41-42

Chapter 41: Fourth Evolution (1)

Demon King

Fourth Evolution (1)

Unlike on the first floor of the Jinma Tower, I didn't encounter A upon entering the second floor.

Maybe he was still on the ground floor.

Maybe he's here but is hiding his presence.

What greeted me instead was a Poison Scorpion, bigger than a Giant Spider, faster and stronger than a Giant Wolf. What's more, it had a terrifying venom.

"Kee-i-i-i!"

It was at that moment that I realized that I would not just be facing a troll, like on the first floor.

The scorpion was another intermediate monster, but it seemed to move on a different level from the troll.

Well… they are different creatures, on different floors.

Stop thinking about them.

The longer I stay in place, the more vulnerable I get.

The sound of the scorpion approaching gets louder every instant.

I'm going to kill it.

It's a monster with a level that's at least similar to the troll, or maybe stronger.

But, if its attack power is strong, it's regeneration would be weak; if its defense power is strong, it's speed would be slow.

I can defeat it.

"Kiaaaaaaaaaaah!"

I sensed the giant tail of the scorpion stretching out, possibly overflowing with vicious venom.

It is impossible to visually confirm it because of the darkness, but I can grasp the power coming at me.

I flew away from it. I did not have Surprise and Fairy Tale raised yet.

With the body of the Hob Goblin Assaulter, I am confident that I could beat it quickly.

I can match its power and speed.

If a single strike won't work, I can keep attacking the same spot over and over.

No carapace would be too hard against consistent heavy damage.

But if I kill him now, I'll turn into a Hob Goblin afterwards.

Once I become a Hob Goblin, the speed and distance I can create will be significantly limited, and it would become more difficult to analyze the movement and skill of this new monster.

It would be easier to kill him with my lower forms if I understand him better.

I won't have to die thousands or tens of thousands of times in my Goblin body.

I've already experienced Jinma Tower.

Now, I had to draw everything that could be derived from that experience.

Even though time flows slowly here, I won't waste time dying repeatedly.

"Kee-i-yi!"

"Yeah, come closer…"

And let me study you closer.

I rushed at him. The scorpion greeted me with an attack I've already anticipated, a smack from its giant tail.

"Kiaaah!"

However, instinctively, I jumped in the air to avoid it.

Fear.

Fear of degeneration. Fear of facing a high-level opponent. Fear of experiencing multiple deaths once more.

All the emotions I felt were mixed together, amplified by the Ebon Heart.

Gradually, they changed to joy and excitement.

How fun would it be to overcome all the enemies – the moment of breaking my limit!

How thrilling would it be to predate their meat!

I didn't know if it began the moment I became a goblin, or if it was a desire hidden beneath my humanity.

However, I find killing a troublesome opponent and tearing their meat off pleasurable.

I will not go against it.

It was a good urge.

It was the urge that could lead me to survive and get stronger.

Following that impulse, I moved my body.

Somehow, the Poison Scorpion felt a little smaller, unlike when I first felt its presence, but I didn't care.

There was no time to care.

Time passed.

It was two hours from the outside time. I heard the gears of the pocket watch click twice.

Inside the Jinma Tower, it felt like two weeks.

The Poison Scorpion in front of my Goblin form was helpless inside a deep and narrow trap I've created.

My power and my skill levels have been raised so far that my Goblin Fighter form can destroy an intermediate monster without a trap, but it was still too much for a Goblin form.

Of course, it was as I expected from the beginning.

"Key, key, key, key."

"Hoo, hoo… …."

No matter how much my skill level has risen, it was impossible to kill an intermediate monster in my lowest form with one or two strikes. There was an absolute difference in physical ability. The difference cannot be filled by any skill.

So, did my growth from Level 50 to Level 58 proved meaningless?

No.

The Trap Creation skill grew little by little, and as it did, the amount of time spent in making traps and the strength of the traps was worth the multiple deaths I suffered in the Poison Scorpion's tail and claws.

Finally, the skill reached Lv9.

The Poison Scorpion is now helpless against my skill.

"Ki-yi, kai-yi."

The Poison Scorpion was whimpering. When it was stronger than my Goblin form, I could never have imagined it making this sound, but now, its voice was tender, as if it was begging for its life.

When I first met him, it felt massive. Now, even in my Goblin form, I don't even worry about the size of its claws.

Okay. It was really obvious now.

Intermediate monsters are only intermediate, after all.

There were more higher-level monsters above them.

It won't be monsters alone that I have to worry about.

Humans.

Humans who were born in advantaged families, who grew up without hardship, and were trained under powerful mentors.

I would have to face them.

They would see me as a monster and hunt me down.

Honestly, I don't want to face them until I have evolved in the next form.

I don't have time to waste. I have to grow.

Intermediate, advanced, superlative, and beyond.

Kill more. Eat more.

I approached the whimpering Poison Scorpion, helpless inside a trap made especially for him, to hold his legs and claws down.

He was pleading for mercy. It was pitiful. He went from being a predator to being prey.

Of course, I don't care about my prey's feelings.

"I will enjoy this food."

I bit his hard claws and tasted poison.

Of course, I was expecting it.

[Lower Poison Creation skill has become Lv7.]

[Lower Regeneration has become Lv9.]

My Predation skill ignores my target's toxicity, and my Immunity and Regeneration skills prevent me from being vulnerable to poison.

The moment it reached Lv5, Regeneration started being able to recover from poison damage.

The Poison Creation skill also improves every time I ingest or use poison.

This combo allowed me to grow poison regeneration and poison generation skills at a tremendous rate while eating poison scorpions.

Immunity's growth was a bit slower since it was already on the Intermediate level.

It was also possible that Predation is also growing.

Because I have consumed a lot since the last level up, it may be growing without me noticing.

"Key, key, key!"

"Go on, struggle as much as you can."

If you can.

I continued eating the still alive Poison Scorpion while notification windows popped up continuously until they finally announced that my Regeneration and Poison Creation reached Intermediate level.

Finally, the phrase [Conquering the first floor of Jinma Tower 2/10] appeared.

Soon, the familiar pain hit me—the process of a degenerated body returning to its original form.

Swelling muscles, stronger blood pumping, thickening skin. Bones hardening and thickening.

While observing the phenomenon, a strange thought came into me.

It was as if I was looking at someone else's body.

The strange thought passed by quickly. It was not the time to think about it.

I looked around. I am not sure where A is, so I spoke with a loud voice:

"Continue to challenge. Until I conquer all ten floors."

Time passed by quickly, as opponents fell down one by one.

Skeleton Knights, Hornet Princes, Minotaurs, as well as seven other monsters.

"Kyu woo!"

"Damn you!"

The spider, whose web contained the power of electricity, was the most difficult among the intermediate monsters I have faced.

I was somehow able to defeat it in my Goblin Fighter form, but from the moment I became a Goblin, I kept dying even after only touching its web.

It was hard to build a trap.

What's more, the spider crawled all over the walls, avoiding the traps I made on the ground.

My Trap Creation skill, despite reaching the Intermediate Lv5, has met its match.

I can only make a trap on the ground where I am stepping on.

Unless the enemy is a fool like a troll, they usually don't stay in one place.

That is why I need to attack the enemies to lure them into the traps.

Until now, it wasn't very difficult, but the spider was a smart opponent.

It's a fairly good skill, but it had its disadvantages.

A lot of research will be needed so I can use this skill better in the future.

After the pocket watch clicked to signify four hours, a Goblin succeeded in inserting a sword into a Lightning Spider's neck.

It had been difficult, but the reward was worth it.

"It's delicious."

As I chewed on the Lightning Spider, a reminder suddenly flashed in front of my eyes.

[Conquering the first floor of Jinma Tower 9/10]

[Lower Spider Web Creation has become Lv10 and evolves to Intermediate Spider Web Creation. It becomes possible to apply mana and skills onto the webs you produce.]

[Congratulations! Satisfied the conditions for synthesizing an Advanced Level skill!]

[Possible to synthesize the Advanced skill "Lunatic Trickster".]

[Requirements: One Intermediate Lv5 or higher special combat system skill (Trap Creation), two Intermediate level or higher special combat sub-skill (Poison Creation, Spider Web Creation), one Lower Lv5 or higher special attack skill (Power Attack, Power Arrow)]

[Possess two or more Lower level magic skills (Black Lightning, Flame Magic)]

[Possess two or more battle-assist skills (Intermediate Leap, Intermediate Beast Charge.]

That moment, the annoyance I had with the Lightning Spider disappeared.

I smiled.

It seems that the 10th opponent I need to defeat inside the Jinma Tower will be easier to catch.

Chapter 42: Fourth Evolution (2)

Demon King

Fourth Evolution (2)

[Are you sure you want to synthesize for the Lunatic Trickster skill? In that case, the following skills will disappear: Trap Creation, Poison Creation, Spider Web Creation, (choose one: Power Attack or Power Arrow)]

[The skill is strengthened by the effects of magic skills and combat support skills.]

[Yes]

[No]

It was clear that that the Lunatic Trickster skill is similar to that of Trap Creation.

Spider Web Creation is just a lump of unnecessary luggage, so this is the perfect time to get rid of it.

The same goes for Poison Creation, which I have never even used yet.

It would be a huge blow, however, if I lose Power Attack, but fortunately, I have another option.

I chose to use Power Arrow for the synthesis.

It was completed immediately.

[Trap Creation, Poison Creation, Spider Web Creation, and Power Arrow have been synthesized.]

[You acquired the Intermediate Lunatic Trickster skill Lv1.]

[1. Consumes time, mana, stamina, weapons, equipment, and other materials to create a desired type of trap in the desired location (within sight). The size, strength, and duration of the trap depend on the type and amount of materials used.]

[2. Other skills can be applied through Lunatic Trickster. Amplify specific elements of skill or add new elements. This is done randomly and will consume one skill level in exchange for skill improvement.]

As if it wasn't a good skill already, the Lunatic Trickster had to abilities.

The first one was what I expected – a better version of Trap Creation.

The second ability made me worry, however.

I don't like to depend on random luck. I cannot risk my life on chance.

Of course, it's a skill that improves a skill for the price of one skill level.

However, the scope of the improvement it can offer is unknown, so it had a gambling-like factor.

What's more, it comes with a heavy price.

But it's a good option to have.

Every ability has its own purpose. The second ability of the Lunatic Trickster will definitely prove useful sometime.

I closed the notification window.

Suddenly, I felt A.

I immediately noticed his presence and looked at his direction

A didn't comment on my polished sense of Detection, and instead said something.

"Last one left."

"I know."

"Would you like to challenge right away?"

I looked down on my body. It was still in Goblin form.

Usually, after I finished eating the last opponent, I go back to a Hob Goblin Assaulter form.

"Yes… but my body…"

"The 10th conquest of the first floor of Jinma Tower – begins."

Damn it, A!

Unlike Rain, who was too kind, A was annoying and unhelpful.

Having said those words, he disappeared again.

I ground my teeth. He really started the 10th conquest just like that. Damn.

However, I felt nothing.

No – I felt like I was nothing.

I tried to move my head, but I can't.

I tried to feel the ground with my feet, but I can't.

I had a dagger in my hand… there was nothing in my hand.

I had no hands. No feet, body, head… there was nothing left at all.

Even the Ebon Heart was gone.

No heart to pump blood, no lungs to breathe… I can't breathe!

No, I don't need to breathe.

Fear overwhelmed me.

I am nothing.

I can't feel myself in this space.

Is this space even real? If I am not here, does this space exist?

If this space is real, then why am I not conscious of the things within it, even my own body?!

Am I gone?

Did the Goblin form disappear completely, and only my consciousness remained?

Then… will my consciousness disappear soon, too?

A terrible horror swallowed me, and I swam desperately in it.

I exist. I exist!

This was supposed to be a safe training center.

There should be no loss of life. This shouldn't happen.

I can't disappear.

I have to survive.

I can't disappear without a trace in this place.

I exist.

My soul and my body are definitely here!

At that moment, it was as if time reversed. I thought back.

I recalled the moment I killed the Poison Scorpion.

What did you think then? Think! Think!

I recalled. It was a question that passed my mind.

There is a boundary between the soul and the flesh. Is it possible to degenerate even further, leaving only the existence? Will that be against the laws of this place?

It was a simple moment of wondering about what A said. He said that this place is where all the trajectories I've passed through will merge into one, but can I degenerate to the point of non-existence?

Of course, everything that happened in Jinma Tower was mysterious, and I wouldn't be able to comprehend them all with my own knowledge.

But I have to try to find out how it worked. So I can escape this phase.

What is common in degeneration?

Realization.

The level and skills remain the same.

From beginning to end, my skill and my level remained the same.

Even if the body has degenerated, those were maintained.

I took it for granted.

I did not question the deterioration of my body in the past.

I accepted it as the truth, and it became my reality. I really degenerated to a Hob Goblin and below, even if it wasn't physically possible.

But how could the level and the skills remain the same?

What if degeneration was just my illusion?

What if I was a Hob Goblin Assaulter all this time?

Someone told me that I would degenerate into a Hob Goblin… and I believed it.

Was I the one putting limits on my own self?

That can only be the explanation of the degeneration phenomenon.

If a Hob Goblin Assaulter thinks that he is a Goblin, it was possible to erase his existence.

The moment I realized it, the Ebon Heart jumped.

At the moment of my extreme fear, I didn't recognize its presence, but it was there from the beginning.

Thump.

Thump.

The small beat gradually went harder, louder, more powerful.

Veins and blood vessels spread in all directions from the source of the heartbeats.

Flesh and bones begin to form.

Blood filled the vessels. Mana flowed through them.

The exposed flesh grew skin, and my armor covered it once more.

I recognized Blood Shadow on my hand.

As I swung it, a smooth, red shadow traced the air.

I was convinced. I turned back into a Hob Goblin Assaulter by affirming my existence.

By reaching the present and accepting what I am.

I was a Hob Goblin Assaulter all this time, not a Goblin.

I have never been weakened. Only my heart was weakened.

No one else aside from myself can make me weaker. No one can touch my soul!

I realized the absolute proposition.

[Predation became Lv4. The efficiency of absorbing the abilities of the prey increases. Able to absorb even Lower level skills.]

[Intermediate Martial Arts has become Lv8.]

[Intermediate Detection has become Lv9.]

[Lower Fairy Tale has become Lv10 and evolves into Intermediate Fairy Tale. You can project an illusion of yourself within the range of your sight.]

With my enlightenment, my skills grew. All of them pleased me, but none pleased me more than completely finishing the tenth conquest of Jinma Tower.

It was what the Tower is for.

I can battle monsters in dungeons, too, but in this place, I could get enlightenment.

I had to look at myself, not just as a monster. I should have known myself better.

It took me a long time to learn it.

The darkness that covered my eyes lifted along with my delusions, and I finally looked at A's surprised face, which was just in front of me.

[Conquering the first floor of Jinma Tower 10/10]

[Quest completed!]

[You gained 1,200,000 experience!]

[You acquired 100 gold!]

[Level up!]

[You acquired 5 intermediate horsepower potions.]

[Obtained 10 Demon Hooks.]

[Evolution is possible.]

"That was fast."

A was a middle-aged man with a handsome face.

I shook my head.

"No. It was late. And it's not over yet."

"Not yet? Perhaps…"

I triggered the Lunatic Trickster.

I didn't plan on using it, but now was the best time to use it.

[Choose a skill to manifest with Lunatic Trickster]

I chose Detection and Martial Arts.

The purpose?

It is simple.

To find the monster that had played with me like a toy and cut it down.

Something is definitely in this place, other than A and I. The one who induced the delusions, the one who covered me in darkness…

A shook his head. "Impossible. The Trickster is an Advanced monster."

I laughed. It's funny that the monster's name and the skill I'll use to finish it were the same.

"It's an interesting name," I told A.

[Detection skill level is reduced by 1 level. Sensing power is amplified infinitely.]

[Martial Arts skill level is reduced by 1 level. Added an element that can draw tomorrow's energy and use it for today.]

Even when my five senses were free, the Trickster that A mentioned was not revealed to me.

From the moment I set foot in this place, it had been cheating and playing with me.

It was impossible to capture it with my Intermediate Detection.

But now, with the help of Lunatic Trickster…

I jumped and used all the weapons in my inventory to create a spider web trap.

I cast it up the air like a wide net to catch everything that could be floating in there.

I seemed to have caught nothing, but I didn't care.

I knew different.

Black Lightning, blood sword, and Power Attack, amplified with all the energy I could have tomorrow, covered my sword.

And I swung it mightily towards the trap.

"Kyap! King!"

The impact was audible. The attack hit something.

[You gained 1,580,000 experience points.]

[Experience limit due to race restrictions. The experience will be applied to the next form.]

[You acquired 180 gold.]

[Intermediate Martial Arts has become Lv9.]

[Intermediate Detection has become Lv10 and evolves to Advanced Detection. The range of detection is significantly widened, and the enemy's weaknesses can be identified. Reading emotions of items that are lower than the Detection skill level become possible.]

[Lower Power Attack has become Lv10 and evolves to the Intermediate Power Attack. When you inflict magic on a Power Attack, its attack power is amplified. You can consume mana to instantly increase the range of your weapon.]

I landed lightly on the floor, clutching a bat-like Trickster's body. It was too small and shabby compared to its massive ability.

I looked back at A's astonished expression.

"What is impossible?"

"Damn, Rain." A muttered.

I chewed on the Trickster's body, pleased at the reminder that popped up.

[Magic has risen by 10.]

[You acquired the Beginner Fantasy Magic skill Lv1.]

It wasn't over. I still have one thing left to do.

[Evolution is possible.]