Chapter 11
Five Minutes Ago
Kututututu! Within the fiery depths, a giant spider rapidly skittled across the ground as it made its way to a predetermined location. On the spider’s back, a tutsi bowl glowed as the being enclosed within underwent a rapid evolution.
[Congratulations on Awakening Your Fire-Lightning Elder Dragon Soul
There is a clash between your soul and body. Body Reconfiguration Will Now Commence.
Body Reconfiguration: 4%... 8%... 12%...]
“Argh!” Torrents of explosive ki and mana surged as the being desperately sucked in the surrounding mana like an endless black hole.
Within the tutsi bowl, Kashi barely regained consciousness before terrible pain assaulted his senses. It felt like someone poured hot lava underneath his skin, melting his bones and blood before reforging them anew.
Typically, the system would have booted out any gamer that experienced this level of pain, but perhaps because of Kashi’s past records, it permitted him to stay conscious throughout the entire process.
Fortunately, while the pain was unbearable, it did not last too long. Kashi grimaced as a new network of veins replaced the old. His inner organs shone with a jade-like lustre, as incomparably tough as they were beautiful.
Kashi’s heart underwent the greatest change. His heart rapidly swelled up and then split into two. One half then doubled in size while becoming at least ten times denser and heavier. All blood channels connected to this heart, which pumped out blood with pressure comparable to natural geysers.
The second heart, however, shrunk as it rapidly absorbed all the mana in Kashi’s body, and the surrounding areas. Once it became ‘full,’ the heart completed its transformation into a small, tennis-ball like orb. Mana burst out of the monster core as it created an even more efficient network throughout Kashi’s body.
Dragons were beings loved by mana. Kashi finally understood why this was the case. The dragon core was unlike anything Kashi had ever seen. Even in this infant stage, the ease with which it absorbed and distributed mana around the body was terrifying.
[Congratulations on Establishing a Dragon Core!
Dragon cores stand at the top of all monsters in mana manipulation. Through great peril and effort, you have won this trait for yourself.
Effects: WIS (+200) INT (+400) All Mana Costs (-20%), Spell Activation Time (Tier 1 – 3 NULL) (Tier 4 – 6 -25%), Spell Mana Cost (-75%)]
Kashi’s changes were not limited to the interior, however. Blood seeped from Kashi’s body as brand-new obsidian scales pushed grew underneath and then pushed his skin out of the way. He then groaned as a pair of curved horns stabbed out of his skull. Red and blue mana lines crisscrossed around the obsidian horns, giving them a strange, exotic look.
[Congratulations on Stabilizing a Draconian Body
Draconian scales provide immense physical and elemental resistance.
Effects: END (+500), STR (+300) Fire Resistance (Tier 1-4 Immune) (Tier 5 +10%), Electrical Resistance (Tier 1 – 4 Immune) (Tier 5 +10%)]
[New Passive Skill Unlocked: Mana Eyes
A dragon sees the fundamentals of mana. Utilize this sight to observe and manipulate the flow of mana around you.
Warning: The world of mana can be overwhelming. Take care before utilizing this sight]
Kashi groaned as the transformation finally came to an end. Despite the pain, he could not hide his inner excitement. His body was overflowing with power! He usually only felt this strength when he transformed into his draconian form, but now it seemed that form had become permanent!
However, before Kashi could celebrate, another string of messages rapidly rushed in.
[Congratulations on finding a new Fire Factor for Orez: Primordial Flame
The Primordial Flame is an ancient flame with a history that rivals Yggdrasil. Its power is unmatched, and will form the most solid foundation for your world. As it has fused with Orez, the flame will share its nature, aiding you to master control over fire even quicker.
You now have: Fire, Lightning, Earth, Water and Wind factors. You need Metal to complete the balance. Furthermore, it is advised you seek out replacements for Lightning Water and Wind, as the current factors are not suitable to forge the most optimum world.]
Kashi examined the prompt with a slight smile. Putting metal aside, he had an idea on where to find replacements for lightning and wind factors. Just like this floor, Razznik used a lot of priceless, crazy treasures to modify Oni Hill to his tastes. For the Razznik back then, these treasures were simply nice tools, but to Kashi, they were lifesavers.
“First, I’ll get wind.” Kashi pushed open the tutsi bowl to see they were climbing a gigantic rock. Kashi relaxed when he recognized the rock to be the support column for the first platform. Good, it seemed the spider golem retained its original programming even after all these years.
“Still, that’s pretty hot.” Kashi frowned as he glanced at the sea of white flames all around him. The flames did not deal any damage, but he still felt hot for some reason. “I’m probably just not used to this yet.”
Kashi absent-mindedly brushed off clumps of flames that stuck to his chest and arms and then examined his status window.
[Your Status Window]
[1. General Information]
Name: Kashi
Race: Fire-Lightning Elder Draconian
Alignment: Blessed Neutral
Level: 157
Profession: Dimension Artist
Active Title: Kingmaker
Fame: 8000
[2. Physical Level]
Health: 175 + 20 | Stamina: 195 + 20
Wisdom: 452 + 20 | Intellect: 80 + 20
Strength: 452 + 20 | Agility: 255 + 20
Dexterity: 200 + 20
Charisma: 240 + 20 | Charm: 100 + 20
Stealth: 90 +20 | Instinct: 190+20
Fighting Spirit: 780 | Leadership: 40
Luck: 27 +20 | Art: 261 + 95
Physical Endurance: 323 | Magical Endurance: 614
Physical Attack: 5821 | Magical Attack: 1357
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
Physical DEF: 4033 | Magical Defense: 7525
[3. Resistances]
Poison Resistance: Immune| Electricity Resistance: 420% | Fire Resistance: 420% | Ice Resistance: 100% | Dark Resistance: 70% | Light Resistance: 70%
[4. Traits]
King Maker (Equipped) | Liberator | Poison King | Wolf Bane | Slaughterer | Silver Tongue | Drakul’s Dreamer | Loved By Mana
The stats were just as Kashi expected: extremely overwhelming! However, even with all the upgrades, Kashi was not satisfied. When he thought of the Razznik he met in that ‘dimension,’ it felt like all of these seemingly OP upgrades were but child’s play. ‘More. I need more strength.’ A dangerous light gleamed in Kashi’s eyes as he looked at the ceiling.
Until recently, Kashi was content to grow at a steady pace while taking care of the guild and his new friends. However, he now realized that all that growth was meaningless before true power. If he wanted to match Razznik, he needed to quickly build up his personal strength as quickly as possible!
“Just give up. There’s nothing you can do.”
At this moment, Kashi’s sharp ears picked up a mocking voice. Even though Kashi knew the speaker was not talking to him, the message was so aptly timed that it irked him nonetheless.
Fortunately, it did not take long for Kashi to meet the speaker.
The spider golem reached the platform’s apex and then stopped, allowing Kashi to spot the row of vampires ahead.
‘Oh? It looks like they went on a murder spree.’ Kashi’s eyes shone when he took in the healthy, vivacious vampires. From their complexions, it was clear that they had fed on plenty of high-quality blood. In this place, there was only one source of blood: the demons and devils. Sonic and Brilith’s guildmates must have murdered dozens of demons.
‘Heh. What a harsh lesson.’ Razznik became the ruler and protector of the undead after defeating the Demon King. Which was why, aside from strength, each floor tested his challenger’s characters.
The Death Floor tested perseverance and patience. The optimal strategy was to carefully avoid the undead and stealthily destroy the dungeon cores. Fortunately, Brilith, Sonic and Kashi’s parties were the best of the best. They completely bypassed the test’s intentions through sheer force. As a result, they easily cleared the Death Floor.
The Hell Floor, however, tested prejudice and hubris. Most Residents and Summoned saw demons and devils as evil creatures. They did not spare a moment to ponder whether they could be anything else – this was doubly more so for Summoned who saw nearly every lifeform as walking experience points. Those who believed they were always right would not hesitate to attack the demons on sight, which then led to making the eventual boss fight a thousand times more difficult than it should have been.
The optimal strategy for the Hell Floor was to either avoid all fights like Sonic, or beat a few demons into submission to force them to listen to you. However, like the previous floor, powerful individuals could just ignore the test and destroy everything.
Brilith and Syel fell into the group of people who had the strength and will to crush all in their path. Shoko beat the demons into submission before heading for the final boss, while Zuri somehow managed to convince the demons before the fight even began. Only Zuri could take that route because she was the only one without a hint of prejudice in her heart.
As far as Zuri was concerned, these demons and devils were simply exotic creatures like her Gray Ojii-san and the many monsters she met along her journey.
Kashi could have prevented events from reaching this point if he simply revealed the truth. But, he did not choose to do that. This was a test Razznik left behind for those who wanted to challenge him. Kashi wanted to ensure that the group he brought with him fitted that criteria, or else it would be an insult to everything Razznik worked for.
In that vein, it did not matter if the invaders’ characters were lacking. But they needed to have the strength to make up for their hubris.
Fortunately, by surviving long enough for Kashi to return, they had least proven they would not crumble under the consequences of their actions. Furthermore, Kashi could see that they had the resolve to fight, even if it meant death.
All this was enough for Kashi to acknowledge both Brilith and Sonic’s teams as true warriors. Their characters might be lacking, but at the very least, their hearts were strong.
All these thoughts passed through Kashi’s mind in the span of a second. On the surface, he merely raised his hand and waved at the stunned crowd. “Hello there.”
“K-Kashi?” Sonic was the first to react. He stared at the draconian with apparent shock. He recognized Kashi’s form. Wasn’t that the draconian body that Kashi normally reserved for tough fights? Why did it look like it Kashi was comfortably in that skin? Did something happen while he was gone? What the hell happened!?
“Now, now. I’m sure you have a lot of questions.” Kashi chuckled as he took in the incredulous expressions. “But, we can talk after dealing with those guys.”
“You wish to ‘deal’ with us?” One of the Vampire Duke’s snorted in disbelief and mirth. “Perhaps we have slumbered too long. The youth of this generation have yet to experience a vampire’s terror.”
Kashi simply smirked and then glanced at Sonic. “Yeah, whatever.” He then said as he took a step forward, “Brace yourself. I’m coming.” Boom!
Kashi instantaneously disappeared after activating Angel Steps Technique!
“Be careful!” One of the sharper vampires shouted, warning a duchess.
“Too late.” The Vampire Duchess’s widened in shock as a cold voice whispered into her ear. She quickly tried to flee, but… pchuk! The duchess’s eyes widened in shock as an arm stabbed through her back, and then burst out through her chest, with her heart in hand.
“One down.” Hungry blue flames burst out from Kashi’s arm and angrily engulfed the Vampire Duchess.
“Ahhh!” The Vampire Duchess desperately rolled on the ground as she screamed in terror and pain, but it was to no avail. Within seconds, a mass of ash crumbled onto the ground, and then silently dispersed.
Silence. Absolute silence.
The Vampire Dukes and Duchesses trembled in trepidation as they met the draconian’s gaze. Those were the eyes of a predator! Vampires were used to being at the top of the food chain. It did not matter if someone they fought was stronger than them. Individual losses were alright, but only one race could rightfully gaze upon the vampires – no, upon all races – as prey!
The damned dragon race!
“R-Run!”
It was unclear who shouted it first, but the proud vampires suddenly turned and sped towards the channels, desperate to get away from the grim reaper. They would rather rot in Hell, than perish in a futile struggle.
“Now you want to run?” Brilith sneered and tapped the ground with her foot. Enormous Life Energy poured into several seeds planted in the ground, which then erupted into thick roots that burrowed through the ground at imperceptible speeds. The roots shot out of the ground at the channel mouths, and then spread into thick vine walls that blocked the entrances.
The vampires paled, and then quickly switched directions, looking to flee toward the open portal. They did not know what was beyond that portal, or the punishment for abandoning their duty, but anything was better than facing that draconian!
Unfortunately, wanting to escape was one thing; the real question was did they have the capability?
“Argh!”
They quickly found out that the answer.
Sonic easily beheaded the two panicked vampires, while Kashi burned two more. The duo were so efficient that the fight ended in the blink of an eye.
Both Nature’s Vanguard, and Silver Spears’ members warily observed Kashi as he roasted the vampires Sonic beheaded to prevent their resurrection.
Once he completed his task, Kashi examined the guildmembers. Fortunately, they did not appear overly wounded. He turned to leave, but then paused when he noticed that Nature’s Vanguard seemed to be down a man.
Kashi glanced at Sonic. “Someone died?”
Sonic solemnly nodded. He angrily gripped his daggers as he gazed at a tunnel. “Our assassin, Crow. He killed too many demons before facing the Vampire Duke, and gave his life to protect his guildmate.”
“Is that his main account?” Kashi asked with furrowed brows.
“Yeah.” Sonic noticed Kashi’s gaze, and shook his head. “Don’t worry. He has decently leveled back-up. We’ll just need to devote a lot of time to level him up after the raid is over.”
“Mm.” Kashi nodded. Logically, Kashi could see why Crow’s death could be his fault. Unfortunately, he did not have the corresponding guilt to make him regret his choice. However, since he logically recognized his folly, he decided to make it up to Sonic somehow. “When you destroy the dungeon cores, dig six feet into the ground to find some treasures.”
“You know this, how?” Brilith coldly examined Kashi’s eyes. She did not like how this daebe—no, was it draconian now? She did not appreciate the draconian’s mysterious act. It felt like he was toying with them.
Kashi chuckled in the face of Brilith’s anger. “That’s my secret. You don’t see me asking about your abilities, do you?” He then nonchalantly waved and made his way toward his designated channel. “See you in a bit. Don’t let those treasures go to waste.”
Kashi then burned a hole through the vine wall and walked through, leaving the uneasy adventurers behind.
Despite their many misgivings, Brilith, Sonic and the rest quickly returned to their channels. Interrogating Kashi could come later. First, they had to get those treasures! The adventurers’ reactions were not so surprising. No matter how fanciful they acted, these guys were gamers first.
Every gamer abided by the sacred rule: Loot First, Ask Questions Later.
Meanwhile, elsewhere, Shadow gently wiped blood of his dagger as he warily observed the seven-foot werewolf stood over a heavily mutilated corpse. Before his eyes, the wolf’s furs receded as she shrunk to just about five-foot-five. The werewolf’s ferocious gaze then melted into Zuri’s warm, innocent gaze.
“Haha! Told you Zuri is the strongest!” Zuri laughed as she jumped around the corpse and celebrated her victory.
“She’s a strange one.”
Shadow glanced at Larsial out of the corner of his eyes, but did not retort. How could he? Zuri was perhaps the strangest being he had met in this world full of monsters. He could not understand how violence and innocence could coexist in this girl’s mind. Even now, she did not have any malice as she danced around the gruesome scene.
Zuri reminded Shadow of foxes. One second she could be prancing around, finding everything novel and cute. But then she turned into a ferocious monster once threatened.
“Do you think she can remain this innocent forever?”
Shadow snorted. Innocent? In this shitty world? The assassin grunted as he walked to the dungeon core. He struck it with all his might, and then muttered as he watched the shards fall. “I wonder…”