[Teleportation circle activated, Intruder detected.]
"Great timing! Just in time to test the growth of my stats. Let me grab something for disguise." Axel quickly created a black cloak using energy, then pulled out the ethereal cloak from his ring and layered them together. He scooped up Sylva under the cloak, concealing both of them, before stepping through the portal to the labyrinth.
---
'Hmm, two sword users, one dagger, and a shieldbearer. Thank god there's no mage,' Axel thought, relieved at not having to deal them just yet. Who knows what sort of spell they have up their sleeve.
He crept up behind the group of adventurers, who were cautiously navigating the traps, unaware of the danger looming over them.
Right behind them now, Axel prepared to strike, aiming a punch at one of the adventurer's backs. He wanted to test if his strength stat of 12 would trigger the labyrinth's emergency teleportation.
'Haaa, huuuu. 1... 2... 3!'
Whoosh
Before the punch landed, the adventurer disappeared, indicating that Axel's strike would have been lethal for the target.
'Strength check: pass. Seems like I'm at the top of F rank in terms of strength.'
The remaining three panicked at their companion's sudden vanishing, one of them wildly swinging his sword, narrowly missing Axel.
Swoosh
'Whoa! My enhanced agility really kicks in here!' Axel noticed the sword's path clearly, giving him ample time to dodge the random swing.
'Time to test endurance. Let's do this.' Axel quickly dispatched the next two invaders, his agility allowing him to outmaneuver them with ease.
With only the shieldbearer left, Axel removed his ethereal cloak, revealing himself. Startled, the shieldbearer instinctively bashed forward with his shield.
Thump
Axel crossed his arms, bracing against the bash. He was knocked back a few steps, then assessed his endurance.
'A little sore, but otherwise fine. Endurance check: pass. Now to finish this.' Axel drew his sword and swiftly ended the fight, circling around and striking the shieldbearer's neck.
[Congratulations for repelling the intruders. You have gained the following rewards.]
1. Energy limit increased by 200
2. Energy fully replenished
3. Leather Boots (Agility +1)
4. Tower Shield (Endurance +1)
"Sweet boots. But this shield... way too tall for me." Axel immediately equipped the boots and stored the shield in his ring, planning to stash it in his chamber later.
"With the tests done and my energy full, it's time for some exciting monster creation," he grinned.
---
"Hmm, I've got a tank and an assassin. What else should I add... Fighter? Ranged? Mage? A fighter might be redundant with the golems. A mage could be too fragile... Guess it's a ranged monster then."
As Axel visualized the monster in his mind, it began materializing in front of him. The creature had a serpentine form, with scales that shimmered like storm clouds. Its glowing blue eyes crackled with electricity, and its body was adorned with strange runic markings that pulsed with wind and lightning energy.
"The storm serpent, manipulator of weather. But four hundred energy points? Damn, you're expensive. Let's see if you're worth it."
Responding to Axel's command, the storm serpent showcased its abilities. It unleashed bolts of lightning from its mouth, covering the area in a crackling electric storm.
"An AOE lightning attack? Nice! Show me more."
Next, the serpent channeled its energies, creating a protective barrier around itself.
"A shield? You're versatile. You could be a great support monster."
The serpent's third ability was similar to the first, but it launched a single orb of lightning this time. The area around the orb sparkled with residual electric sparks for several meters.
"Hmm, is this some sort of field spell? OW! Okay, it stings a bit... and my senses are slower?" Axel tested the effect by stepping into the sparking area. He felt a constant tingling and noticed his movements and senses were dulled. After about two minutes, the field dissipated, which he assumed was the duration of the ability.
"Damn, you're totally worth the cost—wait, there's more?"
The serpent wasn't finished. It raised its tail, shaking it like a rattlesnake, emitting a peculiar sound. The chamber darkened as dark clouds gathered above, and strong gusts of wind filled the room. Axel struggled to keep his eyes open as the wind intensified, and then bolts of lightning rained down around him.
"HOLY SHIT! STOP! STOP IT!" Axel shouted, spooked by the sudden storm as he shielded his eyes from the wind. The serpent ceased its movements, and the storm subsided.
"Fuckin hell! You can summon an actual lightning storm!?" Axel's initial shock gave way to excitement. This serpent was a powerhouse. It could shield allies, slow enemies, blind them with wind, and unleash devastating lightning attacks. "Four hundred energy points... you're worth every bit. Honestly, you're a steal."