208 CH 189 Grind Continues

Do you know what happens when Rank B++ Affinity's attempt to fight A++ and above?

A slaughter is what happens, the angels drop from the sky as they attempt to swarm my horde, the rest of my army don't even join in as my 5 archers and two gunners shoot them out of the skies.

They were probably one shot at them and with every shot one more soul was lost. And if few of them due their numbers could actually reach me were cleaved in half by Igris alone. I'm at a weird level of power at the moment.

I have a powerful horde under my control, but I'm still weak by other universe power level wise, Yes in this world I could take most enemies out in a single hit.

But as someone who cursed I know my limits and how to go beyond them so I have to be very careful, I'd love to be in the battle. Draining foes to increase my stats. The feeling is amazing to feel the power flowing into me. The power that increases constantly with every level up.

The damage they could do to my army is tiny, practically worthless. Even when they attack together.

As the Affinity's fall a golden light leaves their bodies, disappearing into the dungeon which were most likely souls, as more souls are taken back to the dungeon.

My musing is interrupted by a roaring, as I turn back to the battle. A new type of foe has arrived, the giant red and white winged snakes fly towards us as my Gunners and Archers fire at them, they return fire, shooting balls of flames from their mouths down at us. I can see a flaw in my army, I don't have enough ranged units, especially units who could fly. There are no more than 10 and three of them are so huge that they will cause damage just by flying.

Inspired

A dark red name and Another Bayonetta enemy. Still I could handle anything this dungeon could throw at us at least we could outlast them with an undying army. My Knight Igris made a wall around me just by spinning his huge sword, blocking the fire balls with his sword.

"[Damnation], [Dark Light], [Dark Gift]." Yes, pretty cringe. I know adding Dark and Death to every spell makes it pretty edgy. Anyway I didn't cast any damaging spells but they weakened our enemies and buffed my forces.

I am primarily a summoner. So I enjoy my enemies getting slaughtered while I chill after no king has ever been in the front lines. I'd poke my head out if it wasn't for the fact that fireballs keep hitting the area around me, I can feel the heat from them, but the damage is blocked by my loyal knight. I'm pretty sure a single fireball could melt iron. I'm linked with my army so I can already feel their excitement and how eager they are to come out for the fight. But they have to wait.

After a few moments the fireballs stop raining down on us, poking my head out from behind my Knight I see a clear sky, the last of the Inspired falling to my troops. I can already see the problem at the front lines, a pair of giant angels smashing my Archers with their oversized axes.

Despite the horde between us I can clearly see them over my men, their faces covered in creepy childlike masks as a golden halo hovers over them, these ones don't have wings, going for pure power over manoeuvrability. They quite literally tower over my Archers, almost twice their size in both height and width.

Beloved

A very dark red name.

They might be big, but they aren't that dangerous as long as they stay on the other side of the horde. With the Inspired shot down my ranged troops turned my attention to the hulking brutes, so with a snap I called out to my Knights Igris's group. And within a single second my Knights do their job, holding the beasts off long enough for my ranged troops to do major damage.

Looking over the horde from my new perch I can see my Knights are ripping at the Angels legs, dodging and weaving away from the axe as the angels try and crush the nimble Knights.

It was really like a game like dungeon they were really like dumb in fact dumb as fuck but I will happily watch the dumb brutes get themselves killed focusing on the wrong opponent. There are dozens of arrows and bullets sticking out of each angel from my Archers. Their HP is dropping at a ridiculous rate, with the full horde focusing on them.

As they fell their souls disappeared with them. This was just the opening fight, there's still the three areas. As my forces put themselves back together, I look over my choices. Lake, Temple or Forest? I'm mostly worried about the lake since I'm not sure how to fight in water, which also reminds me to get some water creatures. Anyway I'll go there last, the Temple will have limited space so I won't be able to take my full horde into it, so I guess it's time to go to the forest.

I want to get quality over quantity this time, especially for the temple, a giant horde won't help much in areas with limited space. After some thought I called out the whole Night Raid. Yes, they would easily handle anything from the temple.

With that out of the way, We head into the forest, surprisingly we don't actually get attacked as we walk through. It's actually more unnerving than if we were swarmed with enemies. As a rule of thumb, if you're in a dungeon and there aren't any enemies around you are approaching a boss. Before long we reach a large clearing that is completely empty. Yeah that's believable, if this was a normal game there would be a save point and a health pack just outside it, it practically screams boss room.

As my troops fill the clearing nothing appears, damn it I was hoping I could stay out of the clearing. Reluctantly I enter the clearing myself, the moment I do a wall of vines rises up blocking us from leaving, oh no who could have seen this coming...

Another angel float down into the clearing and I take a moment to curse the people who designed the enemies for Bayonetta, they're so fucking weird. It's... I don't even know how to describe it. It looks like someone has glued a load of stone faces together, with a dozen faces facing in every direction as it floats above us. Each mouth has a tentacle coming out of it, most are dark green with thorns coming off them, with a horrifying mouth on the end, but the main face has a stone tentacle with another childlike stone face on the end. I don't like it, I don't like it and I want it to not exist any more.

Iustitia (Mini Boss)

A light black name.

Recommended Level 60 my ass. Time to get this started, I am already over leveled anyway.

"[Damnation], [Dark Desecration], [Dark Gift], [Stiffen Limbs], [Ray of Enfeeblement]!" I shout, I'm not even going to try to use [Ray of Death] it's too little of damage.

The monstrous entity swung its vine-like tentacles at the oncoming horde, a formidable opponent hovering just a few feet above the ground. Fortunately, its proximity allowed my melee forces to swiftly engage, stabbing at the creature. However, before my new army could showcase their prowess, a blur of motion unfolded – in a mere instant, she leaped onto the creature, her Katana finding its mark in the stone eyes. Another assailant swiftly sliced through the writhing tentacles, strange symbols materializing across the creature's body as the cursed sword's venom seeped into its form.

In a breathtaking display, Susanoo's sword underwent a remarkable transformation, its size expanding. With seamless grace, He executed a single, fluid motion, cleaving the abomination's stony ass right down the middle. In that decisive moment, the creature's agonizing existence came to an abrupt end.

As the boss dies my Akame turns to me, giving me puppy dog eyes. Why do I feel like she wanted to be praised? As she tires her best to ignore the glaring from all her friends as they didn't even get any chance to do something.

I move through my army towards the already rotting corpse, how does stone even rot? Ehh doesn't matter, I'm just here for loot. Moving to the centre of the clearing I find a chest, I have to push past the army to get to it but eventually I reach it.

Let's see, a key, A feather, and 3 mineral orbs. I was hoping for some more equipment, or something to make me more durable but this'll do.

I was happy with it but my happiness was short-lived when I saw the cursed lines in front of me when I tried to Raise him as my undying shadow soldier. After all, having a few horrific soldiers in my life would be great. But it seems like this world, this dungeon and my shitty luck does not agree with me.

The shadow extraction or not didn't rise up from the Angel's corpses.

'Even when I'm staring at the remains, too.'

[Soul has been lost from the body]

[This Mana is too pure.]

[It's impossible to perform shadow extraction.]

Nope, I only got the same messages saying that I couldn't extract shadows because Mana was supposedly too pure and soul has been lost.

This dreaded massage seems to follow me even when I am in a very different, very new type of dungeon.

Let's just hope it won't say the same thing even when I world shift. But looking at the bright side now I know souls with mana are the primary requirement to raise a shadow.

This really worsened my mood. Where would I be able to find such horrific nightmare creatures?

I don't feel very lucky... What does Luck even do? Does it affect loot or does it deal with critical hits and things like that? It'll help, even if I'm still not sure what it'll help with. The key is for the gate to the next level of the dungeon, but I need three of them. Here's hoping the mineral orbs are more interesting.

I looked at three orbs. Each gleamed with an ethereal radiance, possessing a surface that shimmered like the surface of a serene pool reflecting the light of distant stars. The core of the ingot holds a subtle, ever-changing pattern reminiscent of celestial constellations. When touched, they emanate a gentle warmth, a testament to the divine energy encapsulated within.

I then glanced at the description of the orbs.

Celestial Forge Iron Ingots: Forged from the sacred metals infused with the divine essence of Heaven, these Celestial Forge Ingots embody the very essence of celestial power. They serve as a conduit between the mortal realm and the divine, offering unparalleled potential for those skilled enough to harness their magic. These ingots are not mere materials; they are conduits for forging weapons of heavenly might.

**Functionality:**

1. **Enhancement of Existing Equipment:**

- Permanently upgrades weapons and armor, infusing them with celestial grace, enhancing combat capabilities.

2. **All-Encompassing Stat Boost:**

- Provides a permanent boost to all stats, empowering the equipment's strength, agility, and intellect.

3. **Crafting New Equipment:**

- Exclusive to divine smiths, these ingots unlock their true potential in crafting entirely new artifacts, embodying celestial craftsmanship.

4. **Exclusive Divine Smiths:**

- Only divine smiths, proven within Heaven, and possessing great divinity could only craft or fuses to unleash the full potential of these ingots through a sacred crafting process.

**Crafting Process:**

- Ritualistic ceremony in Hands of Divine Smith, where the ingots respond to the smith's connection with the divine and divinity, resulting in items that bridge mortal endeavors with celestial forces.

One more great thing but fuck.

I can't use any of these... The crafting and fusion is great and very interesting. I recognise this as something like divine iron. It's the most interesting thing I got after the feather's.

The existence of these ingots suggests the potential to acquire more, yet their utility remains locked until I attain the Gods of craft and Smith such as Hephaestus, Visvakarman, Vulcan, Wayland, and Kothar-wa-Khasis. Currently, they serve no purpose, and the uncertainty of when they'll become useful adds to their present insignificance.

"It currently doesn't serve my needs, and I'm uncertain about when it will become relevant or useful."

I appreciate the information. Now, obtaining those ingots becomes a priority. I won't feign concern over the potential consequences, as if I could physically seize the bodies of crafting and smithing gods, I'd willingly embrace the unconventional path, even if it involves unsettling myths along the way.

No, focus. Stop getting distracted. I haven't levelled up even once but one glance at the progress bar I knew one more mini boss and I will level up. I had hoped for more but it looks like a single strong enemy is less valuable than a lot of weaker ones, shame that could have sped things up somewhat, but I only have 7 levels to go before I hit 130, I don't know when the Juju Island plot starts.

I don't think the Manwha ever said how long Jin had been at hunt after all. But it could have gotten sped up by different factors, like the fact that I have a lot more magic than Jin, and I am on a much much higher level. The Monarch's could see me as a larger threat and move faster, and perhaps in greater numbers with all their armies.

I'll always have the numerical advantage but I should be prepared for the Dragon Monarch to have all his army with him, and maybe some other beings as well.

The more important question is did the Architect notice my speed levelling stricke or how over level I am or the great changes in the system. I'm sure they'd notice if I pulled the entire horde out, and my out of world summons will definitely do it...

It doesn't matter on the side note If I was good at troop management I could make something great from this but I always sucked at the Total War games, and most RTS games to be honest...

Well I can just use my far superior number to win so it'll be fine. Leaving the Forest area we head to the Temple for the next boss, I can't bring my full horde into the Temple, there simply isn't enough room. Ordering a single group of humans Akame, Leone, Mine, Lubbock, Sheele, and Susanoo.

Chelsea, she wasn't included in group after all she is just a shape shifted even then she wasn't every good at it.

They follow me as I head in, leaving the Igris and hi Knights guarding the entrance. The Temple only has only one room, a large oval shaped room, in the centre is another weird looking boss, though at least this one is more normal than the multi headed freak I just killed. This one is essentially a knight in revealing white armour, barely covering his dark red skin. This all wouldn't be that unusual if he had a head, or to be more specific, if he had a head attached to his body, as his 'Head' is attached to his enormous greatsword, just above the hilt, staring at us as he holds it upright in front of the spot where his head would be if he wasn't a weird as fuck angel.

Valiance (Mini-Boss)

Black Color name.

"Now all of you fight like a team." I told them as I didn't want Akame to just one shot him.

He looks more dangerous. Or maybe I just think that because he looks less stupid, even with his detached head sword. I want to know what the Bayonetta developers were on while they designed these things. Let's get this over with.

"[Damnation], [Dark Gift], [Stiffen Limbs], [Ray of Enfeeblement], [Ray of Light] " I say starting my opening volley, I might not be using damage dealing spells as I don't see any point in doing it.

The giant knight swings its greatsword at the Mine's rushing it, sending her flying. It's taking damage, but not that fast, I join in spamming [Ray of Death], Damnation doubles Death Damage, and my debuffs do as well, so I'm dealing big points of damage with every cast.

The lethal prowess of Akame, Leone, Mine, Lubbock, Sheele, and Susanoo becomes evident as they engage Valiance. My reliance on their combat skills allows me a moment to strategize, acknowledging the precariousness of my own involvement.

In the midst of the chaos, the team exploits Valiance's distractions. Akame's precision, Leone's strength, and Mine's potent shots create a relentless assault. Sacrifices are inevitable – a temporary setback as Lubbock took many hits then strategically manoeuvres and Sheele delivers swift strikes. Susanoo's imposing presence shields the group.

Despite a few hits, the team's synergy prevails. The relentless attacks from Akame, Leone, Mine, Lubbock, Sheele, and Susanoo prove insurmountable. Victory is achieved. Survival hinges on calculated choices, and my trust in the team proves well-founded.

Ding

[You've leveled up!]

I gain another level from this boss, at this rate I'll hit 30 in no time. After all, it's been not even an hour since I entered this dungeon.

laughing at Lubbock immediately start ripping chopping away at the corpse, I think he was holding a grudge, I can't blame him, Valiance literally crushed him a few times beneath its oversized feet, I'd hold a grudge as well.

Ignoring the Thread master I move to the chest that appeared when the beast fell. 3 more divine iron Ingots this time, 1 more key and the feather.

The euphoria stemming from my recent rewards swiftly dissipates upon encountering the tumultuous spectacle outside. Stepping into the fray, I bear witness to my forces ensnared in an unyielding onslaught of angels. The once tranquil surroundings now transform into a gruesome tableau, with Igris and his trained knight team relentlessly butchering an incessant horde of angels that seems to emerge without respite. The very air becomes saturated with the stench of blood as the ground accumulates into a ghastly mountain of lifeless angelic bodies, painting the landscape in macabre hues.

The air is filled with winged heads, with two much larger ones floating above us, they are literally just metalheads with wings attached to them, the small ones have child-like faces, and golden wings, while the larger ones have older faces with beards and larger multicoloured wings.

Dear

Decoration

Boo-Gleech

They wouldn't be a threat in fact they aren't a threat after all Igris and his Knights also handle them alone. I won't haveinterfeard if it wasn't for the fact that there are countless smaller Decorations. Mine immediately jumped into the action, firing energy beams after energy beams at the flying fows.

Oddly enough the angels don't seem to have any attack that isn't just slowly floating towards the enemy and attempting to headbutt them... this is dumb, this whole dungeon is dumb.

"[Damnation], [Dark Desecration], [Dark Gift]." I say, I don't really think this is necessary with how weak the main force seems to be, even my weakest Knights beating them one on one, and they are one of the weakest in my forces, the Dears and Boo-Gleech we're stronger but they are still pretty much trash mobs, the just float around occasionally firing a orb of light at someone, but it moves so slowly it's easily dodged.

The battle, if you can call the one sided slaughter takes a while, but only because there is so many of the weaker decorations, after the Dears fall to Igris's huge sword I stop watching the battle, it's just a clean up at this point. Looking at my phone as a whole night raid joined in fun to end this as soon as possible. I wait for my forces to finish getting rid of the remaining armies. What was this fight even about? They were no threat, just a delay.

There was one major bonus to this, even the weaker enemies provide exp, and there were plenty of them. More than enough for me to reach level 125, which is a much needed help.

*Sometime Later.

[Name: Sung Jin-Woo]

[Level: 125]

[Class: Monarch of Shadows]

[Subclass: Locked]

[Title: Limit Breaker, Demon Slayer, Lord of Death, Exterminator (37 more)]

[HP: 47,643/47,643 R: 24.3% (2971.39) per Minute]

[MP: 85,258/85,248 R: 45.87% (18,241.26) per Minute]

[???: 1037 R: 5% (35) per Minute]

[Tiredness: 0]

[Stats]

Strength: 350

Endurance: 334

Agility: 315

Intelligence: 470

Perception: 316

(Available stat points: 50)

Not bad, if you ignore the fact I had to kill another mini boss that spawned after the end of waves... With the benefit of hindsight I should have spammed [Drain Life] at the decorations to try for more stat points.

Ding~

Due to the player's strength stat crossing over a threshold of 350, something beyond human realms, the player has gained a skill 'Earthshaker Stomp'.

Earthshaker Stomp Passive (Lv. Max):

As the player's strength surpasses 350, their strength becomes unparalleled. Earthshaker Stomp grants them power to create powerful earthquakes.

Effect: Channels the player's strength into a single point unleashing devastating ground impact, creating a shockwave that radiates outward, creating a shockwave that disorients and knocks down nearby foes, dealing massive damage and incapacitating enemies caught in its wake.]

Creating earthquakes with a single stomp or even a little impact yay? Do I want to create earthquakes with a single step? Kinda, imagine what could I do with this and it sounds like fun, and pretty cool it could be used for some dramatic entrance or in just an introduction mostly for fun.

****

A look into the future.

*****

So should I write this, A look into the future. Giving small glimpses of mc's future travels