[Pick your ability]
-[๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฑ ๐๐ด๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ (Uncommon)] : Enhanced reflexes and agility akin to a spider, allowing the individual to move swiftly, climb surfaces effortlessly, and react with incredible speed.
-[๐ฉ๐ฒ๐ป๐ผ๐บ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ง๐ผ๐๐ฐ๐ต (Rare)] : The ability to produce and administer a potent venom through touch. This venom could induce temporary paralysis, hallucinations, or weaken adversaries.
-[๐ช๐ฒ๐ฏ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ถ๐ฝ๐๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป (Rare)] : The power to generate using mana and control durable, adhesive threads akin to a spider's silk.
-[๐ฉ๐ถ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด (Uncommon)]: Heightened sensitivity to vibrations in the environment, similar to how spiders detect movements through their webs. This power grants the ability to sense approaching threats, detect hidden dangers, and perceive subtle changes in the surroundings.
-[๐๐ต๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ผ๐๐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ (Common)] : Develops a thin, flexible exoskeleton with properties similar to arachnid exoskeletons. This chitinous armor enhances durability, providing increased resistance against physical harm, impacts, and environmental stressors.
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Staring at those abilities got me thinking. They're like having a bunch of aces up my sleeve, but the risk is there. It's a wild package depending on how you play your cards.
One of them screams agility, a solid deal for both a brawl and some tricky situations. Venom, on the other hand, has this vibe of sneaky incapacitation, which could turn the tables in tight spots.
Then there's the threads, versatile as heck. Barriers, swinging, makeshift tools โ it's like having a Swiss Army knife.
Wish I could snatch them all in one go, but no dice.
"Meh, what a letdown... Oh?"
...This ability is here, too?
While I was mulling over the options, one particular ability caught my interest as I clicked my phone.
"Well, well, should've seen this coming."
[Do you want this ability?]
[Yes/No]
Checking the details, a smirk snuck onto my face as I confidently clicked [Yes].
"Not grabbing this would be downright stupid."
Clickโ!
...
..
.
[You've reached the Third Floor]
"....!!"
When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a place surrounded by dazzling crystals. The crystals were like a stunning artwork, reflecting light in various colors that made the whole area look like a magical wonderland.
"Where is this place now...?"
The ground beneath me had these pretty crystal patterns, making each step feel like a gentle melody. The air here had a sweet scent, and the crystals seemed to share stories through their shapes and colors.
The walls were like giant sculptures, filled with colorful minerals that made it look like a nature-made cathedral. It felt as if nature itself had carefully crafted this place.
In this enchanting place, time seemed to slow down. It was a peaceful haven where the beauty of the crystals mixed with a sense of calmness. The ceiling had stalactites that sparkled like stars, creating a magical scene.
Turning every corner revealed a new spectacle, each crystal telling its own story. It felt like I had stepped into a sanctuary of crystal dreams, where reality and fantasy blended into a breathtaking masterpiece.
As I roamed in search of clues, I stumbled upon a colossal crystal, serving as an unintentional mirror.
"That's weird... I'm pretty sure I don't look nothing like that..."
While scrutinizing my reflection, a sense of unease crept in. It was a gut feeling, whispering that I had unknowingly fallen into a trap.
Foosh~!
"...!!?"
A subtle yet chilling breeze swept past my neck, urging me to duck.
Slashโ!
The powerful gust, originating from behind, barely missed my head. Stray strands of hair fell on my nose, sending a shiver down my spine.
Before I could reactโ
Crackโ!
"...mmm!!?"
โThe vast crystal before me were split in half.
"...Just what the hell?"
Foosh~!
Foosh~!
With no time to ponder, the same sense of unease struck me once again. "From above...!" Shifting my other foot aside, I narrowly evaded the subsequent gust.
Crackโ!
Unlike the initial strike, the crystal before me now bore a vertical cut.
Thudโ!
The other section of the colossal crystal crashed down, creating a resounding noise. Ignoring the disturbance, I concentrated on dodging the ensuing assaults.
"Huup!" Rolling forward, I continued a circular evasion pattern. The unseen slashes relentlessly obliterated the crystals in my wake.
The attacks must be originating from there... I eyed the direction of the slashes, abruptly halting my circular motion.
"Why is [Invoke Fear] not activating!? Isn't it supposed to be passive?"
...Or perhaps, is it because the enemy this time can't be affected by it?
"Damn it..."
I couldn't understand my reasoning, but I chose to take my sword out of it's scabbard, attempting to divert the attack elsewhere.
Enhancing my body with mana, I fortified myself to withstand the blow in case my redirection failed.
Facing it head-on, I sprinted forward, raising my sword before my face. One hand gripped the sword's handle, while the other held the blade.
Foosh~!!!
"Urk...!!!" The invisible force struck me, propelling me backward several meters until I managed to hoist my sword and alter the attack's trajectory.
Foooooโ!!!
"Bleeaah!" Blood sprayed from my mouth as my back slammed forcefully into the wall. The pain surged, threatening to plunge me into unconsciousness.
"Uuurk...!! Aaaahh!!!" Every sinew in my body felt as though it were tearing apart, pushing me to the brink. Despite the agony, my efforts proved fruitfulโI successfully diverted the attack upward.
The impact struck the ceiling, triggering a collapse.
Anxiety should have gripped me in that moment, but strangely, it was quite the opposite.
"Haaaa.... Haha...."
Through my actions, I confirmed a crucial suspicion.
"That fucker can wield magic."