Enhanced Monsters ¨C Proceed with Caution." These notices made it clear that inns were not just ces to rest¡ªthey were strategic hubs where alliances were forged, knowledge was exchanged, and adventures began.


    In one corner, a bard strummed a lute softly, singing a tale of a climber who had braved the Tower''s highest floors. His voice added to theforting hum of the room, blending seamlessly with the clink of tankards and the shuffle of boots on the wooden floor. Leon couldn''t help but smile as a particrly boastful dwarf at the next table recounted a harrowing fight against a wyvern, his audience enraptured despite the obvious embellishments.


    Roselia stepped in behind Leon, ncing around with an appraising eye. "It''s cozy," she remarked, her voice carrying a note of approval. Her gaze lingered on a group of adventurersughing loudly over a shared tter of food, their weapons leaning casually against the wall beside them.


    She joined with him just few minutes earlier when both of the newborn fell asleep.


    "Cozy and practical," Leon agreed, his fingers brushing over the hilt of his sword as he surveyed the room. "A ce like this can make or break an adventurer. Rest, information, and connections¡ªsometimes they''re worth more than a sword."


    Roselia nodded, her lips curving into a faint smile. "And the food doesn''t look half bad either."


    They found a corner table, ordering a simple meal while taking in the atmosphere. Together they sat as they ate together while they kept their ears open for any information.


    Creak!!


    The sudden opening of the door silenced the entire room. All eyes turned toward the neers as Leon and Roselia also shifted their attention.@@novelbin@@


    The figures who entered were adorned in oversized robes, the hoods drawn low to obscure their faces, leaving only glimpses visible through the shadows.


    "They''re from the Saint Race... from the 130th floor," someone whispered, though the hushed words carried enough weight to be heard across the silent room, including by Leon and Roselia.


    "But what are they doing here?"


    "Don''t you know? There''s a human with an Ex-Rating in the trial right now," another person whispered urgently. "He''s being courted by all the major races!"


    "I heard some races are even offering to change his race entirely using the Chalice of Transformation," added another, their toneced with awe and envy.


    Leon''s sharp eyes scanned the room as he took in the murmurs, watching as the Saint Race figures gracefully took their seats without sparing a nce at the attention they were drawing.


    Roselia, observing them closely, frowned as a faint smirk yed at her lips. "They reek," she thought to herself, her disdain sharp. She knew all too well¡ªthese so-called ''saints'' weren''t heroes as others might believe. To her, they were beings full of quiet ambition and veiled conviction, far from the purity their name implied.


    Leon said nothing, his gaze lingering on the cloaked figures before returning to his meal, his mind already piecing together the implications of their presence.

 Chapter 62 Rating Implications

    It was already evening as Leon and Roselia strolled side by side through a beautiful park. The setting sun cast a warm golden hue over the surroundings, the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds creating a tranquil atmosphere.


    "It''s troublesome," Leon muttered suddenly, his voice low but clear in Roselia''s mind, their magical connection allowing for effortless telepathicmunication.


    "Yeah, who knew getting an Ex-Rating would be this much of a hassle?" Roselia replied, rolling her eyes in exasperation. Leon let out a soft snicker at her response.


    "Don''t start," he warned, though there was a hint of amusement in his tone.


    The entire day had been nothing short of chaotic. Everywhere they went, people had been buzzing about his Ex-Rating. He wasn''t fond of the attention, especially since he believed he wouldn''t have achieved it without Roselia''s support.


    "Just cheer up," Roselia said with a smirk. "It''s not that bad. At least no one knows your real name as a challenger."


    Leon nodded, relieved at the thought. Thankfully, he had registered under a different name, keeping his true identity hidden. If he hadn''t, he''d likely already be swarmed by races eager to recruit him¡ªoffering everything from power to the promise of transformation into their own kin.


    "Smart move on that part," he murmured, ncing at Roselia, whose grin widened.


    "Of course," she said smugly. "Where would you be without me?"


    Leon chuckled softly, but as his gaze shifted to the fading sunlight, his expression grew thoughtful. The road ahead would only grow moreplicated, but for now, he allowed himself this brief moment of peace in the park.@@novelbin@@


    ****


    The next morning, Leon awoke to find Roselia lying naked by his side, her hair syed across the pillow and her breathing soft and even. The events of the previous night yed in his mind, and he let out a quiet chuckle.


    "Well, I guessst night I went a bit too far," he muttered to himself as he carefully slid out of bed, ensuring not to disturb her. Stretching his arms, he grabbed his clothes and made his way out of the room.


    He soon returned to his Arune Room, where an amusing sight greeted him: the little Naga and the ck dragon ying together. The two had be fast friends, though their y often bordered on chaotic. The ck dragon, with her sleek scales and fiery red-tipped ws, asionally let out bursts of me or left small scorch marks on the floor. Meanwhile, Naga¡ªwho Leon had named Aqua Raiden¡ªenthusiastically countered with streaks of aqua lightning, making the room flicker with light.


    Leon leaned against the doorway, watching them for a moment. The camaraderie between the two was undeniable, though it wasn''t without its hups. Raiden''s yful zaps, despite being unintentional, often ended up singeing the ck dragon''s scales. Though the volcanic dragon wasrgely resistant to electricity, the unexpected jolts clearly annoyed her, earning yful but dramatic growls. Discover stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    When one particrly strong spark made the ck dragon yelp and tumble over, she let out a loud whine. Leon sighed, stepping forward to scoop up the tiny dragon, who immediately began crying.


    "Aqua, what did I tell you about controlling those zaps?" Leon scolded lightly, his voice gentle but firm. Raiden blinked innocently, her little serpent-like tail wrapping around his arm as if to say, I didn''t mean to.


    Leon spent the next hour trying to pacify the ck dragon, gently stroking her scales and whispering soothing words. Despite her small size, she was still a top-tier mythical creature, with a fiery temperament and powers far beyond what she realized. Once she was calm, she nestled into his arms, her earlier indignation forgotten.


    As for Raiden, she hovered nearby, letting out soft chirps as if apologizing. Leon couldn''t stay mad; her mischievousness was part of her charm.


    "Alright, you two," he said, crouching to let them both settle down. "Try not to destroy the room while I''m gone. And Aqua, no more lightning zaps unless it''s absolutely necessary."


    Raiden tilted her tiny head, as if considering his words, before letting out a yful hiss. Leon shook his head, amused despite himself.


    He then give them their food, a meaty one for Dragon while sweet and pulp fruits for Raiden.


    In just a single day, the little Naga and ck dragon had grown significantly, both in size and independence. Their yful antics were no longer confined to a small corner; they now roamed freely around the Arune Room, exploring every nook and cranny.


    Thanks to the advanced magical monitoring features of the Arune Room, Leon could easily keep track of their activities without needing to hover over them constantly. The enchanted runes embedded in the room''s structure allowed him to visualize their movements in real-time, appearing as glowing trails of light that marked their paths. It was as though the room itself had be a living map of their adventures.


    Roselia hadmented earlier, with a mix of amusement and relief, that their rapid growth had also made them more self-sufficient. The once-clingy duo now seemed capable of entertaining themselves, which meant neither she nor Leon needed to supervise them constantly.


    However, their increasing size and magical prowess were hard to ignore. The ck dragon''s wings had started to develop faint streaks of fiery red, and her ws gleamed with a sharper edge. Meanwhile, Raiden''s scales shimmered with a faint, electric-blue glow, indicating her growing mastery over lightning.


    Despite their progress, the Arune Room''s protections ensured that neither of them could cause serious damage. It was built to withstand even high-level magical surges, making it the perfect space for them to grow, y, and asionally spar without fear of destruction.


    Leon leaned back in his chair, watching the glowing trails shift and loop across the room''s walls.


    "Well, looks like they''re doing just fine without us hovering," he murmured to himself, a small smile forming on his lips. He could feel their bond strengthening, a connection that resonated through the magic of the Arune Room. Whether it was a sudden burst ofughter or the soft hum of energy when they rested, it was amusing to see.


    Leon nced at Roselia, who was already prepared and waiting, her vibrant energy matching the anticipation in the air. "Let''s go and officially begin our adventure here," he said, a confident grin on his face.


    Roselia smiled back, linking her arm with his as they stepped out of the inn''s room together. The morning sun bathed the streets in a soft glow, and the faint hum of life in the Tower''s first floor began to pick up. Vendors were opening their stalls, and adventurers, both fresh-faced and battle-hardened, moved purposefully toward their goals.


    The duo made their way to the Ascender Association, the central hub for all climbers. The building stood out from the rest of the town''s structures, a towering edifice of stone and enchanted ss that shimmered faintly with runic energy. Its grand entrance was adorned with banners bearing the association''s insignia¡ªa golden staircase ascending into the clouds.


    Inside, the space buzzed with activity. It had the feel of a fantastical guild hall, with adventurers gathered in groups, pouring over maps, signing contracts, and exchanging information. A massive bulletin board dominated one side of the hall, stered with notices about quests, bounties, and updates from higher floors.


    Leon and Roselia approached the main desk, where a sharp-eyed receptionist greeted them with a practiced smile. "Wee to the Ascender Association. How can I assist you today?" she asked, her tone polite but efficient.


    "We''re here to register," Leon said, his voice steady. "We''d like to make it official and begin our climb."


    The receptionist nodded and gestured toward a glowing tablet embedded in the desk. "Please ce your hand here for identification and mana resonance scanning. Once we have your details, you''ll be officially registered as climbers."


    Leon went first, pressing his palm against the tablet. A soft hum filled the air as the device scanned him, disying aplex matrix of runes and data. The receptionist''s eyebrows raised slightly as she noted the results but quickly masked her surprise.


    "Ex-rank potential," she murmured under her breath, before looking up at Leon with a slightly more formal tone. "Impressive. You''re all set."


    Leon didn''t mind her getting his rating info. as Ascender association never leaks information, as no one can pressure them , after all above the Ascender association of tower is the Tower manager himself and there is only one, he is like a God to all Ascenders and is also very particr about rules and such.


    So, he knew there is no way his information from here might get leaked.


    "Can you also just mention S-rank potential on my Ascender card?" Leon asked, his tone calm yet firm.


    The receptionist looked at him for a moment before replying, "That will require a VIP subscription."


    Leon nodded without hesitation. "Very well, please sign me up for one."


    "That will be 10,000 gold coins," she informed him, her professional demeanor unwavering.


    Leon reached into his spatial pouch and pulled out an exquisitely crafted dagger with a faint, otherworldly glow. It was clearly an Epic-grade weapon, its de etched with runes that shimmered faintly in the ambient light. He handed it to her.


    "I''ll auction this through the Association''s channel. I believe this should cover the cost," he said confidently.


    The receptionist''s eyes widened slightly as she examined the weapon, her trained gaze quickly appraising its worth. "Yes, this dagger is exceptional. Based on its quality, we estimate it could fetch at least 13,500 gold coins. That will more than cover the VIP subscription fee."


    Leon nodded in agreement as the receptionist efficiently processed his registration. After a few moments, she handed him his updated Ascender card, which now proudly disyed his VIP status along with his potential marked as S-rank.


    "Here you go. Your VIP status is active, and your potential has been masked as requested. If there''s anything else you need, feel free to ask," she said, her tone now tinged with a hint of respect.


    Leon took the card and slipped it into his pocket, giving her a polite nod. "Thank you."

 Chapter 63 First Quest

    "Why did you change the potential rank on the card?" Roselia asked as they stepped out of the Ascender Association. Unlike Leon, she didn''t need a card, being his familiar.


    "This Ascender card provides some useful perks," Leon exined. "For example, we can ess high-ss inns and other exclusive services. It also works as a pass, so if we show it at certain ces, they''ll open doors for us based on the points and rank disyed on it. Since I''ll have to use the card often, I made sure my real rating is protected from probing."


    "And S-rank potential?" Roselia inquired with a raised eyebrow.


    "It''s a safe middle ground¡ªimpressive but not too over-the-top. Just enough to avoid unwanted attention while still earning respect," Leon replied casually.


    Roselia nced at his card and pointed at the disyed points. "Right now, we have zero points."


    Leon chuckled lightly. "Yes, we''ll need toplete our first quest soon. Can''t stay at zero points for more than a week; it''ll look bad."


    In this Tower, climbers didn''t need to conquer floors orplete grand quests immediately. Instead, the system functioned like a game, where points were essential for progress. Each floor had its own set of challenges, and climbers needed to umte points to advance. To reach the second floor, Leon needed 100 points. For the third floor, it would require 200 points, and so on.


    "My Ascender rank is also gray," Leon said, looking at the in gray card in his hand.


    Ascenders had ranks, simr to a prestige system. New registrants started at Level Zero, or Gray Rank, and climbed thedder by earning points andpleting quests. Leon''s card would eventually evolve from Iron Gray to Bronze, then Silver, and so on.


    "I need 1,000 points to reach Bronze Rank," he mumbled, checking the rank-up requirements disyed on the card.


    Roselia smirked. "Well, better get to work then. No one likes a rookie."


    Leon sighed but couldn''t suppress a small smile. "Yeah, let''s start earning those points."


    "Let''s go and see what the first quest we can take is," Leon said as they approached the towering structure of the Quest Hall. Like the Ascender Association, it was a major institution tied to the Tower''s workings. The enormous dome-shaped building exuded authority and purpose, with streams of climbers entering and exiting its broad, arched doors.


    Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with energy. Adventurers of varying levels discussed strategies, haggled over quest details, and formed groups to tackle the challenges ahead. The hall was divided into sections, with boards designated for climbers of different ranks.


    Leon and Roselia made their way to the Gray Board, a section reserved for Gray Rank climbers¡ªthose just starting their journey. Regardless of their personal strength, climbers could only ept quests that matched their rank. The board was filled with papers detailing missions ranging from simple delivery tasks to minor monster hunts.


    "Hm, I think this one will do," Roselia said, reaching out to grab a quest sheet. Just as her fingers touched the paper, she bumped into someone.


    She frowned and stepped back, turning to see who it was. Her gaze met a tall, imposing figure. The man was bald, with four muscr arms and skin the color of cerulean, giving him an alien, almost otherworldly appearance. His grin was wide, but there was nothing friendly about it.


    "What do you want?" Roselia asked, her tone sharp and unyielding.


    "Heh heh,e on, beauty. That quest isn''t for you," the man sneered, reaching past her to snatch the SSS-Rank quest she had been inspecting. His long fingers crumpled the paper slightly as he held it up mockingly. "This one suits you better." He grabbed a lowly E-Rank quest from the board and shoved it into her hand, his grin widening into something grotesque.


    "But," he added, his voice dripping with insinuation, "if you sleep with me, I might help you with an S-Rank quest."


    The man''sughter rang out, harsh and grating. Around them, other climbers began to whisper among themselves.


    "Hey, isn''t that Derub?" one muttered, ncing nervously at the scene unfolding.


    "Yeah, the rookie curse," another replied, their voiceced with distaste.


    "He''s also called Derub the Perv or Derub the Deflowerer," someone else chimed in, though their words carried a mocking edge.


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    Roselia''s eyes narrowed, her expression darkening as she realized the kind of man standing before her. Derub wasn''t just an obnoxious braggart¡ªhe was a predator, infamous for targeting rookie female climbers.


    "I''m Level 71," Derub dered loudly, flexing his four arms in a disy of strength. The muscles rippled under his blue skin as he struck a confident pose, clearly aiming to intimidate. "You''d be smart toe with me. I''ll make sure you get the protection you need."


    His smug grin widened, his demeanor oozing arrogance as if he believed there was no way Roselia could refuse him. After all, he was stronger, more experienced, and had made a name for himself¡ªhowever infamous it might be.


    Roselia didn''t flinch. Her lips curved into a cold smile, her eyes shing with defiance as she silently prepared to show Derub exactly why he had made a grave mistake in underestimating her.


    "Fuck off," Roselia said coldly, crossing her arms as she snatched back the SSS-Rank quest paper. Her sharp tone silenced some of the onlookers, who had been whispering about the altercation. The tension in the hall grew thick as all eyes turned to the confrontation between her and the towering Cerulean man.


    Meanwhile, Leon, who had been examining another section of the board, heard themotion. His curiosity piqued, he turned and saw Roselia standing her ground against the bald man.


    "What happened here?" Leon muttered to himself as he made his way toward them, careful not to draw too much attention. Just as he approached, he caught sight of the Cerulean man, Derub,unching a punch at Roselia.


    Leon stopped, watching silently, but his caution turned to amusement as Roselia deftly sidestepped the attack. Without hesitation, she retaliated with a sharp kick to Derub''s chin, sending him stumbling back.


    "You bitch!" Derub roared, his expression twisting with rage. His four arms began glowing with a deep blue aura as he charged at her again, this time with more ferocity.


    Roselia didn''t flinch. With a flick of her wrist, she summoned void mes, their vibrant hues dancing in her palm as she hurled them toward Derub. The mes struck him squarely, forcing him to cry out in pain.


    "Ahhh! Now you''ve done it!" he bellowed, his anger boiling over as he attempted to close the gap between them. His movements were wild and aggressive, but Roselia''s precision and agility kept her out of reach.


    Before Derub couldnd another blow, Leon stepped in. In a single swift motion, he pulled Roselia into his arms and leaped away, creating distance between them and their enraged opponent.


    "What are you doing?" Roselia asked, slightly flustered by the sudden act, though she rxed in his hold.


    "Let''s not cause too much of amotion. For now, let it rest," Leon said firmly, his voice calm but decisive. He ced her gently on the ground, ensuring she was steady before stepping back.


    Roselia nodded, understanding his reasoning. She adjusted her cloak, brushing off the lingering tension, and walked with Leon to the receptionist''s desk to register their chosen quest.


    Behind them, Derub was still shouting, clutching at his face where the void mes had scorched his skin. Roselia had aimed carefully, ensuring the mes struck near his eyes, a calcted move to disorient and partially blind him.


    Leon nced back momentarily at the raging man but decided against engaging further. "At our current level, he''s not worth wasting energy on," he said quietly to Roselia. "Unless we want to reveal our full power and attract unnecessary attention, it''s best to let him stew."


    Roselia nodded as Leon''s registration waspleted.


    "But to think you would directly take an SSS-Rank quest," Leon sighed, ncing at the paper in her hand. "We''re supposed to keep a low profile for now, at least until we gain a few levels. Showing near-Level 50 strength while at Level 0 is outright painting a target on our backs. There are too many people on the 1st floor hunting for fame."


    Roselia shrugged nonchntly as Leon picked up another quest. This time, it was an A-Rank. He nced over the details and handed it to the receptionist for registration.


    "Are you sure?" Roselia asked, noticing two more A-Rank quests on the board. "You can only take three quests at a time, and if any of them aren''tpleted, you won''t be able to ept others until the penalties are cleared."


    Leon nodded, unconcerned. "It''s fine. Just get them registered," he said.


    The receptionist, a bit skeptical, shrugged and began processing the requests.


    "Also," she added, "if you don''tplete the SSS-Rank quest within six months, you''ll be fined 10,000 Gold Coins."@@novelbin@@


    "Noted," Leon replied without hesitation, his calm demeanor unshaken.


    Once the receptionist finished registering all three quests, she handed back the updated Ascender Card, now reflecting the epted tasks.


    "Let''s go," Leon said, turning to Roselia. "We''ll finish this first A-Rank quest first. Once that''s done, we can move on to the SSS-Rank. That way, no one will suspect anything."


    Roselia nodded at the strategy. "Works for me."

 Chapter 65 First Quest III

    With the Eye of Sage, Leon''s vision sharpened, revealing the hidden flows of worldly energy. As he studied the Red Skeleton King, he noticed something peculiar¡ªa thin red line connecting the king to an ornate painting hanging behind the throne.


    He is currently suing the passive of Eye of Sage not the Active skill allowing him to see this hidden detail.


    "Is this... a necromancy tether?" Leon thought, his eyes narrowing. The line pulsed faintly, hinting that the Skeleton King''s power and life force were being sustained by something¡ªor someone¡ªelse beyond the painting.


    "Roselia, finish him quickly!" Leonmanded, his tone urgent.


    Roselia didn''t hesitate. She jumped back gracefully, raising her palms as a dense, dark aura began to swirl around her. Concentrating, she molded the void mes into a miniature violet sun that pulsated ominously in her hands. The room grew darker as the intense energy threatened to consume everything nearby.


    "Void Ray!" she dered, her voice firm as she unleashed the condensed void energy. A powerful beam shot forward, striking the Red Skeleton King directly in the chest, where its life gem was embedded.


    The impact was cataclysmic. The gem shattered instantly, obliterated in a single blow, as the Skeleton King roared in defiance. The mes consumed its form, reducing it to nothing but ashes within moments.


    Leon, however, kept his gaze locked on the painting. The red line snapped, and the glow behind the artwork flickered violently.


    "Something''s not right," Leon muttered, taking a cautious step closer to the ornate painting.


    While Roselia picked up the Red Crown from the remains of the Skeleton King, she tucked it into her Spatial Ring before turning to follow Leon. She noticed his intense focus on the painting.


    "Do you like paintings?" she asked tilting her head, seeing how deeply he was staring at it.


    Leon didn''t respond immediately. Instead, his gaze remained sharp, analyzing every detail of the frame and the strange energy radiating from it. Without a word, he brought his hand up, channeling Aether Magic. Concentrating the energy into a sharp de of light, he shed cleanly across the painting.


    The canvas tore, revealing a hidden doorway behind it. A faint hum emanated from the uncovered entrance as ancient runes flickered to life.


    Roselia''s eyes lit up with excitement. "This is a hidden room! If no one else knows about it, we might find something really valuable inside," she said, her voice brimming with anticipation.@@novelbin@@


    Leon nodded, his expression serious. "Back with the Red Skeleton King, if the boss was left undefeated for more than a month, rewards would regenerate for the next challengers. In this case, though, it''s a ''Daily'' quest. The Skeleton King''s death would''ve led to nothing but destruction of the area, with no treasures left behind."


    "But now that we''ve found this hidden ce¡­" Roselia continued his thought, "it means this wasn''t just an A-Rank quest. There might be something rare¡ªa weapon, skill tomes, or unique artifacts¡ªwaiting for us inside."


    Leon stepped forward cautiously, his Eye of Sage scanning for any signs of traps or hidden mechanisms. "Let''s tread carefully," he warned, ncing at Roselia. "This could be the real treasure the quest was hiding."


    Roselia nodded in agreement, her hand resting lightly on the hilt of her weapon. As they crossed the threshold, Leon suddenly felt a shift in the atmosphere. The air thickened, and an invisible energy pulsed around them. Roselia stopped, her eyes narrowing as she took in the surroundings.


    "A secret realm," she said, her voice steady but alert. Leon nodded, confirming her observation.


    "Let''s hope it''s not a powerful one," he muttered, scanning the strange new environment for clues.


    Roselia shrugged nonchntly. "The first floor''s limit is supposed to be Level 80," she replied, her tone calm butced with caution.


    Leon shook his head, a faint frown appearing on his face. "That may be true, but there could be Legendary monsters here. Even on the first floor, they can possess strength equivalent to Level 180mon monsters," he said, his voice firm, reminding her of the potential danger.


    Roselia gave a slight nod, understanding the gravity of his words. They were now in uncharted territory, where the rewards could be immense, but the risks even greater.


    The narrow hallway stretched ahead, its dark cobblestones slick with an unsettling dampness. Leon squinted as his Eye of Sage scanned the corridor. "No traps?" he muttered, confusion evident in his tone. Normally, a long, foreboding corridor like this would be rife with danger, yet there was nothing.


    "Let''s move," he said, ncing at Roselia, who nodded. They proceeded cautiously. After five minutes of walking in eerie silence, they emerged into a vast, well-lit chamber.


    The room looked ancient yet functional, with walls lined by dusty bookshelves and tools arranged meticulously. In the center stood a massive forging table, nked by an alchemy bench, its design more advanced than anything Leon had seen before.


    "This alchemy bench..." Roselia murmured, inspecting it closely. "It''s incredibly sophisticated. Whoever set this ce up must''ve been a genius." Stay updated with My Virtual Library Empire


    Suddenly, a creaky voice broke the silence.


    "Well now, I didn''t expect visitors."


    They turned sharply to see an old man stepping out from the shadows. He was garbed in a stately, though slightly tattered, robe, holding a ck tome in his hands. His eyes were sharp, betraying a keen intellect.


    "Wee to my humble abode," the man said with a faint smile.


    Leon kept his hand on his weapon. "Who are you?" he asked bluntly.


    "My name is Theodore William Stefan," the man replied. "Perhaps you''ve heard of me."


    Leon''s eyes widened slightly. "The Alchemist King?"


    Theodore nodded. "Indeed. This is one of my secretboratories, scattered across the floors of this realm."


    Leon narrowed his eyes. "Aren''t you supposed to be dead? The Alchemist King of the human race was dered dead centuries ago."


    The old man chuckled. "That''s correct. This body isn''t alive. It''s an Alchemy Construct, what you might call an android or homunculus. I designed it to hold my memories up until the 100th floor."


    Roselia tilted her head. "Why would you create such a thing?"


    Theodore''s expression grew somber. "To aid me in alchemical research... and to seek a way to revive my original body. You see, my main body perished 117 years ago, leaving these constructs behind to carry on my work."


    "Revive yourself?" Leon asked, suspicion flickering in his gaze.


    "Yes." Theodore gestured at them with an amused smirk. "I sense no malice from you, so I''ll share some of my secrets. "


    "Also don''t think of me as an pushover, if you guys had even a bit , tiny little bit of malice, you guys won''t had made it alive here" he added.


    Leon frowned. "What are you implying?"


    Theodore chuckled again. "The corridor you walked through wasn''t unguarded. It contained 999 traps."


    Leon stiffened. "What? My Eye of Sage detected nothing."


    "Ah, the first trap," Theodore said, stroking his beard. "It''s a mana-sealing ward. The moment you entered this secret realm, all external skills and mana detection were rendered useless. Without realizing it, you were stripped of your tools."


    "Also the second trap, it make people think they are still using their skills and abilities, which in fact is sealed" Old Man said scaring the hell out of them.


    Both Leon and Roselia instinctively checked their mana reserves, only to realize they couldn''t ess them.


    Theodore continued, "Had you been malicious, you would''ve triggered the traps immediately. But as you are not, I allowed you to reach me."


    Leon gritted his teeth but nodded slowly. "Alright. What do you want from us?"


    The old alchemist''s eyes gleamed. "Knowledge. I need aid in my research to unlock the secrets of true revival. Help me, and you may gain alchemical secrets beyond your imagination. Refuse, and... well, let''s just say the way out will be far more perilous than the way in."


    Roselia nced at Leon, her expression unreadable. "What''s your call?"


    Leon sighed, his mind racing. Despite his skepticism, he knew an opportunity like this could not be ignored. "Alright, old man. You''ve got our attention. Let''s hear what you need."


    Theodore''s smile widened, and for a moment, the room seemed to hum withtent energy.


    Theodore''s calm expression didn''t waver as he exined, "This body of mine is researching the secrets of the undead. To further my studies, I require the bones of all the Skeleton Kings present on this floor."


    "What?" Leon blinked, his voice rising in disbelief. "Are you crazy?"


    "Do you hear yourself?" Roselia added, crossing her arms. "That''s a ridiculous task!"


    Their reaction was justified. Each floor of this dungeon was an enormous, sprawling space¡ªover 10,000 kilometers in size. The sheer scale was mind-boggling, and there was no telling how many undead creatures¡ªor Skeleton Kings¡ªinhabited it. Undertaking this quest would mean spending centuries scouring the floor.


    Theodore chuckled at their protests. "Ah, you misunderstand. I''m not asking you to gather them all in one go. That would indeed be madness. I merely need the bones of the True Skeleton King, the strongest on this floor. He holds the essence of all other Skeleton Kings. His defeat will yield the unique core I require."


    Leon''s frown deepened. "The True Skeleton King? And where exactly do we find this so-called ultimate undead?"


    Theodore''s smile turned mysterious. "Ah, he is hidden within another secret realm¡ªone that only those with sufficient strength and wit can uncover. However, be warned: he is of Legendary Grade, far above the ordinary foes you''ve faced thus far."

 Chapter 66 Alchemist Quest

    Roselia''s expression shifted to one of concern. "Legendary Grade? Are you sending us to our deaths?"


    "Not at all," Theodore replied with a wave of his hand. "I''ll provide you with a map leading to the secret realm, as well as detailed information about itsyout. Additionally, I''ll grant you six months to prepare. Use this time wisely¡ªgrow stronger, collect resources, and raise your level. "


    Leon and Roselia exchanged nces. Six months was a generous amount of time, but the idea of facing a Legendary Grade monster still weighed heavily.


    Roselia let out a frustrated sigh. "Why don''t you get it yourself, then? You''re the great Alchemist King, aren''t you?"


    "This body is... limited," Theodore admitted, tapping his chest. "It cannot leave thisboratory. My abilities are tied to this space, and while I have knowledge and power here, I''m unable to act beyond these walls. That''s where youe in."


    Leon pinched the bridge of his nose. "Let me guess: you''re not offering this for free, are you?"


    "Of course not," Theodore said, his eyes twinkling.


    "I will bestow upon you the first part of my legacy. This includes advanced alchemy techniques and ess to unique crafting methods that cannot be found anywhere else."


    Leon''s interest was piqued, but he kept his expression neutral. "The first part, huh? What about the rest of your legacy?"@@novelbin@@


    Theodore smirked. "Complete this task, and we''ll discuss the next steps. For now, consider this a test of your worthiness."


    Roselia sighed but nodded. "Fine. If we''re going to do this, we''ll need everything you can give us for preparation."


    "Agreed," Leon said, crossing his arms. "Provide us the map and whatever else we''ll need."


    Theodore waved his hand, and a glowing map materialized in front of them, floating gently into Leon''s grasp. "Here it is. Use it well. I trust you''ll not disappoint me."


    Leon studied the map briefly before tucking it into his storage ring. He nced at Roselia, who nodded in silent agreement.


    "Six months, huh?" Leon muttered. "Time to see how much stronger we can get."


    Theodore''s voice followed them as they turned to leave. "Good luck, adventurers. The legacy of the Alchemist King awaits you."


    As they emerged from the long corridor, the painting shifted back into ce, seamlessly blending into the surroundings as if nothing had happened. Leon turned to Roselia, his expression resolute. "Let''splete as many other quests as we can and push our levels to the limit before we tackle this," he said.


    Roselia nodded, matching his determination. "With our abilities, it should be manageable," she replied confidently.


    "Even so, we should prepare as thoroughly as possible," Leon added. "Underestimating a Legendary Grade opponent, even with a n, could cost us everything."


    "Agreed," Roselia said, her tone serious.


    For now, the two began their trek back to the Quest Hall to submit theirpleted quest and im their rewards.


    Soon, they reached the Quest Hall and submitted their quest along with the proof ofpletion. The receptionist nced at the documentation and nodded. "Everything checks out," she said, handing Leon back his Ascender Card with a faint smile. "Ten points have been added to your total."


    "Ten points," Leon muttered, observing the card before tucking it away.


    Roselia nodded in understanding. "All quests from E to EX rank follow the standard point system," she remarked. "A-rank quests like this one give 10 points. Each rank below awards two point less¡ªB gives 8, C gives 6, D gives 4, and E gives 2."


    "And above A, S-rank gives 12, SS gives 15, and SSS awards a full 20 points," Leon added thoughtfully. "As for EX-rank quests, they''re so rare they don''t even appear on the boards unless it''s a crisis requiring over 30 Ascenders to tackle together."


    Roselia smirked slightly. "Not like we''ll worry about EX quests anytime soon."


    "True," Leon replied. "But for now, let''s keep climbing steadily. We''ll need every advantage when the timees."


    But as they came out of the Quest Hall, they noticed a group of Cerulean men standing nearby, one of them ring at Roselia. His face was covered in bruises, likely from the aftermath of theirst encounter. "You''re the one who messed with me," he sneered, pointing directly at Roselia.


    Leon narrowed his eyes as he observed the Cerulean man approach, a sense of hostility radiating from him. The man''s face was scorned, clearly bearing a grudge. "You''re the one who humiliated my brother," the Cerulean man spat with venom. "You''ll pay for what you did."


    Roselia stood next to Leon, her posture poised and ready for action. She was clearly annoyed, but it was Leon who took the lead. He stood firm, his expression cold and unflinching.


    "You''re in my way," Leon said, his voice low and dangerous. "I suggest you step aside before you make things worse."


    The Cerulean man, undeterred by Leon''s calm response, smirked arrogantly. "Who do you think you are?" he sneered, taking a step forward.


    Ryoken''s eyes flickered for a moment, remembering the events that led them here. It had all started a few days ago when a Demoness, in her wrath, had burned off his own brother Ryoma''s face, causing him to take his brother and get revenge for his brother.


    But Leon had seen this before. "I don''t have time for weaklings," he said, his tone even colder. "But if you''re asking for it... fine."


    He activated his Berserk State with a wave of his hand, his power surging. His aura intensified as his anger boiled just beneath the surface. The air around him seemed to crackle with electricity. "Berserk State: 13 points," Leon muttered under his breath, his body bing more attuned to the bloodlust.


    Knowing the Cerulean group aren''t going to back off, Leon activated his most powerful ability as he is still in single digit while the leader cerulean is over level 60.


    The fight unfolded quickly, with Leon activating his Berserk State almost immediately. His body surged with raw power, the familiar rush of energy coursing through his veins. His pupils contracted, the veins in his neck visibly pulsing as his muscles tensed with heightened strength. The air around him seemed to vibrate, crackling with the intensity of his aura. It was as though the world had slowed down, the only thing moving at full speed was Leon and the Cerulean man, locked in their deadly dance. Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire


    The Cerulean man, momentarily taken aback by the sheer aura of Leon''s transformation, hesitated for only a second¡ªjust enough for Leon to close the gap. Leon moved with lightning speed, faster than the man could track, his body a blur. A sharp jab to the Cerulean man''s midsection left him winded, his breath catching in his throat. He staggered back, attempting to regain his footing, but Leon was already closing in.


    "Is that all you''ve got?" Leon taunted, his voice cold, the confidence in his tone mocking the man''s attempts to retaliate.


    With a guttural growl, the Cerulean man swung his fist toward Leon, hoping to catch him off guard. But Leon was already prepared. He ducked under the wild punch and, in one fluid motion, swept the man''s legs out from under him with a low kick, sending him crashing to the ground. The Cerulean man''s back hit the stone floor with a resounding thud, but he was quick to recover, rolling back to his feet in a desperate attempt to keep the fight alive.


    Leon watched with unamused eyes, his posture rxed despite the brutality of his strikes. The Berserk State enhanced not only his strength but his reflexes as well, making him nearly impossible tond a blow on. Every punch, every strike from the Cerulean man was effortlessly evaded, as if Leon were always one step ahead.


    The Cerulean man, growing frustrated, began to attack in rapid session, his fists blurring with speed as he tried to overwhelm Leon. However, Leon was calm and methodical. He deflected one blow with a casual twist of his wrist and countered with a devastating elbow strike to the man''s ribs. The crack of bone could be heard as the Cerulean man gasped in pain, clutching his side.


    "You''re slow," Leon said with a hint of amusement, barely breaking a sweat as he sidestepped another wild punch.


    The Cerulean man''s eyes burned with fury, but it was clear that he was struggling to keep up. Each time he made a move, Leon seemed to predict it, countering or dodging with ease. The weight of Leon''s power was oppressive, and the Cerulean man''s movements became increasingly erratic. Desperation seeped into his strikes, his attacks no longer having the precision they once did.


    In one final desperate attempt, the Cerulean manunched himself forward, hoping to tackle Leon to the ground. But Leon was ready. With a swift movement, he sidestepped the charge, grabbed the Cerulean man by the arm, and twisted it behind his back. The man yelped in pain as Leon held him in a painful lock.


    "You''ve lost," Leon whispered in his ear, his grip tightening just enough to make the man realize he was at his mercy.

 Chapter 68 Plague King

    Leon and Roselia faced the iing horde, their eyes sharp and unwavering. Leon raised his staff, beginning to chant the incantation for the first-tier Destruction spell he had recently unlocked.


    At his current tier, he could only ess Tier 1 Destruction spells, but even those packed considerable power. His chant was short, befitting a lower-tier spell, and in moments, it wasplete.


    "st Away, Bursting Fireball!" Leonmanded, pointing at the approaching horde.


    A grayish-ck fireball materialized in his hand¡ªnot the usual orange-red hue of a standard fireball. This one radiated a sinister energy, brimming with destructive force. The fireball shot forward with incredible speed, a streak of dark mes tearing through the air.


    As soon as it reached the first zombie, it detonated in a fiery explosion, engulfing a 10-meter radius. The st incinerated everything in its path, leaving nothing but ashes and scorched ground.


    "Damn, that''s powerful," Leon muttered, visibly impressed by the spell''s potency.


    Roselia, who had been watching closely, smirked. "Not bad for a Tier 1 spell. But don''t let it get to your head¡ªwe''ve got moreing."


    Leon nodded, readying himself for the next wave. "This is just the beginning. Let''s see what else these undead have to offer."


    "Let me experiment with more spells," Leon said, his tone calm but eager.


    Roselia nodded, stepping back to give him space, her weapons ready in case the situation escted. Leon tightened his grip on his Magic Staff, his eyes fixed on the horde of undead surging toward them.


    He pointed the staff at the iing zombies and began chanting another Tier 1 Destruction spell. A faint glow surrounded him as mana surged into the staff.


    "Lightning Spear, pierce the damned!" hemanded. A crackling bolt of energy materialized at the tip of his staff beforeunching forward. The spear of lightning zipped through the air, striking multiple zombies in quick session, leaving charred remains in its path.@@novelbin@@


    "Interesting," Leon muttered, analyzing the effects before switching to another spell.


    "Frozen Fang, shatter their resolve!" This time, icy shards shot out, impaling a cluster of zombies and encasing them in frost. The cold was so intense that even the rotting flesh of the undead crumbled under the pressure.


    Roselia raised an eyebrow, impressed by Leon''s versatility. "You''re getting the hang of this," she said.


    "Not done yet," Leon replied, his voice steady as he prepared another incantation.


    "Earth Rend, split their ground!" With a sharp motion, the ground beneath the horde cracked and erupted, sending jagged rocks piercing through their ranks. Zombies were thrown into the air, their bodies torn apart by the force of the spell.


    Leon lowered his staff slightly, surveying the devastation. "Efficient. But I need better crowd control for higher-tier enemies."


    Roselia smirked. "Good thing this is just practice. Don''t burn through all your mana before we even reach the Zombie King."


    Leon nodded, a faint grin still lingering on his face. "Let''s see if he can handle a high-tier Tier 1 spell when we get there."


    "High-tier Tier 1?" Roselia questioned, now rxed as the horde had beenpletely wiped out by the bombardment of Leon''s spells.


    "Yes," Leon replied, adjusting his grip on his staff. "The knowledge I gained categorizes spells into two types: Simple and Fusion¡ªor high-tier."


    Roselia tilted her head, intrigued. "Simple and Fusion? Exin."


    "Simple spells," Leon began, "are single-element spells¡ªbasic yet effective. For example, the Fireball, Lightning Spear, and Earth Rend spells I used just now fall under this category." Your next chapter is on My Virtual Library Empire


    He paused, gesturing to the still-smoking battlefield in front of them. "But when youbine these elements¡ªfusing them¡ªyou create Fusion Tier spells, which are significantly more powerful and versatile. They require more mana and precision to cast, but their impact is on apletely different level."


    Roselia''s expression turned thoughtful. "So, bybining different elements, you can unlock entirely new effects?"


    "Exactly," Leon said with a nod. "For instance, if I were to fuse Fireball and Earth Rend, I''d get something like Volcanic Surge¡ªa high-tier spell that creates erupting magma waves. Each Fusion spell depends on thebination and mastery of the elements involved."


    "Interesting," Roselia mused, a small smile ying on her lips. "Looks like you''re going to be even more dangerous than I thought."


    Leon chuckled. "Let''s just say I''m experimenting for now. The Zombie King might be the perfect target to see how well these Fusion spells perform in realbat."


    "Just make sure not to blow us up in the process," Roselia teased, stepping forward as they resumed their journey deeper into the castle.


    As they ventured further into the castle, the atmosphere grew heavier, the air thick with the stench of decay and the faint whispers of the undead. Leon held his staff firmly, his eyes scanning every corner for movement. Roselia walked beside him, her weapons ready, her senses sharp.


    The eerie silence was broken by the sound of shuffling footsteps. A group of heavily decayed zombies emerged from the shadows, their glowing green eyes locked onto the intruders. Unlike the previous horde, these zombies radiated a more sinister energy, their bodies reinforced by necromantic magic.


    "Enhanced zombies," Roselia muttered, her voiceced with annoyance. "Looks like the gue King is stepping up his defenses."


    Leon smirked. "Perfect. I''ve been meaning to try a Fusion spell against something tougher."


    He nted his staff into the ground and began chanting. The air around him crackled with energy as hebined two Tier 1 spells: Fireball and Gale Strike. A swirling orb of fiery wind formed at the tip of his staff, growing in size with each second.


    "zing Tempest!" he roared, releasing the spell. The orb shot forward, spinning violently as it tore through the air. Upon impact, it erupted into a vortex of scorching mes and slicing winds, engulfing the zombies in an inferno.


    The enhanced zombies screeched in agony as their reinforced bodies were shredded and incinerated. The vortex left nothing but ash and charred remnants in its wake.


    Roselia raised an eyebrow. "Impressive. But that''s a lot of mana for one attack."


    Leon shrugged, a yful grin on his face. "Efficiency isn''t the goal right now. Testing the limits is."


    Before they could move further, the ground beneath them trembled. A low growl echoed through the hall, followed by the sound of chains dragging across stone. From the far end of the room, a towering figure stepped into view¡ªa massive zombie d in rusted armor, wielding a colossal axe dripping with dark energy.


    "The Zombie King''s guard," Roselia said, her eyes narrowing.


    "Looks like we''ve got a warm-up before the main event," Leon replied, his grip tightening on his staff.


    The armored zombie let out a guttural roar, its hollow eyes glowing with malice as it charged at them with surprising speed. Leon and Roselia exchanged a nce, silently agreeing to work together.


    "Keep him distracted," Roselia said, darting to the side. "I''ll find an opening."


    Leon nodded and raised his staff. "Let''s see how this one handles another Fusion spell."


    As the massive zombie closed the distance, Leon began chanting again, this timebining Lightning Spear with Stone Bind. The ground beneath the zombie cracked as stone spikes erupted, immobilizing its legs. At the same time, a bolt of crackling electricity struck it, surging through its body.


    Roselia seized the opportunity, leaping into the air with her twin des glowing faintly. Shended behind the creature and shed at its exposed back, the sound of tearing flesh echoing through the hall.


    The zombie let out a deafening roar, breaking free of the stone spikes and swinging its axe in a wide arc. Leon and Roselia dodged in opposite directions, regrouping at a safe distance.


    "This one''s tougher than I expected," Leon admitted, wiping sweat from his brow.


    Roselia smirked. "Good. It means we''re close to the gue King. Let''s finish this quickly."


    The armored zombie roared again, the dark energy around its axe intensifying. The ground trembled with each of its steps, and cracks spread across the floor as it raised the massive weapon.


    Leon narrowed his eyes, gripping his staff tightly. "Alright, let''s push it up a notch."


    He began chanting another spell, this time fusing me Wave with Holy Lance, creating a purifying burst of fire imbued with holy energy. "Burn in righteous light¡ªHoly me Wave!" he called out, thrusting his staff forward.


    A surge of brilliant fire surged across the hall, its golden mes crackling with divine energy. The mes struck the armored zombie head-on, enveloping it in a radiant inferno. Its roars of pain echoed through the castle as its dark energy began to dissipate, the holy mes searing away its necromantic corruption.


    Roselia darted forward, her des glowing with mana as she infused them with her own energy. "Void Piercing Strike!" she shouted, leaping into the air. Her twin des sliced clean through the weakened armor, driving deep into the creature''s core.


    She is now fully utilizing her new ss abilities as her Ancient Dark Magus was promoted to Ancient Battle Magus, unlike the Dark Magus which only focus on Dark Magic, this one is more powerful as she can effectively use other magic as well as unique battle magic too.

 Chapter 70 Plague King 3

    His staff glowed brighter with golden and white energy as the two spells fused into one. The resulting power coalesced into a radiant spear, its surface adorned with intricate golden patterns that seemed to pulsate with divine wrath.


    "Spear of Redemption!" Leon roared, thrusting his staff forward.


    The glowing spear shot through the air with a deafening hum, leaving a golden trail in its wake. Its speed was incredible, and the energy it emanated caused the surrounding undead remnants to disintegrate just from its proximity.


    The gue King barely had time to react. The spear struck him squarely in the chest, piercing through his decayed body and embedding itself in the wall behind him. A blinding sh of white-gold light engulfed the room, forcing Roselia to shield her eyes momentarily.


    When the light subsided, the gue King was visibly weakened. His rotting flesh smoked and hissed where the spear had struck, and golden cracks spread across his torso like a web. He let out a pained, guttural roar as he staggered back, his dark aura flickering.


    Leon observed the result, his expression calm but satisfied. "Looks like redemption doesn''t agree with him."


    Roselia smirked, her des still glowing with energy. "I''d say it suits him perfectly¡ªthough I think he needs a few more doses."


    The gue King, now visibly furious, began summoning another wave of undead and poisonous fog in desperation, but the damage from Leon''s attack was severe. The battle was far from over, but Leon''s new spell had clearly turned the tide in their favor.


    The gue King''s roar reverberated through the castle, shaking its very foundation. His form seemed to waver as he desperately absorbed the nearby zombies to restore his strength, but the golden cracks on his body only grewrger, disrupting his dark aura.


    Leon''s eyes narrowed as he analyzed the gue King''s movements. "He''s trying to stall," he muttered, gripping his staff tightly. "That attack disrupted his mana core, but he''s using the undead to patch himself up."


    Roselia''s twin des red with dark energy, her expression fierce. "Then we don''t give him the chance to recover." Without waiting for a response, she charged forward, her des cutting through the poisonous fog with ease.


    "Battle Magic: Maigen Fury!" she shouted, unleashing a flurry of strikes that created arcs of ck and purple energy. Each swing of her de carved into the gue King''s defenses, sending chunks of decayed flesh flying.


    The gue King roared again, summoning poisonous tendrils from the ground tosh out at Roselia. She dodged and weaved through the onught with practiced precision, her movements fluid yet deadly. "You''re not the only one who can multitask," she taunted, shing through the tendrils as she closed the distance.


    Leon, watching her agile assault, smirked. "Show-off." Raising his staff, he began another chant. This time, he fused Holy Chain, a spell that immobilized enemies, with Sacred Judgment, a high-tier holy spell that called down radiant beams of light to smite foes.


    The air around Leon crackled with divine energy as golden runes appeared in a circle above him. "Heavenly Bind: Chains of Judgment!" he dered, mming his staff into the ground.


    Golden chains erupted from the floor, wrapping around the gue King''s limbs and torso, locking him in ce. At the same time, beams of radiant light descended from the glowing runes above, striking him repeatedly. Each impact caused the golden cracks on his body to spread further, his pained roars growing weaker with every hit.


    Roselia didn''t miss the opportunity. With the gue King immobilized, she leaped into the air, her des shining brighter. "Executioner''s Cross sh!" she yelled, crossing her des mid-air and releasing a massive X-shaped energy sh directly at his core.


    The attack hit with devastating force, causing a shockwave that rippled through the hall. When the dust settled, the gue King''s form was barely holding together. His once-massive figure was now slumped, his aura reduced to flickering embers of darkness.


    Leon approached, his staff glowing faintly. "It''s over," he said, his voice cold. "Even kings fall." He raised his staff for the final blow, preparing onest spell.


    Before he could cast it, the gue King let out a gutturalugh, his voice echoing with malice. "You think you''ve won? My death will only be the beginning¡­"


    A dark, pulsating orb emerged from his chest, his mana core surging with unstable energy. Leon and Roselia instinctively backed away as the gue King''s body began to copse, the orb growing brighter.


    "He''s going to explode!" Roselia shouted.


    Leon frowned, his mind racing. "Not on my watch." He mmed his staff into the ground, casting Force Barrier around them. "Brace yourself!"


    The gue King let out one final roar before his body disintegrated in a massive explosion of dark energy. The shockwave rattled the entire castle, but Leon''s barrier held firm, protecting them from the worst of the st.


    Force Barrier is an powerful defensive spell that allowed him to absorb the force of anything, And here he absorbed the explosion force rending it useless.


    When the dust settled, the hall was in ruins. The gue King was no more, his mana core shattered. Stay connected via My Virtual Library Empire@@novelbin@@


    Leon lowered the barrier, letting out a small sigh of relief. "Well, that was dramatic."


    Roselia sheathed her des, smirking. "Not bad, but next time, let''s avoid the whole ''almost dying'' thing."


    Leon chuckled, ncing at the remnants of the gue King. Among the ashesy a dark, crystalline shard¡ªthe core of the gue King''s power. He picked it up, inspecting it closely. "Looks like we have our reward."


    Roselia crossed her arms, tilting her head. "So, what are we going to do with it?"


    Leon''s eyes gleamed with excitement as he said " Well I will feed it to my gue bearer sword and it will evolve to next level" He said as Roselia nodded.


    Then thinking about something she asked " What of the unknown grade Equipment box? "


    Hearing her Leon fell silent as he remembered the box, it was what he obtained in trial world but neve use it as unknown gives you an item that I''ll suit you the most, he was waiting until he returns to real world, or until he gets dual ss, and now both of this conditions are good so he said " Hmm, I am going to use it now" He said as Roselia nodded, her eyes gleaming in excitement.


    Leon took out the unknown grade item box from his Charity System storage as he began to open it.


    Leon''s eyes widened slightly as the system notification appeared in his mind.


    [Congrattions, Host, on obtaining the Sage Crown: Myth+ Grade.]


    The golden light from the item box illuminated the dim surroundings as a majestic crown materialized in his hands. It was forged from an unknown white-gold metal, with intricate engravings of runes and celestial symbols adorning its surface. The crown radiated a soft, calming glow, exuding an aura of wisdom and immense power.


    The system provided additional details:


    [Sage Crown: Myth+ Grade]


    Type: Headgear


    Attributes:


    +500% Mana Regeneration


    +3000 Intelligence


    +1000 Wisdom


    Reduces casting time for all spells by 50%.


    Enhances all elemental affinities by 20%.


    Special Abilities:


    Sage''s Insight: Grants the wearer the ability to instantly analyze and counter any magical technique.


    Mana Conduit: Converts ambient mana into a protective shield when mana falls below 10%.


    Crown of Fusion: Enables the fusion of two spells into a higher-tier version without additional mana cost.


    Cold Heart : Reduces the rate of increase in Berserk points by 50%.


    Each Berserk points effects is increased by 50%.


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    ????? : condition not met


    ????? : condition not met


    ????? : condition not met


    ????? : condition not met


    ????? : condition not met


    Restriction: Only a true Sage or those with equivalent ss mastery can wear this crown. ]


    Leon examined the crown in his hands, turning it over to admire its craftsmanship. "So, it''s a ss-specific item," he murmured thoughtfully.


    Roselia stepped closer, her eyes narrowing as she studied the glowing artifact. "Let me see that," she said, her curiosity piqued.


    Leon handed the Sage Crown to her, and she held it up, inspecting the intricate runes etched into the metal. "This thing practically screams ancient magic," she said, her voice tinged with awe. "Only someone with mastery over a Sage ss¡ªor something close¡ªcan use it, huh?"


    Leon nodded. "Exactly. It aligns perfectly with my current path, though," he said, a smirk tugging at his lips. "It was an good decision to use it after getting both sses."


    Roselia nodded as she added, "Hmm, but there are also many skills unavable?"


    "Well," Leon began thoughtfully, "Lord Shiva in myth represents many aspects aside from destruction, like wisdom¡ªwhich aligns with my current ss path. He was also a diviner, an animal lover, and much more. Maybe unlocking those skills requires acquiring abilities from those aspects or even sses linked to Lord Shiva''s lineage."


    Learning about myths wasmon in this new world since many arcane abilities were derived from them.


    "There are even guilds and organizations dedicated to such mythologies," Leon continued. "Like Olympus, Asgard, Sanatana, and others."


    Roselia raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "So, you''re saying if someone wanted to fully explore their potential, they''d need to tap into the essence of these myths?"

 Chapter 71 Guilds and Organizations

    As they continued their discussion, Leon carefully ced the Sage Crown back into his storage, knowing he would need to meditate and experiment with its effectster. Roselia, ever observant, seemed to ponder his words.


    "So, these guilds¡ªOlympus, Asgard, Sanatana¡ªtheypete for dominance, don''t they?" Roselia asked, her tone casual but probing.


    Leon nodded. "In a way, yes. Each guild or organization represents not only the myths they''re based on but also the ideologies and powers tied to those myths. They often sh, especially when relics or territories of significant mythical importance are involved."


    " Well, except Sanatana they are pacifist but they are also one of the strongest guild out there, " He added.


    Roselia crossed her arms, her expression sharp. "And where does that leave us? Are we aligning ourselves with any of them?"


    Leon smirked. "Not yet. I prefer to stay independent for now. Aligning with them could grant us resources and knowledge, but it also ties us down with obligations. We''re stronger when we have freedom to choose our path."


    Roselia tilted her head thoughtfully. "True. Though it might be worth infiltrating one of these organizations someday, just to gain ess to their secrets."


    Leon chuckled. "Spoken like a true strategist. But for now, let''s focus on our current goal¡ªclearing this area and preparing for the next dungeon."


    Their conversation was interrupted by a sudden tremor. The ground beneath them shook violently, and cracks began to form on the castle floor.


    "What now?" Roselia muttered, gripping her twin des tightly.


    Leon''s eyes narrowed as he summoned his staff, its radiant energy ring to life. "It seems we lucked out, this is gue Queen, it happens once in month raid, though it''s random, but she drops a Epic item, called Crown of Deceased Queen, allowing one to simmon three kinds of Zombies over 100 each in number."


    Roselia''s grip on her des tightened further as she studied the emerging figure. "A gue Queen, huh? Sounds like more trouble than I wanted today," she said, though her sharp gaze revealed a hint of excitement.


    Leon''s smirk widened as he adjusted his stance. "More trouble, yes. But also more rewards. This is a rare opportunity¡ªwe can''t let it go to waste."


    The dark portal solidified, and out stepped the gue Queen. Her appearance was haunting: a towering figure draped in a tattered, flowing gown of decay, her skeletal crown glinting ominously under the dim light. Her eyes glowed with an unholy green, and her presence seemed to drain the air of warmth.


    The Queen''s voice was a chilling whisper that echoed across the room. "Foolish mortals. You dare defile my domain? I shall make you my eternal servants."


    Leon raised his staff, its glow intensifying. "Let''s skip the monologue and get to the part where we defeat you," he said, his tone confident.


    Roselia rolled her shoulders, her twin des shimmering with energy. "Hope you''re ready to test more of those high-tier spells of yours," she quipped.


    The Queen didn''t wait for them to make the first move. She raised her hands, summoning waves of undead from the cracks in the ground. Skeletons, ghouls, and bloated zombies surged forward in a relentless tide.


    Leon immediately began chanting, his staff radiating with divine light. "Holy Nova!" he yelled, releasing a burst of purifying energy that swept through the horde, disintegrating dozens of undead instantly.


    Roselia dashed forward with blinding speed, her des dancing as she carved through the remaining enemies. "These are just cannon fodder," she called out. "The real fight hasn''t even started."


    The gue Queen watched silently, her bony fingers tracing patterns in the air. Suddenly, a dense cloud of toxic mist began to spread across the room.


    "Careful!" Leon warned. "That''s her gue Mist. It saps vitality and slows reactions."


    He quickly cast Sanctuary Shield, enveloping himself and Roselia in a glowing barrier that repelled the toxic fog.


    "Impressive," the Queen hissed, her voice dripping with malice. "But let''s see how long youst."


    She raised her hands again, summoning three towering gue Giants to join the fray. Each one was armed with rusted weapons and radiated an aura of pestilence.


    "Finally, a challenge," Roselia said, a dangerous smile on her face. "I''ll take the big ones. Cover me, Leon."


    Leon nodded, already preparing his next spell. "Don''t take too long. I need time to charge something big for her."


    As Roselia charged into the fight with the gue Giants, Leon kept his focus on the Queen, his mind racing through strategies. This would be a battle of endurance, skill, and timing¡ªand one misstep could cost them everything.


    Roselia moved like a whirlwind, her twin des glowing with vibrant purple and ck energy. She struck the first gue Giant with precision, her attacks aimed at its joints to hinder its mobility. "These things are slow, but they pack a punch!" she shouted as she dodged a massive swing from the rusted axe of one giant.


    Leon stood at a distance, his staff glowing withyered energy as he began chanting another fusion spell. "Keep them busy, Roselia. I need time to prepare this one." Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Busy? They''re practically begging me to kill them," she replied with a grin, narrowly evading another swing and countering with a spinning sh that severed the arm of one of the giants.


    The gue Queen observed the battle, her skeletal grin widening. "You are skilled, but futile. My power is endless." She raised her hands, summoning more undead, this time wraiths and specters that hovered in the air, screeching as they descended toward Leon.


    Leon muttered under his breath, "Always sending distractions." Without pausing his chant, he raised his free hand and cast Holy Aegis. A radiant shield materialized around him, disintegrating the wraiths as they tried to breach it.


    Roselia, still focused on the gue Giants, noticed the Queen''s tactic. "She''s targeting you now. Typical boss behavior."


    "Let her," Leon replied, his voice steady. "I''m about to make her regret it."


    His chant reached its climax, and the ground beneath him began to glow with intricate runes. "Let light pierce the veil of darkness, Divine Starfall!"


    A massive sphere of golden energy formed above the gue Queen, crackling with radiant power. With a gesture from Leon, the sphere split into dozens of smaller stars, each streaking toward the Queen and her minions with devastating precision.


    The stars collided with the Queen and her horde, the resulting explosions illuminating the entire chamber. The gue Giants disintegrated under the onught, and even the Queen staggered, her skeletal crown cracking.


    "Now that''s what I''m talking about!" Roselia cheered, taking the opportunity to close the gap and deliver a flurry of strikes to the Queen''s torso.


    The gue Queen let out a guttural scream, her form flickering as if struggling to maintain its shape. "You... will not... defeat me!" she roared, summoning a massive scythe made of pure necrotic energy.


    Roselia leaped back, narrowly avoiding a deadly swing. "She''s going all out now," she said, panting slightly.


    Leon tightened his grip on his staff. "Then it''s time we end this."


    He began preparing another spell, this one pulling energy from the very air around him. The room grew colder as the gue Queen charged toward them, her scythe cutting through the air with deadly intent.


    "Roselia, keep her distracted!" Leon called out.


    "On it!" Roselia darted forward, her des shing with the Queen''s scythe in a shower of sparks. She moved with relentless speed, her strikes forcing the Queen to focus on her.


    Leon''s spell nearedpletion. A golden circle formed beneath him, and his voice echoed with power. "By the light of creation, let the shadows find their end! Holy Cataclysm!"


    A pir of blinding light erupted from the golden circle, engulfing the gue Queenpletely. Her shriek of agony echoed through the chamber as the light tore through her necrotic form, leaving no trace of her dark power.


    When the light faded, the room was eerily silent. The gue Queen was gone, and the oppressive aura that had filled the castle dissipated.


    Roselia sheathed her des, breathing heavily. "That was... something. But it looks like we did it."


    Leon approached her, offering a tired smile. "Told you we''d make her regret it."@@novelbin@@


    A shimmering chest appeared where the gue Queen had stood, signaling their reward. Roselia grinned, stepping forward. "Now, let''s see if all that effort was worth it."


    As the chest opened, golden light spilled out, revealing their spoils. The Crown of the Deceased Queen rested at the center, along with several other rare items and resources.


    Leon picked up the crown, examining it. "Well, this will make someone''s day."


    Roselia smirked. "After all this, I think we''ve earned a long break."


    Leon chuckled, storing the loot in his inventory. "Agreed. Let''s head back and celebrate this victory."


    With that, the two left the castle, their spirits high despite the grueling battle they had just endured.


    On the way back, Leon gifted the crown to Roselia and earned the Deceased Empress Crown, it could control Eight types of Zombies and also control over 1000 of them.

 Chapter 73 Guilds and Organization 3

    At that moment, Leon and Roselia entered the quest hall, their presence drawing the attention of everyone in the room. Hades''s eyes locked onto them immediately, recognition shing across his face. His expression twisted into a mixture of anger and disbelief.


    "So, you''re the ones who took my quest," he spat, his voice dripping with venom. "You dare interfere with my affairs?"


    Roselia raised an eyebrow, leaning casually against one of her des. "Your quest? Last I checked, quests on the board are fair game for anyone."


    Leon, unfazed, crossed his arms and regarded Hades coolly. "If you wanted it so badly, maybe you should''vepleted it yourself instead of leaving it unimed."


    Hades''s face flushed with rage, but the butler intervened once more, stepping forward and bowing slightly. "Young Master Hades, it appears these Ascenders have sessfullypleted the quest. It is unwise to engage them here, within the tower''s protected zones."


    Hades red at Leon and Roselia, his fists clenched. "Fine. You''ve won this round. But don''t think this is over. I''ll make sure you regret crossing me."


    Roselia smirked, her confidence unwavering. "We''ll be waiting."


    With that, Hades spun on his heel, storming out of the hall with his entourage trailing behind. The tension in the room eased as soon as they were gone, and the receptionist gave Leon and Roselia an approving nod.


    "Thank you for not escting the situation further," she said. "He''s troublesome, but rules are rules."


    Leon shrugged. "We''re just here to climb the tower. Drama isn''t part of the n."


    Roselia chuckled. "Speak for yourself. I kind of enjoyed putting him in his ce."


    The receptionist smiled faintly before returning to her work. Leon and Roselia approached the counter to officially turn in theirpleted quest, ready for whatever came next.


    Soon, they registered theirpleted quest as the receptionist confirmed their record.


    "You can take two more quests," she informed them with a polite smile.


    Leon and Roselia nodded in acknowledgment before turning their attention back to the quest board.


    "Let''s take another undead quest," Leon suggested, his tone thoughtful. "It''ll help us prepare for the Skeleton King."


    Roselia nodded in agreement, her expression serious as she scanned the avable quests. "Makes sense. The more we get used to fighting undead, the better our chances against him."


    After a moment, they returned to the receptionist desk with two quests, both marked as S-rank challenges.


    "Abomination King and Death Puppet King," Leon said, handing over the quest forms.


    The receptionist nodded, processing their selection. "Both quests are registered. You have a three-month time limit toplete them," she informed them with a professional tone.


    Leon and Roselia nodded in understanding.


    "Let''s head back. We''ll start the quests tomorrow," Leon said, yawning slightly as he stretched. Roselia agreed with a nod, and the two began walking toward their inn.


    However, after some time, Leon''s expression turned cautious. "It seems like we''re being monitored," he muttered under his breath.


    Roselia''s eyes narrowed, scanning the surroundings. "Most likely that Hades kid," she said, her voice tinged with annoyance.


    Leon nodded in agreement. "Probably. Let''s not act just yet. We''ll deal with it if they try anything."


    As they neared the inn, Leon slowed his pace slightly, using the opportunity to subtly nce around. His sharp senses picked up faint traces of mana fluctuations, confirming that they were indeed being watched.


    "They''re keeping their distance," Leon murmured, his voice low enough for only Roselia to hear.


    Roselia tilted her head slightly, her hand brushing one of her twin des. "Do we confront them now, or let them make the first move?"@@novelbin@@


    Leon smirked, his calm demeanor unshaken. "Let them stew for a bit. If Hades really sent someone, they''re not going to act recklessly in the tower''s safe zones. Besides, it''s better to handle this on our own terms."


    Roselia nodded, though a mischievous glint shone in her eyes. "Fine, but if they annoy me, don''t me me for acting first."


    They entered the inn, the warmth and lively chatter of adventurers greeting them. The building was bustling with activity as groups of climbers shared tales of their conquests or plotted their next moves. Leon and Roselia headed toward their reserved room, ignoring the asional curious nces from other adventurers.


    Once inside their room, Leon activated a barrier spell, ensuring their conversation would remain private.


    "Do you think he''ll try to attack us directly, or is this just intimidation?" Roselia asked, sitting cross-legged on the bed as she polished her des.


    Leon leaned back in his chair, his staff resting against the wall. "It''s hard to say. Hades seems like the arrogant type, so he might try something shy to save face. But he''s not stupid enough to act without backup. If he does attack, it''ll be when we''re outside the safe zones, likely during one of our quests."


    Roselia smirked, the idea of a fight clearly exciting her. "Good. I was starting to get bored. If he shows up, I''ll handle hisckeys while you take him down."


    Leon chuckled, shaking his head. "Let''s not get too cocky. The son of a Death Lord isn''t going to be a pushover. Still, if he''s reckless enough toe after us, we''ll make sure he regrets it."


    Roselia nodded as she set her des aside, a seductive smile appearing on her face. "By the way, there''s a third de that needs polishing too," she said, licking her lips as she looked at Leon.


    Leon nced at her, raising an eyebrow at her boldness, but chose to respond with his usual calm demeanor. "Focus, Roselia. We''ve got work to do tomorrow," he said, though a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.


    Roselia smiled as she bent forward, walking on all fours until she reached him. Facing his crotch, she said, "Oh, I am focusing," her hands moving to his pants as she began to open them.


    Leon simply smiled, letting her do what she wanted.


    Soon, she stripped him of his pants and looked at the "sheathed sword."


    "It seems I''ll have to work hard to unsheathe it," she said, standing up and grabbing Leon''s face. She pulled him onto the bed, kissing him fiercely. Sitting on top of him, she continued kissing him passionately. After a moment, she nced at the still "sheathed sword."


    "Hmm, it wasn''t enough?" she mumbled, looking at Leon, who had a teasing smile on his face.


    "You know I''m no longer a virgin who gets aroused with just a kiss," he said, looking at her with amusement.


    "Yes, yes, you''re now a big pervert," she replied, rolling her eyes. Standing up from the bed, she walked to the side. "Don''t look until Ie out," she ordered, ring at him.


    Leon nodded, pulling a blindfold out of nowhere and putting it over his eyes.


    "Surprise me," he said with a smirk.


    "Oh, you will be," Roselia replied as she closed the door behind her.


    After a few moments, she emerged, wearing a dress designed to make even the most stoic person blush.


    She wore a seductive nurse outfit consisting of a white and pink bikini and a nurse''s hat. The skirt had a long slit, revealing her toned thighs.


    Adding to her allure, she transformed into her devil form. ckish-red horns emerged from the sides of her head, and a mischievous tail swayed left and right behind her.


    Roselia sauntered toward Leon, her heels clicking softly against the floor as her devilish tail swayed with each step. She stopped in front of him and leaned in close, her warm breath brushing against his ear.


    "Are you ready for your check-up, patient?" she whispered seductively, her voice dripping with mischief.


    Leon smirked under the blindfold. "I''m all yours, Nurse Roselia. Show me your treatment methods."


    She chuckled, cing her hands on his chest and gently pushing him back onto the bed. "Oh, you''ll need intensive care, Leon. But don''t worry¡ªthis nurse knows exactly how to handle stubborn cases."


    Roselia trailed her fingers along his chest, her touch both teasing and electrifying. Her devil horns glowed faintly as her tail yfully curled around his wrist.


    "Let''s see if this stubborn patient can respond properly to my care," she teased, her voice filled with mock seriousness as she leaned closer.


    Leon, still blindfolded, smirked. "I''m afraid my condition is quite... severe. It might take a lot of effort to treat me."


    Roselia straddled him, leaning in so her lips hovered just above his. "Then I''ll make sure you leave herepletely healed¡ªno matter how long it takes," she purred, before closing the distance with a deep, passionate kiss.


    Her tail flicked mischievously, and her aura radiated a mix of seduction and yful dominance.


    Then she went near him as Leon being blindfolded felt her kissing her lips as she continued to kiss him as her body brushed his body.


    Her hands also went for his sword as she began to caress it, Leon felt a jolting current as being blindfolded and having being teased by her is new feeling, a feeling that he is enjoying very much.

 Chapter 75 More Undeads

    The next morning, Leon woke up with Roselia nestled in his arms. Her soft breathing was steady, her face serene despite the faint streaks of dried tears on her cheeks. Yet, even with those tear marks, a satisfied and contented smile graced her lips, as if the events of the night had brought her a sense of peace and fulfillment.


    Leon brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch gentle as he studied her features. She looked so vulnerable, a stark contrast to her usual confident and teasing demeanor. He wondered about the emotions that had spilled out the previous night, the tears she had shed even as she smiled.


    He left quietly as he went to washroom.


    Leon nced back at the bed, seeing Roselia still sound asleep. Her peaceful expression tugged at his lips in a faint smile. "Guess I''m on my own today," he muttered, stepping out of the washroom. Seeing no sign of her waking up, he quickly scribbled a note and left it by her bedside before heading out.


    "Alright," he mumbled to himself while walking through the streets, checking the quest details. "Which one should I tackle first? The Abomination King or the Death Puppet King?"


    After briefly weighing his options, he decided. "Both are resistant to magic, but the Death Puppet King seems less troublesome to start with. Let''s go with him," he reasoned, reviewing the information further.


    "So, this guy fights by creating puppets... And these puppets are not only immune to magic but can reflect it back. Physical attacks it is, then," Leon concluded. With a smirk, he reached into his storage space and pulled out a hefty battle axe, its de gleaming ominously.


    "Time to put you to good use," he said, chuckling as he hefted the weapon over his shoulder. With his decision made, he began moving toward the dungeon of the Death Puppet King, his resolve firm and his anticipation high.


    Leon exited the inn, his senses immediately picking up on the presence of people trailing him. He scowled inwardly, thinking, "It seems that bastard Hades is hell-bent on killing me."


    A smirk formed on his lips as he muttered to himself, "Lord of Death, huh? I don''t like causing unnecessary trouble, but let''s see what happens when I turn him into an undead too."


    His destination was the Tower shop¡ªa bustling marketce where anything and everything could be traded, from skill books to rare items, and even gold coins. Leon had chosen an expensive inn near key locations like the Quest Hall and Tower shop for convenience, and it proved to be a wise decision.


    As he approached the shop, he noted the heavy foot traffic, with adventurers and locals alike moving in and out. The building loomedrge, its entrance nked by armed guards diligently checking IDs.


    Leon walked up confidently, pulling out his Ascender card. One of the guards nced at it before speaking in a detached, professional tone. "You can only roam the first half of the shop floor."


    Leon nodded in understanding, pocketing his card. The restriction for Ascenders on lower floors was standard; only those with significant achievements or special permissions could ess the upper tiers of such facilities.


    With that, he stepped inside, ready to explore and possibly prepare for his encounter with the Death Puppet King¡ªor deal with the shadowy figures still lurking behind him.


    Inside the Tower shop, Leon was greeted by a bustling marketce filled with the hum of voices, the clinking of coins, and the asional sh of magic. Rows of stalls and counters lined the massive floor, each disying a variety of wares. The shop was divided into sections¡ªone for weapons, another for armor, a corner for consumables, and arge area for skill books and scrolls.


    Leon''s sharp gaze scanned the area as he moved toward the weapon section. His steps were deliberate, but his mind remained alert to the presence of his pursuers. He thought to himself, "They''re keeping their distance for now. Probably waiting for an opportunity when I''m distracted."


    Stopping at a counter showcasing axes and heavy weapons, Leon caught the attention of a merchant. The merchant, a portly man with a keen glint in his eye, greeted him warmly. "Ah, an Ascender! Wee, wee! Looking for something specific?"


    Leon nodded, his hand brushing the hilt of his current axe. "I need an enhancement rune or an upgrade kit for this. Something that can boost its durability and effectiveness against constructs or undead."


    The merchant''s eyes gleamed with interest as he examined the axe. "Ah, a fine weapon! You''re in luck; I have a rune set specifically designed forbating constructs and undead. It increases physical damage output by 20% and adds a disruption effect to prevent regeneration."


    "Perfect," Leon said. "How much?"


    "Eight hundred gold coins," the merchant replied, grinning.


    Leon raised an eyebrow but didn''t haggle. He had earned a good amount from his previous quests and still had surplus funds. Handing over the coins, he received the rune set, which he carefully applied to his axe under the merchant''s guidance. The weapon glowed faintly as the runes fused with its surface, giving it an ominous, lethal aura.


    With his weapon upgraded, Leon moved to the consumables section. He purchased a few healing potions and an anti-magic salve¡ªuseful against the Death Puppet King''s magic-reflecting constructs.


    As he left the counter, his sharp senses caught a flicker of movement. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw one of his pursuers whispering to a cloaked figure near the shop''s exit. Leon smiled faintly to himself. "They''re getting restless."


    Deciding to bait them, Leon casually strolled toward the outskirts of the shop floor, pretending to be unaware. He stopped near a quieter corner, examining a rack of scrolls while keeping his senses primed. Enjoy new chapters from My Virtual Library Empire


    Sure enough, the group of pursuers began closing in. He could feel their hostility radiating like a heatwave. One of them¡ªa burly man armed with a spiked mace¡ªstepped forward, his tone mocking.


    "Hey, Ascender. Fancy weapon you''ve got there. Mind handing it over before someone gets hurt?"


    Leon turned slowly, a calm smile on his face. "Oh, I wouldn''t worry about me getting hurt. But if you''re in a hurry to lose some limbs, I''m happy to oblige."


    The tension in the air thickened as the other pursuers revealed themselves, forming a loose semicircle around Leon. There were five of them in total, each armed and radiating varying levels of power. The leader, a lean man with a cruel smirk, stepped forward.


    "Hand over your valuables," the leader growled, his hand resting on the hilt of a dagger. "Or we''ll take them after we carve you up."


    Leon''s smile didn''t falter as he tightened his grip on his axe. "You know," he said lightly, "I was hoping for a little warm-up before my next quest. You''re saving me some time."


    Without another word, the leader lunged at him, dagger shing. Leon sidestepped effortlessly, his axe swinging in a devastating arc that forced the man to retreat. The fight was on, and Leon was more than ready.


    The quiet corner of the shop erupted into chaos as Leon''s axe shed with the leader''s dagger. Sparks flew, and the resounding ng drew the attention of nearby shoppers and guards, who watched the unfolding fight with mixed curiosity and wariness.


    One of the thugs, a man wielding dual swords, tried to nk Leon, but Leon spun fluidly, his axe slicing through the air in a deadly arc. The man barely managed to block, his swords vibrating under the force of the blow.


    "Amateurs," Leon muttered, a smirk tugging at his lips.


    The burly man with the spiked mace roared and charged, aiming to crush Leon in one swing. Leon shifted his weight, sidestepping at thest moment and bringing his axe down onto the man''s weapon. The spiked mace cracked under the sheer force, and the man stumbled backward in shock.


    Leon capitalized on the opening, kicking the man square in the chest and sending him crashing into a disy rack.


    The leader snarled. "Don''t just stand there! Take him down!"


    Two more of the pursuers rushed at Leon simultaneously¡ªa lithe woman wielding daggers coated with poison and a towering man carrying a spear.


    Leon''s movements were a blur as he parried the spear with his axe, twisting his body to avoid the woman''s shes. One of her daggers grazed his shoulder, the poison sizzling against his armor but failing to prate.


    "Nice try," Leon said, his voice calm despite the flurry of attacks.@@novelbin@@


    He shoved the spear-wielder back with a powerful swing and then pivoted, catching the dagger-wielding woman off-guard with a well-aimed punch. She crumpled to the ground, unconscious.


    The spear-wielder hesitated, ncing at the downed woman and then at the others. The burly man was still groaning on the ground, and the dual-swordsman was barely holding his own.


    Leon tilted his head, his smirk growing wider. "What''s the matter? Not so confident anymore?"


    The leader gritted his teeth, his dagger glowing faintly with enchanted energy. He dashed forward again, this time faster and more precise. Leon''s axe intercepted the blow with ease, but the leader twisted, aiming a second strike at Leon''s side.

 Chapter 77 More Undeads III

    The bids escted rapidly, and the tension in the hall was palpable. Leon leaned back in his chair, observing the room''s energy with a smirk.


    "15,000!" Hades'' voice rang out from VIP Room 3, immediately silencing the hall.


    A murmur rippled through the audience. Everyone recognized the significance of a bid from Hades, a Ascender with powerful background known for his ruthlessness and deep pockets.


    "20,000," Leon called out casually, not letting Hades'' reputation intimidate him.


    The crowd gasped, their eyes darting between Leon and Hades.


    In VIP Room 3, Hades'' face darkened as he gripped the armrest of his chair. "25,000!" he barked, his voiceced with irritation.


    Leon chuckled under his breath. "30,000," he said, his tone calm but firm.


    The auctioneer''s eyes sparkled with excitement as the bidding war continued. "Do we hear 35,000?" she asked, looking toward Hades'' room.


    Hades clenched his fists, his pride warring with his desire for the item. "35,000!" he growled, his frustration evident.


    Leon paused for a moment, then raised his hand. "50,000."


    The entire hall went silent. Even the auctioneer froze for a brief second before regaining herposure.


    Hades mmed his fist against the table in his room, causing the maids to flinch. "Damn it!" he hissed under his breath. He leaned back in his chair, seething. "Fine, you can have it, you arrogant bastard," he muttered to himself, unwilling to spend more.


    "50,000 going once¡­ twice¡­ sold!" the auctioneer dered, her voice filled with enthusiasm. She nced at Leon and gave him a yful wink. "Congrattions, Ascender."


    Leon smiled faintly as he epted the Bright-Scaled Dragon Sword. His mind was already racing with ideas for how to maximize its potential.@@novelbin@@


    As the auction continued, Leon felt a familiar presence outside the hall. He knew Hades wasn''t the type to let this go quietly.


    "He''s probably fuming right now," Leon thought, a grin tugging at his lips. "This day''s about to get more interesting."


    Meanwhile, in VIP Room 3, Hades leaned forward, his eyes narrowed. "Prepare the men," he ordered one of his attendants. "I want that sword¡ªand his head."


    The maids nced nervously at each other, sensing the storm brewing. Hades'' reputation for holding grudges was legendary, and it seemed Leon had just be his next target.


    Leon, however, remained unbothered as he prepared to leave the auction hall. The Bright-Scaled Dragon Sword might have drawn unwanted attention, but to him, it was just another step toward his goal. Read exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Our next item is equally remarkable," the auctioneer announced, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Another Bright-Scaled Dragon Sword, though this two swords has a fascinating history. The swordsman who wielded it was a practitioner of the Two-Sword Style. He yed the dragon himself and forged two swords from its body¡ªone from its scales and another from its bones."


    She gestured dramatically as the curtain lifted, revealing another worn and damaged sword. However, this one, while still weathered, was in better condition than the previous de.


    "Unlike thest sword, this one is Low Rare Grade," she continued. "But let me remind you¡ªthis auction isn''t for the broken sword itself but for the Bright Dragon Bones it was crafted from."


    The crowd murmured in excitement, the rarity of the item sinking in.


    This time, it wasn''t just Hades showing interest. The other VIP rooms lit up with activity. Bright Dragon Scales were rare and valuable, but they were still essible through ck-market channels. Bright Dragon Bones, however, were a different story altogether.


    When a dragon perishes, it often sheds scales in battle, making them rtively easier to obtain. But its bones? Those are almost legendary. Dragons have a natural defense mechanism¡ªupon their death, they self-destruct their bodies to prevent their remains from being harvested and sold by opportunistic hunters.


    The auctioneer, noticing the heightened tension, smiled slyly. "The starting bid for this piece of history is 15,000 gold coins," she announced, allowing the weight of her words to settle over the room.


    Leon leaned forward slightly in his seat, his interest piqued. He knew this would spark a fierce battle among the wealthiest and most influential individuals in the hall. Bright Dragon Bones were more than just rare materials¡ªthey were like an Elixir, more over Potions made from them give a 10% chance toprehend Dragon Magic. And Dragon Magic ka very powerful no matter the elements, though Leon Aether and Destruction magic are more powerful than it, but he too don''t want to miss these bones.


    "20,000!"


    "25,000!"


    The bids started flying, and the atmosphere grew electric. Hades'' voice boomed once again from VIP Room 3. "40,000!"


    The crowd gasped. It was a bold move, even for someone like Hades.


    But it wasn''t enough to deter the others.


    "45,000!" came a voice from VIP Room 2.


    "50,000!" shouted someone from VIP Room 5.


    Leon smirked, leaning back in his chair. "This should be fun," he thought, waiting for the right moment to strike.


    The atmosphere grew tense as the bids escted rapidly. Each number called out seemed to raise the stakes, and the auction hall buzzed with excitement.


    "55,000!" Hades growled from VIP Room 3, his tone sharp and filled with determination.


    "60,000!" came another confident voice, this time from a wealthy merchant in the hall, clearly determined to secure the bones.


    Leon watched the scene unfold with a calm expression. He wasn''t one to jump into the frenzy early. Instead, he studied thepetitors, gauging their limits and temperaments.


    "65,000!" Hades shouted again, his voice tinged with irritation. He was visibly losing patience as the price climbed.


    The auctioneer, noticing his frustration, shed a charming smile. "Ladies and gentlemen, these Bright Dragon Bones are one of a kind. Don''t let hesitation rob you of this opportunity!"


    Leon chuckled to himself. "She''s good at stirring the pot," he thought.


    Finally, Leon leaned forward and raised a bid. His voice echoed through the hall with cool confidence.


    "70,000."


    The entire room fell silent. For a moment, the only sound was the rhythmic tapping of Hades'' fingers on the armrest of his chair.


    From his booth, Hades sneered, his teeth clenched in frustration. "80,000!"


    The merchant from the hall attempted to rejoin the bidding but faltered. The price was now dangerously close to exceeding the market value of the bones.


    Leon smirked. Now was the time to strike.


    "100,000," he said, his voice calm and unyielding.


    Gasps rippled through the crowd. Even the auctioneer faltered for a second before regaining herposure. "100,000 gold coins!" she repeated, her voice trembling slightly with excitement. "Do I hear any higher bids?"


    Hades stood up in his booth, his face a mask of fury. His maids cowered as he mmed his fist on the table.


    "110,000!" he barked, his pride refusing to let him back down.


    Leon let out a softugh. He leaned forward, his voice smooth yetmanding as he delivered his final bid.


    "150,000."


    The room erupted into whispers. Even the auctioneer looked stunned as she nced nervously toward Hades'' booth.


    Inside VIP Room 3, Hades stood frozen, his fists trembling in anger. He wanted those bones¡ªdesperately. But the number Leon had just thrown out was more than even he could justify.


    The silence stretched for several agonizing seconds before the auctioneer raised her gavel.


    "Going once¡­ going twice¡­"


    She paused, giving Hades onest chance.


    "...Sold! To this handsome ascended for 150,000 gold coins!"


    Apuse filled the room as Leon leaned back, satisfied.


    "Congrattions, sir," the auctioneer said with a radiant smile, her voice now directed toward Leon. "The Bright Dragon Bones are yours."


    Leon just nodded as he looked ahead to next item.


    Leon just nodded as he looked ahead to the next item.


    "Our next item is also from the same Bright Dragon yer," the auctioneer announced, piquing the audience''s curiosity about what wasing next.


    "Our next item is two sheaths made from Bright Dragon Skin," she said, but the crowd didn''t seem particrly interested. The auctioneer, however, maintained a mysterious smile.


    "I know what you''re all thinking," she continued. "But if these were useless items, would they really follow the sword?"


    Her rhetorical question made several people lean forward, intrigued by what secrets these sheaths might hold.


    "Both of these sheaths contain the Sword Manual of the Bright Dragon yer himself. However, only those who have attained Sword Lord Sword Mastery can even begin toprehend the insights within," she exined, her tone drawing more attention.


    Leon''s eyes narrowed in interest. He knew that aside frommon rankings, there were advanced rankings for weapons masters, particrly for swordsmen.


    The rankings began with Sword Apprentice, followed by Sword Knight, Sword Lord, Sword Noble, Sword Prince, Sword King, Sword Emperor, Sword Saint, and finally Sword God. The ultimate level was Supreme Sword Master, a title few had ever achieved.


    Leon leaned back, his mind racing. "This could be useful, especially if I can unlock the insights hidden within those sheaths. But I''ll need to enhance my mastery further," he thought to himself.


    The auctioneer''s smile widened as she added, "For those aiming to master the way of the sword, these sheaths are priceless treasures. Now, let''s start the bidding at 5,000 gold coins!"


    Excited murmurs spread through the crowd as the bidding began, and Leon prepared himself for another round.

 Chapter 79 More Undeads V

    In those ten minutes, the auction house transformed into a hub of activity. Normally, the weekly auctions attracted only a modest crowd, but the reveal of the Elixir of Eternal Night had turned this one into an extraordinary event. Prominent figures from across the region made their way to the auction house, each eager to im the priceless treasure.


    Hades had called for Sir Mayers, his father trusted captain, to prepare for a high-stakes bid. Meanwhile, in VIP Room 1, a beautiful young woman named Michelle contacted her elder sister, La, who arrived with her elite squad momentster. Simr scenes yed out in the other VIP rooms as the powerful and influential summoned their allies for the battle ahead.


    While back in the hall, Amotion in the main hall quickly drew everyone''s attention.


    "What do you mean there''s no other VIP room avable?" a deep, booming voice echoed, silencing the murmurs in the crowd.


    Heads turned toward the source of the outburst. A towering figure d in shimmering cerulean armor stood at the reception desk, his imposing presencemanding the room.


    "Isn''t that the Blue Titan from the Four-Titan Guild?" someone whispered, causing a ripple of recognition among the onlookers.


    If Leon had been present, he would have instantly recognized the man as a Cerulean Race person. However, this time, it wasn''t just a representative of the guild¡ªit was their leader himself.


    The receptionist, visibly shaken, stammered, "T-there are no more VIP rooms avable, sir."


    Smack!


    A loud m reverberated as the Titan struck the desk. "Who dares take my room?" he bellowed, his voice a mix of anger and authority.


    "The one auctioning the Elixir," the receptionist replied meekly, trembling under his gaze.


    The Cerulean Titan paused, his expression shifting from anger to calction. "So, it''s him," he muttered, his toneced with intrigue.


    After a moment of deliberation, he straightened and dered, "Very well. For today, I''ll sit in themon room." His words stunned the crowd as he turned on his heel and walked away, his sword clinking against his armor with every step.


    Back in VIP Room 10, Leon satfortably, two maids standing respectfully behind him. He inspected the sheaths crafted from the Bright Dragon yer''s sword materials. The engravings on the sheaths caught his eye¡ª"10 Beast ying Arts" was etched in elegant script, hinting at secrets to be unlocked.


    "I wonder what surprises these sheaths will bring," Leon mused, carefully packing them away.


    The two maids, sensing an opportunity, spoke up. "Young Master, do you need our assistance with anything?" one of them asked, her toneced with eagerness.


    Leon nced at her briefly before shaking his head. His thoughts wandered for a moment, tempted to indulge in the luxuriousfort of his surroundings. But as quickly as the thought came, he pped himself lightly, snapping out of it.


    Be cool. You have Roselia, he reminded himself firmly, suppressing any fleeting distractions.


    The maids were startled by his sudden action, watching as he wiped an embarrassed smile off his face. "No, I''m good," he said, his voice steady though his eyes watered slightly from the sting of letting these delicious foods go.


    ''Roselia you owe me two nights now'' he thought as he Roselia back in room shuddered feeling as if a predator is eyeing her.


    The maids exchanged confused nces but ultimately nodded, bowing before leaving the room.


    As the door closed, Leon let out a deep sigh, regaining hisposure. "Focus," he muttered to himself, turning his attention back to the auction.


    ten minutes soon passed by as the Auction house door was closed.


    In the grand hall, the auctioneer stepped forward, her voice cutting through the murmuring crowd.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, the bidding for the Elixir of Eternal Night begins now!" she announced, her tone electric. "The starting bid is one million gold coins!"


    The room fell silent for a moment before erupting into murmurs. The steep opening bid clearly weeded out the casual bidders, leaving only the wealthiest and most determined in thepetition.


    VIP Room 1


    Michelle leaned forward, speaking to her elder sister, La.


    "This Elixir could be what we''ve been searching for to restore our n''s lost honor. It might even be the key to reaching the higher floors," Michelle said, her voice tinged with urgency.


    La, aposed woman with sharp features and amanding aura, nodded. "We will win this. Send word to the rest of our forces to prepare the funds. No matter the cost, we must secure it."


    "yes, sister" Michelle said as La looked forward, ''I have prepared enough but there are lot of others too'' she worriedly thought.


    VIP Room 2


    The Blue Titan sat with his arms crossed, an air of impatience about him. One of his guild members whispered, "Leader, do you think it''s worth it?"


    They have obtained this room after the original participants werete and never arrived on time.@@novelbin@@


    He scoffed. "Of course it is. The higher floors of the tower have eluded even the strongest. With this Elixir, I''ll carve a path for the Four-Titan Guild to dominate the upper levels. We''ll crush anyone who stands in our way."


    "But leader we don''t have much funds" another one said as the Blue titan scoffed " Funds? why do we need it when we can just go and kill the one who wins the bid" he said as others nodded.


    VIP Room 3


    Hades and Sir Mayers were deep in discussion.


    "It''s confirmed," Mayers said, his expression grim. "The Elixir can enhance not just the user''s power but also their understanding of advanced magic. If it falls into the wrong hands¡ª"


    Hades cut him off with a wave. "It won''t. Prepare to outbid them all. This Elixir belongs to my Father, with this he can advance even further than Floor ten"


    Mayers nodded as he looked at the shimmering vial of Elixir.


    VIP Room 5


    A man with a mechanical arm, known as Viktor the Tinkerer, chuckled. "An alchemical marvel like this is too rare to pass up. I''ll not only win it, but I''ll dissect it to uncover its secrets."


    His assistant hesitated. "But, sir, the cost¡ª"


    "Spare me your concerns. Money is fleeting. Knowledge is eternal," Viktor replied with a dismissive wave.


    "But sir..."


    "Bah, we''re already rolling in money. What''s there to worry about?" Viktor said, rolling his eyes.


    His assistant almost burst into tears as he said, "But sir, you''ve already spent 90% of your wealth on exotic items!"


    Viktor froze, his confident smirk vanishing. "Really?" he asked cautiously.


    The assistant nodded vigorously. "Yes, sir."


    Readtest stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Viktor rubbed his temples, letting out a frustrated sigh. "Then contact the Tower Auction! I''m demanding a loan and offering my advancements in alchemy as coteral."


    The assistant winced. "We''re already in debt by millions of gold coins..." he said hesitantly, bracing for Viktor''s reaction.


    Viktor slumped back in his chair, his face falling into his hands. "Damn it! Why didn''t you tell me earlier?"


    The assistant''s voice cracked as he cried out, "I told you every single time, but you never listened!"


    Viktor: "....."


    VIP Room 10


    Leon smirked, leaning back in his chair. Themotion outside his room didn''t concern him. He had no intention of bidding, but the sheer chaos of the moment amused him.


    '' I ry wonder how much I will earn from here'' he thought as he just rxed on the chair.


    The maid standing beside him hesitated before speaking. "Young Master, are you certain you don''t wish to participate? This item seems to be of great value."


    Leon nced at her, chuckling. "Rx. I''m just here for the show."


    As the bidding began, the numbers rose rapidly.


    "One million!" La from VIP Room 1 dered confidently.


    "Two million!" Viktor shouted from VIP Room 5, his mechanical fingers tapping against the armrest.


    "Three million!" the Blue Titan growled, his voice echoing through the hall.


    "Five million," Hades said calmly from VIP Room 3, silencing the others momentarily with his sheer audacity.


    The crowd gasped at the sudden leap, but it wasn''t long before La raised her bid. "Seven million!"


    The auctioneer beamed. "We have seven million from VIP Room 1! Do we hear more?"


    "Ten million!" Viktor barked, standing now, his voice full of determination.


    The Blue Titan mmed his fist on the table. "Fifteen million!"


    Gasps filled the room as the numbers climbed higher and higher.


    Leon, still watching in amusement, muttered under his breath, "This is turning into a spectacle. I should sell one of these just for fun someday."


    The maid behind him giggled nervously. "Young Master, your generosity would surely cause chaos."


    Leon smirked, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Exactly."


    he didn''t mind her listening as she is from the Auction manager side and with her he has gotten a side deal, s she knew he has one more of this Elixir.


    As the bids continued to soar, the auctioneer''s voice boomed once more. "We are now at twenty million gold coins! Does anyone wish to go higher?"


    The tension in the room was palpable, and even the VIP rooms had fallen silent as the contenders considered their next moves.

 Chapter 80 More Undeads VI

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    The auctioneer allowed the silence to stretch for a few moments, building anticipation. Her sharp eyes scanned the VIP rooms, waiting for the next bid.


    From VIP Room 1, La''s calm voice rang out, "Twenty-five million."


    The crowd gasped. Many in the audience whispered among themselves, calcting the sheer fortune being thrown around. For most, this bid was already a number beyond their imagination.


    In VIP Room 3, Hades leaned forward, his fingers drumming on the table. "Thirty million," he said with a smirk, his voice steady. Sir Maers raised an eyebrow at the bold bid but didn''t object.


    The Blue Titan in VIP Room 2 snarled. "Thirty-five million!" He stood abruptly, his towering figure intimidating even through the screens broadcasting his room to the main hall. "I will not lose to anyone!" he dered, his booming voice echoing.


    "but boss aren''t we were going to steal it" a member of his squad said as he waved his hand " we still need to act you know" he said as others nodded.


    In VIP Room 5, Viktor adjusted his mechanical arm, a low hum emanating from its gears. "Forty million," he said, his tone cold and calcted. His assistant visibly paled at the figure but dared not speak against him.


    '' He will be the first Alchemist who will die due to debt'' his Assistant thought.


    The auctioneer practically glowed with excitement. "Forty million gold coins! The stakes are high, and thepetition fiercer than ever. Does anyone wish to bid higher?"


    La exchanged a look with Michelle. "Prepare the funds," La said firmly. Michelle nodded, immediately sending orders to their n''s financial division. La leaned forward. "Forty-five million."


    Leon raised an eyebrow in VIP Room 10, a hint of curiosity in his gaze. "Forty-five million?" he muttered, leaning back in his seat. "Seems like they''re willing to sacrifice their entire fortunes for something they barely understand."@@novelbin@@


    The maid standing nearby said " Maybe but even with little side effects it''s an Elixir for those who are stuck here on this floor for decades"


    Leon nodded with a smile. "hmm that is the case though I wonder why not others VIP bidding for it?"


    "The VIP rooms from 6 to 9 are upied by individuals so, they are mostly likely ying it safe, but maybe they will join the bidter" she said as leon nodded.


    The Blue Titan was seething now, his massive fists clenched. "Fifty million!" he roared, his deration sending shockwaves through the hall.


    Hades chuckled in VIP Room 3. "Fifty-five million," he said smoothly, not even breaking a sweat.


    By now, the auctioneer could barely contain her excitement. "Fifty-five million gold coins! Is there anyone willing to surpass this incredible offer?"


    La exhaled deeply in VIP Room 1, her voice steady but with a hint of tension. "Sixty million."


    The crowd was in an uproar. Many of the attendees had never seen such astronomical figures in their lives. Whispers filled the hall as people spected who would dare go higher.


    The Blue Titan mmed his hand on the table, cracking the wood. "Seventy million!" His voice carried the desperation of someone unwilling to lose.


    Viktor in VIP Room 5 narrowed his eyes, calcting his options. "Seventy-five million," he said, his tone like steel.


    Hades finally showed a crack in his calm demeanor, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Eighty million," he said, his voice lower but still filled with confidence.


    La hesitated for the first time. Michelle leaned closer. "Sister, should we¡ª"


    La raised her hand, signaling her intent. "Eighty-five million."


    Leonughed softly to himself. "Eighty-five million and more ising." He shook his head. "People really will fight over something if they think it''s thest one."


    The maid nced nervously at him, unsure if hisment was serious or mocking. Leon simply waved her off.


    The auctioneer''s voice rang out once more. "Eighty-five million gold coins! Do I hear ny?"


    The Blue Titan hesitated, visibly grappling with the enormity of the bid. His guild members whispered urgently, trying to advise him. Finally, with a reluctant growl, he shook his head, signaling his withdrawal.


    Viktor''s mechanical arm twitched as he considered his options. "Eighty-six million," he said tly, unwilling to back down just yet.


    Hades leaned back, a small smirk on his lips. "Eighty-eight million," he said, his tone carrying the weight of finality.


    La closed her eyes for a moment, then sighed. "Ny million."


    The crowd was silent now, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. All eyes were on the VIP rooms, waiting to see if anyone would dare go higher.


    In VIP Room 10, Leon satfortably, watching the escting bids with a detached sense of amusement. As the amount reached 100 million, he leaned forward slightly and addressed the maid beside him.


    "What do you think will be the final amount?" Leon asked casually, his tone betraying more curiosity than concern.


    The maid responded promptly, "Given the might of the Elixir, the Manager predicted it could reach close to 200 million gold coins."


    Leon smirked, nodding in acknowledgment. "That''s a hefty sum," he mused.


    Suddenly, a clear, foreign voice echoed across the auction hall. "100 million."


    Heads turned, including Leon''s, as the source of the bid was revealed: VIP Room 7. Inside the room, a breathtakingly beautiful woman sat calmly, her expression cold and unbothered, as though the chaos around her was beneath her notice.


    ''With this Elixir, my Shadow Lord ss will advance greatly,'' she thought, leaning forward in anticipation.


    The auctioneer practically glowed with excitement. "100 million gold coins! Do we have more?" she called, her voice ringing out over the murmurs of the crowd.


    "120 million," came a smooth voice from VIP Room 3, Hades raising the stakes yet again.


    "130 million," chimed another, this time from VIP Room 6. The voice was youthful, almost yful, drawing whispers from the audience. Everyone spected about the identity of this new bidder.


    Leon turned to his maid. "Who''s in VIP Room 6?" he asked.


    The maid, ever prepared, answered swiftly. "That would be a young man near your age. He''s called Loki, named after his Arcane Key, which rtes to the God of Mischief and Illusions. While his exact ss remains unknown, rumors suggest he''s an Illusionist."


    Leon''s brow rose slightly in intrigue. "An Illusionist, huh? That could be interesting," he muttered, turning his attention back to the auction.


    The maid continued her exnations, sensing Leon''s curiosity. "In VIP Room 7, where the earlier bid came from, sits Lady Mira. She''s in her mid-twenties and is rtively new to the Tower. It''s said she began climbingte due to unknown circumstances. She handles a Necromancer-rted ss."


    Leon nodded, his gaze sharpening. "And the others?"


    "In VIP Room 8 is Lady Mira''s presumed sister, Nira. Unlike Mira, Nira has been on this floor for the past three years and is quite powerful. She''s long since reached the floor''s limits and is rumored to be waiting for someone¡ªperhaps her sister," the maid exined.


    She paused before moving on. "Lastly, in VIP Room 9 is Gandarf, a dwarf cksmith-Warrior. He''s well-known for his skill in forging and owns a shop in the Market District. His wealth likelyes from his talent and reputation."


    Leon smirked, leaning back. "Quite the lineup," he murmured. His gaze lingered on the disy screen, where the numbers continued to climb.


    The auctioneer''s voice cut through the tension. "130 million gold coins! Do I hear more?"


    Without hesitation, Lady Mira''s voice from VIP Room 7 rang out. "140 million."


    A murmur swept through the crowd. The stakes were climbing higher than anyone anticipated.


    Hades in VIP Room 3 chuckled softly, his voice resonating as he dered, "150 million."


    Leon watched the scene unfold, his amusement growing. "It''s turning into quite the spectacle," he said, ncing at the maid. "Do you think anyone will back down?"


    The maid hesitated before answering. "Not anytime soon, Young Master. Thepetitors in these rooms are powerful and wealthy¡ªnone of them will want to appear weak."


    Leon''s grin widened. "Good. Let''s see how far their desperation will take them."


    "and how much will I earn now" he said as the maid nodded.


    The auction room buzzed with intensity as the bids climbed higher. Everyone was eager to witness how far these contenders would push their limits for the prized Elixir of Eternal Night.


    "160 million," came the cold,posed voice of Lady Mira from VIP Room 7, cutting through the escting murmurs like a de.


    Hades leaned back in his chair in VIP Room 3, a sly grin ying on his lips. "170 million," he said, his voice calm yet carrying an undertone of challenge. His interest in the Elixir was palpable; to him, this wasn''t just a bid but a game of dominance.


    From VIP Room 6, Loki''s voice joined the fray, tinged with amusement. "175 million. Let''s see if you''re all serious or just ying."


    The crowd gasped. Loki bid wasn''t just an amount; it was a provocation.


    Meanwhile, in VIP Room 8, Nira had been silent so far, observing the scene. But now, her deep,manding voice cut through. "180 million."


    Her presence was imposing, and the sheer confidence in her tone sent ripples through the crowd. It wasn''t just about the Elixir for her; it was something her sister needs.

 Chapter 81 More Undeads VII

    The auctioneer, sensing the climax nearing, raised her voice. "230 million! This is your chance to im a treasure that could reshape your destiny. Do I hear more?"


    The room held its breath, waiting to see who would make the next move.


    The tension in the auction house was palpable. Every eye was locked on the glowing screen disying the current bid.@@novelbin@@


    "240 million," came Loki''s smooth, mocking voice from VIP Room 6. His tone was light, almost yful, as if he were toying with the others. "Come on now, surely the rest of you aren''t done yet?"


    Hades'' chuckle echoed through VIP Room 3. "245 million," he said, his toneced with amusement. "A little shadow trickster like you shouldn''t y with the big leagues, Loki."


    The jab was subtle but clear. Loki smirked from his room, his golden eyes sparkling with mischief as he leaned back.


    Lady Mira in VIP Room 7 didn''t even flinch. "250 million," she dered coolly, her voice steady and unwavering. For her, this was no longer about money¡ªit was about power and the opportunity the Elixir could provide to solidify her position as a rising force.


    In VIP Room 8, Nira frowned. Her sister''s determination was admirable, but this was getting dangerously expensive. Still, she knew she couldn''t let Mira face the challenge alone. "260 million," she called, her voice deep andmanding.


    Gandarf from VIP Room 9 grumbled under his breath. "These young ones don''t know the value of coin," he muttered before raising his bid. "270 million."


    His tone was resolute, his mind racing with thoughts of what he could aplish if he won the Elixir. To him, it was a strategic investment, one that could elevate his craft to unprecedented heights.


    The auctioneer beamed as she called out the new number. "270 million! A historic moment for our auction house! Do I hear more?"


    Leon, still loungingfortably in VIP Room 10, nced at the maid. "What''s your bet? Who''s folding first?" Your next chapter is on My Virtual Library Empire


    The maid hesitated, her cheeks slightly flushed at being addressed so casually. "I¡­ I believe Lady Mira might push the hardest, but Master Hades is egotistical. He might go further just to prove a point."


    Leon chuckled. "Sounds about right. Let''s see how far their pride takes them."


    Hades leaned forward slightly, his eyes gleaming with challenge. "280 million," he said, his voice calm yet filled with authority.


    Loki pped his hands mockingly from VIP Room 6. "Impressive! But let''s make it more fun. 285 million."


    Lady Mira raised her hand almost immediately. "290 million."


    Her cold demeanor showed no signs of faltering, and the determination in her eyes was enough to silence the whispers in the crowd.


    In VIP Room 8, Nira sighed heavily. "300 million."


    The hall erupted into gasps and murmurs. Crossing the 300-million mark was unthinkable for most, but Nira''s bid showed she wasn''t about to back down.


    Gandarf gritted his teeth. He was wealthy, but this was pushing his limits. "305 million," he said, his deep voice filled with resolve.


    The auctioneer, almost breathless with excitement, called out, "305 million! This is a monumental moment! Do I hear higher?"


    Leon smirked, watching the drama unfold. "And here I thought this auction would be boring," he murmured.


    The maid couldn''t help but smile. "You underestimate the desire for power, Master Leon."


    "For it, wars are fought every day," she said as Leon nodded thoughtfully.


    "What do you think, Master Leon? Could you win a war if one day it came knocking on your door?" she asked, looking at him curiously.


    Leon shrugged. "It''s not hard when you know their weaknesses. Pride, ambition, and greed are all easy to exploit."


    "Yes, but not everyone has those traits¡ªor they''d have long been eliminated. Here, you find them because this is just the starting floor," she replied.


    Leon nodded in agreement. "I know. The reason they even climb is their greed for power and fame. It doesn''t diminish; it just reaches a point where they need something better than what they already have or believe they can obtain."


    The maid looked at him with admiration. "You are quite wise," she said.


    Leon smiled faintly. ''Well, my ss having Sage Words isn''t just for show,'' he thought inwardly before refocusing on the auction.


    As the bids climbed higher, the tension in the room reached a boiling point. Would someone finally fold, or would the price of the Elixir soar even further?


    But soon, thepetition quieted down. Only Lady Mira continued to bid, with Nira supporting her whenever someone outbid her. The price had already reached a staggering 650 million gold coins.


    "It seems we can''t beat those two witches," Sir Mayers muttered coldly. Hades, seated beside him, no longer looked calm. His limit was 600 million, but Mira had directly added another 50 million, outbidding him.


    Most others had stopped bidding after the price reached the 400-million mark. Now, only Mira and Nira remained, with Mira taking the lead.


    "650 million going once! Twice! Thrice!" the auctioneer shouted with excitement.


    "And we have a winner: Lady Mira!" she dered as the Elixir was carefully packed and secured for delivery.


    Sensing the excitement in the room, the auctioneer decided to seize the moment. "Since we have so many esteemed guests present, how about offering something you''d like to auction on the spot?" she suggested alluringly as some guests were preparing to leave.


    "This is a good opportunity¡ªnot one to waste," Mira mumbled to herself. She decided to stay, intrigued by what mighte next.


    Seeing the lights in Mira''s VIP Room still on, Nira also chose to remain seated.


    Leon leaned back, observing the tension in the auction house grow more palpable with each passing moment. He decided to stay, curious about what mighte next.


    "It''s boring. How about we each offer up a skill instead?" Loki suggested from VIP Room 6, breaking the silence. His voice carried a mischievous undertone.


    The auctioneer pped her hands together. "Great idea! Let it be a Skill Auction!" she announced enthusiastically, receiving nods of approval from the guests.


    But Loki wasn''t finished. "No, no! Not just any skill, but ss-rted skills," he added, further stirring the excitement.


    Leon smirked. "Rather than that, I think Unique Skills are better. After all, who wouldn''t already use the ss skills they naturally obtain for themselves?" His voice carried an air of authority, drawing attention to his room.


    The auction house fell silent, everyone intrigued by the boy who had just spoken. They all suspected the one auctioning the Elixir of Night was in one of the VIP rooms, but none had imagined it was someone so young.


    Loki chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "I thought it would be an old man at the end of his life auctioning the Elixir. But you''ve just started your climb. Why would you give up such a treasure?"


    Leon''s voice was calm but firm. "My ss alignment is Holy."


    A wave of understanding swept through the room. For others, the Elixir of Night was a blessing, but for someone with a Holy alignment, it was nothing short of poison.


    "What a pity," Loki mused aloud. "This Elixir is undoubtedly an S-rank reward, yet it doesn''t match your level."


    Inwardly, Loki''s thoughts churned. You fool. If you''d consumed it, your Holy ss could have evolved into an Unholy ss¡ªa rare dual alignment with both Holy and Devil attributes. Clearly, you''re not from a big n, or you would''ve known this simple fact. He shook his head, dismissing the thought.


    "You''re right about unique skills," Loki conceded. "But let''s have both: ss skills and unique skills. That way, there''s more variety."


    Leon nodded in agreement.


    "So, who''s going first?" Loki asked, his voice challenging. Seeing no immediate response, he smirked and said, "Let''s simply start from VIP Room 1."


    In VIP Room 1, La leaned back with a sly smile. "Alright," she said. "I''ll start. I''ll put forth an Epic-ranked skill: Frost Barrage."


    Her words caused a magical book to materialize, floating from her room into the auctioneer''s hands.


    La''s voice echoed confidently. "And I will only ept skills in exchange," she added, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.


    "I offer Skeleton Armor of Epic rank in exchange," Hades said from VIP Room 2, his cold voice cutting through the room.


    The auctioneer held both skills in her hands, excitement clear in her tone. "We now have an offer! Frost Barrage for Skeleton Armor! Does anyone else wish to propose a trade or counteroffer?"


    The tension in the auction house grew heavier as Leon''s calm voice rang out from VIP Room 10.


    "I have Volcanic Burst," he said confidently.


    La''s voice from VIP Room 1 quickly followed. "And the rank?"


    Leon smirked. "Of course, it''s Epic rank."


    A brief silence filled the room before La responded. "Deal."


    The auctioneer pped her hands in excitement, her voice brimming with energy. "A sessful exchange! Frost Barrage from VIP Room 1 has been traded for Volcanic Burst from VIP Room 10!"


    The crowd murmured in awe. While this was a skill auction, the fact that Epic-ranked skills were already being traded so early was impressive.

 Chapter 83 More Undead IX

    The auctioneer scanned the room, her curiosity piqued by Mira''s unique demand. "A Holy Attribute skill in exchange for the Epic-ranked skill Dark Scythe. A rare and specific request¡ªdoes anyone have an offer?"


    The room fell silent for a moment, with only murmurs filling the air. Mira''s ss, being Legendary and dark-aligned, was known for its synergy with forbidden and shadow-based magic. Her sudden interest in a holy skill raised eyebrows, particrly from those aware of her cunning reputation.


    Breaking the silence, Leon''s voice came from VIP Room 10. "I offer Holy Judgement, Epic rank. A powerful area-of-effect skill that damages enemies and heals allies simultaneously."


    The crowd buzzed with excitement as the description of Holy Judgement was well-known among the elite.


    Mira smirked slightly. "A decent offer, but is there anything else?"


    Hades, leaning back in his seat, gave a dark chuckle before speaking. "Purity Shield, Epic rank. A defensive Holy skill that can nullify dark magic attacks."


    The crowd''s murmurs grew louder as the intensity of the trade increased. Mira''s target seemed clear¡ªshe wanted something to counter her own weaknesses.


    The auctioneer turned to Mira, her voice steady. "Lady Mira, these are strong offers. Do you wish to ept one, or shall we wait for additional bids?"


    Mira''s calm, calcted voice echoed through the hall. "Purity Shield from VIP Room 2. That is my choice."


    The skill books were exchanged swiftly, and Mira''s sly grin didn''t go unnoticed. Hades narrowed his eyes, sensing the shift in the game, but said nothing.


    "Congrattions to Lady Mira and Sir Hades for a sessful trade!" the auctioneer announced, keeping the energy high. "Now, onto VIP Room 8. Lady Nira, it''s your turn!"


    The hall grew quiet once again, all eyes turning toward VIP Room 8 as Nira prepared her offer.


    "A summoning skill called Nightmare Hound. It summons hell dogs that breathe Void mes," she said coldly. Leon''s eyes lit up. "That''s cool!" he thought before speaking up. "I''ve got Shadow Hawk, Epic rank. A bird that shoots Hell lightning."


    Before anyone could respond, Nira''s voice rang out. "Deal," she said, and the auctioneer exchanged the skill books.


    Next, Gandarf exchanged his Volcanic Hammer with Loki for Myriad Phantoms, and Leon offered a skill called Nether Spear, which Hades epted in exchange for the Dark Knight Summoning skill.


    As the auction concluded, Leon emoted a thanks and left. Everyone lingered in VIP Room 10 but refrained from entering, unsure of what to expect from him. Leon, however, was now with the woman in front of him, whose presence was undeniably seductive. Her attire caught his attention¡ªshe wore a dress that could easily be described as stripper-like, so short it barely covered anything.


    "Just a question. You''re not seriously trying to charm me, are you?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.


    The woman smirked, snapping her fingers. In an instant, her appearance changed, and she now stood before him in a more businesslike outfit.


    "Most get seduced by my skills, you know," she replied, casually crossing one leg over the other.


    Leon raised an eyebrow, scanning her again. "You''re still styling," he said, noticing that she wasn''t wearing a skirt and that her panties were fully visible, and they are fucking transparent designed.


    "Oh, no, that''s just me," she said with a grin. "I like to lounge around most of the time."


    Leon looked around, his thoughts drifting. This indeed looks more like a bedroom. He sighed and sat back down, then asked, "So, what can you offer me?"


    She snapped her fingers, and three shelves appeared. "Pick anything you want," she said, pointing at the shelves.


    Leon''s eyes widened. "Anything?"


    "Yes, anything. They''re not useful to me anymore," she said nonchntly.


    Leon hesitated before looking over the shelves, contemting what he could choose from the vast array of items. Stay tuned with My Virtual Library Empire


    The scene in the VIP room grew tense as the exchanges continued. Leon, with a look of calcted detachment, walked over to the shelves. He skimmed through the various objects, each with a more luxurious aura than thest. He stopped at one particrly elegant shelf and grinned as he pointed it out.


    "I want this full shelf," Leon dered, his voice calm yet assertive.


    Angelina''s eyes widened in surprise. "I didn''t mean it like that¡­" she stammered, her usual confident demeanor faltering.


    Leon merely shrugged, a small smirk on his lips. "The trade''s done. You signed the contract. I get what I want."


    With a wave of his hand, Leon took the shelf she had been so protective of. Angelina stood frozen for a moment, her eyes filled with a mixture of disbelief and resignation. She knew the value of the item, but her own pride and the terms of their agreement left her with little recourse.


    "This... but..." she muttered, almost pleadingly.


    Leon didn''t even look back, slipping the shelf into his bag with a quiet click of satisfaction. "The deal''s sealed. Don''t worry; you''ll get something in return."


    "Your Elixir," he said, cing the Elixir on the desk. But Angelica was too stunned to even feel excited about the Elixir. The shelf contained over 30 items, their value easily reaching 2 or 3 billion gold coins.


    "Rx, it was a joke," Leon said suddenly, pulling the shelf back out and handing it to her. "You can have it back."


    "That was one hell of a prank," she said, sighing in relief as she checked the shelf and confirmed nothing was missing.


    "Okay, now you can pick one item," she said, and Leon quickly selected something from the shelf.


    Meanwhile, Leon happily noted the system notifications ringing in his mind.


    [Congrattions, you''ve donated 30 items¡­]


    It was exactly thirty chimes, one for each of the items he had donated. After gaining the shelf, he became its owner, and as a result, he could donate it back, earning a lot of rebates.


    "Is that what you wanted?" she asked, seeing his grin.


    "Or you could offer a night with you," Leon said casually, not focusing too much on her. But Angelica smiled and nodded. "Sure."


    "Wait, what?" Leon said, surprised, as she stepped closer, kissed him on the lips, and revealed that her suit was now removed, showing off her body.


    "Well, I think I like this trade," he said as he grabbed her waist and kissed back,


    Mhmm


    she moaned as the night of theirs just started.


    The morning sun streamed through the windows of the auction house manager''s room as Leon stretched and yawned, his body feeling both exhausted and refreshed. He stood up from the bed, ncing over at Angelica, who was still peacefully asleep. Her expression was serene, a stark contrast to the intense and yful energy from the night before.


    He stepped out of bed and found the washroom, then came out to find Angelica awake. "That was the best night I''ve ever had," she said, as Leon looked at her in confusion. "But you were a virgin justst night?"


    "Yes, but if I knew this would feel so good, I would have done it a long time ago," she replied, as Leon just waved his hand dismissively.


    "No, that''s just me. You won''t ever find a big package like mine anywhere," he said, and Angelica looked down between his legs.


    "Maybe," she said with a sly grin, throwing a card at him. Leon caught it and read her name and contact details on it.


    "Call me when you reach the second floor," she said, as Leon asked, "You''re going to ascend?"


    "Yes, this Elixir is all I need. With it, I can finally ascend," she exined.


    Leon asked, "You''re not going to drink it yourself?"


    She nodded. "Yes, I identally broke something important, and now that it''s owner want something of equal value, this Elixir is my key to freeing me from this damned prison."


    "You say it''s hard?" Leon asked.


    "Hard? Hell, I was a genius, but jeez, I identally took what wasn''t meant for me. That guy imprisoned me," she said, her anger rising.


    "But didn''t you say you broke it?" Leon asked, confused.


    "I broke the seal and drank the Elixir, same thing," she said. Leon resisted the urge to say it wasn''t the same.


    "Okay, maybe it will help you. I will be going now," he said, and Angelica nodded.@@novelbin@@


    "This body will now only belong to you. Think of it as a privilege for getting me out of this dump," she said as he suddenly stopped hearing her. "Then let me have a taste of it before you go back," he added, as he jumped back into bed, and another round of passion ensued in the room.


    After some hours, Leon could be seen walking down the road, looking around.


    "Where were you?" a voice called out from behind, breaking Leon''s thoughts. He turned to see Roselia standing in the distance, looking both amused and slightly irritated.


    "I went to weekly Auction" He said as he smiled and came near her.

 Chapter 84 More Undeads X

    "Weekly auction, huh?" Roselia nodded, but then she came closer to him, sniffing the air around him.


    "What are you doing?" Leon asked, backing away while trying to maintain a calm face.


    "Who is she?" Roselia asked coldly, her eyes narrowing as she looked at him.


    "What do you mean?" Leon asked, feigning ignorance, but Roselia pressed on. "I can clearly smell the scent of a virgin girl on you," she said as she crossed her arms and stared him down.


    "Do you have another lover outside, or was it just a one-night thing?" she asked bluntly. Leon sighed, realizing there was no point in hiding it, so he spilled the truth.


    "Hm, I see... so this Angelica, huh?" she said with a nod before adding, "By the way, to think you could even seduce an angel into bed, you''re really something." She smirked teasingly as Leon froze in ce.


    "Angel?" he asked, startled.


    "Yes, the scent on you is clearly angelic, and she has marked you too," Roselia said as he tensed up.@@novelbin@@


    "I didn''t know she was an angel," Leon admitted, and Roselia gave him a pointed look.


    "Well, you did say she was imprisoned, so maybe someone trapped her on this floor and sealed her powers," she said thoughtfully. Leon and Roselia continued walking side by side, the conversation leaving him lost in thought.


    "And she''s marked me, huh?" Leon sighed, wondering what Angelica saw in him to make such a bold move.


    "Yep, she''s really marked you," Roselia confirmed with a teasing smirk. Leon''s mind wandered as he recalled the significance of an angel''s mark.


    Angels, like the myths describe, are pure beings. However, they are also incredibly prideful, viewing themselves as superior to other races. Their purity is their pride, and even among their own kind, engaging in intimacy is rare, considered akin to animal behavior.


    But once in a while, oddballs like Angelica emerge¡ªangels who don''t care about purity or pride. They do whatever they want, and when they form a bond, they mark their partners. This mark is essentially a deration to other angels, saying, "He''s mine." It also warns off any potential rivals, be it other angels or members of other races.


    Now, Leon was stuck. The mark didn''t affect Roselia since she was already with him, and Angelica came second. However, if Leon tried to get close to anyone new, the heavenly thunder¡ªan Ex-rank skill for good reason¡ªwould strike the girl he is going to fuck.


    ''No wonder she was acting all sweet, saying things like "This body only belongs to you." It was a trap all along,'' Leon thought bitterly, remembering Angelica''s seductive words.


    "Fufufu..." Roselia giggled, clearly amused at his predicament. Leon shot her a re.


    "Hmph, she''s now not with us, so it''s still only you who will apany me," Leon dered firmly. Then, with a sly grin, he added, "But be ready to not sleep at night from now on."


    Roselia froze for a moment, her cheeks flushing red as his words sank in. Her reaction drew the attention of a few passersby, who nced at her curiously. Embarrassed, she quickly ran after Leon, flustered.


    "Wait! What do you mean by that?!" she demanded, catching up to him as he walked ahead with a smug expression.


    ****


    Soon after finishing their meal at a cozy restaurant, Leon and Roselia now stood outside a foreboding cave. The entrance loomedrge, its jagged edges looking like the jaws of a beast. This was the dungeon where the Abomination King resided.


    "The Abomination King is impervious to magic. Only physical attacks work on him. Time for my axe to shine," Leon dered, pulling out his massive axe. Its de gleamed, radiating an aura of destructive power. Roselia nodded, unsheathing her twin des, their edges sharp enough to cut through steel.


    The pair ventured into the dungeon, their footsteps echoing against the cold, damp walls. The air inside was thick with the stench of decay, and the flickering light from Leon''s torch illuminated grotesque shapes crawling on the walls.


    They were immediately greeted by Spitters¡ªa type of zombie-like creature with bloated bodies. Their primary attack involved spewing acid from their mouths, and if killed carelessly, they would burst, releasing a deadly cloud of corrosive acid.


    "This dungeon tests agility," Leon muttered, eyeing the Spitters. "Strike them and get away quickly, or we''ll be bathing in bone-melting acid."


    Roselia nodded, her eyes narrowing. "Understood. Let''s clear them out quickly."


    Leon charged first, swinging his axe with precision. The first Spitter was cleaved in two, but before its acidic explosion could reach him, he had already leaped back. Roselia darted around the room with unmatched agility, her twin des slicing through the creatures with deadly efficiency.


    The duo worked seamlessly together, evading the acid bursts and thinning the horde of Spitters. Each step deeper into the dungeon brought more challenges, the atmosphere growing heavier with the Abomination King''s looming presence.


    "Hey! Check this out!" Leon called out to Roselia with a grin as he approached a Spitter. He kicked it off the ground with immense force, sending it soaring into the air like a ragdoll. Gripping his axe like a baseball bat, he swung with precision. The axe connected with the Spitter mid-air, killing it in one clean strike.


    The force of the swing sent dead body of the Spitter flying, it was aimed at another spitter. Thye collided as the dead spitter bursted and killed the one it was collided with whichter bursted in acid too.


    "I call that a double home run!" Leon dered proudly, wiping his axe clean.


    Roselia, standing a few paces away, let out a bemused chuckle. "Only a brute like you would think of doing that." She stepped forward, her twin des gleaming in the dim light.


    With practiced ease, Roselia darted past a group of Spitters, her movements swift and fluid. She delivered a quick series of strikes, her des cutting cleanly through. Acid rained down as the Spitters burst, but Roselia nimbly avoided it, her agility unmatched.


    "I call that a graceful fireworks disy," she teased, flicking her de free of thest remnants of acid. Behind her, five Spitters crumpled to the ground, their acidic explosions lighting up the room like a deadly show.


    Leon watched her disy with a smirk. "Show-off."


    Roselia shot him a smug nce. "You''re just jealous because I''m making it look good."


    "Yeah, yeah," Leon muttered, gripping his axe. "Let''s see who clears more by the time we''re done here."


    The two shared apetitive grin before diving back into the fray, their teamwork as deadly as it was entertaining.


    The dungeon echoed with the sounds of battle as Leon and Roselia pushed deeper into its depths. The Spitters became more numerous, their acidic sprays covering the walls and floor in a hazardous mess. Despite the danger, Leon and Roselia maintained their rhythm, their contrasting fighting stylesplementing each other perfectly.


    Leon relied on brute force, his axe cleaving through multiple enemies with each swing. At one point, he stomped on the ground, creating a shockwave that sent several Spitters flying before smashing them mid-air with a powerful horizontal sh.


    "Who needs finesse when you''ve got raw power?" he shouted over the cacophony, his confidence evident.


    Roselia rolled her eyes as she gracefully danced around the acid explosions, her movements so fluid they seemed choreographed. "And who needs brute force when you can end them before they even get close?" she retorted, taking out three Spitters with a single sweep of her des.


    The two continued their yful banter until the cavern suddenly fell silent. The eerie quiet was broken only by the sound of their footsteps echoing against the stone walls.


    "This is it," Leon muttered, gripping his axe tightly. "The Abomination King''sir should be just ahead."


    Roselia nodded, her yful demeanor reced by a serious expression. "Remember, magic doesn''t work on him. Keep your focus, and don''t let your guard down."


    As they stepped into the final chamber, they were greeted by a massive figure towering over them. The Abomination King was a grotesque amalgamation of flesh and bone, its body covered in pulsating sores that oozed a dark, viscous liquid. Its eyes glowed a sickly green, and its deep, guttural growl sent shivers down their spines.


    "Finally," Leon said with a grin, his blood pumping in anticipation. "Let''s see if you can handle my axe, big guy."


    The Abomination King let out an earth-shaking roar, charging at them with surprising speed for its massive size. Leon met its charge head-on, swinging his axe with all his might. The weapon connected with the creature''s arm, forcing it to stagger back.


    "Roselia, now!" Leon shouted.


    Roselia darted around the King''s nk, her des shing as she targeted the creature''s vulnerable joints. Her attacks were precise, aiming to weaken its mobility.


    The King roared in anger, swiping at her with its massive ws, but she was too quick. She flipped backward,nding gracefully out of its reach.


    Leon took advantage of the distraction, mming his axe into the King''s knee with a deafening crack. The creature howled in pain, falling to one knee.


    "Finish it!" Roselia shouted, throwing one of her des toward the King''s exposed neck.


    Leon didn''t hesitate. He leaped into the air, bringing his axe down with all his strength. The de cleaved through the King''s neck, severing its head in one clean strike.


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    The massive body crumpled to the ground, lifeless.


    "Victory!" Leon shouted, raising his axe triumphantly.

 Chapter 86 Undead XII

    Leon continued his relentless assault, unleashing strike after strike with his trident. Every movement was deliberate, aimed at building his stats to the critical 10% mark before releasing one of the two devastating skills avable under the Tandava ability.


    His eyes remained locked on the steadily rising stat bar, ignoring the pain in his body and the Abomination King''s desperate attacks.


    10%@@novelbin@@


    A grin spread across Leon''s face as he felt the power surge through him. "Now," he whispered, spinning his trident with incredible speed. "Celestial Wrath Strike."


    Celestial Wrath Strike


    Effect: A devastating finishing move where the user channels all umted power into a single trident thrust. This attack pierces through enemies, leaving a path of destruction.


    Damage: Deals 4000% of the user''s base attack in a straight line over 30 meters.


    Additional Effects: Leaves a burning trail that deals 10% of the user''s base attack as DoT(Damage over Time) for 5 seconds to all enemies within the line of attack.


    Mana Cost: 50% of total mana.


    Cooldown: 45 seconds.


    As Leon activated the skill, his trident suddenly glowed, its tip encased in a swirling ck light. He twirled the weapon in a circr motion before thrusting it straight at the Abomination King with all his might.


    The point of impact was catastrophic. The Abomination King was obliterated in a single strike, its grotesque form disintegrating into ash. The trident''s energy continued forward in a straight line, carving through the cave and leaving behind a burning trail of destruction before finally dissipating.


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    "That is a really powerful skill," Roselia said, clearly impressed.


    Leon nodded but nced at his mana bar, now reduced to just 30%. He sighed. "But it''s way too mana-consuming."


    Roselia chuckled. "True, but it''s still a great skill. Since it consumes mana as a percentage, it will remain useful no matter your Tier. It scales with your strength."


    Leon nodded in agreement as he examined the loot. "It seems the Abomination King is a famous quest target," he sighed, picking up the core of the defeated monster.


    "Well, it can only be used as a material to craft a weapon," he added.


    Roselia took the core from him, inspecting it carefully. "Or a potion," she suggested, her eyes gleaming with interest.


    Leon nodded, handing it to her. "You can have it."


    [Host donated a Level 50 Abomination King core.]


    [Congrattions, host, on obtaining the core of a Level 200 Abomination King through Rebate.]


    In addition to the core, there were also physical sources¡ªessential materials used for leveling up. Leon handed all of them to Roselia, noting her excitement as she organized the spoils.


    "Hmm, I''m at Level 33 right now," Leon thought, calcting how much progress he could make with these resources. "I wonder if I can reach Level 40 with this much." he mumbled seeing the resources he got from the Rebate.


    "Let''s absorb these and increase our levels. After that, we can head to the next quest location, the Death Puppet King''sir," Leon said.


    Roselia nodded in agreement. With the Abomination King defeated, the rundown mansion they were in had transformed into a beautiful, pristine estate. The change was temporary,sting only 12 hours, but it was enough time for them to absorb the physical resources and prepare for the next battle.


    Leon, having both magic and physical-rted sses, could absorb both types of resources and level up efficiently.


    Resources for leveling up were divided into two types: Physical Sources and Mana Sources. These two types existed up to the 10th floor of the Tower. After reaching the 10th floor, most people advanced to Tier II, where their sses often became a mix of physical and magic attributes.


    At that point, the resources merged into a single type called Universal Level-Up Sources, usable by any ss holder, regardless of their specialization. This was because Tier II and beyond required adventurers to possess both physical prowess and magical aptitude to survive the challenges.


    "Let''s get started," Leon said, sitting cross-legged as he began absorbing the resources. Energy from the physical sources surged through him, strengthening his muscles and sharpening his senses, while mana from the magical sources filled his core, expanding his reserves.


    Roselia followed suit, channeling the energy into her own body. The room was filled with a faint glow as the two focused on their leveling process.


    More than three hours passed before Leon finished absorbing the resources and leveling up. He opened his eyes as the leveling-up light dissipated around him, releasing a misty breath.


    "The sensation of leveling up is always great," he mumbled, ncing at his stats screen.


    Leon examined the 60 stat points he had gained, a reward for leveling up from Level 33 to Level 39. He distributed them equally among Intelligence, Strength, and Agility.


    "Having two sses does have its own challenges," he muttered, reflecting on the bncing act he had to maintain between his physical and magical capabilities.


    Then, a grin spread across his face. "But not anymore. Thanks to my EX-rating and the tenfold stat increase at the start, I''m far better than an average Level 50 Ascender," he said confidently, clenching his fist as he felt the surge of power coursing through his body.


    Looking over at Roselia, who was finishing her own leveling process, Leon smirked. "You ready to face the Death Puppet King?" he asked, standing up and stretching his body, which now felt even more powerful than before.


    Roselia opened her eyes, her aura radiating newfound strength as she nodded. "Always."


    Leon smirked but then stretched, feeling his stomach grumble. "I know you''re ready, but let''s grab something to eat first. We''ve earned it," he said casually.


    Roselia shrugged, a faint smile ying on her lips. "Fine by me. Let''s go."


    The two returned to a nearby town, heading straight to an inn renowned for its hearty meals. They wasted no time ordering and were soon digging into a feast fit for champions.


    "Ahh~~" Leon sighed in satisfaction, leaning back in his chair after finishing his third te of grilled fish in a row. "This fish is amazing! So tender and vorful," he said, picking up another forkful from a fresh te.


    Roselia chuckled, watching him devour the food with unrelenting enthusiasm. "You act like you haven''t eaten in days," she teased, though she was steadily working through her own te.


    "Well, after fighting that ugly excuse for a king, I feel like I deserve this," Leon said, grinning as he reached for a ss of juice.


    Roselia shook her head but couldn''t hide the amusement in her eyes. "Just don''t eat the whole inn dry. We still have a Death Puppet King to deal with."


    "Don''t worry," Leon said, waving her off with augh. "This is just fueling up for the next fight."


    She smirked. "Good, because that one''s going to be even tougher."


    Leon shrugged though this time he made sure to learn about this Death puppet king properly before rushing in blindly lest he gets smacked likest time.


    After finishing their meal, Leon stretched with a satisfied groan. "Alright, that hit the spot. Ready to head out?" he asked, as he pays the bill.


    Roselia wiped her lips with a napkin and stood, her twin des sheathed neatly at her sides. "Let''s go. The Death Puppet King won''t defeat itself."


    The two made their way out of the inn and into the bustling town square. Vigers greeted them with nods of respect, word of their victory over the Abomination King having already spread.


    As they approached the town''s outskirts, Roselia nced at Leon. "The Death Puppet King... have you heard much about it?"


    Leon frowned slightly, recalling what he had read. "It''s said to control an army of puppets¡ªmindless warriors made from the corpses of its victims. The more puppets it has, the stronger it bes. And it has a nasty habit of using strings infused with dark mana to control its enemies mid-fight."


    Roselia''s expression turned serious. "So we''ll need to watch each other''s backs. If one of us gets caught in those strings¡ª"


    "We cut them free immediately," Leon finished, nodding. "I''ve already thought of that. My trident''s reach and your agility should give us an edge. But we''ll need to be quick¡ªthis isn''t going to be an easy fight."


    "No to mention this guy is opposite of Abomination king , only Magic works on him" he said and then added with a Grin " And I happen to test my new Destruction ss magic spells"


    As they reached the edge of the forest, the path leading to the Death Puppet King''sir loomed ahead, dark and foreboding. The air grew colder, and a sense of unease settled over the area.


    "Looks like we''re close," Roselia said, unsheathing her des and inspecting them.


    Leon twirled his trident, a confident grin on his face despite the tension in the air. "Let''s see if this king is as terrifying as they say¡ªor if it''s just another pile of bones waiting to be broken."


    With that, they stepped into the forest, the shadows swallowing them whole as they moved closer to their next challenge.

 Chapter 87 Death Puppet King

    The Death Pupper King''sir was like any other Undead King''sir¡ªa massive, eerie mansion.


    "I really wonder just who were the people who liked to build mansions in the middle of a forest. I mean, what were they thinking, making their houses here?" Leon remarked as he looked at the spooky mansion and shrugged.


    "Yeah, what they were thinking is beyond me too," Roselia replied. "But maybe it fits the theme of the first floor. First floor history is there was once a kingdom here, but it fell under the curse of an Archdark Magus who was wronged by the nobility of hisnd. Due to the curse, all the nobles and royals were turned into undead, with their leaders transformed into kings."


    "You sure know a lot," Leon said, ncing at Roselia. She waved him off with a small smile.


    "Nah, when you went to auction, I got bored, so I started learning about the history of the first floor," she exined, and Leon nodded in understanding.


    "Let''s go and greet him," he said as they approached the mansion.


    As they entered, they saw puppet-like maids cleaning the halls. Spotting Leon and Roselia, the maids paused and turned toward them, their lifeless eyes locking on the intruders. Suddenly, a chilling creak echoed, and the maids began rushing at them.


    "Is it even clean?" Leon quipped as he hurled an Aether Bolt at the nearest maid, destroying her instantly. Roselia followed suit, taking out the second maid with ease, with her flying shes.


    "Almost forget , I got some good things for you too" Leon said as he took out he special me he has got.


    "Here it is for you," Leon said, taking out the Mystic Heart me and handing it to her.


    "An alchemy me!" Roselia eximed upon seeing it. Being an alchemist, she immediately recognized the me''s extraordinary properties.


    "This¡­ is it really for me?" she asked, staring at the pale blue mes in her hands. The me pulsed from time to time, as if it had a heartbeat, rhythmically throbbing with life.


    "Yes, I found it at the auction, so I bought it for you," he said casually, as a notification rang in his mind.


    [Congrattions, Host, on obtaining the Nether Heart me after 30x rebate.]


    "I also have these," Leon continued, pulling out more items. "They are made from the scales and bones of a dragon, and this sheath here has the sword art of the Bright Dragon yer forged into it."


    He handed over the items to Roselia, who took them carefully.


    "They match your ss," he added with a small smile.


    Roselia nodded, holding the items close. "Thank you," she said sincerely.


    Leon shook his head and replied, "Does it still need to be ''thank you'' between us?"


    She smiled softly and said, "Nope, there''s no need." Then, pulling him by the cor, she kissed his lips. "But I guess this kind of thanks works," she added, her voice teasing.


    Leon kissed her back and nodded.


    "Wahhh~~"


    Suddenly, Leon paused as the sound of crying reached his ears. "It seems Aqua is awake," he said before vanishing, reappearing in Arune''s room.


    There, he saw Aqua, the baby naga, awake and crying. "It''s okay, I''m here," he said gently, patting her tiny head with his finger. The baby stopped crying and looked up at him with her misty, jewel-like eyes.


    He smiled down at her and stroked her head softly. "Go to sleep. I''m here with you," he said soothingly. Slowly, her eyes began to close, and her tail instinctively curled up as she drifted back to sleep. She began to suck the tip of her tail lightly.


    Leon chuckled at the sight. After five minutes of ensuring she was sound asleep, he quietly left the room. Passing by Vulcan, Roselia''s little baby dragon, he noticed the creature sleeping soundly on its back, legs up in the air.


    "Mythical beasts," Leon muttered with a smirk. "They eat their fill and then sleep endlessly." He knew they wouldn''t wake up even in the face of chaos. Readtest stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Leon stepped outside and found Roselia surrounded by numerous defeated puppets. She was carefully examining the two swords he had given her earlier, seemingly lost in her work.


    "You killed a lot of them," Leon remarked with a faint smile.


    Roselia shrugged. "They were annoying," she replied without looking up.


    "What are you doing now?" he asked.


    "I''m repairing the swords," she said simply, her focus unbroken.


    Leon nodded. "I have other swords for you. They''re meant to be used as ingredients after you extract their scales and bones," he said, taking out two peak legendary swords: the Holy Arcane Swords.


    Unlike the Bright Dragon Sword, these were pristine and new, made for the Holy Dragon¡ªa rank above the Bloodline Dragon form of the Bright Dragon.


    As Leon handed her the two swords, Roselia''s eyes sparkled. She paused her current task and carefully examined the new weapons. The swords had golden-white handles, and their des were translucent, shimmering with a radiant white glow.


    "They''re beautiful," she said, her voice filled with awe.


    Leon smiled. "They''re part of the rewards I received, but I already have a powerful axe, so I''m giving them to you."


    Roselia nodded, her excitement evident as she epted the swords.


    Meanwhile, Leon decided it was time to focus on improving his swordsmanship. As for the ten Beast ying Arts he hade across, he chose to learn the rebate version. Thanks to the 30x rebate, he obtained the Beast Emperor yer Art.


    This art was a specialized sword technique created explicitly for ying numerous beasts. It utilized a unique form of Beast ying Sword Energy, which was highly effective against a wide variety of beasts, amplifying the damage dealt to them and negating their natural defenses.


    "Now, let''s go and test out your swords," Leon said, his tone brimming with anticipation. Roselia nodded in agreement, gripping her new weapons tightly.@@novelbin@@


    They continued to move forward through the dungeon. This time, there were no puppet maids in sight. Instead, they encountered butlers¡ªan upgraded form of the maids. The butlers, unarmed yet imposing, moved with eerie precision, their metallic-like fists aimed at the intruders.


    "This dungeon is seriously messed up," Leon remarked as he dodged an iing attack. With a swift kick, he sent a butler flying backward. The destructive mana embedded in his strike eradicated the puppet instantly. Leon smirked, satisfied with the result.


    Noticing the relentless wave of enemies, Leon took out his staff and began to bombard the butlers with Aether Magic. His destructive magic, although powerful, was deliberately held back to avoid excessive mana consumption. Instead, he relied on the versatility of Aether Magic, which emitted bolts of energy that struck with precise force.


    Each Aether bolt pierced through the butlers, eliminating them on the spot. The numbers began to dwindle rapidly as Leon methodically reduced their forces.


    Meanwhile, Roselia wielded her new swords with expert skill. Her weapons radiated a special type of energy¡ªSword Engraved Mana¡ªwhich infused her strikes with devastating power. She danced through the battlefield, shing through the butlers with elegance and precision, each swing of her de effortlessly slicing them apart.


    Thebined onught of Leon''s magic and Roselia''s swordsmanship turned the tide of battle. The butlers, despite their enhanced strength and agility, fell one by one.


    Leon nced at Roselia, who finished off a cluster of butlers with a final sweeping strike. "Impressive," he said with a grin.


    Roselia smirked, her new swords gleaming in the dim dungeon light. "These swords are incredible," she replied, her confidence evident.


    With the room cleared, the two prepared to move deeper into the dungeon, ready to face the next wave of enemies.


    As they ventured forward, they encountered puppet guards. These were a step up from the butlers¡ªarmed and skilled. The group consisted of magic-wielding guards equipped with staffs and warrior guards brandishing swords. The magic guards prepared spells from a distance, while the warriors advanced to engage in meleebat.


    "Take out the mages. I''ll handle the warriors," Leon said, his tone firm and decisive.


    Roselia nodded, her gaze narrowing as she assessed the battlefield. Without hesitation, she dashed forward, using her agility to leap over a group of warriors,nding gracefully near the backline where the mages stood.


    Leon, meanwhile, nted himself firmly in the warriors'' path. With his staff glowing with Aetheric energy, he created a barrier to prevent the warriors from reaching Roselia. "You''re not getting past me," he muttered as he raised his staff, unleashing a flurry of Aether bolts. Each bolt struck with pinpoint uracy, forcing the warriors back.


    At the same time, Roselia targeted the mages, who were mid-chant, preparing powerful spells. Her swords shimmered with Sword Engraved Mana as she struck swiftly, disrupting their incantations and slicing through their defenses. The mages barely had time to react before they were taken down one by one.


    A particrly warrior attempted to nk Roselia, but Leon noticed andunched a well-aimed Aether st, sending the puppet guard crashing into the dungeon wall.

 Chapter 88 Death Puppet King II

    Roselia turned back, giving Leon a quick nod of thanks before focusing on the remaining mages. With a graceful spin, she delivered a series of swift strikes, her translucent swords leaving trails of radiant light as they cleaved through her enemies.


    Thest mage copsed, its puppet body disintegrating into a pile of ash. Roselia took a deep breath, surveying the now-silent battlefield. "All clear," she called out.


    Leon, still holding his staff, finished off thest warrior with an Aetheric wave that sent the puppet flying across the room. It shattered on impact, scattering into lifeless fragments. "That was easier than I thought," he said, lowering his staff.


    Roselia walked over, her swords still glowing faintly with the residual energy of her attacks. "It''s the swords," she said with a small smirk. "They''re amazing."


    Leon chuckled. "Or maybe it''s the swordswoman," he said, giving her an approving nod. "Either way, good job."


    She smiled back, sheathing the swords on her back. "You didn''t do too bad yourself."


    The two pressed on, entering a grand hall with high vaulted ceilings and ornate chandeliers swaying gently in an unseen breeze. The walls were lined with portraits of stern-faced nobles, their hollow eyes seeming to follow the intruders.


    At the center of the hall, a massive ornate door loomed, its surface covered in intricate carvings of skulls and bones. A chilling aura emanated from the door, sending a shiver down both their spines.


    Leon approached cautiously, his staff ready. "This must be it," he said, ncing at Roselia. "The Death Puppet King''s Room."


    She stepped beside him, her grip tightening on her swords. "You ready for this?"


    Leon smirked. "Always. Let''s take him down."


    With a push, the massive doors creaked open, revealing a dark, cavernous room lit only by the eerie green glow of spectral mes. At the center of the room sat the Death Puppet King¡ªa grotesque figure made of countless stitched-together puppet parts. Its body was massive and misshapen, with multiple arms wielding a variety of weapons. Its hollow eyes burned with an unnatural light, and its toothy grin seemed frozen in ce.


    As the doors closed behind them, the Death Puppet King let out a guttural, mechanicalugh. "Intruders... You dare disturb my domain?" its voice echoed, reverberating through the chamber.


    Leon raised his staff, summoning a shield of Aether energy around himself and Roselia. "We''re here to put an end to your reign," he dered.@@novelbin@@


    The Death Puppet King rose from its throne, its many arms nking as it moved. "Fools," it hissed. "You''ll join my collection soon enough!"


    Without warning, it unleashed a barrage of attacks¡ªspinning des, chains, and dark energy bolts flying toward Leon and Roselia. Leon deflected the iing projectiles with his shield while Roselia dashed forward, her swords zing with energy.


    The battle had begun.


    Roselia moved with precision, dodging the King''s attacks as she closed the distance. Her swords struck the puppet''s limbs, sending splinters flying, but the King''s massive form quickly regenerated, its body reforming with even more weaponry.


    Leon stayed at a distance, channeling Aetheric magic. "Keep him distracted!" he shouted as he began preparing a powerful spell.


    "I noticed!" Roselia retorted, leaping over a swinging chain and slicing through another limb. "Hurry up, will you?"


    Leon smirked, his hands glowing brighter as the spell reached its peak. "On it!" He unleashed a torrent of Aetheric energy, the beam striking the Death Puppet King directly in its chest. The impact caused an explosion, and the King staggered backward, parts of its body falling away.


    But it wasn''t over. The King roared, summoning a horde of smaller puppet minions from the shadows. They swarmed the room, rushing toward Leon and Roselia. Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    "I''ll handle the minions!" Leon called out, creating a circle of Aetheric fire around himself. The mes incinerated any puppet that came near, giving Roselia a clear shot at the King.


    She gritted her teeth, her swords glowing even brighter as she charged at the weakened King. "Let''s end this," she muttered, leaping into the air. With a powerful downward sh, she aimed for the King''s core¡ªa pulsating orb of dark energy within its chest.


    The impact was devastating. Her swords pierced the orb, and the Death Puppet King let out an ear-piercing screech as its body convulsed. The dark energy within it erupted, engulfing the room in a blinding light.


    When the light faded, the room was silent. The Death Puppet King was gone, its remains scattered across the floor.


    Leon lowered his staff, breathing heavily. "Nice work," he said, giving Roselia a thumbs-up.


    She sheathed her swords, her expression calm but victorious. "You too. Let''s grab the loot and get out of here."


    The two searched their, gathering treasures and rare items hidden among the debris. As they prepared to leave, Leon nced back at the empty throne.


    "Another step closer," he murmured to himself.


    Roselia turned to him. "Ready?"


    He nodded. "Yeah. Let''s move on to the next challenge."


    Leon and Roselia continued their journey, their footsteps echoing in the dimly lit corridors of the dungeon. They had acquired a substantial haul from defeating the Death Puppet King, and their thoughts now turned to the next challenge on the first floor¡ªthe True Undead King.


    The most powerful Hidden Undead King of this Floor is their aim and for that they have been constantly only taking undead ss Quests, so that they can get familiar with the Undeads King and have some advantage while fighting against the most powerful one, as they don''t have any intel on it so the could only do this toplete the Alchemist King Quest.


    As they walked back, Leon nced over his shoulder and noticed a group of adventurers riding magnificent blue-me horses passing them by. The sight made him pause. "We should consider buying mounts," Leon said, breaking the silence.


    Roselia nodded in agreement. "Let''s sell off some of the loot first. Once we''ve restocked, we can invest in mounts," she replied, her calm demeanor unwavering.


    Leon smiled and nodded. "Alright, let''s get moving then."


    Meanwhile, one of the riders from the group, a handsome man named Ronny, nced back as his team rode ahead. His eyes narrowed as theynded on Roselia, and he muttered to himself, "Was that a Demoness?"


    Ronny''s gaze lingered on Roselia''sposed expression, though her sharp features carried a hint of menace. He nced at the girl beside him¡ªa pale, serious woman whose face was filled with anger as if she could kill someone on the spot. His suspicions were confirmed. "Yes, she''s definitely a Demoness," he thought.


    ''What a pity,'' Ronny mused. ''Such beauty, but now she will be definitely killed.'' He sighed, his thoughts returning to his own experiences.


    Ronny was also an adventurer climbing the Tower of Ascension. However, unlike Leon, who has just arrived and has a smooth sailing journey, Ronny''s journey was fraught withplications. He had been in this floor for over a year,pleting quests and leveling up his team. After countless battles, his group had ascended from Iron Grey to Bronze rank. At one point, they were considered the most powerful team on this floor¡ªnot just because of their teamwork but also due to Ronny''s Epic-grade demon summon.


    However, that glory was short-lived. One fateful day, a young woman named Mio¡ªa Demon yer¡ªchallenged their team. Her ss granted her the unique ability to grow stronger with every demon she killed. She targeted Ronny''s demon, defeating it in battle. Worse, her skills permanently destroyed the summon, erasing Ronny''s ability to call upon it ever again. The loss was devastating, but Mio didn''t stop there.


    She forcibly joined their team, bing its vice-leader in name only. In practice, she often took charge, making decisions and issuingmands without consulting Ronny. Despite the friction caused by her presence, Mio''s strength and cunning had been an undeniable asset to the group. Ronny reluctantly tolerated her leadership for the sake of survival.


    ''Although that incident still stings, there hasn''t been any major conflict since then,'' Ronny thought, his eyes lingering on Mio as she rode ahead. However, the tension between them, the duality of human and demon yer, remained ever-present.


    Recently, their team had crossed paths with the second captain of Blue Titan, one of the dungeon''s most powerful factions. Blue Titan had over fifty members, each stronger than thest. Yet, Leon¡ªa rtively new yer¡ªhad easily defeated this captain, showcasing his immense power.


    Ronny had no desire for Mio to cross paths with someone like Leon. ''It would only bring disaster,'' he thought grimly.


    As Ronny was lost in thought, Mio slowed her horse and gestured for their group to halt. The team, consisting of two other members¡ªa swordsman named Raor and a shield master named Ben¡ªstopped behind her.


    Raor furrowed his brow, looking at Mio with confusion. "Why did you stop?" he asked, his tone sharp.


    "yeah, let''s go, I am hungry" Ben on other side said rubbing his stomach.


    Raor in response roll his eyes , "since when are you not hungry?" he said as he looked at Mio, who was looking back.


    "Lets go" however just as he was about to say something Mio said and continued on the way.

 Chapter 90 Rift

    She paused, then added, "It''s a rtively small areapared to somerger Rifts, but the mountain itself seems like a massive cluster. If we go deeper, the stronger monsters will likely be concentrated there."


    Leon nodded again, digesting the information. "Alright. It seems manageable for now. Let''s clear the area around the Rift first before we decide whether to explore it further," he said decisively.


    Roselia nodded, gripping her dark de. "Understood. Let''s move."


    "Let''s go in, but first, let me im ownership of this Rift," Leon said, pulling out his Ascender card. He pointed it at the Rift, activating the card to scan it. The card emitted a faint hum as it began the process.


    Leon waited patiently, observing the Rift as the scanpleted. Momentster, a series of notifications shed across his card.


    { Congrattions, Ascender! You have gained ownership of Rift A209. }


    { The Rift''s maximum level is Level 350. }


    { Challenge is assessed as extreme. Exercise caution. }


    { Rift A209 now belongs to Ascender Fang. You can now close the Rift and transport it to any location after clearing the level where the Rift entrance is. }


    { Good luck, Ascender Fang! }


    Leon smirked as he lowered the card. "Looks like it''s ours now," he said confidently. "Let''s clean up this level and then decide what to do with it."


    Roselia nodded, gripping her weapon tightly. "Understood. Let''s get to work."


    With the Rift now under Leon''s ownership, the duo prepared to enter and face whatever challenges awaited them inside.@@novelbin@@


    As they stepped into the Rift, Leon and Roselia found themselves in a dark, enclosed cave. The visibility was nonexistent, but thankfully, Leon''s Sage Eyes remained unaffected, and Roselia''s Demon Eyes allowed her to see clearly as well. Both scanned the surroundings cautiously, their senses heightened.


    "It appears we''vended at a dead end," Roselia remarked, her voice low and steady. "At least we won''t have to worry about an ambush from behind."


    Leon nodded, but his expression remained serious. "True, but since this is a cave system within the mountains, we can''t rule out surprises ahead. Stay alert."


    "Agreed," Roselia replied, gripping her weapon firmly.


    Leon sighed lightly and adjusted his staff. "Well, let''s clear this level and seal off the Rift. The sooner we''re done, the better."


    With that, they began to move. Roselia took point, her steps silent as a shadow, while Leon cast a minor spell to muffle their movements. The echo of their footsteps, which would have otherwise resounded through the cave, was reduced to an almost imperceptible whisper.


    The air was damp and heavy, and each step felt like walking into the unknown. The oppressive silence of the cave weighed on them, yet neither faltered, their focus unwavering.


    "Let''s move cautiously," Leon murmured. "We don''t know what''s waiting deeper inside."


    Roselia nodded, her Demon Eyes scanning for any hidden traps or lurking creatures as they advanced further into the depths of the mountain cave.


    As they ventured deeper into the cave, faint sounds began to echo through the tunnels¡ªa distant dripping of water, the asional shuffle of stones, and, faintly, growls resonating from unknown creatures. The air grew colder, and the damp walls glistened with moisture.


    Leon raised a hand, signaling Roselia to stop. His Sage Eyes flickered faintly as he activated his Enhanced Perception, allowing him to detect the faintest of energy traces.


    "There are lifeforms ahead," Leon whispered. "A group of them. They''re moving¡­ patrolling, perhaps."


    Roselia narrowed her Demon Eyes in the direction Leon indicated. "They''re not wolves this time," she said. "I sense somethingrger¡­ and angrier."


    Leon nodded, gripping his staff tightly. "Let''s set up an ambush. If we can take them by surprise, we''ll save energy and avoid unnecessary injuries."


    Roselia agreed, positioning herself behind a jagged outcropping of rock. Leon, meanwhile, began weaving a silent incantation. A faint glow surrounded his staff as he prepared a Paralyzing mine Trap, a spell that would immobilize enemies stepping into the area.


    Momentster, the creatures came into view¡ªCave Beasts, towering quadrupedal monsters with jagged ws and glowing red eyes. Their rocky hides seemed almost imprable, and their breaths released a sulfuric mist, adding to their menacing aura.


    The pack moved cautiously, their senses sharp, but Leon''s Mana Trap remained undetectable. The lead beast stepped into the spell''s radius, and with a sudden sh of blue light, the trap activated. Chains of pure mana erupted from the ground, binding the beast in ce.


    "Now!" Leon shouted.


    Roselia darted from her hiding spot, her de gleaming with dark energy as she struck at the immobilized creature''s vulnerable joints. Her speed was unmatched, and within seconds, the lead beast let out a deafening roar before copsing.


    The rest of the pack charged toward them, but Leon was ready. With a flick of his staff, he unleashed Bursting Fireballs, each one targeting a different beast. The explosions lit up the cave, illuminating the chaos as Roselia continued her deadly dance, cutting down any beast that came within range.


    Despite their size and ferocity, the Cave Beasts fell one by one. Thebination of Leon''s precise magic and Roselia''s swift attacks proved overwhelming.


    As thest beast let out a guttural snarl before falling lifeless, silence returned to the cave.


    Leon leaned against his staff, catching his breath. "Not bad," he said with a grin. "Teamwork really does make the dream work."


    Roselia smirked, wiping her de clean. "Save the jokes, Leon. We''re just getting started."


    Leon chuckled, adjusting his grip on his staff. "Fair enough. Let''s keep moving. The Rift''s core won''t close itself."


    The two continued deeper into the cave, carefully sealing off this section of the path. Leon, using his magic, raised a sturdy stone wall to block the passage from where the cave beasts had emerged. It was an intersection where multiple paths converged, so they closed off one route and chose to proceed down another, ensuring no creatures could follow them.


    They moved to another side of the cave, their steps silent and deliberate. As they progressed, they came upon another intersection. Leon quietly assessed the paths ahead, deciding to seal one side with another stone wall before proceeding down the other route.


    Since this was a cave system, they knew theyout would be unpredictable, filled with branching tunnels and potential ambush points. Every step was taken with caution as they ventured further into the unknown.


    As they ventured further, the atmosphere grew heavier, and the faint sound of dripping water echoed through the cave. Leon''s eyes scanned the path ahead, his Sage Eyes piercing through the darkness, while Roselia''s Demon Eyes glowed faintly, detecting subtle shifts in energy.


    "This ce reeks of danger," Roselia murmured, her hand resting on the hilt of her weapon.


    Leon nodded. "The monsters we''ve encountered so far are just the tip of the iceberg. The stronger ones are likely deeper in."


    "But since it''s only first level, maybe it''s just around Level 50 or such" he said as Roselia nodded.


    They moved cautiously, avoiding unnecessary noise. Suddenly, Roselia halted, her eyes narrowing. "There''s movement ahead," she whispered.


    Leon activated a spell, summoning a small, glowing orb of light that hovered silently at his side, illuminating the path just enough for them to see without drawing too much attention.


    A low growl echoed from the shadows. Emerging from the darkness were three massive Dire Wolves, their eyes glowing with an unnatural red light. These wolves were unlike the ones they had encountered outside the rift¡ªthey wererger, their fur matted and bristling with dark energy.


    "Corrupted Dire Wolves," Leon muttered. "They must''ve absorbed energy from the Mountains."


    Roselia smirked, drawing her de. "They don''t seem too happy to see us."


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    The wolves didn''t wait for an invitation, lunging forward with a ferocity that shook the cave floor. Leon raised his staff, casting a barrier that deflected the first wolf''s ws, while Roselia sidestepped another and retaliated with a swift sh that sent sparks flying.


    "Keep them off me for a moment," Leon called out as he began chanting a spell.


    Roselia nodded, her movements fluid as she engaged the wolves. Her de danced through the air, leaving trails of demonic energy that burned into the wolves'' thick hides. One wolf howled in pain, but it was relentless, pressing its attack with savage determination.


    Leon''s chant reached its peak. "Bursting me Cascade!" he shouted, releasing a wave of fiery projectiles that arced through the air and struck the wolves with explosive force. The cave lit up briefly with the fiery bursts, and when the smoke cleared, the wolvesy motionless on the ground.


    "That was close," Roselia said, brushing dirt off her armor.


    Leon lowered his staff, inspecting the area. "This rift''s energy is amplifying the monsters. We''ll need to be careful moving forward."


    Roselia nodded. "Let''s finish exploring this cave and clear this level."


    "Yeah, I''m already exhausted. Let''s clear this and go," Leon said with a tired nod as they continued onward.


    For another three hours, they fought their way through hordes of Dire Wolves, bats, and other lesser monsters. As Leon had suspected, this was only the lower level of the rift, so they didn''t encounter any particrly powerful monsters.

 Chapter 92 Angelica

    Leon and Roselia arrived at the town gate, showing their Ascender cards to the guards before being allowed inside. Leon stretched as they walked through. "Let''s go, eat, and rest," he mumbled, clearly exhausted from their recent ordeal.


    Roselia nodded in agreement, and the two continued down the familiar streets, making their way back to their inn.


    "Oh, you''re back!" Lina, the innkeeper, greeted them warmly as they stepped inside.


    "We''re back, Lina," Leon replied with a small nod.


    Roselia smiled at her. "Do you have something tasty you can cook today?"


    Lina nodded enthusiastically.


    Lina was a tall, strikingly beautiful woman with dark, silky hair and amber eyes. A native of the Tower, she had inherited this small, cozy inn from her family, who had run it for generations. Though modest, the inn was charming, with just ten spacious double-bed rooms.


    Leon had already rented out the entire inn, ensuring privacy andfort for himself and Roselia. While he could easily afford to buy the ce outright¡ªgiven the wealth he''d umted¡ªhe preferred to let Lina continue managing it as it was her family''s legacy. Recently, Lina had even started cooking for Leon and Roselia, bing their unofficial chef.


    "Give me a little while, and I''ll whip up something special," Lina said with a warm smile before heading toward the kitchen.


    Leon and Roselia headed to their room, eager to rest and recharge while they waited for Lina''s meal.


    Leon leaned back on the plush sofa in their room, letting out a tired sigh. Roselia sat across from him, her legs crossed elegantly as she began polishing her des. Despite the exhaustion, there was afortable silence between them, a testament to how well they worked together.


    "You''ve been quiet," Roselia finally said, ncing up at Leon.


    Leon smirked slightly, resting his head against the back of the sofa. "Just thinking. That Rift was a lot easier than I expected, but I can''t help feeling like the real challenge is waiting for us further up the mountain."


    Roselia nodded, her violet eyes sharp. "You''re not wrong. Lower-level Rifts are just the beginning. If we''re not prepared, those upper-level creatures will tear us apart."


    Leon chuckled. "Always the optimist, huh?"


    Roselia smirked faintly but didn''t reply. Instead, she focused on her de, the rhythmic sound of the sharpening stone filling the room.


    A gentle knock on the door interrupted them.


    "Come in," Leon called out.


    Lina entered, carrying a trayden with steaming dishes. The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the room, making Leon''s stomach growl audibly. Roselia raised an eyebrow, amused.


    "Here you go," Lina said cheerfully, setting the tray down on the table. "A special stew, fresh bread, and some roasted meat. It''s not fancy, but it''ll keep you strong for whatever you''re nning next."


    "It smells amazing," Roselia said, her eyes briefly softening as she looked at the meal.


    Leon sat up, eagerly reaching for a bowl. "You''re a lifesaver, Lina."


    Linaughed lightly. "Just doing my job. Let me know if you need anything else." With that, she left the room, leaving them to their meal.


    As they ate, Leon began outlining their next steps.


    "Tomorrow, we''ll head back to the Rift and start clearing the mid-levels. The lower levels were manageable, but we need to test ourselves against tougher monsters. I''ll also check if we can find any hidden resources or treasures inside."


    Roselia nodded, finishing her bite of stew. "Agreed. The more we push now, the better prepared we''ll be when we ascend further in the Tower."


    Leon grinned. "That''s the n. For now, though, let''s eat and rest. We''ve earned it."


    They continued their meal, savoring the food and the rare moment of peace before the challenges awaiting them tomorrow.


    But the peace was shattered when someone else suddenly entered the room, leaving both Leon and Roselia stunned as they froze in their actions.


    I didn''t sense her approach, they both thought in horror, their eyes darting to the side where a beautiful woman now sat. Calmly, she poured herself a cup of tea and helped herself to a bowl of stew, taking a delicate bite before opening her mouth to speak.


    "You broke my heart, Leon," she said, her voice smooth yet tinged with a yful sadness.


    Leon stared at her, recognizing the voice instantly. How could he not? It was the same voice he had heard at the auction house¡ªthe same voice filled with passion and longing from that unforgettable night.


    "At least you remember my voice," Angelica said, smiling as she met his gaze, her violet eyes shimmering mischievously. She took another bite of stew, entirely at ease.


    "What are you doing here?" Leon asked, exhaling sharply as his initial tension ebbed away. His racing heart finally began to calm. God, I thought I was about to meet my dead mom and dad, Leon thought inwardly, shaking off the sudden shock.


    Angelica leaned back in her chair, swirling the tea in her cupzily. "What, no warm wee for your ''dearpanion'' who has been longing for you?" she teased, pouting slightly before letting her expression soften. "I came to see you, of course. It''s been far too long, hasn''t it?"


    Roselia remained silent, her sharp eyes never leaving Angelica. Though she was rxed on the surface, her hand subtly rested on her de, ready to draw it at a moment''s notice.


    Leon sighed, rubbing his temple. "Angelica, you''re as dramatic as ever. Did you really have to scare us like that? Roselia almost attacked you."


    Angelicaughed lightly, waving her hand dismissively. "Oh, please. Like she could actuallynd a hit on me." Her gaze flicked to Roselia, her smile widening. "Though I must admit, I''m impressed. You''ve got good instincts, darling. It''s no wonder Leon keeps you close."


    Roselia''s expression didn''t change, but her grip on her de tightened slightly. "I''m not here for yourpliments," she said coolly. "Why are you really here?"


    Angelica smirked, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Straight to the point. I like that." She set her teacup down and leaned forward slightly. "I''vee to bid my goodbye. After all, I can''t leave my dear Leon without informing him, can I?"


    "You''re leaving, huh?" Leon nodded, his expression neutral. Then, ncing at her, he hesitated before speaking. "But¡­ can you take back this mark? I thought that night was just a one-night stand." His voice lowered at the end as he felt Roselia''s intense re burning into him.


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    "My love mark?" Angelica''s smile widened, a yful glint in her eyes. "I''m sorry, but it''s not something I can remove." Then, with a teasing tone, she added, "Though even if I could, I wouldn''t. I''m in love with you, after all." Her eyes gleamed for a moment, and Leon could swear they turned into heart shapes.


    "So the rumors were true," Roselia remarked, her voice calm butced with curiosity.


    "What rumors?" Leon asked, frowning.


    Roselia crossed her arms, her gaze fixed on Angelica. "In the Daemon Continent, there''s a tale from a grand g where all 72 Demon Lords were present. They spoke about how the Angel King was betrayed by his own wife, and in his fury, he cursed the entire angel race. The curse is said to bind each angel to a single partner for their entire life. If either partner betrays this bond, both are punished by Heavenly Thunder¡ªa powerful lightning punishment said toe directly from the Tower itself. Apparently, the curse was cast using a powerful artifact ssified as ''Limit Grade,'' something so rare and potent it affects all floors of the Tower."


    Leon turned to Angelica, his brows raised. "Is that true?"


    Angelica sighed, setting her cup down as she nodded. "It''s not just a rumor¡ªit''s the truth. The Angel King''s third wife cheated on him with a servant. When he discovered the betrayal, he was consumed by rage and used a Limit Grade treasure of the angel race to curse his entire kind. That single incident caused the angel race to fall from their position among the top ten races, as the artifact used to cast the curse was lost in the process."


    She paused, letting the weight of her words settle before continuing. "And before you ask, yes, the Limit Grade treasures are extraordinary. They''re artifacts of unparalleled power that can influence the entire Tower, regardless of its many floors. That''s why they''re called ''Limit Grade''¡ªbecause their power is said to touch the very limits of the Tower''sws."


    Leon''s eyes widened in awe. "Damn, such a powerful artifact¡­" he muttered, his thoughts already racing with the possibilities of obtaining something so incredible.


    Angelica chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Forget about it, Leon. There are less than five Limit Grade treasures known to exist in the entire Tower. Not only that, but using one requires an enormous sacrifice. For example, when the Angel King used it, he sacrificed the power of an entire Tier 10 realm to activate it."@@novelbin@@

 Chapter 93 Angelica II

    Angelica chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Forget about it, Leon. There are less than five Limit Grade treasures known to exist in the entire Tower. Not only that, but using one requires an enormous sacrifice. For example, when the Angel King used it, he sacrificed the power of an entire Tier 10 realm to activate it."


    Leon blinked in shock, processing her words. "An entire Tier 10 realm''s power? That''s insane¡­"


    "It is," Angelica said, her tone serious now. "Limit Grade treasures are not things to covet lightly. Their poweres at a price, and it''s rarely worth the cost."


    Leon sighed, leaning back. "Guess I''ll just stick to what I can get, then. No use dreaming about something out of reach."


    Angelica smiled warmly. "Smart choice, my dear. But if you want, I can tell you the location of one. However, you''ll need to reach Floor 100 first."


    Leon raised an eyebrow. "So, it''s on Floor 100?"


    "No, of course not," Angelica replied, shaking her head. "If it were, it would''ve been taken a long time ago."


    "Then why do I need to get to Floor 100?" Leon asked, confused.


    "It''s a test, actually," Angelica exined. "You know how every hundred floors there''s a trial, like the first time you entered the Tower?"


    Leon nodded in understanding.


    "The Limit Grade treasure is hidden in the Trial of Legendary Difficulty," Angelica said. "I attempted that trial once and even passed it, but my rating wasn''t high enough to im the treasure. That''s why I''m telling you¡ªmaybe you can seed where I couldn''t."


    Leon nodded thoughtfully. "Who else knows about this?"


    Angelica smirked. "No one. Why would I share such information? You''re my husband now, so I told you."


    Leon winced at the word "husband." "You forced me into this," he muttered.


    Angelica''s expression turned cold for a moment, then softened. "If you dislike it that much, then just find a Mythical Holy Cleansing Potion and have the mark removed. That curse is rooted deeply in the angel race, but for others, it can still be undone."


    Hearing this, Leon sighed, "its not that I don''t like you, you are beautiful and more over you only belong to me, Of course I like you too and will be more than happy to have you as my Wife" he said.


    "then why you are so eager to have it removed?" Angelica asked confused as she sensed he is not lying but its his genuine feeling.


    he looked at her, feeling conflicted. "Forgive me. It''s just¡­ I have my own ambitions. You should understand that I might want more partners in the future." He nced at Angelica, gauging her reaction.


    Angelica frowned briefly but then rxed, her expression calm. "I understand. Most powerful people, men and women alike, have multiple partners. I don''t care how many more you''ll have, but I will always be No. 1."


    Roselia, who had been silently listening, frowned deeply. "No. 1? That''s me. You''re just No. 2," she retorted, ring at Angelica.


    Angelica turned her gaze to Roselia, her eyes glinting. "Oh? Care to prove it?"


    Roselia scoffed and stood up, meeting Angelica''s challenge head-on. "Of course. Let''s see who''s truly the main wife."


    Both women locked eyes, a silent battle of wills brewing between them.


    Leon, watching the situation unfold, couldn''t help but feel a mix of amusement and exasperation. ''Damn, this is straight out of an anime. And now I''m living it¡­ kind of cool, though,'' he thought, foolishly grinning as he sat there.


    "Why are you grinning like a fool?" both women shouted simultaneously, making Leon shrink back in his chair.


    "Ahem, of course, I''m happy to have two beautiful women fighting for me," he said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head as his face turned red with embarrassment.


    Hearing his response, both Angelica and Roselia smirked, clearly pleased by thepliment. They momentarily stopped ring at each other, shifting their attention back to Leon.


    "Alright, we''ll agree on this," Angelica said, her tone resolute. "We''ll both be the main wives. Any other woman will need our approval first."


    Roselia nodded in agreement. "Don''t worry. I''m traveling with him, so I''ll make sure no other unqualified bitch even dares to get close to him."


    Angelica smiled approvingly. "Good," she said as they both exchanged a rare moment of mutual understanding, albeit still eyeing each other cautiously.


    ''They became friends¡­ isn''t this too fast?'' Leon thought incredulously, shoving another spoonful of stew into his mouth to distract himself from the bizarre situation.


    Angelica leaned closer, her seductive smile deepening. "Let''s finish this meal quickly. I''d like to have my Leon Special before I leave," she purred, her voice dripping with allure.


    Leon froze mid-bite, meeting her eyes. His mind raced, but it was hard to focus with Angelica leaning so close, her movements deliberately highlighting her curves in ways that left little to the imagination.


    "Sure," Leon managed to reply, hastily devouring his food as if it would help him escape the situation.


    "Weren''t you tired just now?" Roselia remarked with a roll of her eyes, but she didn''t protest further. She decided to let Angelica have Leon tonight since she was leaving soon, and they didn''t know when they would meet again.


    Leon nced at Roselia, grateful for the reprieve, and looked at Angelica as he anticipated the night toe.


    As dinner wrapped up, Angelica gracefully stood, her movements as fluid as ever. She extended her hand to Leon with a coy smile.


    "Shall we?" she asked, her voice like a melody.


    Leon hesitated for a moment, ncing at Roselia, who simply waved him off with a smirk. "Go on. You''ll need to survive her before worrying about anything else," she teased, crossing her arms as she leaned back in her chair.


    Leon smiled, and took Angelica''s hand. As they walked toward his room, he couldn''t help but feel the weight of her presence¡ªstrong, confident, and entirely alluring.


    Later that night


    Leony sprawled on the bed, his breathing heavy. Angelica, with a satisfied smile, traced circles on his chest with her finger. "You''re quite something, my dear," she murmured.


    Leon groaned. "You''re not half-bad yourself... though I might miss this now."


    Angelica chuckled softly. "Don''t worry. We might meet sooner than you think."


    Her yful tone carried a hint of finality.


    "Where are you heading?" Leon asked, his voice low but curious.


    "To the upper levels," Angelica replied, her expression turning serious. "I have unfinished business there. But don''t worry, my dear Leon. I''ll always be watching you through the mark."


    Leon frowned. "You can even see through it?"


    Angelica shook her head. "Rather than seeing you directly, it''s more like sensing your well-being. I can tell if you''re in critical health or perfectly fine, and I can even assist you if needed. Consider it a token of my love," she said with a mischievous smile.


    Leon nodded, though curiosity sparked in his mind about whether he could learn to use the mark''s abilities himself. "Just take care of yourself up there. I''ll meet you again soon," he said, caressing her face gently.


    Angelica''s melodicughter filled the room. "I''ll be waiting," she said, her tone warm and affectionate.


    Leon took a step back and snapped his fingers, causing a transformation. His bluish-white hair turned a deep ck, and his build became noticeably more muscr.


    Angelica blinked in surprise, a hint of confusion on her face.


    "This is my real body," Leon exined, watching her reaction.


    Angelica tilted her head slightly before a smile spread across her lips. "Not much has changed, aside from your scrawny build. This version is definitely more handsome," she teased, running her fingers through his hair. "Your ck hair suits you better, especially with those green eyes. It''s more striking than the bluish-white look."


    Leon shrugged nonchntly. "I''m not from a powerful background, so I had to keep a low profile to stay safe," he said, his tone calm yet reflective.


    Angelica nodded in understanding. "I know," she replied softly. Then, a yful glint appeared in her eyes as she looked at him. "Let''s have another round."


    Before Leon could respond, Angelica leaned in and captured his lips in a deep kiss. She pulled back just enough to whisper, "I want to see what it''s like with your original body."


    Leon smirked, his confidence returning as he wrapped his arms around her. "I''d hate to disappoint," he said, pulling her closer.


    And so, another round of passion ensued, their connection growing deeper as the night stretched on.@@novelbin@@


    The Next Morning


    Roselia was waiting downstairs when Leon finally emerged, looking somewhat tired. She raised an eyebrow at him, her smirk wide and teasing.


    "Rough night?" she asked, clearly enjoying his difort.


    "Don''t start," Leon said, ''Damm her stamina is on another level''.


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    Angelica appeared soon after, looking as radiant as ever. She gave Leon a knowing look before turning to Roselia. "Take care of him for me," she said with a wink.


    "Of course," Roselia replied, her toneced with sarcasm. "Not like I''ve been doing that all this time or anything."


    Angelica ignored the jab and stepped toward the door. With a final wave, she disappeared into the distance, leaving Leon and Roselia in silence.


    "So," Roselia said after a moment, "ready to get moving?"


    Leon nodded. "Let''s just go."

 Chapter 94 SSS rank Quest

    As Leon and Roselia left the inn, the bustling streets of the town greeted them. Merchants called out their wares, adventurers exchanged tales of daring exploits, and the general hum of activity filled the air.


    Roselia nced at Leon, who seemed lost in thought. "You''re thinking about her, aren''t you?"


    Leon shook his head quickly, though his slight hesitation didn''t go unnoticed. "No, just nning our next steps. We need to stock up and prepare before heading to the next quest."


    Pausing for a moment, he added, "After all, it''s an SSS-rank quest now."


    Roselia rolled her eyes. "Right. And the fact that she basically imed you as her eternal husband has nothing to do with it?"


    Leon sighed. "Roselia, I already told you, I didn''t ask for this. And besides," he added with a small smirk, "you seem more than ready to handle any petition,'' so why worry?"


    Roselia''s eyes narrowed, but she didn''t press the matter. "Fine. Let''s focus on more important things. Where are we heading first?"


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    At the Market


    The duo walked through the market, picking up supplies¡ªpotions, rations, and a few enchanted items. Leon bartered with one particrly stubborn merchant, eventually securing a powerful mana regeneration amulet at a fair price.


    "That should help when things get rough," he said, holding up the amulet for Roselia to see.


    She nodded. "Good find. Anything else?"


    Leon paused, considering. "We might want to check out the cksmith. My sword took some damage during thest quest."


    "Lead the way," Roselia said, falling into step beside him.@@novelbin@@


    At the cksmith


    The cksmith shop was a modest establishment, but the quality of the weapons and armor disyed was undeniable. The burly smith greeted them with a nod as they entered.


    "What can I do for you?" he asked, his voice rough but friendly.


    Leon unsheathed his sword, revealing a faint crack along the de. "I need this repaired. Can you handle it?"


    The smith examined the sword, his eyes narrowing in concentration. "Hmm. High-quality material. This won''t be easy, but I can do it. It''ll take a day, though."


    Leon handed over the weapon. "That''s fine. Just make sure it''s ready by tomorrow."


    As they left the shop, Roselia nced at him. "What''s the n now?"


    Leon stretched, his gaze drifting toward the towering silhouette of the next floor''s portal in the distance. "We rest for the day. Tomorrow, we head to the quest and take on whatever challenge awaits us."


    Later That Evening


    Back at the inn, Leon and Roselia settled into their rooms. As Leony in bed, his thoughts drifted to Angelica and her cryptic parting words.


    The trial of Legendary Difficulty... he mused, the weight of her revtion sinking in. If what she said was true, then the treasure she mentioned could be a game-changer. But the risks involved...


    He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "One step at a time," he muttered.


    The Next Morning


    Leon and Roselia stood at the edge of the portal leading to the next city. The SSS-rank quest wasn''t in their current city¡ªthey hadpleted all the undead-rted quests avable there. Now, it was time to move on.


    As their turn came, they stepped into the teleportation portal, arriving swiftly at the next city.


    The Arcane City


    "The Arcane City, famous for mages," Leon read aloud from therge signboard as they entered.


    "Well, yes, and they''ve also got an academy here," Roselia added, sharing her knowledge about the city.


    Leon nodded. "That''s not unusual. Even in my original world, we had academies."


    Roselia nced at him curiously. "Don''t you ever wish to go out and meet them? Afterpleting the Tower''s Trial, many people leave temporarily to explore the outside world. You''ve never left the Tower, have you?"


    Leon shook his head. "I don''t have any ties outside. I was an orphan," he replied simply.


    Roselia softened slightly. "Not even friends at the orphanage?"


    "None," Leon admitted, his voice t. He quickly moved on, brushing aside unnecessary shbacks.


    "Are you alright?" she asked, noticing a flicker of something in his expression.


    "I''m fine," Leon replied, nodding. "Let''s go."


    Together, they walked deeper into the city, Leon admiring the towering spires of the academy and the bustling streets filled with magic users of all kinds.


    "Let''s check out the Ascendant''s Guild first," Leon suggested, pointing toward arge building adorned with intricate arcane symbols.


    "Lead the way," Roselia said, following him as they ventured into the heart of the Arcane City.


    As Leon and Roselia stepped into the Arcane City, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The hum of magic lingered in the air, faint sparks asionally flickering between enchantednterns lining the cobbled streets. Buildings towered high with intricate carvings, glowing runes etched into their walls, and floating banners announcing uing magical duels and lectures.


    The streets were alive with activity. Groups of robed mages walked in clusters, discussing theories and spells, while merchants sold everything from spell scrolls to alchemical reagents. A street performer conjured colorful illusions of mythical creatures, earning cheers and coins from an enchanted crowd.


    Roselia took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the bustling scene. "You can feel it, can''t you? This city breathes magic. It''s everywhere."


    Leon nodded, his expression neutral but his sharp gaze missing nothing. "It''s impressive, but let''s not get distracted. The Guild should be our priority."


    The Ascendant''s Guild building was a masterpiece of magical architecture. Tall crystalline spires reflected the sunlight in shimmering hues, and the massive double doors were engraved with intricate runes that glowed faintly as they approached. Therge symbol of the Tower Trials¡ªan upward-spiraling staircase surrounded by a ring of stars¡ªadorned the entryway.


    Inside, the Guild was bustling with activity. Mages, warriors, and adventurers of all kinds moved through the grand hall. Quest boards lined the walls, magical maps floated midair, and the hum of arcane devices being calibrated echoed faintly.


    Leon approached the receptionist, a young woman with short silver hair and glowing purple eyes. She nced up, her gaze sharp and professional.


    "Wee to the Ascendant''s Guild," she said. "How can I assist you?"


    "We''re here for the quest board," Leon replied.


    She nodded and gestured to the boards lining the walls. "Feel free to browse. The higher-ranked quests are on the far side, near the Guildmaster''s chamber. If you need additional guidance, let me know."


    "But you do know you can only take Quest based on your Ascender rank right?" she asked as leon nodded.


    They have gathered enough points to even climb t 5th floor but not enough to reach the next rank of Ascenders, the bronze rank.


    They have now little over 900 points afterpleting many S rank and A rak quests, but they need 1000 points to advance to bronze rank.


    Leon then went to Quest board with Roselia,


    As they approached the far end of the hall, the noise of the bustling adventurers grew distant. Here, the quests disyed were not only rare but dangerous. The parchment of each quest seemed to radiate power, glowing softly to signify its rank.


    Leon''s eyes scanned the board, his gaze narrowing as he found their target. A single parchment marked with a shimmering golden seal stood out among the rest.


    Roselia leaned closer, reading aloud. "The Fallen Archmage''s Legacy: An SSS-Rank Trial. Defeat the spectral remnants of the Archmage Valtheris, recover his lost artifacts, and purge his corruptedir. Rmended for teams of high-tier adventurers or Ascendants only."


    "Sounds like a challenge," Roselia said, her tone light but her expression serious.


    "It''s not just a challenge," Leon replied. "It''s a death sentence for anyone unprepared."


    Roselia crossed her arms and nodded. "Let''s take this quest, and then head to the library to learn more about him," she said decisively.


    Leon nodded in agreement. They returned to the receptionist desk and registered the quest. The receptionist, however, issued a stern warning.


    "Be aware, if you fail toplete this quest within a month, there will be a fine of 10,000 gold coins," she cautioned.


    "We''ve got another SSS-rank quest lined up," Leon remarked as they stepped away from the desk.


    Roselia nodded. "The other one is simr: The Death Tyrant King quest. He was a powerful Sword King-level expert in life, and now he''s been transformed into a Death Knight," she said, recalling their other pending challenge.


    leon nodded as he looked at her " how about this we both do one SSS rank quest, I take his Archmage and you take that Sword King" He said as Roselia looke dta him.


    "...What happened to you? You always y it safe, so why the change now?" Roselia asked, her sharp eyes fixed on Leon.


    Leon sighed heavily before responding. "Remember how Angelica mentioned the Angelic King was Tier 10? I never even knew such a rank existed. All I thought was that Tier 5 was the pinnacle. But Tier 10? That''s five whole tiers above what I believed possible," he exined, his voice tinged with frustration and determination.


    He nced at her, his gaze steady. "If I keep ying it safe, I''ll never grow stronger. I''ll stay stuck, and there''s a whole world of power out there I didn''t even know existed."


    Roselia nodded, understanding dawning in her expression. "Alright," she said, her voice firm. "If you''re serious about pushing your limits, then I''ll support you. But don''t forget, taking risks means we''ll need to n smarter than ever."


    Leon managed a small, appreciative smile. "That''s why I need you with me."

 Chapter 95 SSS rank Quest II

    "How about this¡ªwe apany each other but won''t intervene unless the other''s life is in danger. This way, we can still face challenges while ying it safe," Leon suggested.


    Roselia nodded in agreement. "Mmm, we should do that. It''s better this way," she said before ncing at the quest board. "So, which one should we tackle first?"


    Leon looked at the options thoughtfully. "Dunno, just pick one randomly," he replied.


    Roselia chose the Archmage quest. "Let''s go take care of him first," she said.


    Leon shrugged and nodded. "Alright, let''s do it."


    Together, they began moving toward their destination, unaware that two pairs of eyes were watching them from the shadows.


    "So, it''s them?" one of the figures asked, his voice low.


    "Yes," the other confirmed. "They''re the ones who took the Archmage quest."


    The first man frowned deeply. "That quest has been vacant for nine months because of its deadly nature. After thest group failed and perished, the dungeon must have umted a lot of valuable loot."


    The second man nodded, a cunning smile spreading across his face. "Should I call the others? We can camp outside the dungeon. When theye out, we''ll ambush them."


    The first man smirked. "Yes, let''s do that. Get the others ready."


    With a final nod, the two disappeared, leaving to finalize their ns.


    Leon and Roselia made their way through the bustling streets, heading toward the Archmage''s dungeon. The city was alive with activity, but the tension of their uing quest didn''t distract them as they continued to move. Stay connected with My Virtual Library Empire


    "You think this Archmage is as dangerous as they say?" Roselia asked, breaking the silence as they walked.


    Leon nced at her, his expression calm but focused. "If the reports are urate, he''s not just dangerous¡ªhe''s lethal. A former Tier-5 level 548 Archmage, now a Tier 1 level 80 King ss Lich with a mastery of forbidden arcane arts. If we''re not prepared, we won''t stand a chance."


    Roselia''s lips pressed into a thin line. "Good thing we stocked up on mana potions and enchanted gear, then. Still, I don''t like how few people have attempted this questtely. Nine months without takers feels... odd."


    Leon nodded. "That could mean two things. Either the rewards aren''t worth the risk, or the dungeon is hiding something much worse than we''ve been told."


    As they approached the outskirts of the city, the air grew colder, and the noise of the city faded into an eerie silence. They took mounts from the Monster Stable as they hopped on the back of big Squirrel like ministers as they went toward the location of the Dungeon, a former County estate. After an hour they reached the estate as they looked at it. The dungeon''s entrance loomed before them¡ªa massive stone archway etched with glowing runes, pulsing faintly with a malevolent energy.


    Roselia shivered. "Creepy. Why do all these high-level dungeons have to look like something out of a nightmare?"


    Leon chuckled softly, though his grip tightened on the hilt of his sword. "Keeps the weak away, I guess."


    Unseen Threats


    Unbeknownst to them, the two shadowy figures from earlier had gathered a small group of mercenaries. The group, hidden in a nearby grove, watched Leon and Roselia from a distance.


    "They''re entering the dungeon," one of the mercenaries whispered.


    The leader, a rugged man with a scar running down his cheek, smirked. "Good. Let them clear the dungeon for us. When theye out, they''ll be weak and tired. That''s when we strike."


    Another mercenary shifted uneasily. "But what if they don''t survive? The Archmage might kill them before we even get a chance."


    The leader''s eyes glinted with greed. "Then we go in ourselves and im whatever they left behind. Either way, we win."


    The Dungeon


    Inside the dungeon, Leon and Roselia moved cautiously through the dimly lit corridors. The air was thick with an unnatural chill, and the walls seemed to hum with arcane energy.


    As they ventured deeper into the dimly lit dungeon, the faint glow of arcane symbols on the walls began to intensify. A chilling breeze swept past them, sending a shiver down Roselia''s spine.


    "Stay close," Leon said, his voice low but steady.


    Roselia nodded, her weapon drawn and ready. "This ce reeks of magic. Be on the lookout for traps."


    They cautiously advanced, the echo of their footsteps swallowed by the oppressive silence. Suddenly, the glow ahead flickered, and two ghostly figures materialized. They were cloaked in tattered, floating robes that shimmered with an eerie, otherworldly light. Their skeletal hands clutched glowing staves, and faint whispers of arcane incantations filled the air.


    "Spectral Mages," Leon muttered, narrowing his eyes. "They''re pure magic constructs. No physical body¡ªonly spells and death."


    "Okay now, you can back off," Leon said, stepping forward a few paces and raising his staff. With a calm demeanor, he chanted, "Aether Bolt." Two glowing energy bolts shot out from the tip of his staff, striking the Spectral Mages with precision and obliterating them instantly.


    "One-shot kill," he muttered with a faint smirk, continuing forward with Roselia following closely behind. From time to time, more Spectral Mages, and even a few Grandmages, appeared to attack them. However, all of them fell easily to Leon''s minor spells.


    Leon had recently reached level 60, with most of his stat points allocated to Intelligence. Combined with his Sage Crown¡ªa powerful magical artifact that further amplified his abilities¡ªand his Divine Insight passive skill, which boosted his Intelligence by an additional 50%, he had be a formidable force.


    Despite his rtively low levelpared to some of the dungeon''s enemies, Leon''s overwhelming Intelligence stat allowed him to unleash devastating spells with ease. He could rival even level 200 opponents purely through his raw magical prowess. It was as though he were a living, breathing magical cannon.


    "You''re making this look too easy," Roselia remarked, watching as Leon dispatched another group of enemies with a flick of his staff.@@novelbin@@


    "Efficiency," Leon replied, ncing back at her. "Why waste effort when a well-ced spell can do the job?"

 Chapter 96 Archmage Quest

    As they ventured deeper, the corridor opened into a vast chamber. At its center stood a skeletal figure draped in tattered robes, its eyes glowing with an eerie blue light. The Archmage.@@novelbin@@


    As Leon and Roselia entered, the Lich''s eyes flickered, its head moving slightly to look at them. "Humans¡­ are not wee in my domain," it said, its voice a haunting echo.


    Leon raised his brow in surprise. "You can talk?" he asked.


    The Lich nodded slowly. "I have fleeting moments of rity¡ªremnants of the wisdom I once held. And then¡­ it vanishes," it said, its gaze lowering. "How pathetic I have be¡­"


    Leon frowned. This was unexpected. There had been no mention of such behavior in the information they had gathered about the Archmage.


    "Human," the Lich continued, "would you like to hear my story?"


    A notification shed before Leon.


    {New Quest}


    {Listen to the Archmage''s Story}


    {Reward: Continuation of the Quest}


    "Alright, what is it?" Leon said, nodding as he epted the quest.


    The Lich inclined its head slightly, but its glowing eyes suddenly red red. Its demeanor shifted, and it hissed with malice, "You dare disturb my domain?"


    Leon and Roselia exchanged a quick nce, wondering what was going on.


    Another notification appeared in front of Leon.


    {New Quest}


    {Stall time until the Archmage regains its wisdom}


    {Time Limit: 1 minute}


    {Reward: Continuation of the Quest}


    "I see¡­" Leon muttered, understanding the peculiar nature of this quest. Despite the rewards forpleting it, this exined why many adventurers had failed.


    If the quest relied on stalling an unstable Archmage prone to sudden violent outbursts, it was no wonder so many adventurers hadn''t made it past this point. An Archmage was like a ticking time bomb. You never knew when they might unleash devastating magic.


    "Roselia," Leon whispered, his staff ready, "stay alert. This might get messy."


    Roselia nodded, gripping her weapon tightly as the Lich''s eyes burned with fiery malice.


    "I will be on alert," Roselia said, stepping back cautiously, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any sudden threats.


    Leon gave her a brief nod, his focus locked on the Lich. The timer for the quest continued to tick down in reverse, every second feeling like an eternity.


    "Magic Missile," the Lich incanted, and glowing projectiles shot toward Leon with precision.


    Leon twirled his staff, countering with a barrier spell. "I''ll have to use only weaker spells," he muttered under his breath, deflecting the missiles. "If I overdo it, I might kill him by ident and fail the quest."


    The magic duel had officially begun.


    Leon stood firm, his mind racing as he analyzed the Lich''s attacks. Despite its erratic state, the Lich still wielded immense power, every spell a calcted challenge.


    Roselia, watching from the sidelines, kept her weapon ready but refrained from stepping in. It was Leon''s decision to handle this alone, and she respected his resolve.


    The Lich raised its skeletal hands, summoning a wave of Arcane des that sliced through the air. Leon countered with a quick Wind sh, dispersing the magical des before they could reach him.


    "This is a test of endurance," Leon thought, keeping his spells bnced¡ªstrong enough to counter the Lich but not so overwhelming as to end the fight prematurely.


    "Come on, Leon," Roselia whispered to herself, gripping her weapon tightly. "You can do this."


    The duel raged on, the chamber filled with shes of light and bursts of magical energy. The timer continued to count down, inching closer to zero.


    "Almost there," Leon muttered, beads of sweat forming on his brow as he cast another defensive spell to block a barrage of Fire Bolts.


    The Lich''s attacks grew wilder, its fleeting moments of intelligence giving way to bursts of chaotic rage. Despite the pressure, Leon remainedposed, his strategy clear: stall, survive, and wait for the moment of rity to return to the Archmage.


    Time was running out, but Leon knew he could hold on. He had to.


    {29...}


    {21...}


    Leon continued to attack the Lich, carefully interrupting its spellcasting to prevent it from conjuring anything too powerful. He understood the stakes¡ªif the Lich seeded in unleashing a devastating spell, Leon would be forced to counter with equally powerful magic, which could have catastrophic consequences. A sh of high-tier spells might kill the Lich outright, failing the quest.


    The Lich''s mana reserves were immense, seemingly infinite, making it a nightmare opponent for most adventurers. However, Leon''s own massive mana pool and his exceptional mana regeneration allowed him to keep stalling without breaking a sweat.


    {2...}


    {1...}


    As the timer hit zero, the Lich''s glowing red eyes faded, reced by a calm, ethereal blue. It stopped attacking, lowering its skeletal hands as it looked at Leon with rity.


    "It seems I lost myself once again," the Lich said in a voice that carried both wisdom and sorrow.


    Leon resisted the urge to correct it¡ªthe "moment" of rity hadsted far longer than a second. He let it slide.


    "My name is, or was, Valtheris von Raon," the Lich began. "I was a powerful Archduke of this once-beautiful kingdom... until we made a fatal mistake."


    As Valtheris waved his hand, Leon and Roselia found themselves surrounded by a vivid illusion. They stood in the middle of a breathtakingly majestic kingdom. The streets were lined with grand architecture, and the air carried a sense of pride and prosperity.


    "This was our kingdom," Valtheris continued.


    Leon and Roselia marveled at the splendor but quickly noticed something unsettling. The kingdom seemed popted exclusively by the wealthy.


    "Why are there only nobles and rich people here?" Leon asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.


    Valtheris sighed deeply, the glow in his eyes dimming slightly. "That was our mistake. This beautiful kingdom was built on the backs of themon folk. We confined the peasantry and lower-ss citizens to the outskirts, far from the city walls, while only nobles lived within."


    He gestured again, and the illusion shifted. The once-beautiful kingdom became a stark contrast¡ªdpidated slums outside the city walls and vast, empty fields.


    "We grew drunk on power," Valtheris said. "We dismissed themoners, thinking we didn''t need them. Slowly, our kingdom began to decline. The nobles didn''t know how to farm, nor how to cook. Without the backbone of themoners, our society fell apart."


    The vision darkened further, showing the kingdom in ruins. Its grandeur reduced to a crumbling wastnd, the once-thriving civilization left in shambles.

 Chapter 99 Archmage Quest IV

    Leon grinned, his eyes zing with determination. "Let''s turn up the heat."


    He mmed his staff into the ground. "Infernal Copse!" Pirs of fire erupted from the ground, consuming the golems in a blinding inferno. The molten remains dripped back to the floor, but before Leon could take a breath, Valtheris was already on the move.


    The Lich floated into the air, his robes billowing as he raised his hands high. The ceiling cracked, and from above, a rain of massive, razor-sharp metal spikes began to fall.


    Leon narrowed his eyes, pointing his staff upward. "Arcane Shield: Omni-Dome!" A translucent dome of pure energy materialized over him, deflecting the deadly rain. The spikes shattered upon impact, but the relentless assault kept Leon pinned in ce.


    "Impressive, but you''re still outmatched," Valtheris mocked, summoning a de of shimmering silver metal in his hand. He dove toward Leon, aiming to pierce through the dome.


    Leon smirked. "Not so fast."


    As Valtheris descended, Leon dispelled the dome and leapt into the air, his staff glowing with intense red light. "Crimson Barrage!" A rapid series of explosive projectiles shot from the staff, forcing Valtheris to retreat mid-air.


    The twonded on opposite ends of the chamber, both breathing heavily.


    "You''re stronger than I expected," Valtheris admitted, his voice a mix of grudging respect and irritation. "But strength alone won''t save you. Sooner orter you will run out of Mana while I have Infinite amount of it."


    Leon nted his staff in the ground, mes crackling around him. "Maybe or maybe not, Why don''t we find it out?"


    Hearing his Mocking tone, Valtheris, charged at him as Leon smirked and charged too.


    They charged at each other, their magic colliding in a brilliant explosion that shook the very foundations of the mansion. mes, metal, and raw energy swirled chaotically, neither side giving an inch.


    Valtheris, now fully powered by his refined metal magic, shifted his strategy. He mmed his skeletal fist into the ground, and the entire chamber trembled as massive metallic spikes erupted in every direction. The spikes coiled and converged into a serpentine dragon, its metallic scales shimmering with lethal sharpness.


    The dragon roared, its cry reverberating through the room as it lunged toward Leon with blinding speed.


    Leon didn''t flinch. With a flick of his staff, he called out, "Eruption Barrage!" The ground beneath the metallic dragon exploded in a series of fiery sts. Each eruption shattered part of the dragon''s body, but the creature seemed to regenerate faster than it was destroyed.


    "You cannot oust me!" Valtheris dered, his voice echoing with both pride and menace.


    Leon smirked, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead. "Maybe not, but I can keep you busy long enough to regret underestimating me."


    The dragon circled back, its glowing eyes locked on Leon. He spun his staff in an arc. "Destructive Vortex!" A swirling storm of fire and arcane energy materialized around him, pulling the dragon into its core. The sh of forces sent sparks flying, illuminating the battle in bursts of red and silver light.


    The dragon dissolved under the relentless energy, but Valtheris wasted no time. With a gesture, he summoned a massive, circr saw of whirling metal and hurled it at Leon.


    Leon countered instantly. "Oblivion Shield!" A barrier of dark energy materialized before him, absorbing the impact and shattering the saw into harmless fragments.


    "You''re faster than I thought," Valtheris admitted, his toneced with frustration.


    "And you''re as predictable as I hoped," Leon retorted, his eyes gleaming with confidence.


    Valtheris raised both arms, and the fragments from his broken attacks gathered around him, forming a massive suit of metallic armor. He towered over Leon, each movement apanied by the grinding sound of steel against steel.


    "This is my true form," Valtheris dered, his voice booming from within the armor. "Face the might of the Dolfen Duke!"


    Leon nodded, gripping his staff tightly. "Fine. I''ll stop holding back too."


    The air around Leon crackled with raw power as he activated one of his most devastating spells. "Annihtion Field!" The chamber was enveloped in a sphere of pulsating energy, its destructive force ripping through the very fabric of the room.


    Valtheris charged forward, his massive frame deflecting the brunt of the energy with his armor. He swung a colossal de forged from the remains of his dragon, aiming to cleave Leon in half.


    Leon ducked under the swing and countered with a burst of concentrated fire. The mes licked at Valtheris''s armor but failed to prate it fully. The Lich retaliated with a barrage of metallic projectiles, each one aimed with deadly precision.


    "Scorched Barrage!" Leon shouted, sending a wave of molten fire to intercept the projectiles. The two forces collided mid-air, erupting in a blinding explosion that shook the chamber.


    Valtherisughed maniacally, his armor glowing red-hot from the heat. "You fight well, mortal, but this ends now!"


    The Lich raised his de, channeling all his power into a single, devastating strike. The de gleamed with an intense light as it descended toward Leon.


    Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire@@novelbin@@


    Leon nted his feet firmly, his staff glowing brighter than ever. "Meteor Breaker!" he roared, summoning a massive fiery meteor from above. The meteor mmed into the de, creating a deafening explosion that sent shockwaves rippling through the chamber.


    When the dust settled, bothbatants were on opposite sides of the room, visibly battered but still standing.


    "You''re persistent," Valtheris muttered, his tone now tinged with respect.


    "And you''re stubborn," Leon replied, a defiant grin on his face.


    The battle wasn''t over yet. Both knew that the next move would decide the victor.


    "What is your ss?" Leon asked, his piercing gaze fixed on Valtheris.


    The lich sneered, his glowing red eyes narrowing with disdain. "My ss is called Golden Archmage, a powerful and legendary ss," he dered, his voice dripping with arrogance.


    "I see," Leon responded calmly, his grip tightening on his staff. "In that case, let''s see if my ss-exclusive skill is effective against your ss-exclusive skill."


    Valtheris tilted his head slightly, intrigued. "Very well, mortal. Let this be our final sh," he said, raising his hand as golden runes began to encircle him.


    "Good," Leon replied, his tone resolute. He raised his staff high, his aura ring to life as he activated his most powerful skill¡ªthe one that could decide everything.


    This next move would surely end the battle.

 Chapter 102 Conflict II

    Roselia nodded and stepped forward, her sword gleaming with her battle aura. "You take the leader. I''ll handle the rest," she said calmly, already focusing her energy on the advancing party members.


    Leon raised his staff, summoning his first spell. "Golden Fortress!" A massive, glowing wall of golden metal materialized between him and Maximillius''s men, effectively isting the leader.


    Maximillius''s eyes widened. "You fool you just trapped yourself with me?!, And I am Dragon yer Warrior, I have advantage over you" heughed as he said.


    Leon tilted his head and smirked. "Not really. I just didn''t want my test subject running away." He pointed his staff, and the air around them began to hum with power.


    "Golden Convergence!" Leon shouted. Shards of glowing metal began to coalesce in midair, forming an intricate array of whirling weapons. des, spears, and projectiles hovered menacingly beforeunching toward Maximillius with blistering speed.


    Maximillius swung his sword. "Dragon yer Barrier!" A fiery crimson shield erupted around him, deflecting the first wave of projectiles. However, the intensity of Leon''s spell caused cracks to form in the barrier almost immediately.


    "You''re strong!" Maximillius admitted, gritting his teeth. "But I''ve faced stronger!"


    " killed better mages" he said shing at him.


    Leon chuckled. "Have you, though?" He shifted his stance and activated another spell. "Metallic Oblivion!" The projectiles dissolved into a mist of golden particles, which reformed into chains thatshed out and wrapped around Maximillius''s arms and legs, immobilizing him. Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Meanwhile, Roselia darted through the rest of the group like a blur, her sword cutting down anyone who dared to attack her. Her movements were precise and lethal, leaving no room for retaliation. Within moments, half the group was incapacitated, their equipment scattered across the forest floor.


    Maximillius struggled against the chains, his fiery aura intensifying. "You''ll regret this! My father will¡ª"


    Leon interrupted him with a cold re. "Your father isn''t here. And if you''re the best they''ve got, I''m not impressed."


    He raised his staff, summoning one final spell. "Molten Gold Incinerator!" A massive beam of golden energy shot down from the sky, engulfing Maximillius in a blinding light. When the light faded, the leader was reduced to ash, his armor and sword melting into unrecognizable scraps.


    Roselia finished off thest of the attackers and walked over to Leon. "That was unnecessarily shy," she remarked, ncing at the smoldering crater where Maximillius had stood.


    Leon shrugged. "He deserved it. Besides, it sends a message."


    Roselia sighed. "And that message is going to bring us a lot of trouble."


    Leon shrugged. "Leaving him alive would''ve brought trouble anyway," he replied, his tone calm but resolute. Roselia could only sigh again, knowing he wasn''t wrong.


    "Let''s go," Leon said as he knelt and retrieved the ring from Maximillius''s ashes. As they walked, he transferred all the items stored in Maximillius''s ring to his own. The wealth and resources within were impressive, but Leon barely spared them a nce, focusing instead on organizing his own inventory.


    Roselia nodded silently, then pulled out two small whistles. She blew on them, releasing a sharp, high-pitched sound that echoed through the forest. Momentster, two majestic beasts emerged from the shadows¡ªa sleek panther with glowing silver eyes and a towering wolf with fur as dark as midnight.


    "Let''s go," Leon said again, mounting the wolf''s back with practiced ease. Roselia climbed onto the panther, its powerful muscles rippling beneath her as it crouched slightly to amodate her weight.@@novelbin@@


    With a mutual nod, they set off toward the nearest town, their mounts moving swiftly and silently through the dense forest. The wind rushed past them as the beasts leaped over fallen trees and darted through narrow paths, their powerful strides carrying them forward at an incredible pace.


    Soon, they arrived at Arcane City and entered through its towering gates. As they walked through the bustling streets, Leon spoke to Roselia through a magical whisper.


    "We''re being watched," he said, his tone calm but alert.


    Roselia responded with equalposure, "It''s normal. An SSS-rank quest like this, left pending for so long, has undoubtedly umted a lot of wealth as a reward. Now that we''ve returned, it''s no surprise people have set their sights on us."


    Leon gave a slight nod, scanning their surroundings without drawing attention. "Let''s head straight to the Association, submit the quest, and leave immediately for the Death Tyrant King," he said decisively.


    Roselia nodded in agreement, her expression serious. Together, they made their way through the crowded city streets, maintaining a steady pace as they moved toward the Adventurers'' Association, keenly aware of the prying eyes tracking their every move.


    As they approached the grand hall of the Adventurers'' Association, the atmosphere grew tense. The ornate building stood as a testament to centuries of adventurers'' legacies, with towering columns and intricate carvings depicting epic battles and heroic deeds. Inside, the murmurs of adventurers filled the air, and all eyes turned toward Leon and Roselia as they entered.


    Leon ignored the gazes, heading straight to the counter. The receptionist, a sharp-eyed elf with a professional demeanor, greeted them with a polite smile. "Wee back. You''vepleted the SSS-rank quest, I assume?"


    Leon nodded and ced a sealed document on the counter. "Here''s the proof ofpletion and the required artifacts."


    The receptionist took the document, her hands steady despite the weight of the task. She opened it carefully, revealing the crest of the Archmage Valtheris, along with detailed records of the dungeon''spletion. She nced at Leon and Roselia, her expression betraying a hint of awe.


    "Impressive. Few have survived such a quest, let alonepleted it. The rewards will be substantial, but they''ll take some time to process. If you''ll follow me, we can handle the formalities in a private room," she said.


    Leon shook his head. "No need for formalities. Just transfer the rewards to my ount. We''re in a hurry."


    The receptionist hesitated, then nodded. "Understood. The reward includes gold, Ascender Points, and now you have umted 1000 Points, you can now upgrade your grey card to Bronze. I''ll ensure everything is added to your ount immediately."

 Chapter 104 Roselias SSS rank Quest

    The journey through the mountain began uneventfully. Leon and Roselia dispatched any stray goblins or trolls with ease, theirbat prowess and teamwork honed to perfection. As they ascended deeper into the range, the atmosphere grew heavier, the air thick with the stench of death and decay.


    Finally, after hours of travel, they arrived at a clearing near the mountain''s center. Before them stood a broken house, its roof caved in and walls charred ck as if by fire. At the center of the clearing, kneeling silently in front of the ruins, was a lone figure.


    The Death Tyrant King.


    Unlike most monsters, the Death Tyrant King was once a man of honor¡ªa proud knight who served a great noble family with unwavering loyalty. However, his life took a tragic turn when he failed to protect his liege against the wrath of the Magus King, the revenge filled Magus whose power devastated thends.


    Despite his failure, the knight was spared, not because of mercy, but because his bloodlinecked noble heritage. Even in the face of shame and ridicule, he refused to abandon his duty, choosing to kneel before the ruins of the family he once served. He stayed there, unmoving, until death imed him.


    Explore more stories at My Virtual Library Empire@@novelbin@@


    But death was not his release. A curse took hold of his soul, reviving him as a Death Knight¡ªan undead warrior retaining 100% of the strength they had in life. Though the curse eroded his mortal soul, fragments of his honor and sorrow remained. At Level 80, he was weaker than the apex he once was, but his King-ss Undead status elevated him, making him equivalent to a Level 150 opponent. His human-like form only added to his potency.


    The Death Tyrant King stood, his hollow, glowing eyes fixed on Leon and Roselia.


    "Humans leave while you can. Why do you disturb me now?" he asked, his voice echoing like the faint toll of a bell, carrying both sorrow and menace.


    Leon''s staff glowed faintly as he took a step forward. "I''m here to end your suffering and save this cursednd. I understand your pain, but your existence brings nothing but death to those who wander here."


    " and why you should suffer for some bastards?" Leon asked further.


    The Death Tyrant King''s gaze darkened as his grip tightened on his sword. "I mourn, even in death, for what was unjustly taken. Not all were corrupt. My youngdy was kind, pure, andpassionate. She would sneak away to feed the poor, to heal the broken, to give hope where none remained."


    His voice trembled with grief, and the air grew colder as his emotions stirred. "Even so, the wrath of the Magus King spared no one¡ªnot even her. Her kindness was no shield. She was burned alongside the corrupt, her ashes scattered into the wind. And was resurrected as an Banshee, her cries broke my heart so I kneel here, whenever these ruins rebuild and the Lady and other revives as undead, I kill them all giving them a momentary peace."


    The Death Tyrant King raised his sword, pointing it toward Leon. "I could have run, could have started anew... but I did not. I stayed, and I will remain here. Even in death, I mourn the youngdy who deserved better."


    Leon''s expression softened for a moment, but his resolve remained firm. "I understand your pain, but you''re wrong about one thing. This isn''t about justice or vengeance anymore. It''s about stopping a cycle of suffering. Your curse spreads death, and it''s time to end it."


    He is an high level undead, just his presence, revives any Dead body around the 10 km radius as an Undead which sometime reach the town. Hence, the Quest to kill him and like other one it was also left untouched for a long time, partially cause it strong and partially cause he never leave this ce.


    The Death Tyrant King''s hollow eyes red with green light as he assumed a battle stance. "If you seek to end my mourning, you will have to face me, mortal. But know this¡ªyou may strike me down, but the scars of my grief will remain, forever etched into thisnd."


    Roselia tightened her grip on her des. "We''ll take that risk. Let me finish this, Leon."


    Leon nodded and said backing off. "May your soul finally find peace, old knight."


    Roselia stepped forward, her confidence unwavering despite the overwhelming presence of the Death Tyrant King. Though her raw power was not on par with his, her vast experience and mastery of her unique sses made her a formidable opponent.


    She was an Ancient Dark Battle Magus, a rare and powerful ss that granted her destructive magical abilities and exceptionalbat prowess. As an Ancient Demon, her ss automatically elevated her status to Magus, bypassing the usual limitations of levels and rank advancements. Even though her level was simr to Leon''s after bing his familiar, her inherent strength as a Magus remained untouched. She had yet to advance to a higher stage like Mage Sovereign or Grand Magus, but as a Magus, she was already a force to be reckoned with.


    Roselia was also a highly skilled Alchemist, capable of transmuting one material into another even during battle. While she rarely showcased this ability inbat, preferring to leave the spotlight to Leon, it was another ace up her sleeve that allowed her to adapt to any situation.


    Leon leaned against his staff, observing the unfolding battle with a calm demeanor. "This is your fight, Roselia. Show him what a Battle Magus can do."


    Roselia smirked, her crimson eyes locking onto the undead king. "Watch closely, Leon. You might learn a thing or two."


    The Death Tyrant King tilted his head, his hollow eyes narrowing. "You face me alone, little Magus? Foolish. You may be strong, but not strong enough to challenge a King of Death."


    Roselia''s smile widened. "We''ll see about that."


    With a flick of her wrist, a dark vortex of energy swirled around her. The ground beneath her feet cracked as she unleashed a wave of ancient dark magic, the shadows bending to her will.

 Chapter 106 Leon vs Roman

    "You want a fight?" Leon said, his irritation ring as he stepped back and raised his staff. "Fine. You''ll get one."


    Golden energy erupted from Leon''s body, his aura ring brighter than ever. The ground beneath him began to shimmer as if it were turning to liquid gold. His eyes glowed with a metallic sheen, radiating raw power.


    "Let''s see how your dedication matches up to ingenuity," Leon said, his voice calm but edged with determination. "Destruction: Judgment Barrage!"


    Hundreds of glowing golden orbs materialized around Leon, each crackling with immense destructive energy. At hismand, theyunched toward Roman in a relentless, coordinated assault.


    Roman''s eyes deepened as he raised his sword, his aura ring brilliantly, creating a vortex of white and ck energy around him. "You''re not the only one with tricks. Let me show you the art of a million years of dedication!"@@novelbin@@


    The vortex absorbed all the golden orbs, reducing their powers to nothingness without even letting a spck of explosion.


    With a flourish, Roman gripped his sword tightly and muttered, "Voidlight de: Dance of Eternity."


    The ground beneath them cracked as Roman leapt forward with incredible speed, his sword leaving a streak of light and darkness in its wake. His de moved with precision, each sh creating afterimages that made it impossible to discern the real attack from the feints.


    Leon raised a golden barrier just in time, the first strike smashing into it like a tidal wave. The impact echoed across the battlefield, sending shockwaves that uprooted nearby trees.


    Leon retaliated with a quick series of golden beams from his staff, aiming for Roman''s blind spots. Roman spun his de in a perfect arc, deflecting each beam with a metallic ng.


    "Voidlight de: Crescent Divide!"


    Roman''s sword red with energy as he shed horizontally, sending a massive crescent of light and shadow hurtling toward Leon. Leon countered with a Destruction: Golden Bastion, a dome of radiant energy that absorbed the attack, though cracks spiderwebbed across its surface.


    "Impressive swordsmanship," Leon admitted, his staff glowing brighter. "But I haven''t even started yet."


    Roman''s next move came without warning. He vanished and reappeared behind Leon, his sword already mid-swing. Leon barely had time to parry with a summoned golden de, the sh of their weapons sparking a cascade of light and shadow.


    Roman pressed the attack with abination of fluid movements:


    "Voidlight de: Phantom Step" ¨C He vanished and reappeared rapidly, attacking from multiple directions."Voidlight de: Shattering Nova" ¨C A thrust imbued with explosive energy that detonated on contact, forcing Leon to jump back.


    Leon grinned, his irritation now reced with exhration. "You''re good, Roman. But how about we turn up the heat?"


    Leon twirled his staff, summoning golden chains of light from the ground. Theyshed toward Roman, attempting to bind him. Roman countered with a flourish of his sword, cutting through the chains effortlessly.


    "Not enough!" Roman roared, his aura intensifying. He executed a spinning sh, "Voidlight de: Endless Spiral", generating a vortex of destructive energy that expanded outward. Leon jumped into the air, narrowly avoiding the ground-shredding attack.


    Hovering in the air, Leon prepared his next move. His aura red as he raised his staff high. "Let''s end this. Destruction: Sr Judgment Spear!"


    A massive, glowing spear of golden energy formed above him, radiating heat and power. He hurled it toward Roman with tremendous force.


    Roman nted his feet firmly, gripping his sword with both hands. His aura condensed, and his de glowed with an otherworldly light. "Fine! Voidlight de: Zenith sh!"


    He swung his sword in an upward arc, releasing a colossal wave of energy that collided with the golden spear mid-air. The resulting explosion shook the ground, creating a blinding sh of light and a shockwave that rippled across the battlefield. Enjoy new tales from My Virtual Library Empire


    As the dust settled, both fighters stood firm, their eyes locked, their auras still burning brightly.


    "You''re not bad," Roman admitted calmly as he sheathed his sword. His posture rxed, but his aura still radiated authority. "What do you want?"


    Leon lowered his staff, his expression shifting to one of sincerity. "First of all, we''re not with that Dark Magus King. So, spare my girlfriend, will you?"


    At his words, Roselia, standing a little behind Leon, blushed furiously. She had expected him to refer to her as his familiar, maybe even hispanion, but girlfriend caught her off guard. Her heart fluttered, and she tried to maintain herposure, though the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her.


    Roman turned to Roselia, studying her for a moment. She gave him a firm nod, silently vouching for their intentions. Roman crossed his arms. "What else?"


    Leon stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. "Be my partner."


    Roman raised an eyebrow, intrigued yet skeptical. "Partner? What do you mean?"


    "I mean partner, as in ally orrade. Someone who stands with me, not against me," Leon rified. His straightforward tone contrasted with Roman''s skeptical demeanor.


    Roman''s lips twitched, almost forming a smile, but his expression remained guarded. "I have no time to join you on your adventures," he said, turning slightly. His ck and white aura flickered as he gazed into the distance. "My mission is clear. I have to free mydy from the cursed torment that binds her soul."


    "How exactly do you n to do that?" Leon asked, curious.


    Roman nced back at him, his expression softening for the first time. "My sword is mighty, but it cannot sever the curse. However, I''ve heard of a realm. They say once someone reaches the highest level of Sword mastery, they can sever anything, even the strongest bonds. I intend to reach that Sword mastery, use its power, and split the curse from mydy''s soul."


    Leon nodded slowly, absorbing the gravity of Roman''s words. "What if I help you with that?"


    Roman''s eyes narrowed, his ck-and-white pupils glinting with suspicion. "You''d better not give me false hope," he warned, his tone cold but not dismissive.


    Leon smiled faintly, his confidence unwavering. "This isn''t false hope. I have resources, knowledge, and the strength to back it up. If you''ll let me, I can help you free yourdy."


    Roman''s gaze softened again, but his pride held firm. He gestured toward the setting sun.

 Chapter 108 The Curse II

    "This ce," Roman began, his voice low and grim, "It''s just like I remember... except worse."


    "That means we''re on the right path," Leon replied, summoning a faint barrier of golden energy around the group to shield them from the dungeon''s creeping malevolence.


    "So where is she?" Roselia asked.


    Roman shook his head. "I... I don''t know," he admitted.


    Leon raised an eyebrow, astonished. "Don''t you always clear this dungeon? How can you not know?"


    Roman sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping. "I only ever destroyed it from the outside. I was too much of a coward to see the state mydy was in."


    Leon and Roselia exchanged nces, both understanding more about Roman''s perspective.


    ''No wonder he still regards her as a pure soul,'' Leon thought, his expression turning grim.


    ''He doesn''t even know what a banshee truly is,'' Roselia mused, shaking her head slightly.


    They both sighed quietly but didn''t press Roman further.


    The group continued moving through the dungeon, carefully navigating from one room to another. Each area was vast and eerily silent, the oppressive atmosphere gnawing at their resolve.


    "There''s no one else here," Leon observed, scanning the surroundings. "No other monsters or enemies havee to harass us so far."


    "Yes," Roman confirmed, his tone solemn. "She lives alone."


    Leon nodded in understanding as they continued to move. Soon, Leon''s Sage Eyes caught something unusual. He stopped in front of a wall, his gaze fixed on it.


    "What''s this? A secret escape door?" Leon said jokingly.


    Roman frowned and stepped closer. "There shouldn''t be anything here," he said, his voice tinged with confusion.


    "Huh?" Leon tilted his head, stepping back slightly. Using his Sage Eyes, he clearly saw something hidden behind the wall. "No, there''s definitely something here," he insisted.


    Roman hesitated before examining the wall. Leon pressed his hand against it, revealing a hidden staircase.


    "It''s like a concealed pathway. Let''s head down," Leon said, taking the lead. Roman and Roselia followed closely behind.@@novelbin@@


    The staircase was narrow, barely wide enough for one person, forcing them to proceed single file. It was also dark, prompting Roselia to conjure a soft me to light their way.


    "This ce was probably used by the someone recently," Leon muttered, noticing the worn and uneven steps, marked by years of wear.


    They descended deeper into the dungeon until an eerie, squelching sound echoed from below. It was a grotesque noise, like flesh being sawed through.


    Leon signaled for the group to stop and cast an Epic-ss Silent Veil, a spell that muted their presence, sound, and aura, making them invisible to detection.


    The unsettling sound grew louder as they moved cautiously forward. Soon, they reached the end of the staircase and stepped into a dimly lit chamber.


    In the center of the room was a breathtakingly beautiful woman in a tattered, blood wet dress. Even in her ghostly state, her beauty was mesmerizing. However, her expression was filled with pleasure, and her actions revealed the horrifying truth. She was cutting a small girl leg with a jagged de, her lips murmuring unintelligible words, while the girl probably too numbed by pain now just remained there with tear slipping her eyes.


    "How... how did she end up like this?" Roman whispered, his voice trembling. He unsheathed his sword and turned to Leon. "Help her¡ªhelp her get rid of this curse."


    Leon studied the banshee silently, his sharp gaze noticing the remnants of her humanity buried deep within her aura. He realized that the scene before them wasn''t entirely from her undead existence. It was an echo of her life, she was like this from start.


    Still, Leon said nothing to Roman, knowing the man wouldn''t believe the truth if he revealed it now.


    "Okay," Leon said firmly, stepping closer to the banshee. "We''ll help her."


    Stepping inside, they were greeted by even more horrifying sights. Children with severed limbs hung from chains, their blood dripping steadily into a massive, dark bathtub. From the constant twitching of their bodies, it was clear that they were still alive, enduring unspeakable torment.


    Leon gripped his staff tightly, his knuckles white with the effort. The scene before him stirred something deep within¡ªa cold fury that sent his Berserk Points surging uncontrobly. His eyes turned icy and dangerous, but he forced himself to take a deep breath, using his Sage Mind to calm himself. Even so, his rage simmered beneath the surface.


    He turned his focus to the girl, her legs being cut by the so-calleddy of the dungeon. The woman''s expression was detached, almost as if she were performing a mundane task rather than an act of horrific cruelty.


    Leon pointed his staff at the girl. With a sharp chant, he unleashed a legendary-grade spell he had acquired from the shop after donating heavily to the divine sanctuary¡ªRebirth.


    The spell engulfed the girl in golden light, knitting her severed legs back together and restoring her vitality. The magic was powerful enough to fix every injury, though its effects were limited to a single target.


    The girl copsed into a peaceful sleep, her breathing even as the pain left her body.


    The Banshee Queen''s head snapped up, her expression contorting into an unnatural, rage-filled grimace.


    SCREEEEEEEEEEECH!


    Her shriek echoed through the chamber, so powerful that it sent waves of energy rippling outward. The sound was deafening and disorienting, a clear sign of her wrath.


    Find adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    "She''s not going to let this go easily," Roselia muttered, preparing her staff forbat.


    "Good," Leon replied coldly, his staff glowing with another spell. "Neither will I."


    The Banshee Queen floated upward, her tattered dress billowing as her aura darkened the room. Her shriek was a warning, she kept looking around yet she wasn''t able to find them, as they are still under the Silent veil spell.


    Leon didn''t looked at her as he continued to cast the spells, first freeing the children and then suing Rebirth to heal them instantly, " get the children aside" he said as Roselia nodded.

 Chapter 110 Tormenting the Tormentor

    Roman nodded, his tears falling silently. "I swear... I''ll honor their memory."


    Leon turned his attention back to the Banshee Queen, who nowy motionless, her power drained. She whispered faintly, "Just... kill... me."


    "How many have asked you this?" Leon''s eyes remained cold as he asked.


    The Banshee Queen''s pale lips trembled as she struggled to speak. "Countless... those who couldn''t bear my curse... those who sought an end to my torment..."


    Leon stood still, his gaze unwavering. "And yet, you continued to drag others into your misery. You condemned them to the same fate, all for your own selfishness."


    She let out a ragged breath, her voice barely a whisper now. "I didn''t choose this... it was forced upon me. But I became the monster... because of it..."@@novelbin@@


    "You can stop lying," Leon said, his eyes glowing with a golden ring, the proof of his Sage Eyes. "No one can lie in front of me."


    "I... am... not... lying," she whispered, but Leon''s eyes narrowed, and with a flick of his hand, another magic-infused sh cut through the air.


    "Arghhhhh!" The Banshee Queen screamed in agony as the sh struck her, leaving a gash across her body. She struggled, her undead form writhing in pain.


    "Stop it, bastard!" she screamed, her voice filled with rage as she red at Leon. "You have no idea what it''s like to live in eternal torment, to be cursed by those who would use you for their own gain! You know nothing about the suffering I endured!"


    Leon''s expression remained cold, his gaze unflinching as he stood over her. "You made your choices. You let yourself be a monster, and now you face the consequences. Don''t expect mercy."


    The Banshee Queen''s body twitched, her anger still burning, but Leon''s resolve remained unshaken. Another sh, faster and deadlier than before, tore through her defenses.


    "Your torment is just now starting," Leon muttered coldly, as he shed one Torment sh after another. Each strike reverberated through the air with immense power, each cut deeper than thest. The Banshee Queen''s form twisted in agony, her screams echoing through the chamber as her body was torn apart by the relentless shes.


    "Please..." she gasped between agonized breaths. "End it... stop this torment..."


    Leon''s gaze remained unyielding, his voice like ice as he spoke. "You don''t get to plead for mercy now. You chose to be a monster, and monsters face consequences."


    Each strike carved into her, draining thest remnants of her will to resist. The once-powerful Banshee Queen, a creature of pure hatred and vengeance, was now nothing more than a broken shell, writhing in the pain she had long inflicted upon others.


    "Do you remember how it felt to kill without remorse?" Leon continued, his words punctuated by each sh. "How it felt to bring suffering to those who couldn''t fight back? Now you will know what it''s like to be powerless, to feel the weight of every soul you destroyed."


    Her form flickered as if fading, her body now reduced to barely recognizable remnants. Yet the torment didn''t stop. Leon''s eyes glowed brighter, his energy focused, and with one final Torment sh, he severed thest of her cursed existence.


    As thest of her body crumbled into dust, the room fell silent.


    [ Congrattions on defeating the Banshee Queen. ]


    [ You have gained the following rewards... ]


    [ You have obtained the extra reward: Title - Tormenting the Tormentor ]


    Tormenting the Tormentor (Rare): Damage against Sinners increased by 30%. Damage taken from Sinners reduced by 30%. Instills fear effect in Sinners.


    [ The spirits of countless children look at you fondly. ]


    [ One particr spirit gave you a candy. ]


    [ Another gave you... ]


    [ Another... ]


    [ A spirit wants topensate you. ]


    [ Congrattions! You have gained the Contract Offer from Milly, the Little Rain (Epic). ]


    [ Milly, the Little Rain, is a Rain Elemental Spirit. ]


    [ She loves children, and you, acting as an agent of vengeance for them, have earned her favor. ]


    Enjoy new chapters from My Virtual Library Empire


    [ Will you ept the offer? ]


    [ epting her offer will grant you Rare Spirit magic of Rain ]


    [ Spirit Magic is effective against undead, Soul, Demons and Spirit type enemies ]


    [ Will you ept the offer? ]


    Leon''s focus remained locked on the ashes of the Banshee Queen, his gaze drifting over the lifeless bodies of the children and the crumbling remains of the chain that had bound them. The room felt hollow, the air heavy with the weight of their loss.


    "Leon, let''s go," Roselia said, emerging from the shadows, her voice tinged with sorrow. She looked at the devastation around them, her eyes solemn.


    "We still have more to do," Roman added, his tone grim. He nced at the still-ruined ce, his thoughts sharp and focused.


    "If we leave without breaking the curse, she will return to torture these children again," he continued, his voice resolute, as Leon remained still, deep in thought.


    "I know," Leon replied, his voice steady butced with cold determination. He raised his hand, activating his Arune ability. The ancient energy surged through him, forming a bond between him and the divine essence within, ready to aid him in their next steps. As he focused, a divine light red in his hand, pulsating with power as it reached its peak.


    The air seemed to crackle with the energy as his Trident manifested in his hand, it was its skill that made leon confident that he can break the curse.


    Existence Erasure


    Description: A god-like ability that targets a specific entity or object and removes it from existence entirely. Once erased, the target cannot be revived, reconstructed, or remade by anyone except the user.


    Effects:


    Erases a single targetpletely, bypassing all resistances, immunities, and regeneration abilities.


    Limited to targets with lower or equal tier to the user.


    Mana requirement : 100% of user mana


    Cooldown: 30 Days. ]


    Leon activated his ability, and his whole mana was consumed by the intense energy.


    [Please select the target]


    The voices echoed in his mind as Leon calmly faced the Banshee Queen. He felt a surge from the depths of the Ruin as the soul of the Banshee Queen seemed to rise within. She struggled, her body writhing as the curse began to shatter her, waking her to a new reality.


    "Free me... please...," she whispered, her voice barely audible, the plea almost a distant echo.


    "No, you won''t be freed," Leon responded coldly, tightening his grip as he focused on the Triad''s power.


    Roman stepped forward, his hand outstretched, silently signaling for Leon to stop. He looked at the Banshee Queen with a mix of pity and sorrow. "Leon..." he murmured, his voice heavy with the weight of the moment.


    The world around them began to tremble as the Banshee Queen fought to free herself. Her cursed form twisted, her movements erratic as if she was trying to break free from some unseen force. But despite her efforts, Leon''s power kept her bound.


    The tension in the air was palpable, as the Banshee Queen struggled, crying out in desperation. "Release me!" she screamed, her voice filled with rage and despair, but Leon remained unmoved, his focus unyielding.


    Leon said nothing as he threw the Trident. The ck Trident with golden markings flew through the air and pierced the Banshee Queen''s soul from the center. Her body began to break apart.


    "ARGHHHHH!" she screamed, the sound filled with agony. Visibly her soul formed cracks and then she bursted apart as if her soul was exploded.


    [Error: An unimaginable event hase into fruition.]


    [Ascend Fang has vanquished The SSS Boss. Banshee Queen is permanently defeated.]


    [The Tormentor Pce of Banshee Queen Dungeon is permanently deleted.]


    [This is the 3rd time in history that a Dungeon has been permanently deleted.]


    [This is the first time in history that a regr Dungeon has been deleted.]


    [Ascend Fang has gained the ??? title "Ruler Breaker."]


    The announcement echoed not just to Leon, but throughout the Tower and to all those connected to it.


    "Who the hell?" someone asked, their voice trembling in shock.


    Manapulse surged, and the energy rippled through the Tower. All the powerful figures within the Tower stood, eyes fixed on the sky as the notifications continued to appear.


    [The actions of Ascender Fang have been taken as offense against the Tower.]


    [Ascender Fang''s actions are being reviewed...]


    [Ascender Fang is perceived as innocent.]


    [Ascender Fang is gifted with an SSS-grade treasure chest as a reward for achieving the impossible.]


    [Ascender Fang is granted the title ''Savior'' for saving over 100 children''s souls.]


    The notifications continued to pulse, and many people''s gazes remained fixed on the sky. They were in disbelief at what they had just heard¡ªFang, the same person who had once attained the Ex rating, had now aplished another impossible feat.


    "Damn, who is this guy, Fang?" one person muttered.


    "We''re witnessing the rise of a legend," anothermented.


    "I wonder what''s in that chest," someone else remarked, intrigued.


    "Yeah, I wonder where he is now?"


    "Oh, probably on the hundredth floor, I think," another person replied. "Yeah, with that much power, he''s beyond the average level."

 Chapter 111 No salvation for wicked

    While the entire tower spected, the notifications kepting.


    [ Ascender Fang has destroyed a soul from existence. ]


    [ Ascender Fang is the 17th person to achieve this feat. ]


    [ Ascender Fang has been rewarded the title ''Soul Destroyer.'' ]


    [ Ascender Fang has earned the title ''No Salvation for the Wicked'' for mercilessly erasing the soul of the Banshee Queen. ]


    [ Ascender Fang has been granted the skill ''Merciless.'' ]


    After these announcements, no further notifications appeared. Yet, many people''s eyes remained fixed on the sky. It wasn''t until half an hourter that the crowd finally turned their attention away, dispersing as they left to specte among themselves.


    "Damn, there isn''t going to be more, right?" one person asked nervously, looking at another.


    Others began murmuring as they left the area.


    "Honestly, I thought all the rewards were going to be taken by this Fang guy," someone groaned.


    "Feels like that guy''s on another level entirely," another muttered as the crowd slowly broke apart.


    "By the way, what floor was this Banshee Queen on?" someone asked curiously, breaking the murmuring.


    "I know! She''s on the 26th floor of the tower. There''s a famous ce there where she drops the Piercing Cry skill book. It''s a pretty great crowd-control skill," a guy chimed in, catching the attention of those around him.


    "Wait, no, she''s on the 55th floor!" another person argued.


    "Damn, I read somewhere she''s famous on the 89th floor," someone else added, shaking their head.


    "You''re all wrong," said another voice confidently. "She''s on the 134th floor."


    The group turned to face the speaker, eyebrows raised in skepticism.


    Discover exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Come on, we''re on the 98th floor. How would you even know about the 134th floor?" someone asked, folding their arms.


    The man shrugged casually. "My brother is on the 134th floor," he said with a smug grin.


    There was a brief silence before someone muttered enviously, "Damn, you''ve got such a powerful big brother..."


    The murmurs of spection continued to ripple through the crowd as they debated and theorized about Fang''s feats, his strength, and his whereabouts.


    Meanwhile, in the depths of the 1st floor, Leon¡ªknown as Fang to the Tower¡ªstood amidst the shattered remains of the Banshee Queen''sir. His expression was calm, though his eyes reflected a glimmer of exhaustion hidden behind his stoic demeanor.


    His whole mana is exhausted he is on the verge of fainting, but thanks to his powerful mana regeneration he is getting back mana pretty fast so he was spared from fainting right there.


    The rewards he''d earned floated before him, a holographic interface disying each item and title he had gained from his unprecedented achievement. Yet, despite the extraordinary treasures, his focus was elsewhere.


    Roselia stepped forward, breaking the heavy silence. "You''ve done something that only a handful have managed in all of history, Leon." Her voice was steady, but her eyes betrayed a flicker of awe. "Completely erasing a soul... even the Tower itself seemed shaken."


    Leon exhaled, gripping the trident tightly as its golden markings faded. "The Banshee Queen didn''t deserve to persist¡ªnot here, not anywhere. She manipted those children''s souls, tortured them for her gain. I only ended what should have been stopped long ago."


    Roman, still visibly shaken, approached with tentative steps. His voice cracked as he spoke. "You... you avenged them, Leon. Thank you." Tears welled up in his eyes again. "But... those children... where are they now? Did they find peace?"


    Leon nodded faintly. "Their spirits were freed. The Tower confirmed it." He turned his gaze upward.


    [ They''ve moved on to where they belong. ]


    [ The spirits of the children you saved look upon you with gratitude.]


    [ A portion of their blessings has been transferred to you. ]


    A faint glow enveloped Leon, and he felt a warmth settle over him. It wasn''t mana or power¡ªit was something deeper, something purer.


    [ Your Body is being washed by Pure Soul Energy ]


    [ The Soul of children has persisted for very long years under immense Torment ]


    [ Their Soul energy is very powerful...]


    [ One of your skill, item , title... is randomly increasing in rank..]


    [ Your Title Child of Aether is increasing in rank...]


    [ Child of Sether id now Lord of Aether ]


    Golden glow washed his soul as he felt his power increasing very tremendously as they settled on one part of his, his Title. Leon closed his eyes as he felt the power, the elevation brought an euphoric feeling to him.


    "Leon," Roselia called, snapping him out of his reverie. "We should leave. The copse of this domain is elerating."


    Indeed, cracks spidered along the walls of the dungeon, and the air was filled with an ominous hum. The very fabric of the floor was disintegrating now that the Banshee Queen''s essence had been erased.


    Leon nced around, his mind calcting. "We''re not done yet."


    "What?" Roselia frowned, confused. "You''ve already destroyed the Queen. The dungeon''s falling apart!"


    Leon raised a hand, silencing her. "There''s something left behind¡ªa residual energy. This isn''t just a dungeon copsing. There''s something hidden here. Roman, stay close to Roselia. I''ll lead the way."


    With those words, he activated his Sage Eyes. His golden eyes glowed faintly as he scanned the surroundings. Sure enough, faint traces of an ancient energy lingered in the remnants of the Banshee Queen''s throne.


    Leon smirked. "There''s still one more reward waiting for us."


    Roselia sighed but prepared herself, gripping her weapon tightly. Roman hesitated but followed closely. The trio moved swiftly toward the crumbling throne, where a faint, eerie light pulsed with a mysterious rhythm.


    As they approached, the system chimed again.


    [You have discovered a hidden legacy within the remnants of the Banshee Queen''s domain.]


    [Do you wish to im it?]


    Leon extended his hand toward the light, grabbing a blood-red book that seemed to pulse with an ominous energy. "Let''s see what secrets you were hiding, Queen," he muttered.


    [ You have obtained the Blood Magus Legacy. ]


    "So this is where she learned that strange method," Leon remarked, his tone thoughtful as he examined the book briefly.


    A sudden rumble shook the ground, and a massive boulder crashed down, narrowly missing him. Without a second thought, Leon waved his hand, flicking the debris aside with a gust of energy. He stored the legacy book in his inventory, its malevolent aura disappearing into his storage space.


    "Let''s move," Leon said calmly, turning toward Roselia and Roman. The trio began making their way out of the copsing dungeon, the walls cracking and disintegrating around them as the once-mighty domain of the Banshee Queen crumbled into oblivion.@@novelbin@@

 Chapter 112 Rewards

    Leon, Roselia, and Roman stood silently, watching the crumbling ruins disintegrate bit by bit into ck ash that scattered into the sky. The once-imposing dungeon, filled with despair and agony, was now reduced to nothing but a barren wastnd atop the mountain.


    "It''s over," Roman said, his voice steady as he gazed at the destendscape. Only the emptiness remained¡ªa stark contrast to the chaos that once engulfed this ce.


    Leon, however, had his attention on something else. A tiny figure hovered in front of him¡ªa palm-sized spirit surrounded by a faint, shimmering glow. It was Milly, the Little Rain Spirit, who now danced gracefully in mid-air, droplets of rain gently falling around her as if by magic.


    Leon had epted her contract, a rare and precious bond with a spirit. Spirits were an extraordinary race within the Tower. They could exist anywhere, yet they didn''t climb the Tower themselves. Instead, they formed contracts with Ascenders, providing them with unparalleled powers while ensuring their own safety. The Spirit King, one of the Tower''s top ten races, was a testament to their might and significance.


    Leon studied Milly closely as her rain lightly misted the ground around them, refreshing and soothing.


    In his mind, the system disyed her details:


    [ Milly, the Little Rain Spirit ]


    [ Race: Rain Spirit ]


    [ Innate Ability: Endless Rain ]


    Effect: Creates a domain of endless water.


    Inside the domain:


    Allies'' water-based abilities increase in power by 1000%.


    Enemies'' power is reduced by 50%.


    Cost: 1000 mana per second while the domain remains active.


    Extra Effect: Undead, Demonic, and Soul-type enemies take continuous damage while within the domain.


    [ Spirit Magic: Rain ]


    Leon smiled faintly as he observed Milly''s carefree demeanor, herughter sounding like soft raindrops. She had a calming presence that felt both gentle and formidable. Turning to Roman and Roselia, Leon nodded.


    "Let''s move. There''s nothing left for us here."


    With Milly floating beside him and the ruins fading into the wind, the trio descended the mountain, ready for their next journey.


    On the way back to town, Leon inspected his Rewards


    [ Lord of Aether ]


    Effect: Your connection to the Aether realm is strengthened, increasing the power of all aether-rted spells by 10,000%. Additionally, you gain enhanced attunement to cosmic energies, making it easier to learn or master aether and eldritch magic.


    Other Effects:


    Increases magic resistance by 70%.


    +10,000% increase in mana regeneration rate.


    Grants respect (or fear) from beings who recognize your connection to Aether.


    [Passive Skill: Aether Soul Protection]


    Aether Soul Protection: A passive ability that shields your soul from direct attacks, making you immune to soul-draining or corrupting magic. The protection also reduces the effectiveness of mind control or possession attempts.


    Additional Benefits:


    Reduces mental fatigue when using magic.


    Reduces damage taken from psychic and soul attacks by 50%.


    Automatically triggers a healing effect when your health drops below 20%, stabilizing your condition.


    Eldritch magic is now Avable to use


    Eldritch magic (basic) is gained ]


    Leon nodded, his gaze fixed on the information before him. Thanks to his Child of Aether title, he had previously enjoyed a 1000% increase in mana regeneration. However, now as the Lord of Aether, his mana regeneration had skyrocketed tenfold, granting him unparalleled reserves. Additionally, his magic resistance had risen significantly, from 50% to an impressive 70%.


    "And Eldritch magic, huh," Leon mused aloud, a faint smile ying on his lips as he reviewed the details. This was an unexpected but wee surprise. Eldritch magic was a rare and enigmatic branch of power, one that was both feared and coveted. Its chaotic yet potent nature could bend reality itself, making it one of the most dangerous forms of magic to master.


    [ Eldritch Magic: ]


    Eldritch Magic practitioners are capable of performing feats that exceed the usual limitations of magic, often at the cost of their physical form or sanity.


    [ Avable Magic: ]


    Eldritch st:


    A basic spell that sends vtile balls of chaotic energy at an enemy.


    Reality Tear:@@novelbin@@


    A dark bead is shot at a target. Upon impact, it distorts and destabilizes the location.


    Whisper of Madness


    Projects an unsettling voice into the minds of enemies, causing confusion or disorientation.


    Nightmare Touch


    Inflicts a curse upon contact, causing the target to see brief hallucinations or experience fear.


    Spectral Howl


    Summons an eerie, otherworldly howl that briefly lowers enemy morale or weakens their attacks. ]


    Leon muttered to himself as he reviewed the ominous introductions of the rewards he had received.


    "Hmm, they are powerful, but that intro is definitely ominous," he said, contemting the implications of his new abilities.


    [ Rule Breaker ]


    Rank: ????


    Description:


    Allows the user to bypass any restriction, barrier, or security.


    No structure, ward, or enchantment can prevent the user from entering.


    Removes the limit on how many skills and abilities the user can acquire. Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire


    "Damn, now this is powerful." Leon mumbled


    Normally, individuals could only acquire up to 30 skills per tier (excluding those gained from titles or unique abilities), but now Leon had no cap on his potential skill acquisition.


    [ Saviour ]


    Rank: Epic


    Description:


    Your presence brings calm to the oppressed and instills fear in oppressors.


    Increases all buffs on allies by 50%.


    Increases all debuffs on enemies by 50%.


    [ Soul Destroyer ]


    Rank: Mythical


    Description:


    All of your attacks deal 30% additional soul damage.


    This effect can be toggled on or off at will.


    [ Merciless ]


    Type: Passive Skill


    Description:


    Immune to all forms of charm or mind-affecting magic.


    Killing those you deem unworthy of living has a 10% chance to enve them as Spirit Wraith servants.


    "Now the only thing left is this SSS treasure chest," Leon mumbled as he stopped walking. The others halted too, turning to look at him. Leon didn''t say anything further, simply motioning toward the treasure chest.


    "This is the treasure you gained, right?" Roselia asked, seeing the ornate chest, her curiosity evident.


    Leon nodded. "Let''s open it here," he said. They were currently on their way down the mountain, standing amidst the forest. It was a rtively calm spot, so Leon decided it was as good a ce as any to check the rewards of the SSS-ranked treasure chest.


    All eyes were on Leon as he prepared to open it, anticipation thick in the air.

 Chapter 114 Death Lord Roman

    Roman was overwhelmed, looking at the treasures he was receiving. Among them were unique skills and a legendary-grade essory.


    "Don''t worry, you''ll eventually get used to it," Roselia patted his shoulder and said, as Roman looked at her, hearing her words. He just nodded, understanding that it''s normal for Leon to give them things.


    Finally, Leon took out the Blood Magus Legacy.


    "You can have this," Leon said. "Your race is now Death Lord, so this legacy will suit you more."


    Roman hesitated for a moment, then respectfully epted the legacy.


    [ You have donated the Blood Magus Legacy. ]


    [ You have gained the Blood Magus King Legacy. ]


    Leon''s system chimed in, updating him on the unexpected reward. He smirked, realizing his generosity had brought him something even better.


    "Another legacy. At this rate, I''ll collect a whole lot of them before I even leave the first floor," Leon muttered, already curious about the new legacy''s potential.


    Roman, meanwhile, stood silent, bowing deeply to Leon in gratitude. "My lord, I will ensure these gifts are used to their fullest potential," Roman said with unwavering determination.


    Leon simply waved his hand, brushing off the formality. "Just make sure you don''t die. Now, let''s move on. We''ve wasted enough time here." Stay connected with My Virtual Library Empire


    Roselia once again summoned the mounts, blowing the whistle as she climbed onto hers with Leon sitting behind her. Roman took another mount this time, catching everyone''s attention.


    "I have my own mount," Roman said, whistling loudly. In response, a magnificent nightmare steed materialized. Its mane burned with dark blue mes, giving it a hauntingly beautiful and ominous appearance.


    "That''s great," Leon remarked, admiring the creature.


    Roman nodded with a faint smile. "This was my horse when I was alive, and it has stayed with me even after I became undead. We share an unbreakable bond."


    Leon nodded back in understanding. "Good. Let''s keep moving then. We''ve got a lot more to do."


    Leon sitting behind check what he missed as well as Roman status screen as they moved on from the mosti to tom.


    [No Salvation for the Wicked]


    [While facing someone who hasmitted heinous crimes, your attack power increases by 10%, while theirs decreases by 50%.]


    "That''s like being a nightmare for most people out there," Leon mumbled, noting the skill''s effect as he continued scrolling down.


    ***


    [Status: Roman : Dark yer Knight]


    Tier : Same as Master


    Level: Same as Master


    Rank: Death Lord (Formerly Death Knight)


    ss: Dark yer Knight


    Secondary ss : ck Sword King


    [Inherent Ability: Sword of Execution]


    A single sh that deals 10,000% physical and magical damage to all targets within the line of sight in a 50-meter radius. Each death caused by the sh increases the sh''s power by 100%, with no upper limit to the increase.


    "Now that''s just broken," Leon muttered, his eyes widening as he read the description. "One swing and everything''s gone... and it just keeps getting stronger? This is insane."


    Continuing he looked at his skills.


    [ Skills ]


    Undead Magic (Ex-Rank)


    Dark yer Art (Ex-rank)


    Sword of Judgment (Ex-rank)


    Aegis Shield (SSS-rank)


    Death Commander (Ex-rank) (Raises allies out of in and each risen undead have 80% ofmander power)


    White Lion Aura (SSS-rank)


    Dark yer Aura (Ex-rank)


    Light Magic (A-rank)


    White Lion Sword Art (SSS-rank)


    Leader (SS-rank)


    Titles:


    The White Lion Knight


    Strongest Lion


    Mane that burn like mes


    Dark yer Knight


    Fang''s (Leon''s) Knight


    Description:


    [A Powerful Knight Commander of the White Lion Knights]


    Once a revered leader, he was renowned for his unmatched skill and unwavering loyalty. However, his greatest failure came when he was unable to save hisdy, a loss that drove him to despair. He knelt before her grave for millions of years, his appearance preserved by an enchanting curse, concealing the immense darkness and sorrow within.


    Freed from his torment by Ascender Fang, he has sworn an unbreakable vow to serve as his knight, carrying his haunting past but now driven by newfound purpose under hismand. ]


    "Damn, he''s better than Roselia," Leon muttered, earning a sharp look from Roselia.


    "Who''s better than me?" she demanded, raising an eyebrow.


    "Roman," Leon replied with a shrug. "He has so many EX-rank skills; he''s ridiculously powerful."


    Roselia snorted, crossing her arms. "I admit he''s strong, but are you saying he''s better than me?"


    Leon nodded thoughtfully. "In terms ofbat prowess, yeah. He has more skills suited for direct battle. I wonder who''d win if you two went all out now," he said, giving her a curious nce.


    Roselia smirked. "Don''t forget the legacies you''ve given me, as well as all the items and abilities I''ve gained from you. If we''re equal now, then I''ll win."


    Leon chuckled, nodding. "Maybe, though I doubt that," he muttered under his breath.


    He knew Roselia was just teasing, but deep down, he understood the difference. While she was primarily an alchemist with a vast arsenal of magical abilities and expertise, she wasn''t a fighter at her core. Roman, on the other hand, was a knight through and through, forged forbat and ready to face any challenge head-on.@@novelbin@@


    Roselia had recently gained the Battle Magus ss, a significant upgrade for someone who had primarily focused on alchemy and magic until now. However, she had only just begun to explore its potential, soparing her to Roman, who was a seasoned knight with unmatchedbat skills, still felt unfair.


    Leon didn''t say anything further, closing the status screen thoughtfully. Now that I''ve gained so many new items and abilities, I should probably start optimizing them to get even stronger, he mused.


    He also began to consider setting up a friendly sparring match between Roman and Roselia. Both were fiercely loyal to him, so he wouldn''t have to worry about rivalry or betrayal. It would be a way for them to grow stronger together while giving him a better understanding of theirbat styles.


    Still, Leon''s mind drifted to darker possibilities. I can''t let my guard downpletely, though. Abilities like soul reading or memory maniption exist in this world. Even if I trust them, others might try to use them against me.

 Chapter 115 Reaching the peak of 1st floor

    Returning to town, they found almost everyone talking about Fang (Leon). People spected about which floor he might be on and discussed his achievements in awe.


    Leon also noticed a lot of powerful individuals on the first floor. Normally, the level limit for the first floor is 80, but now there were many people above that level. However, due to the floor''s rules, their extra levels were locked, though their skills were not. It was clear that there were many individuals here who could easily wreak havoc if they chose to.


    Leon and his group paid no mind to the chatter and moved on. After submitting the quest rted to Roman and iming the reward, they left the town altogether.


    As they moved out of town on their mounts, a lot of people nced their way. However, after sensing their levels, most decided to let it go without any confrontation. Leon was now at level 69, and so were his two partners. Roselia, being his familiar, had her level tied to his. The same was true for Roman, who, as Leon''s knight, also had his level tied to him.


    "What''s our n now?" Roselia asked, breaking the silence as she rode alongside Leon.


    Without ncing her way, Leon replied, "We''ve already gathered enough points to reach Floor Ten easily. For now, we''ll focus on collecting resources and then head to the peak of this floor. Once there, we''ll raid the True Undead King and wrap up the Alchemy Quest."


    Roselia nodded, her expression calm but determined. "Sounds straightforward enough."


    Roman rode slightly behind them, silently observing the interaction. He was still adapting to the dynamic between Leon and Roselia, as well as the incredible pace at which Leon nned their journey.


    The forest trail ahead was dimly lit by the morning sun filtering through the trees. Despite the serene surroundings, Leon''s mind was entirely focused on their objectives. With the points they had umted, reaching Floor Ten was already within reach, but Leon had no intention of skipping any opportunities to grow stronger. The True Undead King hidden quest, and Leon was determined to im it for his own.


    "We''ll need to be prepared for the raid," Leon added. "The True Undead King isn''t just a title. It''s a tough boss, and I''m not taking any chances."


    Roman nodded firmly. "As your knight, I''ll ensure that nothing stands in our way, my lord."


    Roselia smirked. "We''ll crush anything that tries to stop us. This king won''t know what hit him."


    With that, the trio pressed onward, their mounts moving swiftly through the dense forest. Each of them carried the weight of their roles and the expectations Leon had set, ready for the challenges that awaited them.


    The group moved through the forest, reaching their first dungeon of the day¡ªa decrepit castle buried beneathyers of moss and overgrowth. Leon dismounted, taking in the eerie structure. The scent of decay hung in the air as faint wails echoed from within.


    "Alright," Leon muttered, adjusting his gauntlets. "Let''s make this quick. No point wasting time."


    With Roselia and Roman tied to his level, Leon didn''t need to worry about them falling behind. Instead, he focused on maximizing his growth and collecting resources.


    The dungeon''s entrance creaked open, revealing a dark hallway filled with skeletal warriors. Leon wasted no time.


    "Sword Art: Crescent sh!"


    With a fluid swing of his weapon, a glowing arc of energy tore through the enemies, scattering bones across the stone floor.


    Deeper into the dungeon, the enemies grew stronger. Spectral knights appeared, their ghostly forms wielding cursed des. Leon activated Shadow Step, teleporting behind one and delivering a critical strike. The spectral knight let out a wail before vanishing into wisps of light.


    As Leon dispatched thest enemy in the room, a chest materialized in the center. He opened it to find a stash of rare materials, including Darksteel Ore and an Enchanted Core¡ªessential for crafting higher-tier weapons and armor.


    " well, not what I expected" leon said packing them away as he said " lets move to next one" he said as other nodded.


    Dungeon Dive: The Wailing Catbs


    The Wailing Catbs sprawled deep beneath a forgotten graveyard, its twisting tunnels carved from pale stone and dripping with eerie, glowing ichor. The faint sound ofmenting voices filled the air, setting an ominous tone as Leon, Roselia, and Roman descended into the depths.


    "Stay alert," Leon warned, his voice steady.


    The path was treacherous, winding through narrow corridors that gave way to vast chambers. The first major challenge came in the form of a massive bone dragon, its skeletal wings scraping against the ceiling as it roared, spewing a torrent of cursed mes.


    "Let''s see what you''re made of," Leon muttered, gripping his sword tightly.@@novelbin@@


    The dragon''s movements were both precise and relentless. Itshed out with its tail, causing the ground to tremble, while its fire scorched the air. Leon darted around the beast with Shadow Step, narrowly avoiding its deadly attacks.


    Roselia stood back, casting supportive spells to keep Leon shielded, while Roman observed the dragon''s movements, ready to leap in if necessary.


    "Dragon yer Sword"


    Leon''s de shimmered as he unleashed his devastating sh, severing the dragon''s spine in a single, explosive motion. The skeletal beast copsed into a heap, its ribcage glowing faintly before disintegrating.


    "Impressive," Roman remarked, stepping forward to inspect the remains.


    Without wasting time, the group pressed deeper into the dungeon, reaching a series of traps designed to protect the final boss chamber. Razor-sharp spikes shot from the walls, floors gave way to bottomless pits, and spectral arrows rained down from the ceiling.


    Leon led the way, using his reflexes and quick thinking to navigate the deadly maze. Roselia provided insight into the mechanics of each trap, while Roman used his enhanced strength to disarm particrly stubborn mechanisms.


    The chambers were sprawling with not juts traps but with monsters too, causing them to move cautiously as they disarms traps while also attacked monsters and preventing them from stepping on trap too. Discover stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    " no, wonder this dungeon hasn''t been raided" Roselia said as she shed a Skeletal who was goin to step on a trap tile.

 Chapter 117 Alchemy King

    The Spirit Wraith easily defeated the Red Skeleton King. Moving beyond the Red Skeleton King''s throne, Leon found a hidden pathway concealed beneath the throne itself. The passage opened to reveal a darkened corridor, leading to the chamber of the Alchemist King.


    "Sir Theodore, it''s us," Leon called out as the ckened corridor lit up, glowing with an eerie blue hue. "The ones you entrusted with the True Skeleton King quest."


    "I hope there aren''t any traps here," Leon muttered, motioning for Roselia and Roman to follow. He gestured for the Spirit Wraith to lead the way, its ethereal form gliding ahead.


    "Why don''t you use the Sage Eyes?" Roman asked, scanning the area. His senses picked up faint traces of danger, but he couldn''t pinpoint the source.


    Leon shook his head. "The traps here are way above my level. Even with Sage Eyes, I can''t detect them all. It''s safer to follow the rules of the house and proceed cautiously."


    Roman nodded in understanding as they carefully navigated the corridor. Eventually, they entered the Alchemy Chamber. The room was sprawling, filled with high-grade alchemical equipment¡ªbeakers, arcane symbols etched into the walls, and glowing crystals embedded in the furniture.


    "I envy him," Roselia murmured, her eyes widening at the state-of-the-artboratory.


    The figure of the Alchemist King, Theodore, appeared before them. He had the appearance of a middle-aged man, but his aura spoke of immeasurable age and wisdom.


    "Wee back," Theodore said, his voice calm but powerful. "As promised, should youplete the quest to retrieve the True Skeleton King''s remains, I will grant you ownership of this chamber, this is actuallye along with the first part of my Legacy."


    Roman frowned slightly and muttered, "He seems... strange."


    Theodore chuckled, his expression amused. "I am a homunculus, young man. That is why I appear strange to you."


    Roman blinked in confusion. "Young? I''m nearly a million years old!"


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    "And yet, you are but a child in my eyes," Theodore replied with a smirk. "I have lived for hundreds of millions of years. Through alchemy, I have prolonged my life, though not without cost. My essence¡ªmy soul¡ªis anchored to homunculi, ensuring my immortality."


    Leon listened intently, intrigued by the sheer scale of Theodore''s life and power.


    Theodore continued, "Now, enough of my story. You are here to formally ept the quest to retrieve the True Skeleton King''s bones, are you not?"


    "That''s exactly why we''re here," Leon replied, stepping forward confidently.


    Theodore nodded approvingly. "Splendid. Then let us proceed."


    [New Quest: Retrieve the True Skeleton King''s Bones]


    [ Reward : First part of Alchemist King Theodore legacy ]


    [ Penalty : Lost of memory about Theodore ]


    "Here is the map to his location. Good luck," Theodore said, handing over a worn, ancient map. His bony hand waved dismissively as he sent them out of his chamber. In a blink, they were standing just outside the entrance to the Red Skeleton King''s dungeon.


    Leon nced at the map, tracing the path with his finger. "Hmm. Well, let''s go," he said, his tone casual yet focused.


    Roselia and Roman nodded in agreement, their expressions calm but determined. Without hesitation, the group mounted their rides, ready to embark on the next phase of their journey.


    "The map shows that the closest city is the Central Imperial City," Roselia said, looking at the map.


    Leon nodded. "Yep, so we''re heading to the Imperial City now," he said, and the others agreed with him.


    Despite its name, Imperial City is not home to the Imperial family or any royalty. Instead, it serves as the location where the stairs to the next floor are situated.


    That makes it the "king" of all towns, cities, kingdoms, and whatnot¡ªhence the name Imperial City. After returning to the Town of Beginnings, Leon and his party booked a teleportation ticket and, stepping through the portal, arrived at their destination.


    "Imperial City," Leon mumbled, stepping out of the teleportation circle as he looked around. "It''s quite bigpared to the other ces we''ve been."


    Roman nced around as well. "It''s simr in size to the city I used to live in," he remarked.


    "Well, that was in ancient times," Leon said with a smirk. "But for now, this is thergest city we''ve encountered here."


    Roman nodded in agreement, taking in the bustling streets and towering structures surrounding them.


    The Imperial City stretched before them like a living tapestry, its grandeur unlike anything they had seen before. Massive stone walls, etched with intricate carvings of mythical beasts and ancient symbols, surrounded the city, offering both protection and a glimpse into its storied past. The towering gates, reinforced with glimmering metal that seemed impervious to age, stood open to wee travelers from all corners of the floor.


    The streets were a blend of cobblestones and smooth pavements, bustling with activity. Merchants called out from their stalls, hawking everything from shimmering gemstones to rare magical artifacts. Street performers entertained the crowds, their talents ranging from acrobatics to elemental magic disys, drawing cheers and apuse from onlookers.@@novelbin@@


    Buildings of varying architectural styles lined the avenues. Some were constructed from polished marble, their surfaces gleaming in the sunlight, while others were rustic, built from sturdy wood and adorned with hanging flower pots. Towering spires loomed in the distance, their golden tips reaching towards the skies, marking the city''s central district.


    "This ce is alive," Roselia remarked, her gaze sweeping across the lively scene. A group of children darted past them,ughing and ying as their parents haggled with a merchant nearby.


    "It''s more organized than I expected," Leon said, noting the distinct districts visible even from their vantage point. The market district bustled with trade, while quieter areas in the distance appeared to house inns and residential quarters. Beyond those, the central za stood proud, dominated by a massive fountain carved in the shape of a dragon coiled around a globe.


    Roman studied the people around them. Adventurers of all shapes and sizes strode confidently through the streets, their weapons gleaming and armor well-maintained. "A lot of strong people here," he observed. "This city must draw in everyone aiming to climb higher."

 Chapter 120 Sword Revenant

    Momentster, the door swung open, and Yelena stepped inside, leading the three adventurers into the room. Brook''s sharp eyes immediately assessed them.


    The first was a tall, silver-haired man with a calm demeanor and piercing blue eyes. His armor was sleek and practical,cking any unnecessary embellishments, yet it exuded an aura of power. His longsword rested at his side, its hilt engraved with runes that glowed faintly.


    The second was a woman with striking violet hair tied into a loose braid. She carried herself with an air of confidence, her dark leather armor fitted with numerous pouches and throwing knives. A bow slung over her shoulder suggested she was a ranged specialist. Her sharp amber eyes swept the room, taking in every detail.


    Thest was a young man with messy brown hair and an energetic grin. His robes marked him as a mage, but the intricate patterns glowing faintly across the fabric hinted at mastery beyond that of a mere spellcaster. His staff, topped with a glowing crystal, seemed to hum softly with restrained power.


    These three are none other than Roman, Roselia, and Leon in their disguise. Knowing that the True Skeleton King Raid will definitely cause some grand scenery that will not go unnoticed, they began to hide their true appearance.


    Brook studied them carefully before gesturing to the chairs in front of his desk. "Have a seat," he said, his tone neutral but firm.


    The trio exchanged nces and sat down. Brook leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "Yelena tells me you''re interested in joining the Thunder mmers for the Sword Revenant raid," he began, watching their reactions closely.


    The silver-haired man nodded. "That''s correct. My name is Drake. These are mypanions, Milly and Liam." He gestured to the woman and the mage. "We''re seeking a challenge worthy of our skills, and the Sword Revenant caught our attention."


    Brook narrowed his eyes. "You''re aware of the risks? Revenants are not your typical undead. This isn''t just a dungeon raid¡ªit''s a fight against a being that''s as powerful as a king in life and now bolstered by its undead form."


    Milly smirked. "We''ve faced worse."


    Liam chimed in, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Besides, we''re not here to ask for handouts. We''re offering our strength. In return, we''ll take a share of the rewards¡ªparticrly the revenant''s head."


    Brook''s fingers tapped lightly on the desk as he considered their proposition. It was bold¡ªalmost too bold. Yet there was something about the trio that set them apart. They carried themselves with a quiet confidence that even seasoned adventurers rarely possessed.


    "Why should I trust you?" Brook asked bluntly. "You show up out of nowhere, offering help. What''s stopping me from thinking you''re spies sent by the other guilds?"


    Drake leaned forward, his expression calm but firm. "Trust is earned, not given. Let us prove ourselves. If we fail, you lose nothing. But if we seed, you gain allies strong enough to turn the tide of this raid."


    Brook stared at him for a long moment, then nced at Yelena. She gave a subtle nod, her sharp instincts telling her that the trio wasn''t lying.


    "Fine," Brook said finally, sitting back in his chair. "You''ll join the raid as part of the Thunder mmers. But understand this¡ªif you betray us, you won''t leave this city alive."


    Drake nodded. "Fair enough. When do we start?"


    Brook smirked. "Tomorrow morning. Be ready."


    The trio stood, and as they turned to leave, Brook watched them closely. There was something about them¡ªan unshakable determination¡ªthat made him both uneasy and intrigued.


    As the door closed behind them, Yelena looked at Brook. "Do you think they can be trusted?"


    Brook shrugged. "We''ll find out soon enough. Either they''re our greatest asset¡ªor our biggest mistake."


    ***


    The trio exited the room and nced at each other.


    "You couldn''te up with a better name than Milly?" Roselia asked, ring at Leon.


    He shrugged nonchntly. "Does it really matter?"


    Roselia narrowed her eyes at him but said nothing further.


    "Why are we even discussing this?" Roman asked, his tone confused.


    Leon responded calmly, "It''s better to stay cautious. The True Skeleton King raid is going to be done by us for the first time. It''s bound to attract some attention."


    Roman nodded in agreement, understanding the need for their disguises and careful nning.


    As the trio walked through the bustling streets of the Imperial City, their conversation continued.


    Roselia crossed her arms, her eyes scanning the crowd. "I get the caution part, but do you really think disguises are enough to avoid suspicion? Brook is already wary of us."@@novelbin@@


    Leon smirked slightly. "Brook is cautious, but he''s also desperate. The Thunder mmers are the weakest of the top guilds, and they can''t afford to turn away help¡ªespecially from people as strong as us. As long as we y our roles well, he''ll let us stay."


    Roman adjusted his staff on his shoulder, his gaze distant. "What if the other guilds catch wind of us? They''ll try to sniff us out, especially if they think we''re here to steal their prize."


    Leon nodded thoughtfully. "That''s why we need to keep our heads down for now. Once the raid starts, we can show our true strength. By then, it''ll be toote for anyone to stop us."


    Roselia sighed. "Fine, but I''m still not happy about ''Milly.'' If anyoneughs, I''m ming you."


    Leon chuckled. "Noted. Let''s focus on gathering information for now. The more we know about the Sword Revenant and the others, the better prepared we''ll be."


    The trio made their way toward the central square, where adventurers gathered to exchange news and rumors. The square was alive with chatter, the air thick with anticipation and tension as the city prepared for the uing raid.


    As they blended into the crowd, Roselia leaned closer to Leon and whispered, "Do you think this Revenant is as powerful as they say?"


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    Leon''s expression turned serious. "If the reports are true, it''s not just powerful¡ªit''s a threat capable of wiping out entire parties. We can''t afford to underestimate it."

 Chapter 123 Sword Revenant III

    Drake darted forward, his de slicing through the tendrils as he closed the distance. The runes on his sword red as he unleashed a powerful arc sh, forcing the first Arch-Lich to retreat.


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    Milly followed up, her Golden Archmage Legacy unleashing a barrage of radiant projectiles that homed in on the second Arch-Lich. The undead creature snarled, raising a shield of dark energy to block the attack.


    Liam stepped back, his staff pulsing with crimson light. "Time to see how this works," he muttered, channeling his Blood Magic. The ground beneath the Arch-Liches erupted with jagged crimson spikes, forcing them to break their formation.


    The first Arch-Lich retaliated, summoning skeletal minions that surged toward Drake. He moved with precision, cutting through them in a whirlwind of strikes. With a roar, he activated one of his sword arts, Phantom Strike, vanishing and reappearing behind the Arch-Lich to deliver a devastating blow.


    Meanwhile, Milly switched to her bow, firing an arrow imbued with explosive energy. It struck the second Arch-Lich, detonating in a burst of golden light that staggered the creature.@@novelbin@@


    Liam grinned, weaving another spell. This time, crimson chains shot from the ground, wrapping around the Arch-Liches and restricting their movements. "They''re all yours!" he called to the others.


    Drake didn''t hesitate, unleashing a flurry of strikes that shattered the first Arch-Lich''s defenses. With a final swing, his sword cleaved through the undead sorcerer, its skeletal body disintegrating into ash.


    Milly finished off the second Arch-Lich with a powerful spell, a radiant arrow that pierced through its chest and exploded, leaving nothing but a smoking pile of bones.


    As the chamber fell silent, the party regrouped, catching their breath. The skeletal warlocks and Death Knights had been vanquished, thanks to the coordinated efforts of the raid party.


    Brook approached Drake, his expression a mix of respect and suspicion. "You took down two Arch-Liches without breaking a sweat. Not bad for neers."


    Drake sheathed his sword, his demeanor calm. "We told you we''re capable."


    Milly smirked, lowering her bow. "That was just a warm-up."


    Liam leaned casually on his staff, his grin wide. "What''s next? I''m just getting started."


    Brook shook his head, though a small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Don''t get cocky. The revenant is leagues above anything we''ve faced so far. Let''s move."


    The group pressed onward, the tension thick as they approached the final chamber. The Sword Revenant awaited them, and with it, the ultimate test of their strength. For the adventurers, it was a battle for survival.


    For the trio of Drake, it was just another SSS-rank boss.


    They pushed open the heavy doors, revealing a dimly lit chamber. At its center sat a man on an elevated throne, his appearance chilling. His white, dull hair hung lifelessly over his sunken, ashen face. His eyes glowed faintly, emanating an aura of death.


    Two rows of Abyssal Knights and Death Liches nked his throne, their menacing forms radiating oppressive power. Beyond them, the chamber was filled with rows of Death Knights and Arch-Liches, their skeletal forms standing eerily still, weapons and staffs at the ready.


    The man on the throne, clearly the Sword Revenant, looked at the intruders with disdain.


    "Once again, you lot havee to y me, seeking rewards, isn''t that right?" he said, his voice carrying both boredom and contempt. He leaned back, waving a handzily. "I''m sick of it now."


    His hollow eyes scanned the group as he continued, "Every few years, adventurers like you storm into my domain. Most die by my hand. A rare few seed. Perhaps one or two geniuses in a decade. But even then¡­ their victories are fleeting. I always return."


    Brook stepped forward, gripping his molten de tightly. "What are you implying?" he demanded, his voice sharp and filled with resolve.


    Drake also regarded the Sword Revenant with interest, his sharp eyes taking in every detail. There was something unsettling about the undead ruler''sposure.


    The Sword Revenant chuckled softly, his skeletal fingers tapping on the armrest of his throne. "Nothing. Just that¡­ you''re already dead."


    With a wave of his hand, the chamber erupted into chaos. The Abyssal Knights and Death Liches surged forward, their ckened weapons and deadly spells glowing ominously. Behind them, the Death Knights and Arch-Liches prepared to join the fray, their hollow eyes locking onto the intruders.


    Brook raised his molten shield, his voice booming over the noise. "Formation! Don''t let them overwhelm us!"


    Drake stepped forward, his sword radiating power. He smirked as he nced at Milly and Liam. "Looks like this might be more fun than I thought."


    Milly readied her staff, golden light swirling around her. "Don''t let your guard down. This is no ordinary horde."


    Liam twirled his crimson staff, his expression calm. "Let''s test their limits, shall we?"


    As the undead army closed in, the trio prepared to unleash their full might. For the Sword Revenant, this was another battle to defend his throne. For the trio, it was just another challenge to conquer.


    The undead army surged forward with terrifying coordination, their hollow eyes glowing with an unearthly light.


    Brook led the charge, his molten shield mming into the first wave of Abyssal Knights. His sword ignited, molten mes dripping from the de as he swung, cutting through one of the knights in a single, devastating arc. "Focus fire on the Liches! Don''t let them cast unchecked!" he bellowed.


    Behind him, the Thunder mmers fell into formation, their battle cries echoing through the chamber. Spells flew through the air, streaking toward the advancing undead. Arrows whistled, finding their marks in the joints and skulls of the Death Knights.


    Drake darted into the fray, his movements precise and lethal. His swordsmanship was unparalleled, each swing cleaving through armor and bone as if they were paper. He activated a sword art, Phantom Strike, vanishing and reappearing behind a Death Knight, dispatching it in a single, fluid motion.


    "Keep up!" he called out, his voice steady despite the chaos.


    Milly stood her ground at the rear, her staff glowing as she channeled a high-level spell. "Celestial Barrage!" she cried, releasing a swarm of golden arrows infused with piercing mana. The projectiles rained down on the Death Liches, disrupting their dark incantations and obliterating their skeletal forms.

 Chapter 125 Sword Revenant V

    "You are quite perceptive," a chilling voice echoed through the chamber.


    The adventurers turned sharply, only to see the Sword Revenant''s shattered body rising from the ground. His once-cracked form began to mend itself, dark energy swirling around him like a sinister storm. His sunken eyes gleamed with amusement as he regarded them.


    "Did you truly think," he said with a smirk, his tone dripping with condescension, "that you could defeat me so easily? If I could be killed so simply, would I have remained here, ying countless Ascenders over the years?"@@novelbin@@


    The Revenant gestured dismissively, and his broken throne reconstructed itself in an instant. He sat upon it once more, exuding an aura of smug superiority.


    "As you can see," he continued, "I am far more than a mere mortal foe. I possess not one but three lives, mortals," he dered, his voiceced with dark amusement. "And now, you shall witness the power that has brought doom to so many before you."


    Dark energy surged from his body, reanimating the fallen Death Knights and Arch Liches, while his Abyssal Knights and Death Liches conjured reinforcements from the shadows.


    The room filled with an overwhelming presence of undead, their hollow eyes fixed on the adventurers as the Revenant''s legion swelled in size.


    Drake tightened his grip on his sword, his sharp gaze fixed on the Revenant. "Three lives, huh?" he said, his voice steady despite the rising tension. "Then we''ll just have to kill you three times."


    Brook chuckled, stepping forward with his molten shield raised. "I like the sound of that," he said, the molten veins across his armor glowing brighter.


    Milly took a deep breath, golden energy swirling around her as she prepared her next spell. "This isn''t over until we say it is," she said, her tone resolute.


    Liam grinned, blood magic crackling at his fingertips. "Let''s make this a fight to remember."


    The Sword Revenant smirked, leaning back on his throne as he raised his massive de. "Come, then," he taunted. "Show me if you have what it takes to face me again¡ªand survive."


    With a roar, his undead legion charged forward, the adventurers bracing themselves for the battle of their lives.


    As the undead legion surged forward, the chamber became a cacophony of shing steel, magical explosions, and unrelenting battle cries.


    Brook led the charge, his molten shield mming into the first wave of Death Knights. His molten veins red as his legendary Molten Blood Knight ss activated, unleashing a torrent of fiery devastation. His sword cleaved through the undead ranks, molten g trailing every swing. The Abyssal Knights countered with dark, crushing blows, but Brook''s armor absorbed the impact, retaliating with molten eruptions that sent the enemies reeling.


    Drake was a whirlwind of precision and power. His runed de, glowing with blue energy, struck with terrifying uracy. He activated his Celestial Sword Arts, each swing unleashing arcs of concentrated light that carved through Death Liches and Abyssal Knights alike. His movements were calcted, every strike dismantling their foes'' ranks while keeping the undead from overwhelming the group. Readtest stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Milly stood in the center, a storm of radiant magic. Her Gold Archmage Legacy spells filled the room with golden light, raining down explosive arrows that pinned multiple undead in ce. With her bow-armament spell, she conjured energy arrows, firing rapidly to strike weak points in the Death Liches'' barriers. When a cluster of Arch Liches attempted to encircle her, she unleashed a devastating Sr Nova, incinerating them in an instant.


    Meanwhile, Liam grinned as his blood magic reached its peak. Dark tendrils of crimson energy spiraled from his staff, binding and crushing undead in their wake. His Blood Requiem spell caused bursts of vampiric energy to siphon vitality from enemies, turning their strength into power for the party. When an Abyssal Knight lunged at him, Liam mmed his staff into the ground, summoning a Blood Spire that impaled the enemy with brutal precision.


    The adventurers from the Thunder mmers fought fiercely, inspired by the trio''s strength. Brook''s lieutenants coordinated well, utilizing their unique sses to hold back the relentless undead tide. Thebined might of the guild and the disguised trio began to thin the enemy forces.


    However, the Sword Revenant watched from his throne, unfazed. As his minions fell, he pped slowly, mockingly. "Impressive," he said, his tone dripping with disdain. "But do you truly think this is all I have?"


    With a wave of his hand, the remaining Arch Liches began chanting in unison. Dark glyphs appeared across the floor, and an ominous energy filled the chamber. The glyphs pulsed, summoning colossal skeletal constructs, each one bristling with deadly power.


    Drake''s eyes narrowed. "He''s summoning reinforcements. We need to stop him!"


    Brook growled, molten energy ring. "Leave that to me. You take him down!"


    As Brook and the Thunder mmers moved to intercept the new constructs, Drake, Milly, and Liam advanced toward the throne.


    The Sword Revenant stood, his de radiating an ominous aura. "Foolish mortals," he sneered. "You should have fled while you had the chance."


    Drake pointed his glowing de at the Revenant. "This ends now."


    The final battle began, the trio charging forward as the Sword Revenant leapt from his throne, his de shing against theirs in a battle that shook the very foundations of the dungeon.


    The Sword Revenant''s dark aura surged as he parried Drake''s attack, the sh sending shockwaves through the room. His moves were precise and relentless, each swing of his de emanating an oppressive force that seemed to drain the light from the air itself.


    Drake, however, was unfazed. His runed de met the Revenant''s with equal ferocity. Each strike of his Celestial Sword Arts unleashed radiant bursts of energy, countering the darkness that threatened to engulf them. The two warriors moved in a blur, their des colliding in a symphony of sparks and power.


    Milly took advantage of Drake''s distraction to prepare a devastating spell. Channeling the power of her Gold Archmage Legacy, she conjured a Celestial Barrage, raining golden energy arrows down onto the Revenant. The radiant projectiles struck true, forcing him to leap back momentarily.


    "Annoying insects!" the Revenant growled, summoning a barrier of swirling shadows. The barrier absorbed most of the arrows, but a few broke through, leaving scorch marks on his undead body.


    Liam smirked as he stepped forward, his staff glowing with crimson light. "Let''s see how you handle this." He mmed his staff into the ground, activating Crimson Requiem. Tendrils of blood magic surged from beneath the Revenant, binding his legs and siphoning his energy.

 Chapter 126 Sword Revenant VI

    Liam smirked as he stepped forward, his staff glowing with crimson light. "Let''s see how you handle this." He mmed his staff into the ground, activating Crimson Requiem. Tendrils of blood magic surged from beneath the Revenant, binding his legs and siphoning his energy.


    The Revenant roared, swinging his sword to dispel the tendrils, but the magic was resilient, draining his strength and slowing his movements. Drake seized the opportunity, dashing forward and delivering a devastating strike to the Revenant''s torso.


    The blow sent the Revenant stumbling back, his dark aura flickering. But instead of faltering, heughed, a hollow, echoing sound. "Fools! Did you think my power could be so easily undone?"


    With a wave of his hand, he activated the glyphs embedded in the walls. The room darkened further, and from the shadows emerged new foes¡ªphantom knights and spectral assassins, each radiating a chilling aura.


    "We''re not done yet," Milly said, her eyes glowing with determination. She activated her Golden Aegis spell, creating a shield of light around the trio that repelled the spectral attackers.


    Liam raised his staff, summoning a Blood Ward to further fortify their defenses. "We''ll handle these nuisances. Drake, keep him busy!"


    Drake nodded, charging the Revenant once more. Their des met in a ferocious sh, sparks flying with every strike.


    Meanwhile, Milly and Liam worked in tandem to eliminate the new threats. Milly''s radiant spells tore through the phantoms, each explosion of light leaving the room brighter and more secure. Liam''s blood magic created devastating whirlpools of crimson energy, drawing in and annihting the spectral assassins.


    Despite the onught, the Sword Revenant remained relentless. He activated his de of Eternal Sorrow, a weapon technique that sent waves of necrotic energy slicing through the air. The waves tore through the defenses, forcing the trio to scatter.


    "This guy''s tougher than I thought," Liam muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.


    Drake smirked. "Then it''s time we stopped holding back."


    The trio nodded in silent agreement, each preparing their ultimate techniques.


    Drake activated Celestial Convergence, his de glowing with an intense, blinding light. He charged forward, delivering a series of strikes that shattered the Revenant''s dark barrier.


    Milly unleashed Starfall Ascension, summoning massive celestial orbs that crashed down onto the battlefield, obliterating the spectral minions and leaving the Revenant vulnerable.


    Liam, with a wicked grin, activated Blood Vortex. Crimson tendrils erupted around the Revenant, trapping him in a whirlpool of devastating energy that tore at his essence.


    Thebined assault overwhelmed the Sword Revenant, his undead body faltering as cracks formed along his form.


    But as he fell to one knee, he smirked. "You''ve done well¡­ but this is far from over."


    Dark energy surged around him, and his body began to regenerate. The trio braced themselves, realizing the battle was only just beginning.


    As the Sword Revenant''s body regenerated, his aura intensified. The room trembled, and the glyphs on the walls red to life, bathing the battlefield in an ominous crimson light.


    "You''ve forced me to reveal my second life," the Revenant said, his voice dripping with mockery. His form changed; the decayed remnants of his body were reced with sleek, obsidian armor adorned with glowing runes. His de, now infused with necrotic fire, crackled with malevolent energy.


    Drake narrowed his eyes, gripping his sword tighter. "He''s more dangerous now. Milly, Liam¡ªstay sharp."


    The Revenant raised his de, and a wave of dark energy spread across the room. The fallen spectral assassins and phantom knights began to rise again, their forms stronger and more defined. This time, they were apanied by skeletal mages and hulking bone giants, each exuding an aura of overwhelming power.


    Milly quickly cast Golden Bulwark, a dome of radiant energy that protected the trio from the initial surge of undead magic. "We can''t let him keep summoning reinforcements," she said. "I''ll focus on crowd control."


    Liam nodded, his staff glowing a deep crimson. "I''ll disrupt his summoning spells. Drake, keep pressuring him!"@@novelbin@@


    Drake smirked, dashing toward the Revenant without hesitation. His Celestial Sword Arts glowed brighter as he activated Ster Edge, enhancing his speed and strength. He met the Revenant''s de head-on, their sh sending shockwaves that shattered the surrounding undead.


    The Revenant countered with Oblivion sh, a devastating arc of necrotic fire that forced Drake to leap back. The attack carved a deep trench in the ground, the lingering mes threatening to consume anything they touched. Enjoy new stories from My Virtual Library Empire


    Meanwhile, Milly unleashed her Sr Purge. Beams of golden light erupted from her staff, piercing through the skeletal mages and disrupting their spells. The beams exploded on impact, leaving the air crackling with radiant energy.


    Liam stepped forward, mming his staff into the ground. "Let''s see how you handle this!" he shouted, casting Bloodstorm Nova. A vortex of crimson energy erupted around him, pulling the bone giants and lesser undead into its swirling chaos. The spell drained their energy, reducing them to dust.


    The Revenant growled, clearly frustrated. "Enough of this!" He mmed his sword into the ground, summoning a Shadow Colossus¡ªa towering figure of darkness with glowing red eyes. The Colossus roared, its massive fists mming down toward the trio.


    Drake dashed forward, his de glowing with celestial power. "Not on my watch!" he shouted, activating Luminous Strike. His de cleaved through the Colossus''s arm, sending chunks of shadowy matter flying.


    Milly focused her energy on the Revenant, casting Heaven''s Chains. Golden chains erupted from the ground, binding the Revenant and restricting his movements. "Liam, now''s your chance!"


    Liam smirked, raising his staff high. "Time to end this phase." He cast Blood Eruption, sending a surge of crimson spikes through the chains and into the Revenant''s body. The attack disrupted the dark energy sustaining his second form, causing the obsidian armor to crack.


    The Revenant roared, his body writhing as the chains tightened around him. "You¡­ think you''ve won?" he spat, his voice filled with rage. "I still have one more life!"


    As his second form crumbled, the glyphs on the walls red brighter than ever. The room shook violently, and the Revenant''s body began to change again. His form grewrger, more monstrous, his sword transforming into a massive, jagged de radiating pure death energy.


    The trio exchanged determined looks.


    "Final phase," Drake said, readying his sword.


    "Let''s finish this," Milly added, her staff glowing with celestial light.


    Liam grinned, gripping his staff tightly. "Time to show him the real meaning of power."

 Chapter 127 Sword Revenant VII

    The Sword Revenant''s transformationpleted with a deafening roar that sent a wave of dark energy across the chamber. His monstrous form loomed over the trio, a grotesque amalgamation of sinew, armor, and shadow. The jagged de in his hand pulsed with necrotic energy, warping the space around it.@@novelbin@@


    "I am eternal!" he bellowed, his voice echoing with malevolent power. "You cannot defeat me, for death itself bows before me!"


    Drake stepped forward, his sword glowing brighter as he activated Ster Resonance, an ability that synchronized with Milly and Liam''s magic. "Eternal or not, you''re going down," he said, his calm confidence unwavering.


    The Revenant wasted no time, swinging his massive de in a wide arc. The sheer force of the attack sent shockwaves tearing through the chamber, obliterating the few remaining undead caught in its path.


    Drake dashed forward, weaving through the destruction with precision. He countered with Luminous Barrage, a rapid series of strikes infused with celestial energy. Each hit left glowing marks on the Revenant''s armor, weakening its defenses.


    Milly raised her staff, channeling Sr Ascendance. A massive pir of light descended from above, mming into the Revenant and forcing him to stumble back. The radiant energy burned through his dark aura, creating an opening.


    "Liam, hit him now!" Milly shouted.


    Liam grinned, his staff glowing with blood-red energy. He cast Sanguine Chains, binding the Revenant''s limbs with tendrils of crimson energy. The chains tightened with each passing second, sapping the Revenant''s strength and restricting his movements.


    The Revenant roared in fury, swinging his de wildly to break free. The dark energy radiating from him intensified, causing cracks to form in the chamber walls. "You think you can bind me? I''ll show you the futility of your efforts!"


    With a burst of power, he shattered the chains and unleashed Abyssal Cataclysm, a devastating wave of dark magic that filled the chamber. The trio barely managed to shield themselves¡ªDrake using his sword to deflect the brunt of the attack, Milly casting Radiant Barrier, and Liam summoning a protective blood dome.


    When the dust settled, the Revenant charged forward with terrifying speed, targeting Liam. His jagged de came down in a deadly arc, but Drake intercepted it just in time. The sh of their weapons sent sparks flying, the force of the impact pushing bothbatants back.


    "Liam, keep supporting us! Milly and I will handle the offense," Drake said, his voice steady despite the intensity of the battle.


    "Got it!" Liam replied, preparing another spell. He cast Crimson Rejuvenation, a spell that healed the trio''s injuries while boosting their stamina.


    Milly stepped forward, her staff glowing with golden light. She activated Starburst Arrows, summoning dozens of radiant projectiles that hovered in the air before raining down on the Revenant. Each arrow struck with precision, chipping away at his defenses.


    The Revenant growled, his monstrous form flickering as the radiant energy took its toll. "You¡­ dare to defy me!" he roared, unleashing Shadow Maelstrom, a vortex of dark energy that threatened to consume everything.


    Drake nted his feet firmly, activating Celestial Guard. A radiant shield formed around the trio, holding back the maelstrom''s destructive force. "We''ve got him on the ropes. Push harder!"


    Milly nodded, channeling her most powerful spell. "This ends now!" she dered, casting Divine Convergence. A massive orb of radiant energy formed above the Revenant, growing brighter with each second.


    As the Revenant struggled against the relentless attacks, Liam stepped forward, his staff pulsating with crimson light. "Let''s seal the deal," he said, casting Sanguine Devastation. The spellbined with Milly''s orb, creating a blinding explosion of light and energy that engulfed the Revenant.


    When the light faded, the Revenant''s form was reduced to ash, his jagged de shattering into fragments. The chamber grew silent, the oppressive aura dissipating.


    Drake lowered his sword, exhaling deeply. "It''s over," he said.


    Milly smiled, leaning on her staff. "That was tougher than I expected."


    Liam chuckled, wiping sweat from his brow. "Let''s hope the rewards are worth it."


    As the trio approached the remnants of the Revenant''s throne, a radiant chest materialized, glowing with the promise of powerful treasures.


    Brook and Yelena finished off thest of the Abyssal Knights and Death Liches, standing amidst the remnants of the fierce battle. Yelena exhaled heavily, brushing some dirt off her armor. "They''re too strong," she said, her voice carrying both admiration and disbelief.


    Brook nodded, his molten-blooded aura fading as he sheathed his weapon. "I''m d I invited them," he replied, his tone filled with a mix of relief and respect.


    Yelena nced at him, tilting her head. "What about the reward?" she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.


    Brook fell silent for a moment, his expression conflicted. He wanted to give the trio everything they deserved, especially after witnessing their strength and teamwork. But he is also an guild leader who wants to give his guild members the reward for their hard work. Torn between the two choices he thought for a moment and then sighed '' It''s better to have them as allies'' he thought as he decided to give them the most of the rewards from this raid.


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    After a long pause, Brook finally spoke. "I''ll give them more than just the reward for the boss''s head," he said, his voice resolute but tinged with nervousness. "They''ve earned it."


    Yelena observed him quietly, sensing the underlying tension. She understood his thoughts¡ªpartially a gesture of goodwill, partially an acknowledgment of their friendship, and partially a subtle attempt to stay on their good side.


    As the duo made their way toward the trio to distribute the spoils, Brook''s decision marked a turning point in his perspective. He wasn''t just respecting their abilities; he was ensuring that their alliance remained intact, knowing full well the consequences of being on the wrong side of such formidable individuals.


    The trio stood at the center of the battlefield, their calm demeanor starkly contrasting with the devastation around them. Drake sheathed his longsword, its runes dimming as the magic settled. Milly adjusted her bow, ncing at the fading remains of the undead legion, while Liam inspected his staff, the blood-red patterns still faintly glowing from his recent spells.

 Chapter 129 Back to City

    "Is that all you need?" Brook asked, his voice calm but curious. Yelena also turned her gaze toward Drake, waiting for his response.


    "Yes, that''ll be enough," Drake said, picking up the Revenant''s head and carefully storing it away in his inventory.


    Brook seemed to rx slightly but still looked intrigued as Drake asked, "What do you think of the other guilds? Do you believe they''ll seed in raiding their respective dungeons?"


    Brook crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "I don''t think so," he admitted. "We''re all at the same level of strength, more or less. I was feeling reassured having you three along. Without you, I doubt they''ll manage to clear their raids sessfully, at least not on the first attempt."


    Milly smirked slightly. "Sounds like we were the deciding factor."


    Brook nodded earnestly. "You were. I won''t deny it. Even with my guild''s strength, this raid would''ve been a gamble without your help. The others won''t have that kind of support."


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    Drake''s gaze turned calcting as he considered Brook''s words. "Then we''ll see how things unfold. Their sess or failure won''t matter to us we just need Revenant heads."


    Brook raised an eyebrow at Drake''s words. "You need another Revenant head too?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.


    Drake nodded. "I need it for our fourth partner. She''s injured, and her ss advancement requires the Revenant''s head," he exined, his tone steady but firm.


    Brook considered this for a moment before nodding. "I''ll help you set up a meeting with the other guilds. If they''ve failed, there might still be a chance to negotiate ess to their dungeon," he offered.


    Drake gave a nod of appreciation. "Thank you, Brook."


    The group departed the dungeon, mounting their respective mounts and heading toward the Imperial City. The journey was quiet but purposeful, each of them reflecting on the challenges they had ovee and the potential hurdles ahead.


    Upon arriving in the bustling Imperial City, they were met with curious gazes from onlookers. One of Brook''s guild members approached quickly, his expression a mix of excitement and apprehension. "Did you seed?" he asked eagerly.


    Brook nodded, and the guild member''s face lit up with a mixture of relief and pride. "We did," Brook confirmed.


    The guild member''s shout of joy echoed through the square, drawing the attention of other guilds nearby. A murmur spread quickly as the news traveled. One guild representative approached, his expression a mix of congrattions and restrained envy.


    "Congrattions on bing the number one guild of the Imperial City," the man said, his voice tinged with respect but also a hint of bitterness.


    Brook''s eyes widened slightly, confused by the title. "Number one?" he echoed, ncing at the man with furrowed brows.


    Drake, on the other hand, understood immediately. "It seems the other guilds have failed their raids," he said, a hint of understanding and amusement in his voice.


    Brook''s confusion gave way to realization as he looked back at the man. "I see¡­ thank you for the congrattions," he said finally, his tone measured.


    The weight of their sess¡ªand the failure of others¡ªsettled over the group as the implications of their new status became clear.


    Brook exchanged nces with Drake, the implications of their newfound status sinking in. While the title of the top guild in the Imperial City was prestigious, it also came with challenges¡ªjealousy, scrutiny, and expectations from other guilds and the Empire itself.


    Drake''s calm demeanor betrayed none of his thoughts as he turned to Brook. "This might work in our favor," he said quietly. "If we approach the failed guilds with the right offer, we might be able to secure another Revenant head without unnecessary conflict."


    Brook nodded, still adjusting to the weight of their sess. "You''re right. Their pride might be wounded, but they''ll have no choice but to consider a deal if they want to salvage anything from their attempts."


    Yelena, standing nearby, added, "We should tread carefully. A cornered guild might act out of desperation." Her sharp gaze swept over the bustling city square, where whispers of their sess had now turned into outright conversations.


    As if on cue, a representative from a rival guild approached¡ªa tall, armored woman with sharp features and a piercing gaze. She was nked by two others, their expressions unreadable.


    "Brook McLane," she began, her voice steady butced with tension. "Congrattions on your sess. It seems you''ve outdone us all."


    Brook offered a polite smile. "Thank you, Meryl. It wasn''t an easy raid."


    Meryl nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line. "I can imagine. My guild failed at the final stage. The Revenant is relentless." Her gaze shifted to Drake and Yelena. "And these must be the ones responsible for tipping the scales in your favor?"


    "They''re part of the team, yes," Brook replied, choosing his words carefully.


    Meryl studied Drake for a moment before speaking again. "I assume you''ll be leveraging this sess to secure more influence in the city."


    Drake smiled faintly. "We''re not here for influence or politics. Our interest lies elsewhere."


    Meryl''s eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise. "Elsewhere? Then perhaps we can negotiate. My guild still has unfinished business with the Revenant. If your team is willing, we could work together for a second attempt."


    Brook nced at Drake, who nodded subtly. "We might be open to that," Brook said. "Let''s discuss terms in private."@@novelbin@@


    Meryl''s eyes narrowed slightly, but she nodded. "Very well. I''ll meet you in the guild hall in an hour."


    As she and herpanions walked away, Brook turned to Drake. "What do you think?"


    Drake''s expression remained calm. "They''ll need our help, but we need the Revenant head. If we frame it as a coboration, they''ll agree."


    Yelena smirked. "And if they don''t?"


    Drake''s eyes glinted coldly. "Then we''ll take what we need by other means."


    Brook sighed, but he couldn''t disagree. "Let''s hope it doesn''te to that."


    The Trio hen walked after Meryl while Drake asked about Meryl from Brook as they followed after her.

 Chapter 132 True Skeleton King

    Liam inspected the wall closely, running his fingers over the worn edges of the slots. "It looks like they need to be inserted in a specific order."


    Leon nodded, already preparing the Revenant heads. "Alright, let''s start." He carefully ced the Mage Revenant head into the first slot, followed by the Sword Revenant''s head, then the Bow Revenant''s, and finally the Spear Revenant''s.


    As thest head clicked into ce, the tunnel shuddered slightly. A deep, resonant hum echoed through the air, and ancient mechanisms began to stir. The inscriptions on the wall glowed faintly, and the ground beneath them trembled as the way ahead slowly began to reveal itself.


    The walls began to shift and separate slowly, the bricks rearranging themselves like pieces of a massive puzzle. Each segment clicked into ce one by one, revealing a single grand corridor bathed in an ominous red glow. The floor was lined with a luxurious crimson carpet, and intricate chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, their light casting eerie shadows that danced across the walls.


    At the far end of the hall, a throne loomed¡ªa dark and foreboding seat of power. Sitting upon it was a skeletal figure, garbed in tattered yet regal robes that shimmered faintly with ancient enchantments. The figure held a magnificent staff adorned with over sixteen luminous gemstones, each depicting a mythical beast. The aura emanating from the staff was palpable, radiating a power that seemed topress the very air around them.


    "He''s about half a mile down the hall," Mily said, narrowing her eyes as she surveyed the path ahead.


    Leon nodded, his eyes scanning the room for traps or hidden threats. "Either it''s just him, or we''ll be dealing with a long fight before we even reach him," he said, gripping his weapon tightly.


    Liam adjusted his bloodstone gauntlets and frowned. "Judging by that aura, we won''t be walking out of here easily. Even before we engage, the power rolling off the Skeleton King is enough to tell us he''s far from a pushover. This will be an all-out battle."


    Leon took a deep breath, steeling himself. "He''s a Legendary-grade monster, probably near level 200 with the King ss modifier. That makes him the equivalent of a level 250 normal monster."


    The group tensed, their focus sharpening as they moved cautiously forward. They hadn''t made it far when two figures emerged from the shadows of the throne room. They walked calmly and confidently, their presence unnerving.


    The first was a maid with long, flowing ck hair tied back neatly. She wore a dark uniform, her gauntleted hand wreathed in ck mes that licked the air ominously. Her eyes glinted with cold calction as she moved with an almost mechanical grace.


    The second maid followed close behind. Her paleplexion and blindfold gave her an ethereal, haunting appearance. She carried an elegant rapier, its de humming faintly with power, and her every step seemed deliberate, as though she could sense everything around her despite herck of sight.


    The first maid stopped in front of the trio, her voice calm butmanding. "One shall remain here and face us. The others may proceed to meet the King, should they seed."


    Leon exchanged a look with Roselia and Liam, weighing their options. The maids were no ordinary opponents, their power evident even from a distance.


    "I''ll handle them," Roselia said, stepping forward with her bow at the ready. Her tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.


    Leon and Liam hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Be careful," Leon said as he and Liam prepared to move past the maids. They knew that splitting up was a risk, but Roselia''s confidence in her abilities was unshakable.


    The first maid smirked faintly as Roselia approached. "Bold. Let''s see if your actions can match your courage," she said, raising her gauntlet as the ck mes red brighter.


    The second maid, silent as ever, moved into a defensive stance, her rapier gleaming like a silver streak of moonlight.


    Roselia notched an arrow, her golden bow glowing faintly as she aimed. "Let''s get this over with," she muttered, her sharp eyes fixed on the maids.


    As Leon and Liam pressed forward toward the throne, the battle between Roselia and the two maids began, the sh of power and precision echoing through the hall.


    ****


    Roselia took a deep breath as she faced the two maids. She wasn''t just an archer in this form¡ªshe was a Dark Battle Magus, a deadlybination of ranged and closebat prowess enhanced by dark elemental magic. Her ck-and-gold armor shimmered with magical runes, and her twin weapons¡ªa crescent-shaped scythe and a dark mana-infused spellbook¡ªhovered in the air around her, ready for battle.


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    The first maid, the one with the ming gauntlet, stepped forward, her ck mes roaring to life as she clenched her fist. "Your confidence will be your undoing," the maid sneered, her gauntlet releasing waves of intense heat that warped the air around her.


    The second maid remained silent, her blindfold hiding her expression. She raised her rapier, its tip glowing with a soft, deadly light, and took a measured step to the side, nking Roselia with the precision of a predator.


    Roselia wasted no time. She mmed her foot into the ground, summoning a Dark Field, a pulsating dome of shadow magic that immediately dimmed the light in the room. The field drained energy from her enemies, slowing their movements and empowering her own attacks.


    The first maid scoffed, ck mes surging toward Roselia like a tidal wave. Roselia twirled her scythe, cutting through the mes with precise arcs, the edges of her de glowing with dark energy. She countered by casting Oblivion Spear, a ck, crackling projectile that streaked toward the ming maid. The maid sidestepped with unnatural speed, but the spear exploded behind her, forcing her to retreat as shards of shadow rained down.


    The second maid lunged from Roselia''s nk, her rapier thrusting in rapid, graceful strikes. Roselia barely managed to deflect the attacks, her scythe spinning defensively in tight arcs. One strike slipped through, grazing her armor and leaving a faint burn mark.

 Chapter 135 True Skeleton King IV

    Myrazar moved first, faster than expected for a being so steeped in sloth. His runic sword sliced through the air, releasing an arc of deadly energy that surged toward Leon. Leon raised his staff and conjured a barrier of Golden Metal Magic, its shimmering surface crackling as the energy collided with it, sending a wave of force through the chamber. Read exclusive chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    Leon retaliated with a volley of Destruction Orbs, crackling spheres of annihting energy that streaked through the air. Myrazar met them with a casual flick of his de, summoning a wall of runes that absorbed the attack effortlessly. "Pathetic," the king mocked, stepping forward.


    Leon narrowed his eyes, channeling his Aether Magic to enhance his agility. He vanished in a blur, reappearing behind Myrazar and unleashing a devastating wave of Blood Spikes. The crimsonnces erupted from the ground, targeting the king''s exposed back. Myrazar turned, his sword carving glowing sigils into the air. The spikes shattered against the runic defenses, and the king countered with a thrust of his de.


    Leon barely dodged, the edge of the runic sword grazing his armor and sending a ripple of numbing energy through his body. The runes on the sword weren''t just for show¡ªthey were inscribed with spells designed to sap strength and focus.


    "You think yourself clever, mortal?" Myrazar sneered. He plunged his sword into the ground, activating a massive rune circle that engulfed the floor. From the glowing runes emerged spectral chains, glowing with dark energy, racing toward Leon.


    Leon leaped back, summoning a shield of Aether des that sliced through the chains as they approached. He followed up with Golden Arrows, dozens of radiant projectiles that streaked toward Myrazar. The king responded with a gesture, summoning Runic Mirrors that reflected the arrows back at Leon.


    Leon smirked, waving his staff to deflect his own projectiles. "You''ll have to do better than that," he taunted.


    The fight escted as Myrazar began using his Sword King''s Art, a devastatingbination of runic spells and masterful swordsmanship. His de moved like a blur, each strike leaving trails of destructive runes that detonated moments after impact. Leon countered with Destruction Waves, unleashing pulses of annihting energy to push the king back. The chamber shook with every sh, and cracks began forming in the walls and ceiling.


    Leon charged at Myrazar, their des meeting in a resounding sh. Sparks flew as their weapons collided, and the sheer force of their strikes sent shockwaves through the chamber. Myrazar''s sword arts were precise and overwhelming, his runes activating with every swing. Leon countered with his own Knight''s Sword Art, using raw speed and strength to match the king blow for blow.


    At one point, Myrazar unleashed a devastating rune spell, summoning a storm of spectral des that filled the chamber. Leon responded by activating Blood King''s Domain, covering the floor in a crimson aura that disintegrated the spectral weapons before they could reach him.


    The two fought on, neither gaining a clear advantage. Leon began weaving his Destruction Magic into his sword strikes, each swing releasing shockwaves of annihting energy. Myrazar retaliated with runic spells that turned the air into a deadly maze of energy traps.


    As the fight reached its climax, Leon activated his ultimate technique,bining his Golden, Aether, and Blood Magic into a single, devastating attack. His de glowed with golden radiance, crackling with aetheric energy and dripping with blood-red power.


    The battle intensified as Myrazar also unleashed the true power of the Sword King''s Art. His strikes became faster and more fluid, each swing of his de leaving trails of rune-infused shes that lingered in the air, detonating momentster. Leon danced around the explosions, using his Aether-enhanced agility to stay one step ahead.


    The King shifted tactics, transitioning into a defensive stance and summoning Runic Mirrors¡ªfloating shields that reflected Leon''s spells back at him. Leon responded by shifting to pure Destruction Magic, unleashing pulses of energy that vaporized the mirrors on impact. With the barriers down, Leon summoned a Golden Lance, a massive spear of radiant metal, and hurled it at Myrazar. The King blocked it with his sword, but the force sent him skidding backward.


    "You''re persistent," Myrazar growled, the mes in his eyes burning brighter. He mmed his sword into the ground, creating a massive rune circle beneath him. The runes red, summoning spectral warriors to join the fray. Leon, unfazed, smirked as he activated his Blood King''s Domain, causing the ground to ooze with crimson energy. The spectral warriors disintegrated upon contact with the blood magic, their forms unable to withstand its corrosive nature.


    "You talk too much," Leon retorted, raising his staff high. Aetheric energy swirled around him as he cast Starfall, summoning a rain of golden, destructiveets. The King countered with Runic Storm, summoning a whirlwind of glowing symbols that shed with the falling stars, creating a brilliant disy of light and power.@@novelbin@@


    As the dust raised Leon once again charged his Sword with both Destruction and Aether magic, he rushed in and attacked Myrazar.


    With a final charge, Leon broke through Myrazar''s defenses, driving his de into the king''s chest. The runic sword ttered to the ground as the Slothful King let out a deafening roar. The mes in his eyes flickered and died, and his skeletal form crumbled into dust.


    [You have defeated The Slothful King - Myrazar Stse.]


    [Reward: Blessing of Sloth acquired.]


    Leon sheathed his sword, breathing heavily as the chamber fell silent. The throne room, now in ruins, seemed to sigh in relief at the defeat of its ancient ruler.


    Leon sat on the ground as he looked at his mana state, " Only 11% remined huh" he chuckled, the Slothful King was the most difficult opponent he has faced so far and it was worth it.


    Leon looked at the dropped rewards but first he checke dthe Blessing of Sloth, he is not worried about its lethargic effect as he has his own Sage Mind Skill, that kept him unaffected by any kind of Psychic type abnormal effects.

 Chapter 138 Quest Completion

    Milim stared at his outstretched hand, her expression unreadable. Slowly, she reached out and took it, her fingers trembling slightly. As Leon helped her to her feet, she nodded. "Very well. I will do as you say," she said softly, a small smile ying on her lips.


    Leon gave a brief nod, his face calm, though his mind was racing. Hopefully, by that time, I''ll have found that mythical-grade cleansing potion to remove the curse Angelica unknowingly put on me, he thought grimly, the memory of that incident shing through his mind.


    "By the way, these are mypanions," Leon said, gesturing to the two nearby. "Roman and Roselia." He smiled faintly as he pointed at Roselia. "And Roselia here is my girlfriend. I also have another¡ªher name''s Angelica. She''s an angel who resides on a higher floor, Floor 234 to be exact."


    Milim turned her curious gaze toward Leon.


    That''s when one of the maids, the shorter one, couldn''t hold her tongue. "What are you doing, collecting a harem of rare beauties?" she asked with a teasing smirk.


    Before Leon could respond, Milim delivered a swift chop to the maid''s head. "Forgive Naval," Milim said with a sigh. "She''s an open-mouthed person."


    Leon chuckled as Naval rubbed her head sheepishly.


    "By the way, her name''s Naval," Milim continued, pointing to the shorter maid with an impish grin. Then she gestured to the taller, calm-looking one, d in ck armor and gloves. "And she''s Liliana."


    Leon nodded, acknowledging the introductions.


    "They''ve been my maids since I was alive," Milim exined. "Like me, they are vampires too. However, I am a Royal-ss vampire, while they are Lord-ss."


    "Royal-ss?" Leon asked curiously.


    "Vampire hierarchy is simple," Milim said, holding up her hand as if counting the tiers. "It''s Commoner, Noble, and Royal. The Noble ss is further divided into many sub-stages. I''m a Royal, though after a million years of imprisonment and no nourishment, my strength has degraded to only Duke-ss levels." She sighed wistfully, then shifted her tone to one of yful charm. "Which brings me to a request¡ªcan you give me a little of your blood?"


    Leon hesitated for a moment. "Alright," he said finally, extending his hand.


    But Milim didn''t take his hand. Instead, she stepped closer, grabbed him by the cor of his shirt, and pulled him in. Without another word, she bit down gently on his neck.


    Leon''s eyes widened as a strange, euphoric sensation coursed through him, a mix of warmth and lightheadedness. Milim drank deeply, her crimson eyes glowing faintly as she replenished her strength.


    A momentter, she released him, licking her lips with satisfaction.


    "That was the most delicious blood I''ve ever tasted," Milim said, her voice carrying a note of surprise and delight. Explore more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    Naval, who had been watching with keen interest, smirked. "Surely, Miss, you''re falling in love. You''re drunk on the blood of someone with a Legendary-ss level aura. How this human even belongs to that caliber is beyond me."


    Before she could say more, Liliana delivered another chop to Naval''s head.@@novelbin@@


    Milim, now feeling her strength returning, although it was few percent but as long as she continue to drink his blood she felt she cannot only regain her strength but even advance in vampire ranks, smiled faintly as she turned to Leon. "Your blood... it''s extraordinary. Truly. You must have a Mythical-ss job. Without it, defeating the Slothful King would have been an impossible dream."


    Leon simply nodded, brushing off her praise with a calm demeanor. "Let''s move on," he said, his tone steady, though inwardly he felt slightly embarrassed.


    Liliana watched him quietly, her gaze assessing yet respectful. Meanwhile, Naval grumbled under her breath, rubbing her head again. The group began preparing to leave, Milim now fully energized and determined, a new spark of life gleaming in her eyes.


    Roselia nced at Millim out of the corner of her eye, her lips pressing into a thin line. She didn''t like how Millim kept staring at Leon with such intensity, but she said nothing. Roselia was familiar with Demon World customs, where powerful demons¡ªwhether male or female¡ªoften had multiple partners. She had long since epted that reality. As long as Leon continued to cherish her and keep her by his side, she could tolerate whatever futurepanions he might gain.


    Roman, on the other hand, remained silent, his expression as stoic as ever. To him, it was only natural that someone as powerful and charismatic as Leon would attract followers, especially one like Millim. A great leader naturally amassed a strong entourage. It didn''t bother Roman in the slightest. Internally, he solidified his resolve. "No matter how manypanionse to follow you, I will always be your number one sword and shield, Lord Leon," he thought, determination glinting in his eyes as he trailed behind the group.


    The eerie silence of the sewer faded as they emerged into the sunlight, thest vestiges of the underground dungeon behind them. The guards at the entrance didn''t even nce their way, too busy with their own affairs to notice a small group in disguises blending into the crowd.


    Millim and her maids, initially cautious and hesitant, quickly adjusted to the bustling life above ground. They wore simple cloaks to conceal their identities, though Millim couldn''t help but take in her surroundings with wide-eyed curiosity.


    Leon led them to the Beginner City Tower Association, his mind focused on their next objective. It was time to report their sess and hand over the remains of the True Skeleton King to the Alchemist King. As they arrived at the Tower Association''s imposing structure, Leon stepped forward and then took the Quest of the Red Skeleton King dungeon.


    Taking the Quest he went there with his team, one shotting the Red Skeleton King, he went behind the throne inside the Hidden room where the Alchemist King resides,


    It was time toplete the theri long Quest. The Quest they got from the Alchemist king, which involved them reaching the limit level of 1st floor and then defeat the True Skeleton King and bring his remains here, finally they have done it.

 Chapter 141 Fifth Floor II

    The Hobgoblins roared in unison, their guttural cries echoing across the clearing as they charged toward Leon and his group. The ground trembled under the weight of their charge, and the air grew tense with the promise of battle.


    Leon raised his sword, its edge shimmering faintly with a golden aura. "Stick to the n," hemanded, his voice cutting through the noise. "We take them in waves. Roselia, support with area control. Roman and Millim, keep them off the casters. Naval and Liliana, focus on the nks."


    Roselia nodded, raising her staff high. A swirling vortex of ice and wind erupted from her hands, creating a barrier of freezing air that slowed the Hobgoblins'' advance. The front line hesitated, their movements hindered by the biting cold.


    Roman and Millim charged forward to meet the onught. Roman''s swordsmanship was impable, each swing calcted and efficient. He cleaved through the first Hobgoblin that reached him, its body crumpling to the ground in a heap. Millim, on the other hand, was a whirlwind of raw power. Her fists glowed with a fiery aura as she leaped into the fray, delivering bone-crushing punches that sent Hobgoblins flying.


    Naval and Liliana nked the group, their movements graceful yet lethal. Naval''s rapier darted like a striking serpent, finding gaps in the Hobgoblins'' crude armor and dispatching them with precision. Liliana''s gauntlets, wreathed in ck mes, ignited her foes on contact, their screams of pain mingling with the sounds of shing steel.


    Leon stayed at the center of the formation, directing the flow ofbat while delivering devastating strikes to any Hobgoblins that broke through. He activated Light de, his sword glowing brighter as he unleashed a flurry of shes that tore through multiple enemies at once. The Hobgoblins'' numbers began to dwindle, but their Captain remained a looming threat.


    The Hobgoblin Captain finally stepped forward, its battle-axe raised high. With a roar, it mmed the weapon into the ground, creating a shockwave that disrupted the group''s formation. Roman was quick to react, nting his sword into the earth to steady himself. "I''ll handle the Captain," he called out, his eyes locking onto the imposing foe.


    "No, we''ll do it together," Leon replied, stepping beside him. The two warriors advanced toward the Captain, their coordinated movements honed from countless battles together.


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    The Captain swung its massive axe with surprising speed, forcing Leon and Roman to dodge in opposite directions. Leon retaliated with a precise sh, aiming for the creature''s exposed side, while Roman went for its legs. The Captain snarled, its thick armor absorbing some of the damage, but the coordinated assault began to wear it down.


    Meanwhile, Roselia maintained control of the battlefield, her spells keeping the remaining Hobgoblins at bay. She conjured a ring of fire that trapped several of the creatures, their screams of agony echoing through the clearing. Naval and Liliana continued to mop up the stragglers, their synergy as a duo bing increasingly apparent.


    Millim, not one to be left out, charged toward the Captain. "Make room!" she yelled, her fists glowing brighter as she activated Earth Breaker, a skill that sent a shockwave through the ground upon impact. Her punch connected with the Captain''s chest, the force of the blow staggering the hulking creature and leaving it momentarily vulnerable.


    Leon seized the opening, activating de Surge, a powerful technique that unleashed a concentrated burst of energy from his sword. The strike pierced through the Captain''s defenses, leaving a deep gash across its torso. Roman followed up with a decisive sh to its legs, bringing the beast to its knees.


    The Captain let out a final roar of defiance before copsing to the ground, its lifeless body emitting a faint glow as it disintegrated. The battlefield grew quiet, save for the heavy breaths of the group as they regrouped.


    "Good work, everyone," Leon said, sheathing his sword. "Let''s gather what we can from the remains and set up camp."


    As they looted the fallen enemies, Leon''s Analyze skill revealed several useful materials and a rare item: the Hobgoblin Captain''s Pendant, an essory that boosted physical attack and defense. He handed it to Roman, knowing it wouldplement his role as their frontline tank.


    After another half an hour, Leon, Millim, and her maids absorbed the Source, leveling up by one or two levels.


    Leon spoke, "Since there''s a Hobgoblin camp here, it means there are likely more Goblins around."


    They all nodded in agreement.


    "A Goblin traveling horde. And if there was a Hobgoblin Captain at such a minor camp, it means there''s an even bigger Goblin group out there¡ªhopefully somewhere in this forest too."


    Millim spoke as Leon nodded. "I guess your knowledge is up to date," he said.


    Millim''s face suddenly turned red. "W-what happened?" he asked, noticing her reaction.


    "N-nothing," she stammered, shaking her head. Leon shrugged, deciding not to focus on her behavior.


    Meanwhile, Liliana understood what had happened with Millim. "Shepleted the Marriage Pact with him," she thought. "I should have noticed this when she fed from his neck instead of his wrist," she mumbled to herself, ncing at Millim.


    With the Marriage Pactplete, Millim was now able to see some of Leon''s recent memories. However, even she couldn''t fullyprehend them. Her powerful Blood Memory skill wasn''t able to ess anything rted to the System within Leon.@@novelbin@@


    "Her life is now tied to him," Liliana thought, ncing at Leon. With the Marriage Pactpleted, Millim could only feed from Leon, and if she didn''t, she would slowly fall into a deep sleep¡ªpermanently if Leon were to die, as she would no longer be able to drink his blood.


    "Sigh, what a worrisome matter," Liliana thought, shaking her head, though she silently vowed to help Leon.


    "Not that I''m in a position to strengthen him," she added inwardly, deciding to wait and see how this situation would unfold.


    Leon unaware, that eh once again got married for the second time without his knowledge kept walking to find the next Goblins settlement.

 Chapter 144 Against the Goblins III

    Leon and the group strolled deeper into the forest, chatting casually as they moved. The distant sounds of goblin chatter didn''t faze them¡ªthey had already decided this area was theirs to clear out.


    The first goblin camp they came across was almostughable. A handful of goblins sat around a poorly built fire, gnawing on scraps of meat. Leon didn''t even need to draw his weapon. With a flick of his hand, a surge of mana swept through the camp, sending the goblins flying. Millim darted in, her wolf Benz at her side, finishing off the stragglers with ease.


    "That''s one," Leon said casually, brushing dirt off his coat as they moved on.


    The next camp was a bitrger, led by a hobgoblin wielding a rusty sword. "Ooh, this one looks important," Naval teased, summoning a glowing arrow of energy. She loosed it, taking down two goblins before they could even scream.


    Millimughed, her weapon crashing down on the hobgoblin, splitting its weapon in half before Benz leapt on it. "That wasn''t much of a fight," she said, pouting.


    Camp after camp fell in much the same way. Goblins charged out of their tents, only to be met with Leon''s effortless sts of energy or Liliana''s precision magic. Mimi, her sleek ck cat, prowled among the chaos, asionally creating illusions to confuse the goblins and make them easier targets.


    Eventually, they came upon arger camp, where a towering hobgoblin shaman waited in the center. Its staff glowed with faint red runes as it chanted something in a guttural tone. Shadowy figures began to rise around it.


    Leon raised an eyebrow. "Oh, finally something... not challenging but at least different," he said, his tone almost bored.


    The shaman raised its staff, but before it could finish whatever spell it was casting, Leon snapped his fingers. A sharp, concentrated burst of energy shot out, shattering the staff in one clean hit. The shaman froze, staring at the splinters in its hands.


    "That''s it?" Naval said, blinking.


    "Guess so," Leon replied with a shrug as Benz lunged forward, pinning the shaman to the ground. Millim patted her wolf on the head. "Good boy, Benz. You didn''t even need help for that one."


    The group continued their walk through the forest, leaving the remnants of goblin camps in their wake. "If this is the kind of resistance we''re going to face, we might as well take a break soon," Leon said, stretchingzily.@@novelbin@@


    "Yeah, yeah," Liliana replied, rolling her eyes. "Maybe next time we''ll find something that actually requires effort."


    With that, they moved on, their sights set on the next prey lurking in the forest.


    " lest go separate ways" Roselia said as leon nodded after a moment of thought " Roman and you go in one direction, and rest wille with me" he said as roman and roselia nodded.


    The forest grew quieter as they ventured deeper, the goblin camps bing fewer and farther between. After clearing yet another group, Leon leaned against a tree, watching as Millim yed with Benz, tossing sticks for him to fetch. Naval was inspecting her arrows, and Liliana sat on a fallen log, absently petting Mimi, who purred contentedly.


    "Think we''ve scared off the rest?" Millim asked, ncing at Leon.


    "Unlikely. Goblins aren''t that smart," Leon replied, smirking. "There''s always more of them hiding somewhere, probably thinking they''re safe."


    As if on cue, the faint sound of chanting reached their ears. It was deeper and more rhythmic than before, a clear indication of something unusual.


    "Another shaman?" Naval asked, drawing her bow.


    "Sounds like it," Liliana said, standing and brushing dirt off her cloak.


    Leon didn''t seem particrly concerned. "Let''s check it out. Maybe this one will put up a better fight," he said, motioning for the group to follow.


    They moved quietly, slipping through the dense foliage until they came upon a clearing. In the center stood a circle of hobgoblins, their shaman in the middle. This one was taller than thest, its staff adorned with glowing red crystals. Around it were crudely carved totems radiating an eerie energy.


    The shaman''s chanting grew louder, and dark tendrils of magic began to form in the air. Unlike the previous camps, this one had clearly prepared for a serious fight.


    "Finally, something interesting," Leon said, his smirk widening.


    Before anyone else could react, Naval loosed an arrow, shattering one of the totems. The magic around the shaman flickered for a moment before stabilizing. "Didn''t like that, did you?" she said, grinning.


    The hobgoblins roared, charging at them. Millim leapt into the fray, her axe cleaving through them with ease as Benz darted around, knocking them off bnce. Liliana stayed back, weaving illusions that caused the goblins to attack each other in their confusion.


    Leon strolled forward, unconcerned by the chaos around him. The shaman locked eyes with him, its glowing staff aimed in his direction. A st of dark magic shot toward him, but Leon raised a hand, effortlessly absorbing the attack.


    "Not bad," he said casually, "but not good enough."


    With a wave of his hand, a shockwave of energy erupted from him, sending the hobgoblins flying. The shaman staggered but managed to stay on its feet, snarling as it prepared another spell.


    Leon sighed, almost disappointed. "You really don''t learn, do you?"


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    This time, he didn''t wait. A precise burst of energy shot from his palm, striking the shaman directly in the chest. It let out a guttural cry as the dark magic around it dissipated, and it copsed to the ground.


    "Well, that was a bit more effort," Leon said, dusting off his coat.


    "Not much, though," Millim said, walking over and nudging the fallen shaman with her boot. "Guess that''s all they''ve got."


    "Still, these totems are interesting," Liliana said, examining one of the shattered carvings. "They were trying to summon something. Good thing we stopped them before they seeded."


    Leon shrugged. "Doesn''t matter what they were nning. They wouldn''t have stood a chance anyway."


    With the clearing silent once more, the group regrouped, ready to move on. "Where to next?" Naval asked, slinging her bow over her shoulder.


    Leon nced at the horizon, the forest stretching endlessly before them. "Let''s keep going. There''s bound to be something worth our time eventually."


    And with that, they continued their hunt, leaving behind yet another defeated camp as the forest echoed with their triumph.

 Chapter 146 Tier II part 2

    ''Now, that is so good" he mumbled as he saw the Mythical Arune Ability of his turned into an ??? ss ability.


    "The Evolution potion is quite great, I hope I get another one" Leon mumbled looking at it as he oed his Status Screen.


    [ Ascender Name: Fang ]


    ss: Paradox Mage (???)


    Path I - Sage of Destruction


    Path II - Not yet chosen


    Secondary ss : World Destroying Berserker


    Title: Unique ss, Unique Ability, Child of Aether


    Legacy: Golden Magus , Blood Magus King, Alchemy Saint


    LVL: 101


    Rank: Tier II


    STATS


    AGI: 3000


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    VIT: 3000


    INT: 30,000


    STA: 3000


    STR: 3000


    HP: 30,000/30,000


    MP: 300,000


    Unassigned stat points: 10


    Hidden Stats


    Luck: ???


    Charm: ???


    Reputation: ???


    Special Stat


    Berserker : 10


    Condition: Healthy


    Abilities


    Origin Conjurer (??)


    Shiva''s Judgement (???)


    Skills : yer Swordsmanship (A), Pocket Dimension (Ex), Hellfire Chain (A), Summon Familiar (Ex), Aether Magic (Ex), Dark Pact (Ex), Annihtion Ray.


    ss Skills :


    1. World Destroying Berserker (Mythical) : Tandav ¨C Dance of Destruction, Third Eye ¨C Eye of the Sage, Body of Destruction , Meditation.


    Wrath of the Destroyer (Active ¨C War Mode) (NEW)


    Instantly triggers battle trance, increasing all stats 10x for five minutes.


    Effect:


    Reality Ripping Blows¡ªeach strike cracks space-time.


    Self-Regeneration¡ªany injuries instantly heal.


    Fury Incarnate¡ªthe more Leon fights, the stronger he gets.


    Raging Battlefield Sovereign (Passive ¨C Battle Mastery) (NEW)


    In any battle, Leon is treated as the strongest being in the area.


    Effects:


    Suppression Aura¡ªall weaker beings feel crushed under his presence.


    Perfect Adaptability¡ªcan instantly adjust to any opponent''s fighting style.


    Battlefield King¡ªall allies receive buffs just by fighting alongside him.


    2. Paradox Mage (???)


    Path I : Sage of Destruction : Divine Insight (Passive), Mana Surge (Passive), Prya ¨C End of Worlds (Active), Sanctified Calm (Passive), Divine Harmony (Active),


    Samsara Cycle Maniption (Passive ¨C Control Over Life & Death) (NEW)


    Grants Leon the ability to control the cycle of life and death, allowing him to:


    Instantly age or rejuvenate targets.


    Resurrect or permanently erase beings.


    Turn death into a fuel source, absorbing fallen enemies'' energy.


    Eternal Void Sphere (Active ¨C Spatial Eradication) (NEW)


    Leon creates a ck sphere of absolute nullification, erasing everything it touches, includingws, abilities, and magical constructs.


    Effect:


    Cannot be countered by normal means¡ªonly Three Tier higher intervention can stop it.


    Can be controlled remotely, following Leon''s will.


    Expands over time, devouring entirendscapes if left unchecked.


    Legacy Skills :


    Golden Magus : Metal And Light Combination Attribute Skills magic upto Tier 10@@novelbin@@


    Blood Magus King : Blood Attribute Skills magic upto Tier 12


    Alchemy Saint (first Part) : Alchemy upto Tier VI


    Equipment


    Weapons: gue Bearer Sword (Epic ,Growth), Elixir of Eternal Night (Legendary), Grimoire of Forbidden Rites (Epic) , Axe of Devastation, Sage Crown of Destruction... ]


    "All good," Leon mumbled, closing the status screen as he looked ahead. They had reached the Ogre camp. The ogres wererge, muscr beings with powerful bodies. They wielded huge greatswords and clubs.


    "I guess I will select my second pathter" Leon mumbled as the Ogre have already Spotted them.


    The ogres spotted them almost immediately, growling in warning as they began to charge. Leon, however, remained calm, a slight smirk ying on his lips. "Let''s make this quick," he muttered to the group.


    Millim grinned, cracking her knuckles. "You got it!" she said, her voice full of excitement. Naval and Liliana prepared their stances, ready to take on the ogres alongside Leon.


    The first ogre reached them with surprising speed, swinging its massive greatsword. Leon easily sidestepped the blow, moving fluidly as he drew his own weapon, cutting through the air with a swift, precise strike. The ogre''s body crumpled before it even had a chance to react.


    "Nice one," Naval called out, taking down an ogre of her own with her owl swooping in to assist, attacking from the sky.


    Liliana, everposed, summoned her Deception Cat, which blurred in and out of existence, confusing the ogres. She sent them into a frenzy of attacks, only for the cat to appear behind them each time, leaving them vulnerable to a quick strike from her sword.


    As the group systematically cleared out the ogres, Leon noticed one particrlyrge figure standing near the back, holding a massive club and looking unphased by the chaos around him. This one was different ¡ª an ogre shaman.


    Leon exchanged a nce with Millim. "This one''s for you," he said, knowing that Millim loved a good challenge.


    Millim''s eyes sparkled as she rushed forward, her pet Benz following closely behind. The shaman raised his hand, summoning dark energy, but Millim was faster. With a single leap, she closed the gap, delivering a crushing blow to the ogre shaman''s chest. The force of the impact sent the shaman crashing into the ground, his dark magic fizzling out of existence.


    "Too slow," Millim said, wiping her hands off in satisfaction.


    Leon shook his head with a grin. "Always showing off."


    With thest of the ogres dealt with, the group took a moment to catch their breath, surveying the battlefield. "That was easy," Leon remarked, his gaze drifting to the horizon. "We''ve got a long way to go."


    The clearing fell silent, the only sound the rustling of leaves as thest ogre slumped to the ground. Leon wiped his de clean and sheathed it, ncing over at hispanions, who were each catching their breath, but all with satisfied grins.


    Millim was practically bouncing with energy, her usual exuberance never far behind. "That was fun!" she cheered, her pet Benz wagging its tail in agreement as it trotted beside her.


    Naval gave a short, approving nod. "Efficient, as always," she said, her moon owl perched calmly on her shoulder, eyes scanning the surroundings for any more threats.


    Liliana, everposed, sheathed her sword. "A waste of time, but effective," shemented, her ck cat sitting beside her with a calm demeanor, its eyes glowing faintly.


    Leon smirked, giving them all a once-over. "We can call it a warm-up. Let''s keep moving," he said, nodding toward the deeper part of the forest where their next target awaited.


    "Always on the move," Millim quipped, but she was already heading in the direction Leon pointed.

 Chapter 149 Bandits

    The ruins were outside the city, past the Outer Wilds, a dangerous territory filled with rogue Ascenders, wild beasts, andwless zones where Tower rules didn''t apply.


    Milim cracked her knuckles. "This is gonna be fun!"


    Leon smirked. "Let''s see what the Fifth Floor has in store for us."


    With that, the group left the safety of Velka''s walls, heading toward their first real challenge on this floor¡ªthe Crimson Fang Bandits.


    As Leon and his group moved toward the Eastern Ruins, the atmosphere gradually shifted. The bustling, structured energy of Velka faded behind them, reced by an eerie silence. The Outer Wilds stretched before them¡ªvast rocky terrain with crumbling stone pirs, ancient broken roads, and asional remnants of what seemed to be an old civilization.


    "Feels like something straight out of a war zone," Roman muttered, scanning the surroundings.


    Liliana nodded. "And a perfect ce for bandits to set up camp."


    As they advanced, Milim suddenly stopped, her sharp senses detecting something ahead.


    "Something''s watching us," she said, her voice low but excited.


    Leon activated Aether Sight, his eyes glowing faintly as he looked into the distance. Several red markers appeared on his vision, hiding behind the remains of crumbled walls.


    "Ambush," Leon stated. "Five of them, lightly armed but fast. They''re scouts, probably from the Crimson Fang."


    Roselia ced her hand on her sword. "Do we engage?"


    Leon smirked. "No need. Let theme to us."


    As if on cue, the bandit scouts lunged from their hiding spots, charging forward with dual daggers and short swords. Their movements were quick, enhanced by mana, but to Leon and his group, they were nothing but easy prey.


    Bandit 1 dashed at Leon, aiming to stab his side¡ªonly for Leon to sidestep and counter with Samsara Strike, his sword cutting through the bandit''s mana shield like paper.


    Milim jumped into the air, spinning mid-air before delivering a devastating Fist of the Tyrant, sending one bandit crashing through a boulder.


    Roselia moved with lethal precision, her Wind Cutter sh decapitating a bandit before he could even react.


    Roman let out augh, dodging attacks with ease before using Infernal Chain Bind, locking two bandits in ce before snapping their necks with a single strike. Explore more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    In less than thirty seconds, all five scouts were either dead or unconscious.


    Leon wiped the blood off his de and smirked. "If this is all the Crimson Fang has, I''m almost disappointed."


    Liliana knelt beside one of the unconscious bandits. "Should we interrogate him?"


    Leon thought for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah. Let''s see what kind of trouble we''re dealing with before we charge in."


    "Next time, we''re taking care of the small fries," Naval said, dissatisfied that she didn''t get a chance to fight any bandits, while Liliana calmly followed the group.


    Roselia crouched beside the unconscious Crimson Fang scout, gripping his wrist tightly as her magic pulsed through her fingers. The energy from her Binding Hex seeped into his body, preventing him from moving even if he woke up.


    "Wake up," she said coldly, pping him lightly across the face.


    The scout groaned, his eyes fluttering open. As soon as he realized where he was, panic shed across his face. He struggled against the invisible restraints, but Roselia''s magic held firm.


    Leon crouched in front of him, his golden eyes glowing faintly with Aether Sight. "You work for the Crimson Fang, right?"


    The scout clenched his teeth but remained silent.


    Roman sighed, cracking his knuckles. "Look, we can do this the easy way, or I can break a few fingers until you feel like talking."


    The bandit spat on the ground, ring at them defiantly. "You think I''d betray my crew? You''re all dead once our boss finds out¡ª"


    Before he could finish, Liliana stepped forward, her crimson mana swirling ominously. She ced a single finger against his forehead, and his eyes immediately went wide as his body began trembling.


    Leon raised an eyebrow. "What did you do?"


    "Nothing serious," Liliana said with a smirk. "Just letting him feel the effects of Blood Terror¡ªhis worst fears amplified inside his mind."


    The bandit''s breathing grew rapid, sweat pouring down his forehead. Within seconds, his resolve shattered.


    "O-Okay! I''ll talk! Just stop whatever the hell that was!" he gasped.


    Leon smirked. "Smart choice. Now, tell us¡ªwhere''s your camp? And how many men do you have?"


    The scout gulped. "Our main base is deeper inside the ruins, just past the Obsidian Archway. We have around fifty men stationed there right now, but the boss¡­ he''s a monster."


    "Monster how?" Milim asked, tilting her head.


    "He''s not just some thug¡ªhe''s an Ascender, a Tier 2 warrior who can use Bloodline Arts. They call him Drevan the Crimson Butcher. No one who fights him walks away alive!"


    Bloodline Arts are nothing but Bloodline Legacies, passed through one''s bloodline. If someone reaches Tier 10 and above, their entire body undergoes an alteration, and they begin to pass down the spells and powers they had in life to their descendants, creating a sort of family legacy.


    "But how is he a bandit if he belongs to a legacy family?" Leon asked.


    The bandit stuttered before answering, "H-He was disowned¡­ because he raped many women. The family head threw him out due to his behavior and dered him unworthy of the family."


    Leon nodded. "Well, that exins it."


    The bandit looked at them anxiously, wondering if they nned to let him live.


    Leon exchanged nces with his team. A Tier 2 warrior wasn''t an opponent they could take lightly, but it wasn''t anything they hadn''t faced before.


    "Sounds like a challenge," Roselia said, her eyes gleaming with excitement.


    Leon stood up, stretching his arms. "Alright, we have what we need. Let''s move before they realize their scouts are missing."


    Roman grinned. "And what about him?" He gestured toward the captive.


    Leon gave the scout a sharp look. "He''s seen our strength. He won''t be stupid enough to stick around."


    The bandit nodded furiously. "Y-Yeah! I''ll leave! Never saw you, never heard of you!"


    Roselia released her binding spell, and the scout scrambled to his feet before running as fast as his legs could carry him.


    Milim chuckled. "That was fun. So, straight to the Obsidian Archway?"


    Leon''s eyes gleamed as he turned toward the ruins. "Yeah. Time to pay Drevan the Crimson Butcher a visit."


    The team moved swiftly through the ruined outskirts of the Obsidian Archway, their steps silent against the cracked stone. The deeper they ventured, the more the air grew thick with the scent of blood and steel, remnants of countless battles fought in this ce.


    Leon held up a hand, signaling the group to stop. Using Aether Sight, he scanned ahead, his vision piercing through the shadows. He could see the Crimson Fang''s base¡ªa fortified camp nestled within the remains of a once-great temple. Several Ascenders patrolled the area, their red-cloaked armor marking them as Drevan''s elite.


    Roselia leaned closer. "How many?"


    Leon narrowed his eyes. "Fifty in total, but they''re spread out. The real threat is Drevan."@@novelbin@@


    Roman smirked, rolling his shoulders. "Then let''s make some noise."


    Liliana shook her head. "No, a frontal assault is reckless. We take out their scouts first¡ªeliminate their ability to call for reinforcements."


    Leon nodded. "Agreed. Milim, you and Naval handle the left nk. Roselia, Roman, take the right. Liliana and I will clear the central tower."


    Without hesitation, they split into their respective teams.


    The team moved swiftly through the ruined outskirts of the Obsidian Archway, their steps silent against the cracked stone. The deeper they ventured, the more the air grew thick with the scent of blood and steel, remnants of countless battles fought in this ce.


    Leon held up a hand, signaling the group to stop. Using Aether Sight, he scanned ahead, his vision piercing through the shadows. He could see the Crimson Fang''s base¡ªa fortified camp nestled within the remains of a once-great temple. Several Ascenders patrolled the area, their red-cloaked armor marking them as Drevan''s elite.


    Roselia leaned closer. "How many?"


    Leon narrowed his eyes. "Fifty in total, but they''re spread out. The real threat is Drevan."


    Roman smirked, rolling his shoulders. "Then let''s make some noise."


    Liliana shook her head. "No, a frontal assault is reckless. We take out their scouts first¡ªeliminate their ability to call for reinforcements."


    Leon nodded. "Agreed. Milim, you and Naval handle the left nk. Roselia, Roman, take the right. Liliana and I will clear the central tower."


    Without hesitation, they split into their respective teams.


    **


    Milim crouched behind a broken pir, watching as three bandits yed dice near a stack of stolen goods. She turned to Naval, whispering, "Wanna handle this the fun way?"


    Naval grinned. "I was hoping you''d say that."


    With a flick of his wrist, his Shadow Chains shot out, wrapping around one of the guards and yanking him into the darkness. Before the others could react, Milim vanished in a sh of pink light, reappearing behind them.


    BOOM!


    A shockwave exploded from her fist, sending the remaining two crashing into the stone walls.


    "Too easy," she grinned, dusting off her hands.

 Chapter 151 Necromancy vs Conjuring

    Roman nodded in agreement. "Yeah, raw strength doesn''t always win a fight."


    Leon smirked. "That''s exactly what I want to test."


    Milim returned his smirk with a yful one of her own. "Alright then, let''s see how well they hold up."


    She directed Drevan to attack one of the Dark Knights. The Blood Grand Knight rushed forward, his crimson de slicing through the air with precision. But just as his attack was about tond¡ª


    ng!


    The Dark Knight countered instantly, knocking Drevan''s de aside and sending him flying backward with a powerful sh.


    Milim blinked in surprise. "Huh?"


    Leon chuckled. "They may not have experience, but their power is equal to mine." His eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he watched the battle unfold.


    Milim pouted, crossing her arms. "Tch. That''s annoying."


    Leon grinned. "You started it. Now let''s see how your knight recovers."


    Drevan crashed against the ground, but instead of groaning in pain, he immediately pushed himself up, his blood-red aura ring. His glowing crimson eyes locked onto the Dark Knight who had countered him. Without hesitation, he charged forward again, this time moving even faster than before.


    The Dark Knight raised its sword in defense, but Drevan twisted his de at thest second, deflecting the counterstrike and mming his knee into the knight''s chest, causing the metal armor to dent slightly. Without giving it time to recover, Drevan spun and delivered a crushing downward sh, forcing the Dark Knight to stagger back.


    Milim smirked. "See? Experience always wins in the end."


    Leon watched with interest as his knight steadied itself, then immediately adjusted its stance. "True¡­ but that also means my creations are learning as they fight."


    And as if proving his point, the Dark Knight suddenly moved with improved precision, mirroring Drevan''s earlier move andnding a solid counter-blow that sent Drevan skidding back.


    Milim''s smirk twitched. "Oh,e on!"


    Romanughed. "Guess your blood knights aren''t as overwhelming as you thought, huh?"


    Milim rolled her eyes. "Tch. They''re still better."


    Leon chuckled. "We''ll see."


    The fight between the Dark Knights and Drevan continued, each exchange growing more intense. Sparks flew as metal shed against metal, and the force of their strikes shook the ground beneath them.


    Roselia watched with a neutral expression, then nced at Leon. "So¡­ how many of these Dark Knights can you create?"


    Leon tilted his head, considering. "Right now? Around five at a time. But if I push my mana limit, I could summon more, though their strength would decrease."


    Milim crossed her arms. "Hmph. Then my Blood Grand Knight still wins in quality."


    Leon smirked. "Perhaps. But what about quantity?"


    Before she could respond, Leon snapped his fingers again, and two more Dark Knights materialized beside him.


    Milim stared at them, then at Drevan, who was still struggling against one Dark Knight.


    "...You''re an annoying bastard sometimes," she muttered.


    Leonughed. "And yet, you keep challenging me."


    Milim huffed, folding her arms as she watched Drevan continuously adapt to the Dark Knights'' attacks. His movements were bing sharper, more precise, and his blood aura was thickening, almost like he was feeding off the battle itself.


    Leon also noticed this and narrowed his eyes. Interesting. So her Blood Knights¡­ evolve throughbat?


    The fight raged on for a few more minutes, but eventually, Drevan overpowered the Dark Knight, knocking its weapon away and delivering a devastating punch that sent it crashing into the ground. The knight shattered into dark mist, dispersing into the air.


    Leon raised an eyebrow. "Not bad."


    Milim smirked. "Told you. Quality over quantity."


    But before she could get too cocky, Leon snapped his fingers again, and the fallen Dark Knight rematerialized, stepping forward as if nothing had happened.


    Milim''s smirk twitched. "...What the hell?"


    Leon grinned. "Did I forget to mention? Unlesspletely destroyed, my knights regenerate."


    Milim''s confident expression finally cracked. "...Bullshit."


    Roman burst intoughter. "Oh man, I think we just found Milim''s natural counter."


    Milim clicked her tongue in annoyance but didn''t deny it. Drevan was strong, but if the enemy could continuously regenerate, then her undead army would have a serious problem.


    Roselia tilted her head. "Then, if you two fought seriously, wouldn''t it be a battle of who tires out first?"


    Leon nodded. "Pretty much. Milim''s knights are stronger per unit, but my army has infinite endurance as long as I have mana."


    Milim groaned. "Ugh, you''re a pain in the ass, Leon."@@novelbin@@


    Leon grinned. "And you love it."


    Milim scoffed, turning away. "Let''s just submit our first questpletion and move on."


    Leon nodded as they returned to the Tower Association, submitting thepleted quest and then taking another one.


    "So, this time it''s a dungeon?" Roselia asked.


    Leon nodded. "Not just any dungeon, but one that continuously spawns an endless amount of monsters until we kill the Spawner, which is an Arch Lich."


    They all stood at the entrance of the Undead Monastery, an ominous structure shrouded in dark mist.


    "So, we''re here because...?" Milim raised an eyebrow.


    Leon smirked. "Because this dungeon gives us an unlimited supply of enemies, which means endless resources to level up."


    He added, "We literally have enough potential to ascend beyond Floor 100, so why are we even waiting? Because our level caps are holding us back."


    The group exchanged nces before smirking. They all knew what this meant¡ªthis dungeon was going to be their personal training ground.


    Leon stretched his armszily and smirked. "I think I''ll sit this one out," he said, cracking his neck.


    The others turned to him in surprise. "You''re not fighting?" Roman asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Leon shook his head. "No need. Instead, I''ll let my Origin Conjurer handle things."


    Raising his hand, a dark ripple spread through the air as three powerful figures emerged from the void.


    The first was a mage cloaked in crimson, his very presence radiating destruction. The Mage of Ruin. His aura crackled with energy, and the ground beneath him ckened as he stepped forward.


    The second was a mage d in deep red robes, his form pulsing with eerie life force. The Blood Mage. Blood-like mist swirled around him, and his mere existence seemed to sap vitality from the surroundings.


    Thest was a golden knight, standing tall in brilliant armor that shimmered like the sun. The Radiant Golden Knight. His form exuded overwhelming majesty, a perfect bnce of offense and defense.


    Milim whistled. "Damn, those aren''t just summons. They feel like actual beings!"


    Leon smirked. "They are. Each one is equal to my level and power."


    Roselia crossed her arms. "That''s unfair."


    Leon shrugged. "Not my fault I''m broken."


    As they spoke, the doors of the Undead Monastery groaned open, and a wave of skeleton warriors and ghouls came rushing out.


    Without needingmands, the three summoned beings charged forward.


    The Mage of Ruin raised his staff, and a storm of destruction magic rained down, disintegrating dozens of undead in an instant.


    The Blood Mage spread his hands, and blood tendrils erupted from the ground, impaling enemies and absorbing their vitality to strengthen himself.


    The Radiant Golden Knight dashed forward in a sh of light, his golden sword slicing through enemies effortlessly, leaving behind shimmering trails of divine energy.


    Leon watchedzily, leaning against a broken pir. "This should be entertaining."


    Millim grinned as she saw Leon''s powerful summons dominating the battlefield. Not one to be outdone, she raised her hand, and a crimson magic circle red beneath her feet.


    "Alright, since you''re letting your summons handle things, I''ll do the same," she said, her voice filled with excitement.


    A surge of blood energy erupted around her, and two towering figures emerged.


    The Blood Grand Knight¡ªa massive warrior d in crimson armor, his de pulsating with the energy of the fallen. His presence alone radiated overwhelming power, and the undead around him trembled.


    The Dark Grand Knight¡ªa shadowy figure with jet-ck armor, wielding a cursed greatsword that absorbed the very essence of the enemies it struck. Darkness coiled around him like living tendrils, making him appear almost spectral.


    As soon as they materialized, both knights knelt before Millim.


    "We await yourmand, my queen," the Blood Grand Knight dered.


    "We shall erase all obstacles," the Dark Grand Knight added.


    Millim smirked. "Then do just that."


    The two knights charged into the battlefield, tearing through the endless waves of undead with brute force.


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    Roman leaned against a nearby broken wall and sighed. "Well, this has turned into a contest, hasn''t it?"


    Roselia smirked, sitting beside him. "Let them have their fun. This is a good opportunity to see how powerful they''ve be."


    Leon chuckled. "Milim, I hope you don''t mind losing."


    Millim scoffed. "Oh, please. My knights are built differently."


    As they spoke, the undead hordes continued pouring out, but against their summoned champions, they stood no chance.


    The Mage of Ruin unleashed more destructive spells, reducing enemies to nothing but dust.


    The Blood Mage manipted the battlefield, controlling fallen enemies like puppets.


    The Radiant Golden Knight shed with the undead generals, his golden sword cleaving through their defenses effortlessly.


    The Blood Grand Knight brutally crushed enemies with raw might, each sh of his de draining the life force of his foes.


    The Dark Grand Knight moved like a shadowy reaper, cutting down enemies before they even realized what happened.

 Chapter 152 Necromancy vs Conjuring

    As the battle raged on, Leon, Roselia, Millim, Roman, Naval, and Lilian sat on arge, broken stone near the entrance of the ruined monastery, watching their summoned champions tear through the undead army like a storm.


    The battlefield was a chaotic masterpiece¡ªshes of golden light shed with the dark energy of the undead, while spells of destruction and blood magic rained down like a divine punishment.


    At the far end of the monastery, atop a throne made of bones and cursed obsidian, the Arch Lich sat in eerie stillness.


    His skeletal fingers tapped against the armrest, his empty eye sockets glowing with malevolent green fire as he continued to conjure an endless horde of undead.


    Yet, even as thousands of skeletal warriors, ghouls, and wraiths emerged, they were nothing more than fodder to the elite summons Leon and Millim had unleashed.


    Leon leaned back, stretching his arms. "So, what do you guys think? How long will this guy keep summoning?"


    Roselia smirked, watching the fight. "He''s stubborn, I''ll give him that. Most dungeon bosses would''ve switched tactics by now."


    Millim scoffed, crossing her legs. "More like he''s just too stupid to realize he''s already lost." She nced at Naval and Lilian. "What do you two think?"


    Naval, who was sharpening her daggers absentmindedly, shrugged. "If this was a real battlefield, I''d say he''s using us to measure our limits. But since he''s just an imprisoned dungeon boss, he''s probably just programmed to keep summoning until we kill him." Stay connected through My Virtual Library Empire


    Lilian, who was brewing tea¡ªyes, tea, in the middle of this undead ughter¡ªsmiled gently. "Maybe he enjoys watching us struggle? Not that we''re struggling, of course."


    Romanughed, taking a sip of the tea Lilian handed him. "At this rate, he''s the one struggling. He just doesn''t know it yet."


    Leon chuckled. "True. I''d say he''s filling the battlefield with corpses, but since Milim''s Blood Grand Knight keeps absorbing the fallen bodies, he''s basically working against himself."


    Millim smirked, watching her Dark Grand Knight impale a high-tier undead general with ease. "That''s why I love this ability. Endless enemies just mean endless resources."


    Meanwhile, On the Battlefield...Leon''s Golden Knight carved through the undead like a divine warrior, each swing of his sword releasing holy energy that disintegrated anything dark.


    The Blood Mage manipted the battlefield, using the blood of fallen enemies to create spiked spears and explosive bursts that turned entire groups into mist.


    The Mage of Ruin cast a wide-range destruction spell, annihting hundreds in a single st.


    On Millim''s side:


    The Blood Grand Knight grew stronger with each kill, his crimson aura intensifying as he absorbed more blood and flesh.


    The Dark Grand Knight danced through the battlefield like a shadowy executioner, his greatsword shattering undead bones with every swing.


    After what felt like an hour of nonstop fighting, the Arch Lich finally moved.


    His bony hand gripped the air, and with a sinister voice that echoed through the monastery, he muttered:


    "Enough."


    A wave of death magic spread across the battlefield, and the surviving undead froze in ce, awaiting their master''s nextmand.


    Leon smirked, leaning forward slightly. "Finally. I was starting to think he''d just let us farm him forever."


    Millim grinned. "So, what''s the n? Do we let our summons finish him, or do we have some fun ourselves?"


    Roselia stretched. "I''m fine either way, but watching you two fight might be interesting."


    Roman nodded. "Yeah, we should at least test how strong he actually is before we crush him."


    Leon chuckled, standing up. "Alright then. Let''s see what this Arch Lich is really made of."


    The Arch Lich slowly rose from his throne, his tattered ck robes flowing as waves of dark energy pulsed from his skeletal form.


    His ancient, hollow voice echoed through the ruins.


    "You mortals dare to mock me? You treat my domain as a yground? Then let me show you despair."


    The ground beneath him cracked as massive skeletal arms emerged, gripping the edges of the monastery. A colossal undead knight, its armor ckened with centuries of decay, rose behind the Arch Lich¡ªa Death Guardian, a legendary undead enforcer.


    Leon cracked his knuckles, ncing at Millim. "You take the Guardian, I''ll handle the old bag of bones."


    Millim smirked, blood magic swirling around her hands. "Fine, but if I finish my fight first, I''m jumping in on yours."


    Leon smirked. "Fair enough."


    Roselia, Roman, Naval, and Lilian remained seated, watching with amusement.


    Naval twirled her rapierzily. "Should we even step in?"


    Lilian, mes of dark energy flickering from her gauntlet-covered fists, grinned. "Nah. If they struggle, maybe I''ll throw a punch or two."


    Roselia chuckled, her golden-dark mana flickering around her fingertips. "Let''s just enjoy the show."


    Roman leaned on his massive dark greatsword, his blood-red eyes gleaming. "If they lose, I''ll mock them for a week."


    As Leon took a step forward, his Origin Conjurer energy surged.


    His three summoned warriors¡ªGolden Knight, Blood Mage, and Mage of Ruin¡ªbowed and vanished, their energy returning to him.


    Leon raised a hand, and three new beings emerged from his shadow.


    Infernal Warlock ¨C A mage d in burning ck-red robes, wielding fire magic that devours souls instead of flesh.


    Vampire Warlord ¨C A crimson-cloaked warrior, wielding blood-forged twin sabers that absorb enemy vitality.


    Titan yer ¨C A towering knight, golden armor gleaming, wielding a greatsword that can shatter mountains.


    The Arch Lich snarled, raising his bony staff as green-ck mes erupted around him.


    "Then let us see if your power is worthy!"


    With a single wave of his staff, chains of cursed energy shot toward Leon, attempting to bind his movements.


    But Leon simply snapped his fingers.


    The Infernal Warlock unleashed a pir of hellfire, burning the chains before they could touch him.


    The Vampire Warlord blurred forward, shing at the Arch Lich, forcing him to retreat.


    The Titan yer swung its massive sword, creating a shockwave that tore through undead remnants.


    Leon strolled forward, hands in his pockets.


    "You talk too much."


    With a flick of his wrist, his conjured warriors rushed the Arch Lich in unison.


    Millim cracked her neck, stretching her arms. "Big guy, huh?"


    The Death Guardian, standing nearly twenty feet tall, swung a gigantic rusted greatsword at her.


    BOOM! The ground shattered from the sheer force.


    Millim grinned, dodging effortlessly, her scarlet eyes glowing.


    "You''re big, but I can rebuild you stronger."


    She raised her hand, and two of her greatest creations stepped forward.


    Blood Grand Knight ¨C Now enhanced with greater regeneration, his armor pulsed with power, his blood-red greatsword vibrating with destructive energy.


    Dark Grand Knight ¨C A shadowy executioner, his ebony armor absorbing the light, wielding a dual-edged void de capable of cutting through souls.


    Naval and Lilian watched closely.


    Naval smirked. "Her knights are getting stronger."


    Lilian nodded, dark mes flickering around her hands. "She''s refining them in real-time."


    Millim pointed forward, and her knights lunged at the Death Guardian.


    The Blood Grand Knight shed swords with the giant, absorbing the impact of the guardian''s massive de without faltering.


    The Dark Grand Knight teleported behind, shing through the guardian''s shadow, severing its ability to regenerate.


    Millim dashed forward, her blood magic forming crimson chains that wrapped around the Death Guardian''s arms, restricting its movements.


    She grinned. "Let''s see what happens when I drain an undead."


    With a snap of her fingers, the chains tightened, and the Death Guardian''s body began to copse, its own cursed energy being drained and reforged into something else.


    Leon''s Vampire Warlord battled the Arch Lich up close, their des shing in a blur of red and green shes.


    The Infernal Warlock unleashed hellfire explosions, disrupting the Lich''s casting.


    The Titan yer shattered the Arch Lich''s throne, cutting off its source of extra mana.


    The Arch Lich screeched. "NO! THIS CANNOT BE!"@@novelbin@@


    Leon raised his hand, a dark sphere forming. "This was fun, but I''m getting bored."


    He threw the sphere, and the moment it touched the Arch Lich¡ª


    ?? BOOOOOM!!!


    A silent explosion erupted, and the Arch Lich was erased from existence.


    Millim stood over the remains of the Death Guardian, now reforged into her newest creation:


    Blood Reaper Knight ¨C A fusion of the Death Guardian and her Blood Grand Knight, now possessing immense power and regeneration.


    Millim sighed, dusting off her hands. "That was easier than I expected."


    Leon shrugged, walking back toward the group. "It''s not our fault we''re overpowered."


    Roselia smirked. "Took you long enough."


    Roman chuckled. "Well, now that the dungeon boss is gone, we might as well loot the ce."


    Naval stretched. "Fine by me."


    Lilian grinned. "Let''s see if this ce had anything worthwhile before we move to the next dungeon."


    The dungeon trembled as the Arch Lich''s destruction sent shockwaves through the Monastery. The once-dormant ruins now pulsed with an ominous energy, as if something far worse had just awakened.


    Naval, gripping her rapier, nced around. "Tell me I''m not the only one who felt that."


    Lilian, her dark mes flickering in reaction to the disturbance, narrowed her eyes. "No. Something else is here."


    Leon sighed. "Great. The Lich wasn''t the final challenge, was it?"


    Roselia, her golden-dark mana swirling, ced a hand on the cold stone walls. "No. In fact, I think¡­ it was just a gatekeeper."

 Chapter 153 Undead Monastery

    "Now that I think about it, we were never meant to kill the Arch Lich. That''s what most Ascenders do¡ªthey just keep him alive and use him as an unlimited source generation machine."


    "So why did we kill him?" Roselia asked, as Leon fell silent.


    He looked away, scratching the back of his head. "We kind of¡­ forgot due to thepetition."@@novelbin@@


    Everyone stared at him, their expressions ranging from shock to disbelief.


    "Wow," Roman muttered, looking at Leon as if seeing him in a new light. "You''re usually the most rational one, yet now you''ve made such an obvious mistake."


    Leon sighed, epting the criticism. "Okay, fine. I got caught up in the moment and forgot the important part."


    They finally stopped to process the situation.


    "So, what should we expect now? You''re the one who read the quest description fully," Roselia asked.


    Leon responded without hesitation. "Well, now we''ll have to fight ten Arch Liches and a Death Lich all at once. So¡­ basically, eleven times the strength of the previous Arch Lich we just faced."


    Everyone fell silent.


    Then, simultaneously¡ª


    "WHAT?!"


    "Hey, it also means eleven times the source generation," Leon added with a grin.


    Everyone turned to him with deadpan expressions.


    "That''s messed up," Roselia muttered.


    "Can we even sustain our mana for a fight that long?" Milim asked, crossing her arms as Naval and Lilian also prepared themselves.


    Leon smirked. "That''s the fun part, isn''t it?"


    Roselia groaned. "I swear, sometimes you just want to make things harder on purpose."


    Roman chuckled. "Well, no pointining now. The moment they spawn, it''s all-out war."


    The air grew tense as dark energy began to swirl around them. The ritual had already started¡ªten Arch Liches and the ominous Death Lich were about to make their grand entrance.


    The ground trembled as dark energy coalesced into ten towering figures¡ªeach an Arch Lich, their skeletal forms draped in tattered, ancient robes, eyes burning with eerie green and violet mes. Hovering above them all was the Death Lich, an imposing figure d in decayed ceremonial armor, an ominous staff in hand that radiated pure death.


    The oppressive aura of theirbined presence sent waves of necrotic energy through the air, making the battlefield feel suffocating.


    "Alright, this just got a lot more interesting," Leon remarked, stretching his armszily.


    Milim rolled her eyes. "You say that like we''re not about to be buried under an endless wave of undead."


    Naval twirled her rapier, her expression sharp. "Then we cut through them faster."


    Lilian cracked her knuckles, dark mes licking at her gauntlets. "Or burn them all down before they can swarm."


    Roselia leaned on her staff, golden and dark energy intertwining around her fingers. "And yet, none of us are actually fighting. We''re just here to watch."


    Roman smirked. "Well, our summons are. Let''s see which of them survives this madness."


    As they sat back, their powerful summons took the field.


    Leon''s Golden Knight strode forward, shimmering like a divine warrior, drawing his radiant greatsword. On either side, the Blood Mage and Destruction Mage prepared devastating spells¡ªone summoning torrents of crimson energy, the other wielding chaos-infused destruction magic.


    Meanwhile, Milim''s Blood Grand Knight and Dark Grand Knight moved in tandem, their heavy armor gleaming ominously. The Blood Grand Knight let out a deep, guttural growl, while the Dark Grand Knight''s presence distorted the very air around him, as if reality itself recoiled from his existence.


    Then, the battle erupted.


    The Arch Liches raised their skeletal hands, summoning an endless tide of undead from the ck mist swirling around them. The battlefield became a chaotic storm of magic, steel, and destruction as the summoned warriors shed against the overwhelming forces.


    "This should be fun," Leon muttered, sipping from a conjured drink as explosions and spells illuminated the battlefield before them.


    The battlefield turned into a storm of chaos, spells, and steel as Leon''s and Milim''s summons tore through the endless waves of undead. Explosions of dark magic and golden radiance shed, illuminating the eerie ruins with shes of power.


    The Golden Knight was a beacon amidst the darkness, cleaving through skeletal warriors with effortless precision. Every swing of his radiant greatsword left golden arcs of energy, shattering dozens of undead at once. The sheer force of his attacks left craters in the ground.


    The Blood Mage, standing behind him, raised his hands, and crimson energy pulsed like a living entity. Rivers of blood surged forth, engulfing the enemies. Every undead that touched it was drained instantly, their bodies crumbling into dust as the Blood Mage absorbed their life essence. Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire


    The Destruction Mage, on the other hand, operated with terrifying precision. With a flick of his fingers, unstable orbs of chaotic energy formed in the air beforeunching like meteors. Each impact resulted in massive explosions, tearing apart hordes of undead, sending their bones flying in all directions.


    Milim''s Blood Grand Knight was a different kind of terror. Unlike the Golden Knight, he didn''t simply cut through his enemies¡ªhe devoured them. His de absorbed the blood of every fallen foe, growing stronger with each kill. His strikes became faster, heavier, more brutal, until he was nothing but a crimson whirlwind, leaving nothing but silence in his wake.


    Beside him, the Dark Grand Knight moved like a shadow given form. Where the Blood Grand Knight was raw power, the Dark Grand Knight was death itself. His de did not cut flesh¡ªit severed souls. Every enemy struck by his weapon let out an ear-piercing wail before vanishing into oblivion. He danced through the battlefield, untouchable, his very presence corroding the enemies around him.


    At the back, the Death Lich and his ten Arch Liches observed the battle. Their hollow eyes flickered as they chanted in an ancient, forgottennguage. The sky darkened further as thick clouds of death energy gathered above, forming a vortex of pure necrotic power.


    Milim frowned. "They''re getting serious."


    Naval adjusted her grip on her rapier. "They weren''t serious before?"


    Lilian smirked, mes flickering between her fingers. "Guess that means the real fight is about to begin."


    Roselia leaned on her staff, golden and dark energy crackling around her. "Do we still sit this one out, or do we step in?"


    Leon sighed, swirling his drink. "We wait. Let''s see how long our summons canst before we need to step in. This is still just a warm-up, after all."


    As if responding to his words, the Death Lich raised his staff, and the ground itself trembled. From beneath the battlefield, colossal skeletal warriors, each over ten meters tall, began to rise.

 Chapter 155 Undead Monastery III

    As the dust settled, the battlefield was left eerily silent. The towering skeletal behemoths had crumbled into nothing, and the remnants of the Death Lich''s army dissipated into wisps of dark mist. The only thing left standing was the throne, now cracked and barely holding together.


    Leon stretched his arms. "Alright, loot time."


    Milim rolled her eyes. "You say that like we''re ying a game."


    Roselia walked over to what remained of the Death Lich''s throne and raised a hand, her Golden Magus Legacy activating as a golden rune appeared beneath her feet. The throne trembled before shatteringpletely, revealing a hidden altar beneath it.


    A dark crystal pulsed in the center of the altar, surrounded by floating Lich Cores¡ªglowing spheres of concentrated undead mana.


    "Jackpot," Roman muttered, stepping forward. "These cores can be used to craft high-tier necromantic artifacts¡­ or fuel powerful dark magic rituals."


    Leon grinned. "Which means we can use them to strengthen my Origin Conjurer summons."


    Naval smirked, twirling her rapier. "Or sell them for an absurd amount of money."


    Lilian, still bathed in dark mes, crossed her arms. "Honestly, I wouldn''t mind keeping a few for myself. They could enhance my dark mes."


    Milim approached the dark crystal, her Blood Grand Knight and Dark Grand Knight standing behind her like silent guardians. She ced a hand on the crystal, and it pulsed in response.


    "This isn''t just any crystal," she muttered. "It''s an Undead Heart¡ªthe condensed core of countless fallen souls. If we absorb it, our summons will be far stronger."


    Leon raised an eyebrow. "And what happens if we don''t absorb it?"


    Roselia adjusted her gloves. "Then it will eventually reform into another Death Lich¡­ possibly stronger than thest one."


    Roman chuckled. "So we either take the power or let another boss spawn?"


    Leon smirked. "Sounds like a no-brainer."


    Milim nodded. "Then let''s divide it."


    She ced her hand on the crystal, and Leon did the same. The Undead Heart reacted violently, dark tendrils of energy spiraling around them as the power split in two. Their bodies absorbed the energy, and at that moment, their summons all began to glow ominously.


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    The Golden Knight''s armor turned slightly darker, infused with traces of necrotic power, while the Destruction Mage''s energy became even more unstable. The Blood Mage''s aura thickened, bing more tangible, almost like a living entity.


    Milim''s Blood Grand Knight radiated a deeper crimson, and her Dark Grand Knight emitted a stronger deathly presence, their strength rising significantly.@@novelbin@@


    Naval whistled. "Damn. That''s some serious power-up."


    Roselia nodded. "Your summons just reached a whole new level."


    Leon flexed his fingers, feeling the new surge of power coursing through him. "Not bad."


    Milim smirked. "Now, about that next dungeon¡­"


    Leon''s grin widened. "Oh? Got something interesting in mind?"


    She crossed her arms. "How about a dungeon where the rewards are divine artifacts?"


    Roman raised an eyebrow. "Wait¡­ are you talking about the Divine Ruins?"


    Milim nodded. "Yep. Time to see how our new power stacks up against ancient gods."


    Leon chuckled. "Now that¡­ sounds fun."


    The Divine Ruins were nothing more than the remnants of the Light Religion''s headquarters.


    Their fanatical belief centered around a mysterious figure known as the Mother of Light¡ªa being whose existence was never truly proven. No records, no relics, not even a trace of her reign existed. Yet, her followers believed in her with unwavering faith, guided by the words of their Prophet¡ªa man who preached her supposed divinity, performed miraculous feats, and used these disys to solidify her as a deity in the eyes of his disciples.


    Under his leadership, the religion grew into an empire, forcibly converting everynd they conquered. Those who refused to embrace their faith werebeled heretics and either executed or enved. They waged holy wars against entire nations, all in the name of their fabricated deity, bringing ruin to countless innocent lives.


    But their arrogance led to their downfall.


    A single man¡ªa boy who lost his parents to their senseless crusades¡ªrose up against them. Fueled by vengeance, he trained relentlessly, forging himself into an unstoppable force. And when he returned, he brought absolute destruction.


    One by one, he ughtered their ranks, piling their souls upon their own sacred altars. He cursed their spirits, binding them to their ruined sanctuary and condemning them to an eternity of suffering, forever worshiping a goddess who never came to save them.


    Because she never existed.


    Their so-called Prophet had orchestrated everything. He had exploited their fears and hopes, manipting them with false miracles to build his own empire. In the end, he alone remained¡ªthe final tormented soul, trapped within the ruins of his own creation.


    Now, the Divine Ruins stood as nothing more than a tragic testament to blind faith and deception¡ªan eerie, cursed dungeon filled with wandering souls, doomed to suffer for eternity.


    And Leon''s party was about to raid it.


    As Leon''s party approached the Divine Ruins, an unsettling silence hung in the air. The once-grand temple, now reduced to a crumbling husk, loomed before them, its towering statues of the so-called Mother of Light covered in cracks and dried blood. Faint, ghostly whispers drifted through the ruins, a mixture of prayers, sobs, and screams¡ªremnants of the tormented souls bound to this ce.


    Milim stepped forward, her crimson eyes gleaming in the dim light. "So, this ce is basically a giant graveyard of delusional fanatics, huh?" she muttered, ncing at the shattered stained ss windows depicting holy battles that never truly happened.


    Roselia smirked. "Not just a graveyard¡ªa dungeon of eternal suffering." She extended her staff, golden runes shimmering along its surface. "And we''re about to make it even worse for them."


    Roman chuckled darkly, resting his massive sword on his shoulder. "The irony of a ''Holy Sanctuary'' turning into a cursed nightmare¡­ poetic justice, if you ask me."


    Naval and Lilian stood close, scanning the area cautiously. Unlike the others, their expressions were serious.


    "Don''t underestimate this ce," Naval warned, gripping her rapier. "These souls are not just lingering¡ªthey''re desperate. They''ve been waiting for centuries tosh out at the living."

 Chapter 158 Recruiter

    Leon and his party were sitting and enjoying their meal, sharing lightughter and conversation, when someone suddenly barged in and sat with them.


    "Sorry, mate, but the table is fully booked," Leon looked at the bulky man and said casually. However, the man ignored himpletely and instead grabbed the bread from Roselia''s te, giving her a dirty look.


    "I guess it''s time for some exercise," Leon chuckled as he swiftly moved his hand,nding a punch on the bulky guy. The carefree intruder suddenly felt a powerful impact on his chest before he was sent flying out of the inn, crashing through the walls.


    "That''s gonna cost you," the innkeeper remarked.


    Leon tossed him some money. "That should cover it."


    The innkeeper caught the money bag, weighed it in his hand, and smirked. "It''ll do," he said, nodding before walking away. Read exclusive adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    Leon then stood up and turned his attention to the ones who had arrived with the bulky man. His eyes gleamed dangerously as he spoke in a cold voice, "You guys have three seconds to exin who the hell you are before I begin my massacre."


    The remaining men exchanged nervous nces, clearly unsettled by Leon''s words. One of them, a lean man with sharp features and a dark green coat, stepped forward cautiously, raising his hands in a non-threatening gesture.


    "Wait! We''re not here to pick a fight," he said quickly. "That idiot acted on his own." He shot a re toward the hole in the wall where the bulky man had disappeared.


    Leon remained standing, arms crossed, his piercing gaze demanding an exnation.


    The man cleared his throat. "We''re recruiters from the Silver Vortex Guild, one of the top ten guilds dominating the fifth floor. Our leader sent us after hearing about your group''s achievements. We came to extend an invitation."


    Roselia scoffed, leaning back in her chair. "And you thought the best way to do that was by stealing our food?"


    The recruiter sighed. "Yeah¡­ not our best approach."


    Kara tapped her fingers on the table, unimpressed. "Silver Vortex, huh? Never heard of you."


    The recruiter clenched his jaw but kept hisposure. "We control three major territories on the fifth floor, and our guild ranks among the top contenders in the ongoing Dungeon Conquest. We''ve seen how you cleared the Undead Monastery and the Divine Ruins and handled the elite monsters like it was nothing. We know talent when we see it."


    Leon smirked, sitting back down. "And what exactly do you offer?"


    The recruiter''s eyes gleamed. "We provide resources, dungeon intel, top-tier equipment, and a solid alliance with other high-ranking guilds. In return, we expect strength, loyalty, and results."


    Leon chuckled, resting his chin on his hand. "Interesting. And if I refuse?"


    The recruiter hesitated before replying carefully, "Then we won''t force you. But¡­ not everyone on the fifth floor is as polite as us. The top guilds are always inpetition, and unaffiliated parties like yours tend to get targeted¡ªwhether for recruitment or elimination."


    Leon''s smirk widened. "Is that a threat?"


    The recruiter shook his head. "A warning."


    For a moment, silence hung in the air. Then, Leonughed.


    "Fine," he said. "I''ll think about it. But next time, if you really want to make a good impression, bring better food."


    The recruiter exhaled in relief, giving a nod before signaling to his group. "We''ll be in touch."


    As they left, Roselia leaned toward Leon. "Are you actually considering their offer?"


    Leon''s grin was unreadable. "Not yet. But it doesn''t hurt to let them think I am."


    Millim smirked. "You''re really enjoying this, aren''t you?"


    Leon simply took a bite of his food and shrugged. "Always."


    Leon and his group barely had time to finish their meal before another group entered the inn. This time, they carried themselves with more refinement, wearing polished armor and robes embroidered with unique insignias. Unlike the previous recruiters, these ones didn''t act recklessly.


    A tall woman with silver hair and piercing golden eyes stepped forward, her movements graceful yetmanding. She examined the broken wall where the previous recruiter had been sent flying, then turned her gaze to Leon. A small smirk yed on her lips.


    "I take it the Silver Vortex''s approach wasn''t to your liking," she said smoothly.


    Leon leaned back in his chair, unimpressed. "If by ''approach,'' you mean crashing in, stealing food, and getting thrown through a wall, then no, not particrly."


    The woman chuckled. "Not surprising. Their leader values brute force over brains." She ced a gloved hand on her chest. "I am Selene Nightshade, representative of the Obsidian Fang Guild. We, too, recognize your strength and would like to extend an invitation."


    Roselia rolled her eyes. "Another one?"


    Before Selene could respond, the doors to the inn swung open again. This time, a group d in dark cloaks and enchanted gear entered. Their leader, a masked man with an eerie presence, stepped forward. His voice was calm yet carried an unmistakable edge.


    "We of the Eclipse Covenant would also like to discuss a partnership."


    Roman frowned. "This is getting ridiculous. Are all the top guilds after us?"


    Millim giggled, resting her chin on her hands. "Leon is quite the catch, after all."


    Leon sighed and stood up, cracking his knuckles. "Alright. Enough of this. If you all want to talk, we''re not doing it here." He gestured toward the door. "Outside. Now."


    The recruiters exchanged nces before silently agreeing, following Leon and his party outside. The moment they stepped into the open street, curious onlookers began gathering, sensing an important confrontation.


    Leon crossed his arms, his aura ring slightly, sending a clear message that he wasn''t to be trifled with. "Now, let''s make one thing clear. I''m not interested in ying politics or being someone''sckey." His sharp gaze swept over the recruiters. "If you want me on your side, you''d better have a damn good reason why I should even consider it."


    Selene smirked. "Straight to the point. I like that."


    The masked man from Eclipse Covenant tilted his head. "The fifth floor is not like the lower levels. Here, only those with influence survive. Power alone won''t be enough."


    Leon grinned. "Good. That means it won''t be boring."


    The tension in the air thickened as more guild representatives began arriving, each eager to im Leon and his formidable group before their rivals did.


    And Leon? He was just getting started.


    As more recruiters gathered, the street outside the inn became a spectacle. People whispered among themselves, recognizing the powerful guilds nowpeting over a single group.


    Leon, standing at the center of it all, remained unimpressed. His arms were crossed, eyes scanning each representative like a predator evaluating its prey. Roselia stood beside him, her crimson eyes glowing faintly, while Roman kept his hand near his sword, ready for anything. Millim, on the other hand, seemed more entertained than concerned, a smirk ying on her lips as she leaned against Liliana, who remainedposed alongside Naval.


    Selene Nightshade from Obsidian Fang took a step forward, keeping her confident smile. "You want a reason why you should consider us? Simple¡ªwe don''t just rule the fifth floor, we shape its future. Aligning with us means securing a ce among the true power yers of this dungeon."


    Leon let out a short chuckle. "And yet, you still feel the need to recruit me."


    Before Selene could respond, the masked leader of Eclipse Covenant spoke. "The fifth floor is a battlefield of factions, but alliances determine who truly reigns. We offer knowledge¡ªsecrets even the so-called rulers of this floor don''t possess." His voice was calm but carried a sinister undertone.


    Leon tilted his head slightly. "Intriguing. But I don''t make decisions based on empty words."


    A third voice interrupted,ing from a muscr man d in heavy enchanted armor, bearing the crest of Titan''s Wrath, another top guild. "Enough talk. Strength speaks louder than words." He cracked his knuckles, his eyes locked onto Leon. "Let''s settle this the proper way. A duel. If you win, we''ll leave you alone. If I win, you join our guild."


    The onlookers gasped. A direct challenge from Titan''s Wrath wasn''t something to take lightly.


    Roman took a step forward, gripping his sword. "If you think Leon will ept such a ridiculous deal¡ª"


    Leon raised a hand, stopping him. A smirk stretched across his face. "A duel, huh?" His golden eyes gleamed with excitement. "Fine. But let''s make it more interesting."


    The armored warrior narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"


    Leon''s aura red slightly, a teasing grin on his lips. "If I win, you''ll owe me. All of you." His gaze swept over the gathered guilds. "Every single guild present here will owe me a favor."


    A murmur spread through the crowd. That was a dangerous wager.


    Seleneughed softly. "Bold. I like it."


    The warrior from Titan''s Wrath grinned, cracking his neck. "Then let''s not waste any time."


    The tension reached its peak as a battle circle was formed in the middle of the street. The duel was about to begin, and the entire fifth floor would soon learn why Leon was someone they couldn''t afford to underestimate.@@novelbin@@


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