"But the fact that you were able to conjure a spell that even the gods recognized—that is an achievement," Tza’har smiled proudly as he patted Thorian’s back.

Thorian returned the smile before deciding to check the description of his new skill.

Half-Dragon Lightning Fury Description An incomplete form of "Dragon Lightning Fury" that channels the user's lightning mana into a powerful attack shaped like half a dragon. When used normally, it deals significant lightning damage. However, during a thunderstorm, the skill absorbs the storm's lightning mana, making the half-dragon more complete and exponentially increasing its power and size. The resulting devastating blast leaves destruction in its wake, showcasing the user's mastery over lightning mana and their ability to harness nature's raw power. Proficiency 0%

So, it can be used even without the thunderstorm setup? Thorian arched an eyebrow in surprise. That’s very convenient.

"Since I’m sure you’re raring to go and help your friends, why don’t we go upstairs?" Tza’har suggested, pulling Thorian out of his reverie. "There are also the rewards that you’ve gained through hard efforts."

"The expectations you’ve raised about these rewards were certainly high," Thorian said, looking at Tza’har with a suspicious expression. "They better deliver on them."

"Oh, they will. Trust me," Tza’har chuckled.

Hearing those words, Thorian couldn't help but smile in anticipation. The two quickly made their way upstairs, where Tza’har handed Thorian a skill crystal. "This is your first reward."

"Thank you," Thorian nodded as he accepted the crystal. He then looked at it to check its description.

Elemental Resonance I Description As a master of the elements, you wield the power to fuse the four basic elements into six secondary ones. When you attain full mastery of any two basic elemental manipulation skills, the resulting secondary element’s manipulation ability becomes available to you. Proficiency 0%

A skill that automatically forms the manipulation skill of the secondary elements? And it can be upgraded further too? Thorian scanned the skill’s description and raised an eyebrow.

"This is the sister ability to one you’re already deeply familiar with: Elemental Synergy," Tza’har explained. He then cackled as he continued, "And as you might have noticed, it can also be upgraded to create tertiary elemental manipulation skills too."

"It is a marvelous ability," Thorian nodded. "And it is certainly better than just gaining the secondary element’s manipulation skills."

"Well, don’t be hasty about that," Tza’har chuckled as he rummaged through a drawer in his chest. He then took out six skill crystals and handed them to Thorian. "I know that you value your comrades dearly, so this is my gift for them. Choose their wielders wisely."

Receiving the skill crystals, Thorian was shocked. Instinctively, he lightly bowed his head and said, "You have my gratitude, Tza'har. Thank you very much."

"Don't mention it," Tza'har shook his head while laughing. "These were just the rewards the gods had designated for the one who would triumph against all of my trials."

His voice then turned serious as he continued, "But this last one is from me. The gods had given me the liberty to provide one additional gift to someone I deem worthy. You are that person."

He then took out a scroll from his pocket and handed it to Thorian. "This little scroll will guide you to future horizons."

While confused by Tza'har’s cryptic talk, Thorian still nodded at the undead magus graciously, "I will not disappoint your trust."

"I’m sure you won’t," Tza’har patted Thorian’s shoulder, and before the latter could react, he was teleported outside of the library.

Finding himself in the green field once again, Thorian touched the spot where Tza'har had patted him, before smiling. He then used his new technique, Elemental Resonance, to create the secondary elements' manipulation skills.

Congratulations. You have unlocked the skill: Magma Manipulation I

Congratulations. You have unlocked the skill: Sand Manipulation I

Congratulations. You have unlocked the skill: Steam Manipulation I

Congratulations. You have unlocked the skill: Ice Manipulation I

Congratulations. You have unlocked the skill: Wood Manipulation I

Smiling at the notifications, Thorian put the rest of the skill crystals in his pocket before checking the scroll.

Tza'har’s Incomplete Legacy Rarity Crimson Sun Class Requirement Elemental Magus Advancement Requirement Second Advancement (First Level) Description This scroll holds within it the incomplete legacy of Tza'har, the elder magus of the thunderous citadel. It contains advanced skills he had learned, recipes, blueprints, and other artifacts throughout his journey. All of these artifacts are of much higher potency than those of their realm. This trove of knowledge will be slowly unlocked as you advance your class.

A Crimson Sun artifact? Thorian raised an eyebrow. And this is only in its incomplete form? Would the full legacy be a Quasi-Black Sun? Or maybe even a fully-fledged one?

Putting the scroll in his pocket alongside the skill crystals, Thorian decided to check one last skill before heading towards his teammates.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

Mana Manipulation I Description This skill is a beginner’s gateway to the realm of magic. Essential for any magic-leaning adventurer, it breaks class boundaries and forms the bedrock of magical understanding. It allows a user to control their internal mana to a certain extent, and sense the mana in objects upon touch. Proficiency 99.99%

So it reached a threshold point... Thorian deduced as he looked at his Manipulation's proficiency. I guess my accomplishments in the third trial were chalked up to my enlightened state. I need to repeat them without it.

Pushing those thoughts aside, Thorian activated his Elemental Sight and looked around. In but a second, he located the position of the battle and rushed towards it.

Within a valley, a battle was raging on. A man with a black beard and piercing gaze launched lightning strike after lightning strike at his comrades. However, for each bolt he launched, he was bombarded by four or five spells in return.

As the Lightning Emperor’s attacks were blocked by Aqua’s Greater Waterballs, and he endured one strike after the next, he let out a massive roar. He gathered all the lightning around him and created a blue lightning phoenix.

As he launched the lightning phoenix at the party, Zogarth and Forlune rushed in response. Wielding their massive auras, they clashed with the lightning attack, eventually cleaving it in two.

At the same time, Harald and the band of elemental direwolves rushed from the side. With Harald in the lead, the direwolves enhanced their claws and fangs with elemental energy before battering the Lightning Emperor with bites and slashes.

Once they had finished with him, a shadowy figure appeared from the side. Nox wrapped the Emperor’s body with shadow-infused threads, before tightening their grip and raising him into the sky.

Not missing this opportunity, Ventus and Ifrit rushed into action. With Ventus in the lead, he bombarded the Emperor’s body with wind slashes before finishing it off with a lightning strike. Ifrit ran right behind him and smacked the Lightning Emperor’s body with her lava whip. She then buried him inside a pool of magma.

Finally, Zogarth and Forlune rushed at him with their sword and battleaxe drawn high. In one simultaneous motion, they attacked the Emperor’s buried body with an aura slash, not letting him even let out a scream.

After the dungeon lady announced their victory, a notification popped up in front of Thorian.

Requirements Fulfilled Title Upgraded

Dungeon Diver II Type Growth Title Current Rank Esteemed Requirements to upgrade Gain first clear rewards in five dungeons (2/5). Description Awarded to adventurers who achieve first clears in every layer of two dungeons, the Dungeon Diver title marks a rare feat of bravery and skill. It symbolizes not just mastery over the deadliest depths but also grants a mystical boon: a 75% chance of obtaining higher-tier rewards from dungeon chests.

Surprised by the notification, Thorian had a smile on his face. However, now was not the time to dally on such matters. His comrades had just defeated a difficult opponent and he needed to be present for them.

With a smile on his face, Thorian congratulated his team, "You’ve done well, all of you."

"Thorian!" Nox noticed his friend’s presence at the top of the cliff and teleported behind him using his shadow transportation technique. "Did you finish the work you were going to do?"

"Yeah, the trial has concluded," Thorian nodded with a proud smile. He then looked at the rest of his team and said, "On that note, I have some gifts for you. Ventus, Ifrit, Aqua, Saxum, come here."

Hearing these words, Forlune, Zogarth, and the rest of the warriors and direwolves stood in wait, looking at Thorian with interest, while the four magi quickly rushed toward him.

"A gift?" Ventus asked. "What is it? It better be good, king!"

"You’ll see for yourself," Thorian chuckled before handing each of the magi a skill crystal corresponding to their element. He then looked at Nox and said, "Sorry, I didn’t gain anything that would fit your assassin or shadow abilities."

"It’s okay," Nox shook his head. "I’m just glad that you’ve succeeded and gained what you wanted."

Thorian smiled and his heart warmed at Nox’s innocent response before his internal peace was broken by Ventus’s loud shout, "A lightning manipulation skill?! Does that mean I can control lightning however I want? That’s the best thing ever!"

"Whoa, I can freely control magma now too," Ifrit added. "I don’t even know how to think about this ability. My power will increase to a ridiculous degree."

While Ifrit and Ventus were busy looking at their skill descriptions, Aqua deeply bowed to Thorian, "Lord, thank you for this amazing gift."

"You also have my gratitude, lord," Saxum immediately added.

Seeing the two magi bowing to Thorian, Ifrit also joined in thanking him before she prompted Ventus to do the same.

Looking at this scene, Thorian chuckled and shook his head, "Don't stand on ceremony; this is normal." He then looked at Ventus and said, "However, since you've gained such an amazing skill, it would only be natural to allow Nox first choice on skills that would suit both of you from the treasure chest. Wouldn’t you agree?"

"Of course, king," Ventus nodded. He then grinned and continued, "I’m sure they’re not going to be as good as this one, in either case."

"We’ll see about that," Thorian shrugged before walking to the edge of the cliff. "Now, let’s go and check these rewards you all have earned."

With one graceful step, Thorian jumped down the cliff before making his way toward the treasure chest. As he opened it, a multicolored prismatic light escaped from the lid.

That title is truly a blessing, Thorian grinned.

As he fully opened the treasure chest, the first item his eyes landed on was a crystal.

"Is that a skill crystal, my lord?" Zogarth asked as he sneaked a peek from above.

"It certainly is," Thorian nodded as he took out the crystal.

After checking its description, Thorian stayed stunned for a second before letting out a chuckle. He looked back at Ventus and said, "Your words really have a tendency of becoming true, even if not in the way you think."

He then handed Ventus the skill crystal, while Ventus looked at Thorian in confusion. After reading through the description, his jaw dropped, "Is this real life? Another lightning manipulation skill crystal?"

"Fate really does have a strange sense of humor," Thorian nodded.

"So who will be taking this crystal, lord?" Forlune asked as he stretched his muscles. "I’m guessing Ventus already got a similar one."

"That is correct," Thorian nodded before his gaze shifted toward Nox. However, before he could say a word, Nox shook his head.

With Nox's nonverbal refusal, Thorian thought for a second before looking at his partner, "Harald, you are a Storm Direwolf. Out of everyone here other than Ventus, your elemental affinity is closest to lightning. This one shall be for you."

"I, Harald, accept this gift," Harald proudly walked over to Thorian with a smile on his face. He then bit the skill crystal, turning it into colorful dust that he inhaled.

With the skill crystal absorbed by Harald, Thorian looked back at the rest of the gifts. There were armor pieces, weapons, recipes, skill scrolls, blueprints, materials, and a couple of orbs.

Nox gained two pieces of equipment: a feathered leather armor made of blue bird feathers and lightning dog skin, and a pair of lightning boots that increased his speed.

The rest of the equipment was split according to everyone’s needs, and the remainder was stored to be later put inside the warehouses.

With the reward distribution over, the party made their way out of the dungeon and headed to the village. As they reached Wolvendale, Thorian took out Tza’har’s incomplete legacy and looked at it for a second.

I guess I have to tear it to gain what’s inside.