When Aryan was done with his little experiment on the first floor, he meticulously prepared himself for the challenges awaiting him on the second floor. Armed with the knowledge from the map, he knew that at the center of each floor, a triangular-shaped altar awaited. By touching the altar and speaking the words, "I am ready to go to the next trial," he would be transported to the next level of the mysterious realm.
As Aryan followed the map's guidance, he traversed through the grassland until he reached the center, where the triangular stage stood. Intricate inscriptions adorned its surface, drawing his attention. Approaching the stage's center, he noticed a transparent blue pillar, emanating an otherworldly glow.
Curiosity filled his eyes as he placed his hand upon the pillar. "I am ready to go to the next trial," he declared with conviction. In an instant, a brilliant dome of blue light enveloped his body, transporting him to an entirely new location.
As Aryan surveyed his surroundings, he found himself standing within the depths of a massive cave. The air turned chilly, the temperature dropping to 12 degrees Celsius. Dimly lit by small blue crystals embedded in the black ground, the cave emanated an eerie ambiance. The fog that veiled the leafless trees added to the mystical atmosphere, occasionally punctuated by haunting howls in the distance.
Aryan couldn't help but shudder, even with his determination. The desolation and solitude of this place, coupled with the unknown lurking in the fog, created an unsettling feeling. Yet, he pushed forward, resolute in his purpose.
Reviewing the map's holographic projection, Aryan noticed a marking that indicated the presence of a solitary wolf approximately 800 meters away. Determined to face the challenge head-on, he resolved to make his way to the most secluded spot possible. With each step, the dancing fog and the sound of insects were his sole companions.
The previous host of his body, weak and lacking in skill, had also faced this lone wolf in the same secluded location. It seemed like a suitable choice, considering it was a deviation from the typical wolf pack encounters on this floor.
Engrossed in his thoughts, Aryan readied himself for the confrontation. He conversed with Rimuru, his companion residing within his crest, their connection honed through practice and cooperation. Rimuru's presence within the crest allowed him to use his skills on Aryan discreetly, providing them with a considerable advantage.
With mutual agreement established, Aryan braced himself and took a deep breath. "Let's go, Rimuru," he whispered, the crest blinking twice in response.
"Flame magic - 0th form - Fire punch!" Aryan chanted, his knuckles clenching tightly, imbuing his fists with a yellow blaze that rendered his knuckles red-hot.
Without further delay, Aryan charged into the fog, guided by the map's instructions. True to its indication, a small wolf with gray fur, standing at about five feet in height, appeared near a withered tree. Aryan wasted no time, leaping toward the wolf with his fiery punch. But with its keen senses, the wolf detected his presence and swiftly evaded his attack, causing Aryan's fist to collide with the thin, dead tree instead.
The impact of the fire-infused punch ignited the tree, and flames quickly began to consume it.
Checking his magic reserves, Aryan noted the deduction: [Magic left: 160/200]. He still had a substantial amount to continue his assault.
Undeterred by his initial miss, Aryan spun around, readying himself for another strike. However, the agile wolf evaded him once more, causing Aryan's punch to land
on a thick bush nearby, setting it ablaze.
Magic reserves depleted slightly: [Magic left: 120/200].
Seizing the opportunity, the wolf lunged at Aryan, attempting to sink its teeth into his neck. Aryan narrowly evaded the attack, capitalizing on the wolf's exposed position. With a swift maneuver, he launched himself at the creature again, aiming to strike it down. Yet, his attack fell short once more, hitting a different burning bush.
Magic reserves further depleted: [Magic left: 80/200].
Fatigue began to take its toll on Aryan. His flames flickered, and he found himself kneeling on the ground, catching his breath. The wolf growled, seemingly mocking him for his failed attempts. However, Aryan's smile indicated a hidden plan.
"I expected this," Aryan whispered, a determined glint in his eyes.
In an instant, Aryan evaded the wolf's incoming claw by swiftly moving to his left, seizing the perfect opportunity. He struck the wolf's back with a powerful blow, causing the creature to skid across the ground in pain.
[ Eone says #1: If you don't know the critical point of your enemy, then choose a random point and attack it again and again until that point becomes critical]
The relentless assault continued as Aryan landed a series of punishing strikes. The wolf's back became a bloody mess, its fur charred, and black blood flowing freely. Exhausted and weakened, the wolf could barely stand, accepting its imminent defeat.
With unwavering resolve, Aryan gathered all his magical power in his right fist. Flames blazed, and his knuckles glowed yellow from the intense heat. As he prepared for the final blow, an unknown aura surged from his hand, unleashing a devastating blast upon the wolf.
A surge of satisfaction washed over Aryan as the wolf's body ignited, consumed by the flames, leaving behind only a crystal as a testament to their encounter.
[Ding!!! Congratulations! Your active skill has evolved from flame control to fireball.
magic points +100,]
[ Congratulations,
Passive skill :Fire resistance has been upgraded; a flame below 150 degrees Celsius can't harm you anymore.]
╬═«QUICK STATUS»═╬
┌HP:58%
┌MP: 23/300
Exp: 12.4/100
A notification chimed within Aryan's consciousness, signalling his accomplishment. His active skill had evolved from flame control to fireball, and his magic reserves received a significant boost.
Aryan's burnt right hand throbbed with pain, yet he couldn't help but smile through his exhaustion. "Looks like we did it, partner," he said softly, acknowledging Rimuru's assistance within his crest as it blinked twice in response.
[Hello guys, author here! I hope you are enjoying the story so far. I am sorry to inform you that I won't be able to upload new chaps for the next two days due to some minor medical issues. Nothing to worry about! As soon as I am free, I will upload three chaps per day to make up for the loss.
Let me know if you have any suggestions or ideas in the comment section. see you in the next chapter. Thank you for your time.]
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