(Titus's (Ferdiad's) POV)
"Ugh! I feel like I'm working myself to death," I groaned, slumping back into my chair. It had been a solid month of burying myself in weapon crafting, all in the pursuit of finding a way to either kill Scathach or break her curses. But in that frenzy, I'd completely neglected my own well-being.
Days blurred into nights, forgetting meals and even sleep for stretches of four days straight. If it weren't for Scathach noticing my deteriorating health, I might've collapsed already.
In response, she took it upon herself to prepare meals for me. While they didn't quite match up to Shirou's culinary skills, I appreciated them nonetheless, as they at least provided the sustenance necessary to continue my work.
I blamed Nero for this relentless drive to overwork myself.
Nevertheless, I pushed forward, donning the Mask of Creation and later unmasking to jot down my findings on paper. The notes detailed the intricacies of gravity, time, and space, laying the foundation for a spell that could ensure Scathach's well-being in case if I failed to kill her.
Just as I was about to resume, a knock echoed at the door. Hastily, I covered the notes and stowed away the weapons, not wanting Scathach to stumble upon them.
Opening the door, I found Scathach holding a tray of food.
"Potato again?" I frowned, glancing at the contents of the meal. Why the heck were potatoes such a staple among the Irish? There were plenty of other food options available, some even on the brink of extinction, yet the Celts remained fixated on potatoes.
"Shut up. I don't want to hear from a person who doesn't cook a single thing for his wife," Scathach retorted dismissively.
Cook? Please. Her taste buds were practically nonexistent. What the hell was I supposed to do? The only thing she seemed to savor was me. Yes, you heard me right, guys. She'd spend hours smooching me dry instead of eating anything I made.
I gestured for her to come in, and once we settled on the sofa, I began to eat.
"Shishou, why are you in your battle gear?" I inquired, noticing Scathach clad in her signature tight outfit adorned with shoulder pads and swords hanging at her sides. With Gae Bolg now entrusted to Cu Chulainn, her swords remained her only armament.
"You'll be changing too," Scathach replied firmly, tapping my hand, which had been tracing along her thigh, just about to reach her neither region. "And don't you dare rip this suit; it's my last piece."
"Sorry…" I chuckled, rolling my eyes with a goofy smile.
Not gonna lie, I enjoyed snuggling into her body-tight suit. I mean, she just looked so damn sexy. It wasn't my fault.
"But why should I be changing?" I questioned.
"What is your level?" she countered, aware of my ability to quantify strength numerically, though her question left me puzzled.
"Level 42," I responded.
Cu and I were both level 42 when we fought.
"Then you are going to aim for at least level 60 in the next 10 years."
The mention of ten years held significance as that marked when Cu Chulainn's son would confront his father. My mission with him would also conclude then, marking my departure from this world.
"But I can't level up more, right?" I questioned.
Actually, I could gain a few more levels, but I couldn't surpass level 47. The reason being the scarcity of strong enemies that could provide me with more EXP. For instance, progressing from Level 42 to Level 44 would require me to defeat millions of mob skeleton soldiers. Missions offered abundant EXP, making leveling up a secondary priority. Instead, I could focus on mastering my Magecraft.
"As your teacher, I can't allow you to let your skills stagnate. I know you are more of a mage than a fighter, but don't waste this precious time where you can master your skills," she emphasized.
Her concern struck a chord. While my Rune magecraft efficiently handled most situations, was there harm in gaining levels beyond necessity and mastering the art of blades?
"Besides, there is one secret place where you can actually level up more than you can think."
Her revelation widened my eyes in surprise.
---
After walking for a few hours, we came to a halt upon arriving at a gate. The gate, almost three meters tall, was adorned with skulls hanging on top. What lay beyond? I couldn't discern anything; it was all engulfed in darkness, resembling the dungeon of a demon king.
"Listen well. Inside lies a lifeless place where the spirits of thousands of strong warriors and vicious criminals are trapped. Remember, they have been here for thousands of years, doing nothing but fighting each other. They can think and make strategies just like normal people," Scathach explained.
Her words sent a shiver through my soul. Why did such a place even exist? It was never mentioned in any historical records. Then again, considering Scathach had already concealed information about Odin's treasury, it wasn't entirely surprising.
"If your level is 42, then everyone behind this gate is on level 50 or above," she further clarified, passing me a smile. "Go and grind as much as you can."
I smiled and nodded, but before stepping in, I looked at Scathach with an uneasy expression.
"Say, shishou, you didn't explain the cons here…"
"Hmm? Well, the worst thing that can happen is that those spirits could kick your soul out of your body before taking it over. And oh, you can only spend a minimum of 5 minutes, or you will be trapped inside forever, just like them."
My lips twitched at the revelation, but I could push through. Before entering, I took out Gungnir, my spear, and enhanced myself with several strengthening runes. Unlike other fighters, I was a cautious warrior and couldn't afford any risks.
As I entered the gate, I plunged into complete darkness. I didn't know where I was going, but I continued to walk. During my journey, several system notifications started popping up.
[The place "Death Wonderland" is trying to place several curses on you.]
[Curses below Rank A have been dispelled by your skill (Amaterasu: 5 tails EX+).]
[Buff success rate has been reduced to 900%.]
[Due to your high luck, it is reduced to only 60%.]
[Be careful, as skills or spells might not work, but the recoil will still be used.]
This was precisely why I questioned Scathach about such matters. Often, crucial information about our enemies was omitted. Her agenda was simply to fight and discover as we went along.
As the darkness receded, a new horizon emerged before me.
The land spread out, all white and plain, with these massive pillars shooting up into this super dark sky. Like, seriously, it was pitch black up there. But guess what? Despite that, it wasn't gloomy at all. Light was everywhere, kind of like this cool, mystical glow all around. It felt huge, you know? Those towering pillars against that dark sky, it was like being in a dreamy, mysterious world.
I stood in the midst of the eerie silence, the air thick with an imminent threat. A faint noise sliced through the stillness, warning me of the impending danger. Before my mind could fully register, the sky unleashed its fury, showering down something ominous.
Instinct kicked in, and I swiftly raised Gungnir, my trusted blade, to shield myself. The impact thundered, crushing the ground beneath, rattling my bones.
"Grrr!!!" The adversary emerged— a towering figure, his physique veiled by a monstrous armor resembling a chaotic amalgamation of jagged plates. His immense frame exudes raw power, yet his identity remains concealed beneath the ominous helm, shrouded in mystery. Every movement he makes seems driven by an otherworldly force, instilling both fear and awe in those who behold this enigmatic, formidable warrior.
Engagement ensued with the enemy, a whirlwind of clashes and collisions. The enemy's prowess was formidable, each strike resonating with a bone-jarring intensity. Amidst the exchange, I suffered blows, the relentless assault forcing me back, testing my resilience.
And then a decisive moment arrived, the enemy's overwhelming force sending me hurtling meters away, crashing mercilessly against a nearby pillar.
"Arg!" I groaned as the pain seared through me, but determination burned brighter.
As the knight closed in for another strike, I evaded narrowly, the rush of air signaling the near miss.
"I have to take distance." Strategy blossomed in the chaos—a crucial realization that distance could tip the scales.
With determination, I dashed off, showcasing agile footwork, leaping between pillars to create a gap. However, the enemy knight persisted, steadily closing the distance between us.
Strategic movements weren't mere acrobatics; at each landing, I wove a trapping spell, laying a web of surprise for the relentless pursuer.
The critical moment arrived—my opponent stumbled upon the concealed trap, granting a fleeting advantage.
Seizing the opportunity, I soared into the air, summoning Gungnir and launching the spear.
"Befall, Gungnir!" The spear soared, a streak of unstoppable force aimed true.
"Grr!?"
In a desperate midair attempt, the adversary sought to halt the unstoppable force of Gungnir, yet futile as the spear pierced his chest. A thunderous boom erupted, a purple explosion tearing through the surroundings.
"Huff," Breathless and battered, I approached the fallen foe, Gungnir embedded in his chest. Retracting the spear, the adversary dissolved into nothingness, vanishing from existence.
The aftermath left me panting heavily, standing amidst the destruction wrought by the intense clash. As the dust settled, victory resonated with the hollowness of hard-fought triumph.
[You have been leveled up!]
A smile crept on my face since now I could fight strong enemies and level up more.
===
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