Having ascended two levels, Thorian spun to face his comrades. Aqua, Zogarth, and Vigil were fixated on an unseen point in the air. A grin spread across Thorian's face as he addressed them. "You all know what comes next. I have complete faith in your choices." With a mutual nod, the trio affirmed their evolution paths, and they were swiftly enveloped in a dazzling, golden radiance.
As the light faded, Aqua emerged transformed. He now stood taller, his frame lean yet poised, exuding a grace as if molded by the very essence of winter. His fur had evolved into a kaleidoscope of icy blues, each strand shimmering like delicate icicles. His eyes, glowing with a crystalline, otherworldly light, captivated all who beheld them. Intricate patterns reminiscent of snowflakes wove across his skin and fur, serving a dual purpose as both armor and a magical conduit.
Vigil’s transformation, though subtler, was no less profound. His fur, previously an unremarkable off-white, now shone with a pristine radiance, reflecting the purity of his spirit. His moon tattoos, once limited, now expanded to depict an entire celestial ballet. His physique developed a newfound strength and bulk, shedding the scrawniness that had once defined him. His eyes, now mirroring the twin moons, glowed with a soft, restorative light.
Zogarth's change was the most dramatic. He grew exponentially in size, dwarfing even the formidable Forlune. His muscles, now immense, seemed on the verge of bursting through his skin. His armor, adapting to his new form, expanded to accommodate his increased bulk. His skin took on a rugged, weathered hue, transforming his scars from reminders of past battles into distinguished marks of honor.
Thorian, observing these remarkable transformations, especially Zogarth's, let out a chuckle. "Thinking about the future, it seems our usual meeting spot in the Village Hall won't suffice. Zogarth, you'd have a tough time just fitting through the door!"
“I apologize, my lord,” Zogarth murmured, sheepishly scratching the back of his head. “Perhaps I should've chosen a different evolution.”
Thorian dismissed the notion with a shake of his head. “No, you made the right choice. Strength is paramount. What do they call this evolution of yours?”
“Warbound Orc Commander,” Zogarth replied, his gaze drifting to his status window. “Most of my skills lean towards offense or defense, but I've acquired one that amplifies the prowess of my allies. It’s named Commanding Roar.”
“That’s a title befitting a general,” Thorian mused, his attention shifting to Vigil. “And your evolution?”
“I've become a Star Kobold Mystic,” Vigil answered. “My skills remain centered around blessings and healing. However, they now function with utmost efficiency, regardless of the time of day. My blessing and healing spells receive a 50% boost in their effects under the light of any celestial body.”
Thorian chuckled, “Any party would be fortunate to count you among them.” He then turned his gaze to Aqua, who, sensing his turn, began without prompt.
“I've evolved into an Ice Kobold Sorcerer, my lord. My skills are predominantly offensive, except for Ice Barrier. It's akin to your Earth Wall, my lord.”
“Long-range firepower is always invaluable,” Thorian acknowledged with a nod. He then pivoted to face the lingering notification. “Well then, let’s not dawdle any longer.”
Do you wish to continue to the sixth floor?
Yes, I wish.
Immediately, Thorian and his party were transported to the sixth floor. The familiar task of vanquishing goblins resumed, yet they noticed a significant increase in both the frequency and number of hobgoblins encountered. Among them were Apprentice Shamans, bolstering their allies with blessings.
Nonetheless, such challenges proved trivial for Thorian's formidable group. They maintained their relentless pace, swiftly clearing goblin packs with the same efficiency as in the previous floors. This brisk progression saw them breeze through floors six to nine. Each floor rewarded them handsomely with experience points: 2500 from the sixth, 3000 from the seventh, 3500 from the eighth, and 4000 from the ninth.
Level up!
Level up!
The bounty of experience points Thorian amassed was sufficient for him to level up in both his race and class, placing him nearly halfway to the next level in both categories.
Display Panel
Ding
Race Elemental Lord Kobold Level 5/45 (EXP: 17098/30000) Class Elemental Magus Level 31/40 (EXP: 12893/33000)
After scrutinizing his status window, Thorian acknowledged the notification, ready to advance to the subsequent floor.
Floor Quest Description Eliminate the goblin champion. Rewards
10000 Experience Points.
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5000 Arcane Coins.
Forlune's eyes lit up at the sight of the Floor Quest rewards. "Now this is more like it!" he exclaimed. "With the triple experience bonus, I'll level up in both my race and class."
"I believe we all will, general," Aqua replied, his tone even and unperturbed.
While the two exchanged words, Thorian surveyed the Floor. They stood atop a hill, overlooking a sprawling army camp teeming with hobgoblins. Tents dotted the landscape, and trenches carved into the earth hinted at preparations for an impending conflict.
Dismissing the setting as irrelevant, Thorian faced his comrades. "Stick to the usual plan. Eliminate everyone before our floor quest target."
"We're on it, my lord," Forlune responded with a grin. "And if we snag those hidden quest rewards, we might even double our level-up."
Thorian nodded at Forlune's enthusiasm, issuing his orders. "For this battle, Vigil and I will hang back. I want to gauge the extent of the powers you've gained from your evolutions."
"That won't be an issue, king," Aqua said, a confident smirk playing on his lips. "I could freeze them all from here, if you wish."
"Give me a spectacle to remember," Thorian chuckled in response.
Zogarth, gripping his battle axe with a feral smile, added, "I'm eager to test my new abilities against formidable foes. Let's hope they're strong enough for a proper showcase of my skills."
With that, the trio approached the hill's edge, their gazes fixed on the goblin army camp below.
Aqua initiated the assault. Lifting his staff skyward, he whispered the incantation, “Ice Storm.” A biting, icy wind descended upon the army camp, causing every hobgoblin to tremble violently as frostbite gnawed at their flesh. The ground beneath them crystallized, ensnared by the relentless cold.
Having tormented the hobgoblins with the merciless chill, Aqua then unleashed “Greater Ice Barrage.” Dozens of ice orbs formed before his staff, swiftly launching themselves like guided missiles towards the hapless hobgoblins. Each orb impaled its target, the wound and surrounding flesh instantly freezing. The spell's victims perished instantly.
“We can’t let you hog all the glory,” Forlune declared, charging down the hill with meteoric speed. His aura, a dazzling blend of white and gold, clashed and intertwined in a spectacular dance. Bolts of blue lightning crackled with his tempest strides, propelling him to the army camp in a blink. There, he unleashed lightning-fast slashes, each stroke bisecting his targets with lethal precision.
“I refuse to be overshadowed,” Zogarth thundered, leaping high into the sky. Harnessing the force of gravity, he plummeted towards the camp with astounding velocity. Upon impact, the earth shook, forming a crater and annihilating a group of hobgoblins from the sheer force.
With a wild roar of laughter, Zogarth's aura burst into a fierce blend of black and red. He channeled this energy into his battle axe, then executed a mighty slash through the air, sending a crescent-shaped wave of destructive energy that mowed down rows of shivering, terror-stricken hobgoblins.
As the trio unleashed chaos, Thorian observed with a raised eyebrow, pondering the nature of Zogarth's attack. An aura discharge? No, it's more structured, most likely a skill.
Amidst the carnage, a figure emerged from one of the larger tents. A gaunt, elderly goblin with a tall stature hurried out, clad in a long purple robe, clutching a wooden cane. A true shaman, Thorian noted internally.
The shaman, tapping into his soul's energy, cast a blessing over the hobgoblins. Their shivering ceased, and their frostbitten flesh healed, enveloped in a green aura that soon morphed into dark purple. He then hurled a curse at Forlune.
As the purple energy neared him, Forlune smirked, a golden aura radiating around him. The dark energy dissipated upon contact, failing to penetrate his shield, much to the shaman's dismay.
Wasting no time, Forlune materialized before the shaman and decapitated him with a single, swift stroke.
One hidden quest complete, Thorian mused silently.
Meanwhile, Aqua continued his relentless magical barrage, each spell annihilating dozens of hobgoblins. Zogarth, too, carved through the ranks with his energy slashes. The battlefield soon fell silent, save for the echoes of death and the sight of blood-soaked earth.
From the grandest tent in the camp, a solitary figure emerged. He was a tall goblin, distinctively well-built, exuding an aura unlike any other they had encountered. Surveying the carnage around him, his initial shock and terror quickly morphed into unbridled fury.
With a piercing roar, “Shriii!” a vibrant red aura enveloped him. Gripping his spear tightly, his eyes blazed with bloodshot rage, ready to engage in battle.
However, his battle cry was abruptly cut short. “Quiet down, will ya?” Forlune's voice rang out, materializing beside the goblin champion. Before the goblin could even react, Forlune's blade, now sheathed in a brilliant solar aura, swung decisively, severing the goblin's head in a swift, clean stroke.
Floor Quest Cleared
Congratulations, you have successfully cleared Hidden Quest #1: Kill the Shaman.
Congratulations, you have successfully cleared Hidden Quest #2: Do not leave a single soul.
Reward Updated
+10000 Experience Points
+5000 Arcane Coins
Reward Distributed
Level up!
Level up!
Level up!
Level up!
Do you wish to continue to the eleventh floor?