Chapter 73: The Great Tree Maze, “Mystery’s” Effect (Second Update)
A chaotic roar echoes.
The ceiling, walls, and floor of the area are all formed from tree bark. Moss growing luxuriantly along the passageways emits blue or green light, creating a landscape that seems like a secret realm.
The cries of monsters cause leaves of various shapes and mysterious flowers dripping with silver droplets to sway.
Somewhere within the Great Tree Maze, which is vastly different from the upper levels, flames ignite amidst dense foliage, occasionally streaked with flashes of silver light.
“Gaaahhh———”
Bird-like monsters darting between trees let out fierce roars, as if challenging or warning others.
However, their target doesn’t pay much attention, leaping gracefully among the trees before suddenly appearing in front of one.
In the next moment, the sound of a weapon piercing flesh resounds, and the bird-like monster is swiftly impaled by a sharp spear tip without much struggle.
One of the common senses of adventurers:
The overwhelming power brought by leveling up is absolute.
If previously Izay had only a vague understanding of such situations, now he fully comprehends why this knowledge is universally acknowledged.
An endless surge of strength wells up inside him, making his body feel lighter than ever.
He feels like he can do anything—though not to the extent of becoming overly arrogant.
But there’s no denying the drastic change from before.
Using a clichéd comparison, Izay believes he could now take on at least three of his previous self. (Without using skills)
His figure leaps between the trees, stabilizing on a large branch after killing a Firebird.
Without lingering, he leans forward, tightly gripping his spear and forcefully pushing off the tree trunk with his right foot.
In the next instant, his vision shifts rapidly.
A Firebird flying through the air appears before Izay, its incredible acceleration causing the wind to whistle past his ears.
The first time, Izay nearly got attacked due to this situation.
But after adapting through several trials, he has now mastered controlling this sensation.
“Poof—!”
Swinging his spear again, he slices the Firebird cleanly in half as though cutting tofu, temporarily eliminating these flying enemies one by one.
He is also enjoying the enhancement in strength brought about by leveling up.
As their name suggests, Firebirds are bird-shaped monsters capable of flame attacks.
These powerful foes appear starting from the Nineteenth Layer, able to fly and spew fire, giving them a natural advantage within the “Great Tree Maze.”
It’s said they frequently turn the layers below the Nineteenth into fiery seas, making them a troublesome species.
Moreover, they often ascend to the Eighteenth Layer’s safe zone, regularly attacking Rivira Town. They are often targeted for extermination by adventurers on the Eighteenth Layer, having a high priority.
The term “Great Tree Maze” refers to the area spanning from the Nineteenth to the Twenty-fourth Layers of the Dungeon.
After passing through the safe zone and entering the Nineteenth Layer, the environment undergoes a complete transformation.
Unlike the usual deep caves and caverns, the “Great Tree Maze” consists entirely of forest terrain constructed from trees.
The entire floor is covered in trees, with the ceiling and walls made entirely of bark.
It resembles the secret world Alice entered after falling down the rabbit hole, where moss flourishing on the ceiling glows like stars.
Scattered around is the scent of humid wood reminiscent of lush green forests.
At one corner amidst the lush flora, water drips from the roots above, forming ripples in a small pool gathered beneath.
If one were to ignore the monsters that might emerge from the bark at any moment to snatch lives, this place truly is beautiful.
“Feels different after leveling up, huh? You could’ve taken out the Firebirds faster but decided to play around instead. I’m exhausted from picking up Magic Stones down here.”
After dealing with over a dozen Firebirds, Izay reunites with Raul, who greets him with a complaint.
“Ehehe, you caught me! Yeah, I did have some fun.”
Izay grins widely, showing no sign of remorse.
Come on, what kind of relationship does Izay have with Raul?
They’re best friends who will soon be heading to a restaurant together; would they really care about such trivial matters?
Obviously not.
And with the strength of Izay and Raul, as long as they don’t venture into the “Lower Levels,” they won’t face much pressure.
“Speaking of which, it’s not my imagination. My weapon’s power has genuinely improved. Look, it’s even glowing…”
Exploring the Nineteenth Layer, Izay waves his silver-gray spear toward Raul to demonstrate.
Unbeknownst to him, mysterious patterns resembling the spear’s color but slightly whiter have appeared on it.
During battles, these patterns emit a soft glow.
At such moments, whether in terms of lightness, sharpness, or compatibility, Izay can clearly feel a significant improvement.
In gaming terms, the attributes provided by the weapon have been enhanced.
Before leveling up, this phenomenon occurred occasionally.
After leveling up, it happens every time he fights.
If Izay’s feeling is correct, his Development Ability “Mystery” must have played a role here.
“Mystery”: Said to be able to activate eighteen miracles belonging to deities, known as “Divine Skills,” it is an ultra-rare Development Ability.
Creating Magical Artifacts is one of its abilities.
This silver-gray spear seems to have been enchanted by him…
Literally enchanted, enhancing the weapon with additional attributes…
“Is your Development Ability “Mystery”? Could it be playing a part in this?”
Seeing this situation, Raul comes to the same conclusion.
Personal skills aside, the Development Ability gained after leveling up isn’t something that needs to be concealed.
Moreover, the great news of having another “Mystery” holder within the Familial Group was already announced by Loki during the previous celebration feast.
After all, this is an extremely rare Development Ability, with only single-digit holders throughout Orario!
“Hmm, I think so too, but I’m not sure about the specifics yet.”
“But it should be beneficial. Feels like another jaw-dropping point…”
Raul can already picture the future.
When Izay figures out the source of this, the entire Familial Group will tremble. (Laugh~)
“—Chirp!!”
While the two are conversing, a group of monsters emerges from horizontal holes in the trees, charging directly at Izay and Raul without hesitation.
Monsters with massive bear bodies, running on all fours across the ground, approach with agility that defies their enormous size.
“Berg Bear,” another monster that appears starting from the Nineteenth Layer.
“They’re here! Izay, get ready!”
“Yeah, leave it to me!”
Their exploration of the maze continues.
