As Jay readied himself for his fifth match out of ten, a sense of curiosity about Raijin's past prompted him to seek answers.
"How long ago did you live?" Jay inquired. Raijin revealed, "I lived hundreds of thousands of years ago, when the world first began to learn about mana. I was the second lightning user ever recorded, learning from the creator of the tower. He offered to save my soul in this vessel. However, after so many years, it has become a prison rather than a sanctuary. All I wish for now is to be freed. I do not have much hope, but if you are able to free my soul, I will leave to you a gift."
"Senior, I've already told you I will do everything I can to help free you. I have no idea what you must have gone through during your time trapped here."
As the fifth challenger emerged, Jay felt a mounting pressure. Another hybrid stood before him—a fierce warrior, half phoenix, half human. A beautiful girl with large orange wings, a beak in place of her mouth, and long talons instead of nails.
As the king declared the match to begin, the lady's wings burst into flames, enveloping themselves in fire. It was a stunning spectacle, and Jay had to remind himself that he had to defeat this girl.
Seizing the initiative, Jay sprinted toward the fiery warrior, launching a vicious stabbing attack. His muscles, strengthened by previous training and recovery, carried a newfound ferocity.
It became apparent to Raijin that Jay was still adapting to his newfound strength. Though his attacks had gained incredible power, their speed left him vulnerable. The phoenix girl effortlessly dodged Jay's strikes, countering with talons that tore through his scale armour, leaving trails of blood in their wake.
Maintaining distance, Jay launched another powerful spear attack. The strength he gained from levelling up was overwhelming, yet he struggled to control it efficiently, making him susceptible to counters.
Undeterred, the phoenix girl seized the opportunity, taking to the air and drawing surrounding mana for a potent attack. Sensing the impending danger, Jay quickly conjured up his mana shield, using as much mana as possible to create it.
The feathers from the hybrid's wings transformed into sharp fiery daggers, hurtling towards Jay.
Knowing his shield couldn't withstand the onslaught, Jay skilfully evaded and blocked as many feathers as he could with agile footwork, lasting out until the hybrid's assault ended.
Raijin, recognizing an opportunity, asked Jay if he knew how to store lightning charges (strings), to which Jay confirmed he did. Raijin instructed him to transform his mana into these charges, a crucial tactic for their victory.
As the phoenix descended, Jay stared five charges, reaching the maximum his body could handle.
Raijin urged him to run towards the hybrid, using a lightning charge at the last second to catch her off guard. If she dodged, Jay was to reposition with a dash and attack again.
Following Raijin's guidance, Jay charged towards the hybrid, as he get into range he thrusted his spear while enveloping himself in his first lightning charge.
His spear stabbing almost instantaneously, he pierced through the phoenix's wing as she barely evaded. Swiftly repositioning, Jay dashed to her left hand side and utilized his second lightning charge to stab her through the midsection.
As the phoenix girl fell to the ground, bleeding out, Jay felt the ethereal mist of her soul entering his body. Another level achieved, and a sense of accomplishment washed over him amidst the battle-scarred arena.
*Level Up! +1 point in each stat. +5 Additional Points*
*Congratulations on reaching level 10!*
*Level Up! +1 point in each stat. +5 Additional Points*
*Congratulations on reaching level 11!*
*Bonus Reward: Claim by completing this floor*
*User has accumulated over 100 stat points: Unlocking user related Subfloor: 'Serpentine Dance' *
Huh 100 stat points? Tower, let me see my stats:
User: Jay Kim (Level 11)
Titles: The first.
Affinity: Lightning.
Magic: 24.
Mana: 24.
Agility: 21.
Strength: 21.
Health: 21.
Close stats, oh wow I really have gotten stronger haven't I, and what's this about serpentine dance, sounds interesting. I'll have to check it out when I complete this Floor.
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As the sixth challenger stepped into the arena, Jay sensed the escalating challenge ahead. The stakes were higher, and the rewards even more enticing.
The newcomer sauntered in, a cigarette dangling from his lips, a crossbow slung across his back, and a dagger sheathed at his side. Jay, with his heightened perception at this advanced level, noticed a sinister green liquid coating the arrowheads—a clear indication of the lethal poison that adorned each projectile.
Positioning himself at the centre of the battlefield, the challenger coolly loaded his crossbow, locking eyes with Jay. Sensing the impending danger, Jay mentally prepared himself, acknowledging the need to have both his shield and electricity charges at the ready.
The king's command echoed, "FIGHT!" The first arrow was unleashed, a deadly missile hurtling toward Jay. With swift precision, he summoned his mana shield into action, deflecting the arrow with a resounding *PTANG.* Undeterred, the cigar-smoking adversary swiftly loaded another arrow, aiming with deadly precision.
Jay, relying on his enhanced control over the mana shield, adeptly deflected every incoming arrow. As the relentless barrage persisted, fatigue crept in. Recognizing the need for a decisive move, Jay unleashed his stored electricity charges, propelling himself towards the crossbow-wielding foe.
Closing the gap with lightning speed, Jay wielded his spear with practiced skill, driving it through the heart of his adversary. The crowd erupted in a mix of awe and cheers, recognizing the prowess of a challenger who had successfully navigated the escalating difficulties posed by each opponent.
Huh no level up Jay pondered, he did seem a bit weak relying on his weapon like that.
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The arrival of the seventh challenger signalled the entrance of nobility into the arena. A man of regal demeanour, Prince Marcus Penstill, stepped forward with an air of confidence. His short brown hair and curious, dark eyes bespoke an intriguing mix of determination and inquisitiveness. Adorned in white gloves, he tightly gripped a magnificent longsword with symbols and letters engraved into its hilt.
"I am Marcus Penstill, fourth Prince of the Ladle Kingdom. I'm here to protect my kingdom by slaying you, demon. I am nobility, and you are nothing," declared the young prince, a blend of authority and youthful vigour evident in his proclamation.
Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.
Drawing his sword with an almost ceremonial grace, Marcus channelled his mana into it. The engravings on the hilt emitted a soft blue glow, and a delicate layer of water surrounded the blade, showcasing the prince's elemental affinity.
Raijin's warning echoed in Jay's mind, emphasizing the significant level difference - Marcus was a formidable opponent at level fifteen. The clash began, Marcus taking the initiative with graceful and elegant swordplay, his attacks laced with precision and purpose.
Despite Jay's attempts to evade, Marcus's onslaught gradually found openings. The battle unfolded, and Jay found himself on the defensive, the royal prince's blade dancing dangerously close. The realization dawned that time was not on Jay's side.
In the midst of the struggle, Jay reached out to Raijin for guidance. "Raijin, help me. What do I do?"
Raijin, the ancient soul, questioned Jay about the spear's advantage. "What advantage does the spear have?"
"Its range," Jay replied.
"Use the range, then. Have you heard of feinting?" Raijin suggested. "Pretend to attack, get his reaction, and then strike."
Jay, absorbing Raijin's advice, incorporated feints into his strategy. Faking a thrust, he baited Marcus into stepping to the left. Seizing the opportunity, Jay unleashed a levelled-up *Piercing Strike,* dealing 175% damage in one strike.
Recognizing the danger, Marcus hurriedly yelled out *Waterfall Block,* a rectangular panel of flowing water materializing between them. The impact of Jay's spear against the magical water shield caused it to shatter, flying water droplets showering the spectators.
Showcasing both the prince's proficiency with water magic alongside Jays destructive power.
As Jay attacked the shield he felt as if he were fighting against a powerful current, he acknowledged the potency of Marcus's magic. Raijin chimed in, providing insight into the prince's abilities. "In my time he became famous for receiving an Epic Book of Water when he reached level 15. That shield he just cast is the first spell he learned from it."
The unfolding battle between Jay and Prince Marcus Penstill became a spectacle of strategy and elemental mastery, a clash where each move carried the weight of skill and experience.
The weariness lingered between the two combatants, each side feeling the weight of the prolonged battle.
Marcus, sensing an opportunity to conclude the fight, called out, "*Quagmire*." Suddenly, the mana in the arena transformed into water, ensnaring Jay and significantly hampering his movements. The burden of the liquid reduced Jay's speed by around 25%, while Marcus, despite increased agility, found himself drained of mana.
Recognizing the imbalance, Jay ceased his struggle against the watery trap. Marcus, fuelled by a surge in speed but depleted in mana, charged toward Jay, sword poised for a decisive strike.
Remaining composed, Jay bided his time, patiently awaiting Marcus to draw near. The Prince swung his sword with precision aimed at Jay's neck. Despite the reduced speed, Jay's agility and reactions remained unaltered. He smoothly evaded the impending strike by ducking, simultaneously casting *Flurry.* Mana spears materialized, piercing Marcus repeatedly through his midsection.
As Marcus knelt in pain, Jay seized the moment, channelling his deadly *Piercing Strike.* In a desperate attempt, Marcus screamed, "*Waterfall Block.*" However, the spell faltered, shattered by his depleted mana reserves.
The spear pierced through Marcus's heart, sealing his fate in an instant. A sombre atmosphere descended as Jay turned to face the king, a solitary tear rolling down his cheek at the tragic demise of the prince. The echoes of a hard-fought battle lingered, leaving behind the profound sorrow of a father witnessing the loss of his son.
*Level Up! +1 point in each stat. +5 Additional Points*
*Congratulations on reaching level 12!*
*Level Up! +1 point in each stat. +5 Additional Points*
*Congratulations on reaching level 13!*
*Bonus Reward: Claim by completing this floor*
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Jay, despite his revitalized state, felt the toll of the relentless battles weighing on his fatigued mind. The intricate dance of strategy and combat had stretched his mental faculties to their limits over the past three hours.
"ENOUGH!" A commanding voice cut through the arena, silencing the echoes of the preceding clashes. A tall, noble figure descended with purpose. It was the Crown Prince, Phillip Penstill, determined to avenge his fallen brother. The king's approval echoed as Phillip declared his intent to be the final challenger.
With luminous blades in hand, Phillip, the Crown Prince, exuded an aura of unparalleled skill. The light glow of his blades hinted at the mastery of his unique ability, Luminous Blade. As one of the few light users in existence, Phillip, at level 20, had never tasted defeat, and he harboured no intentions of doing so now.
Although a seven-level gap loomed between them, Jay's exceptional stats narrowed it down to five, making the challenge seem more surmountable. The king's command initiated the climactic clash, and Phillip, swift and composed, phased towards Jay, blades aglow with the power of light.
Phillip unleashed *Radiant Strike*, channelling blinding light into his blades to augment their power. Jay, struggling to discern the attacks, stepped back to dodge the initial slash before retaliating with a thrust. Phillip sidestepped with ease, slashing across Jay's chest, the light element searing his flesh.
A howl of pain escaped Jay as he retreated, his vision slowly returning. Phillip, the Crown Prince, stood composed, his intelligence and combat prowess evident.
Jay, fuelled by determination, charged at Phillip, casting his *Piercing Strike*. Phillip responded with *Solar Shield*, a defensive barrier that, unlike his younger brother's, resisted the onslaught, cracking only slightly.
Jay pressed on, employing a variety of attacks to break the shield, leaving him drained but undeterred.
Raijin called out to the fatigued Jay, giving instructions to cast his shield in one hand while holding the spear in the other. Phillip went on the offensive, casting Blinding Flash stunning Jay momentarily.
Seizing the opportunity, Phillip dashed forward, blades aglow with *Radiant Strike* once more. Jay, summoning his shield, blocked the first strike and evaded the second with calculated precision. The damaged shield shattered under the Prince's heavy assault.
Despite the dire situation, Raijin harboured a flicker of hope as long as Jay continued to endure. The Crown Prince had exceptional close combat skills, fuelled by the passive ability *Celestial Dance*.
Raijin, acknowledging the Crown Prince's prowess, whispered, "His fundamentals are solid, it's difficult to get an attack off.
Fortunately, this seems to be a weaker version of the real Celestial Dance. Otherwise, you'd be dead already." The fate of the kingdom hung in the balance as the battle between Jay and the Crown Prince unfolded in a mesmerizing display of skill and resilience.
Although Jay was being completely dominated, he never lost hope. There was too much to gain from this, he had to complete this floor.
Jay continued to attack with his Spearmanship, slashing and piercing whenever he could. Using his footwork to avoid the returning attacks of the Prince.
Exhaustion weighed heavily on Jay as his body and mind struggled to synchronize, the once nimble warrior now moving with sluggish effort. Seizing the opportunity, the Crown Prince skillfully parried Jay's strike, swiftly maneuvering to slash at his vulnerable midsection. The blade effortlessly cut through Jay's armor, leaving him howling in pain as he staggered backward, blood staining his side.
Panting heavily, Jay attempted to catch his breath, but the relentless assault from the Crown Prince showed no mercy. The nobleman continued his relentless barrage, stabbing and slicing with unwavering determination. The onslaught reached its peak, each strike pushing Jay to his limit until, finally, he was pierced in the right shoulder.
A blood-curling scream escaped Jay as he felt his consciousness waver. Yet, in the depths of his agony, a profound power within his soul began to resonate. With a primal howl, the skies above the arena darkened, thunder rumbled, and rain poured down in torrents, mixing with Jay's blood to create a macabre spectacle.
*Locked Ability: Soul Tempest*:
Activated when the user's life force dwindles below 5% and their mental fortitude is pushed to its limits, unleashing an elemental tempest from within their soul.
A lightning bolt, fierce and revitalizing, crashed down upon Jay, electrifying his being. His attacks now carried the fury of the storm as he unleashed a lightning-infused offensive. Slashing and piercing, Jay's first strike was blocked, the second parried, but the third found its mark, striking the Crown Prince in the chest.
The lightning surged through the nobleman, stunning him momentarily as Jay retrieved his spear. In a brilliant display of newfound power, Jay cast *Flurry*. Instead of traditional mana spears, bolts of lightning erupted from his spear, overwhelming the Crown Prince's *Solar Shield* in a dazzling clash of elements. The shield shattered almost instantly, unable to withstand the sheer force of the lightning.
The reason so few had an affinity with lightning became starkly apparent – its power was too immense, capable of undoing the delicate balance of the world. As the bolts of lightning penetrated Phillip's body, a bewildered thought echoed in his mind: who are you?
Unrelenting, Jay continued his assault until the arena floor absorbed every drop of Phillip's lifeblood. With the battle concluded, Jay slumped atop the lifeless body, unconscious and spent. The air crackled with the aftermath of the storm, the once-thriving arena now echoing only the sombre stillness of the fallen.
*Level Up! +1 point in each stat. +5 Additional Points*
*Level Up! +1 point in each stat. +5 Additional Points*
*Level Up! +1 point in each stat. +5 Additional Points*
*Congratulations on reaching level 16!*
*Bonus Reward: Claim by completing this floor*
*Warning: User is severely injured - returning to Gallery*