Episode 87

Christiang’s greatest strength was that he was a genius.

Not just because he achieved things quickly.

What set Christiang apart was his ability to apply his skills in ways others couldn’t. Even with the same abilities, his adaptability was on a whole different level. He fought with an efficiency several times greater than an average person, leading him to victory after victory.

Despite having far inferior stamina, strength, agility, and magical energy compared to his opponents, he moved with precision and economy, overcoming those stronger than himself.

But there was a downside.

His basic stats were somewhat lacking compared to the heights he had reached.

It was inevitable.

Building up those foundational stats took time.

Granted, he had a natural talent that allowed him to raise those stats far faster than others, but still, some shortcomings remained.

Yet, right now, none of those weaknesses were apparent.

In fact, he was performing even better than expected.

Though he was officially a rank 3 elite, his movements were on par with, if not better than, some rank 4s.

Simon quickly realized why.

“He’s amplifying his physical stats with magical energy. But pushing it that hard? He’s going to hit his limit soon. Why take such a reckless risk?”

Christiang knew well that overextending his physical enhancements was dangerous.

But he didn’t hesitate.

Thanks to the power of the Vampiric Ring.

“This artifact is called the Ring of Conversion.”

Despite its name, it wasn’t a relic for bloodsucking.

Its true power lay in absorbing external energy and converting it into a form suited to the wearer.

“The more the artifact is unlocked, the more types of energy it can absorb—and the more efficiently.”

Right now, it was only at level one.

At this stage, it could only absorb energy from within the body.

Unless he took some kind of elixir, it was practically useless.

The archmage Lanya had to unlock it to level three before she could use it in battle, but Christiang was different.

He had an internal energy source to absorb.

The radiant mana hidden in his dual core, gifted by the Alliance.

A low hum vibrated from the Vampiric Ring.

The radiant mana from Christiang’s inner core flowed into the ring, where it was converted into dark magical energy and sent to his outer core.

“This is magic energy beyond the core’s limits.”

Christiang felt his magical energy filling up endlessly.

Simon’s earlier assessment was correct—Christiang’s basic stats were lacking, especially stamina and strength.

But what about his magical energy and mana?

Separately, both were below average.

Christiang’s magical energy was slightly less than what a rank 3 elite should have, and the Alliance’s mana was far below the level of a rank 5.

But what if he combined the two?

The deficiencies vanished.

In fact, he had more than enough.

“Of course, there are limits.”

First, efficiency.

Only 30% of the energy absorbed by the Vampiric Ring is converted.

This percentage increases as the artifact is further unlocked.

Second, time.

Pulling in external energy like this puts a temporary overload on the core, so it can’t be sustained for long.

As his achievements grow and his core’s durability improves, he’ll gradually overcome this limit.

“For now, about one to two minutes max.”

That was enough.

Slash!

Christiang’s sword cut through the baby spiders.

Those left behind were taken care of by Jupien and Marisa.

In an instant, they reached the spider queen’s lair, and Christiang shouted,

“Now, please!”

Simon activated his spiritual technique.

Blood Capture.

A fountain of blood erupted from Simon’s arm, vaporizing into particles that bound the spider queen’s movements.

Her mouth hung open as she froze completely.

It wasn’t paralysis or binding magic.

It was a perfect, law-defying ‘stop.’

An incredible feat.

But with great power came great limitations.

“It won’t last long. Finish her quickly.”

They had only seconds.

If they failed to kill the spider queen within that time, it would be over—Christiang would be the one killed.

But he could do it.

Flash!

The black sword surged upward.

And with it, his will.

The black sword, infused with his will, struck the spider queen’s neck.

Creak!

Surprisingly, her neck only cracked, remaining intact.

Considering Christiang’s black sword had about half the power of a Black Steel weapon, her durability was unbelievable.

Simon frowned.

“Damn it! I told you! Retreat now!”

There was still a chance to pull back.

But Christiang didn’t move.

“I can do this.”

The Vampiric Ring vibrated again.

The radiant mana in his inner core converted into dark magic energy, filling his outer core.

“More. More.”

He gritted his teeth.

The outer core felt like it would burst from the strain.

But he didn’t stop.

He kept filling it until the outer core reached its limit—like a dam about to break.

At the very moment before the outer core cracked,

He moved the black sword again.

BLAZING FLASH!

The magical energy, packed to the breaking point in his core, exploded outward in the form of the black sword.

Simon and the others’ eyes widened in shock.

“That’s… black sword transformation?!”

Rank 4 mastery.

Not just manifesting the black sword, but transforming it into various forms for different uses.

“He’s already reached rank 4? It hasn’t even been a few months since he hit rank 3 elite!”

No, that wasn’t it.

Christiang was still rank 3 elite.

This was simply a manifestation of his will.

“If you can infuse your will into the black sword, it’s possible to load it with magical energy beyond its limits.”

Willpower is an infinite force with no set boundaries.

So, using his will as a foundation, he loaded the black sword with magical energy beyond its normal capacity.

That’s what Christiang was doing.

Of course, anyone else would call that nonsense.

“How is that even possible? Don’t talk nonsense.”

“I don’t know. It just works.”

Christiang clenched his fist tightly.

He let out a strong shout.

His will poured into the sword.

Magical energy beyond the limit.

A willpower as strong as a spiritual force.

The result was a miracle.

Crack.

The spider queen’s neck split, and her body flew apart into dust.

Christiang collapsed to the ground.

“Cough, gag!”

The black sword shattered into pieces, and Christiang coughed up blood from the internal injuries caused by overloading his magical energy and will.

But it was okay.

“It’s over.”

The spider queen’s body trembled, then crumbled into dust.

Not just her—the baby spiders vanished as well.

They had cleared the floor!

Meanwhile, Simon stared at what Christiang had just done, his face filled with shock.

“What was that just now?”

Marisa, Jupien, and Kashmir, being less experienced, thought Christiang had just done some kind of black sword transformation, but Simon saw through it.

That wasn’t just black sword transformation.

“He infused his will into the black sword, then used that will to amplify the magical energy inside it. How is that even possible?”

Those who wield spiritual forces could do such things.

But that was because spiritual forces were the embodiment of will.

How could a mere chunk of magical energy like the black sword do that?

There was only one reason Christiang could pull it off.

Because he was a prodigy with insane talent.

“No, can you even call that talent?”

Simon swallowed hard.

He knew Christiang was a genius.

But this was beyond that.

It sent chills down his spine.

It seemed like there were no limits to his talent.

“If Lord Nogazu saw this, what would his expression be?”

Simon was certain.

His choice had been the right one.

As long as Christiang was around, things would never be boring.

And curiosity welled up inside him.

What kind of miracles would this insanely talented genius achieve next?

Like in a trance, Simon walked toward Christiang.

“Are you alright, Young Master?”

“Ah, yes.”

“I have something to offer you.”

Christiang looked puzzled.

“Would you like to learn Blood Technique from me?”

“!!”

Christiang’s eyes widened in surprise.

‘Simon? Why?’

Blood Technique was a secret art passed down only among vampires.

It was rare for outsiders to be taught.

Even among dark mages, Simon had only taught it to the First Young Master, Sherard.

“Why?”

“Just… no particular reason. A whim.”

Simon smiled slyly.

“I think it would be more interesting if you got stronger.”

“……”

“And with your talent, you could be a worthy rival to Young Master Sherard.”

Christiang’s expression turned cold.

Learning Blood Technique from Simon would inevitably entangle him more with Sherard.

But he nodded.

‘I can’t afford to be picky. I have to get stronger.’

He was a wielder of dark magic.

Pure, 100% dark magic.

The more types of magic he mastered, the stronger he’d become.

“Besides, Blood Technique is a power I’ve always coveted.”

Unlike other secret arts like curses, illusions, destruction, or creation, which were somewhat known outside, Blood Technique was only accessible through rare opportunities like this.

“I’ll accept your offer.”

“Good. I look forward to it.”

Simon’s lips curled into a satisfied smile.

A voice belonging to a non-elemental spirit of the ruins echoed through the empty air.

[Floor 17 cleared!]

[This is not a first-time achievement!]

[No clear rewards will be given!]

Just as expected.

Clear rewards are only granted to the very first pioneers, after all.

But then—

[An extraordinary achievement by a challenger has been confirmed!]

[The challenger has surpassed their limits and accomplished a remarkable feat!]

[The challenger’s name, achievement, and title will be recorded in the Hall of Honor!]

“Huh?” That was unexpected.

A message appeared in the air, projected by the non-elemental spirit.

Christian van Barren Cazar

Achievement: Surpassed Floor 8

Title: “The One Who Broke Rock with an Egg.”

Chris’s original challenge level was around Floor 9.

Yet he had just slain a boss eight floors above that, earning a place in the Hall of Honor.

“Not entirely by my own strength, but hey, no harm in it.”

The more fame, the better.

Especially since it would be difficult to explain to outsiders that he’d actually destroyed the demon on Floor 27, it was better to boost his reputation by claiming he’d beheaded the Spider Queen.

“Anyway, I just want to go rest now. Some booze! Just one drink, please?”

Since he was outside the stuffy domain of the Dark Mage, maybe he could get his hands on some alcohol—he thought slyly.

Just then, the spirit’s voice rang out again.

This time, completely unexpected.

[The secret realm shares the achievements of the challenger who has accomplished two impossible miracles!]

[The challenger’s achievements will be transmitted to the ‘Glass Lake’!]

“…??”

Simon and the others tilted their heads in confusion.

They had never heard of that place before.

But there was one person who understood.

Chris.

“Wait, why is Glass Lake being mentioned here?”

He looked startled.

He knew exactly what Glass Lake was.

“It’s the hideout of the Union’s ‘Prophet.’”

The Union was supported by seven nine-star superhumans—the Seven Revered.

The Prophet was one of them.

More importantly—

“…That place is the secret sanctuary of the renowned swordsmanship clan.”