Chapter 23

Chapter 23: Additional Magic! Full Power!!

The sound of soil scraping filled the air, as phosphorescent light cascaded from the ceiling, illuminating the surroundings with pale green walls.

This place is called a cavern, an open square space within the dungeon.

“Screech-screech-screech—”

In this area, the powerful monsters that have appeared since the seventh level emit a sound akin to nails on a chalkboard, sending shivers down one’s spine.

—Murder Ants.

Its arms end in four developed claws.

The twisted protrusions gleam with a bone-chilling luster, possessing an attack power incomparable to low-level monsters like goblins.

The exoskeleton covering its body is as hard as armor, deflecting half-hearted attacks.

Not only that, but inflicting direct damage through that shell is incredibly difficult.

Before breaking through the opponent’s defense, one would already be fatally wounded by their sharp claws. This is the common scenario for adventurers defeated by murder ants.

Since these monsters’ abilities are clearly different from previous opponents, adventurers accustomed to battling small monsters above the fifth level often become their prey one after another.

They are known among adventurers as “Newbie Killers.”

“Not good… this number…”

Even saying there are over ten feels like an underestimate; there must be more than twenty here? It’s almost reaching the scale of a small ‘Monster Feast.’

A ‘Monster Feast’ refers to the phenomenon starting from the tenth level where a large number of monsters suddenly appear in the same area.

Once this happens, an originally empty area quickly becomes crowded with monsters in no time.

Though it’s only the seventh level now, having more than twenty murder ants here still represents a formidable force.

Moreover, these monsters can call for reinforcements.

Although they don’t shout loudly, when in danger, they release substances similar to pheromones that humans cannot detect, attracting others of their kind.

For new adventurers, this is undoubtedly a disaster.

Raul had merely intended to bring Izay to see the characteristic monsters of the seventh level—the murder ants.

So that Izay wouldn’t accidentally get into trouble if he explored alone later.

But now…

“Should we retreat? The stairs leading back to the sixth level are right behind us, or…”

While observing Izay’s reaction out of the corner of his eye, Raul placed his hand on the hilt of his sword at his waist.

Why do juniors in a faction usually enter the dungeon accompanied by seniors?

Precisely to prevent such sudden situations, which could lead to the unfortunate death of a newbie in the dungeon.

At this moment, running away would be the best option for Izay.

However, attempting to challenge the limits by choosing to fight isn’t entirely impossible either.

Because Level 4 Raul is right behind him to cover his back.

Under normal circumstances, the increase in adventurer levels brings absolute dominance.

Let alone twenty murder ants, even if their numbers doubled, they wouldn’t be able to stop Level 4 Raul.

“Just right…”

Beside Izay, Raul was startled upon hearing his muttering.

What does “just right” mean?

Perplexed, Raul unconsciously voiced his thoughts.

“In fact, I have another magic spell, Brother Raul. It feels just right to try it out now.”

Izay clarified while raising his silver-gray spear, lowering the tip, and taking a stance.

Upon hearing this, Raul couldn’t help but take a deep breath.

A human awakening two magics for the first time??

Unaware of Raul’s subtle feelings at this moment, Izay took a breath and felt the power within him—

Call forth! Reveal it!

Chanting, unleashing the magic!

“【Let the Curtain Fall (Orionids)】!!!”

In the next instant, the magic locked within Izay was unleashed.

—!!!

A brilliance akin to the starry night sky bloomed beneath his feet, enveloping Izay entirely.

But it only lasted for a fleeting moment before fading, leaving specks of starlight hovering around. Izay then underwent another transformation.

Dancing streams of ethereal blue light surrounded Izay like a gentle breeze.

More fluid than any other substance, deeper than the eternal night.

His golden hair moved without wind, and his clear blue eyes were tinged with streaks of silver.

(Please refer to the Supreme Ultimate Technique.)

An overwhelming surge of power erupted, and it wasn’t even close to reaching its peak!

Additional Magic (Enchantment).

Enhancing oneself or even weapons with magical power to assist in attacks, increase speed, and physical attributes.

It’s extremely rare and powerful magic.

There are various ways to develop it, and numerous methods to use it in battle.

Directly covering one’s own body like this is considered the simplest and crudest way.

“But it’s enough…”

Izay tightened his grip on the silver-gray spear. Under the enhancement of magic, the spear also flowed with starflame, the high temperature emanating from the spear tip distorting the air.

Witnessing the terrifying power summoned by this human, the murder ants clearly showed signs of shock and trembling.

Despite their low intelligence, they didn’t doubt that if such power were unleashed upon them, it would obliterate them like a tornado destroying a parking lot.

The mandibles of the murder ants chewed incessantly, making a squeaking noise.

Always accustomed to killing humans with numbers and armor, the murder ants, despite being in absolute numerical superiority, dared not advance.

“Izay, they’re calling for reinforcements!”

Familiar with the squeaking sounds, Raul immediately exposed their actions.

“Uh-huh, I know.”

Izay nodded.

Anyway, the goal is to finish the battle quickly.

Even without Raul saying so, Izay would act this way.

When additional magic enhances one’s body, it rapidly consumes physical strength and mental energy.

The recovery effect brought by Heart of the Earth is negligible compared to the consumption.

“—I’m going in!”

Excited by the boosted strength, Izay spun the spear around and aimed at the densest cluster of murder ants, thrusting forward.

In an instant, the ground where Izay stood exploded, the powerful force even causing a gust of wind.

Carrying the momentum of a meteor, Izay pierced through! Thrust through!

Facing the densely packed group of murder ants ahead, Izay delivered the silver-gray spear with all his might.

“【Silver Starfall】!!!!”

The next moment, a deafening roar echoed throughout the cavern, and the azure magical light rampaged through the passage, bursting forth with intense brilliance wherever the eyes could see.

The silver-white light interwoven with azure flames filled the entire space, making the walls of the passage seem precarious.

Standing at the entrance of the staircase, shielding himself from the wave that reached this far, Raul struggled to keep his eyes open against the blinding light.

After a while, when the light finally dissipated,

Raul looked at the devastated cavern, littered with fragments of magic stones, and his eyes widened in astonishment.

“This… is a Level 1???”

Raul felt deceived, feeling that his previous impression of Level 1 was nothing but a joke.