Free Web NovelChapter 14: Ch 14: Rapid Levelling (2)
The real challenges started on Floor 6.
The cavern was full of terrifying Ice Wolves capable of using basic ice magic.
Every swing of their claws produced an ice blade that could sever through human bone and meat with ease.
However, Nia was far faster than them. Her reaction time and speed were as agile as a cat’s.
Raidan was impressed.
But he couldn’t keep relying on her.
After creating a quest about slaying an Ice Wolf, he jumped into the fray for the promise of 500 EXP and an Active Skill: Cloud Step (F).
He absolutely needed to earn that movement skill at all costs.
In this case, Fear Immunity helped him immensely.
When the Ice Wolf opened its maw, revealing rows of crystallized, pointy teeth, anyone else would feel their spine tingle, making their movements a mess.
But Raidan was able to maintain perfect calm.
Arriving before it, he braced his sword to deliver the most lethal blow to its head.
The wolf sensed the danger and slashed ice blades with its claws.
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!
Ten ice blades were almost impossible to dodge at such close distance.
However, Raidan was already prepared.
Suddenly, a large chunk of ice fell from the ceiling, blocking most of the icy blades.
One managed to stab his shoulder, but Raidan didn’t stop.
His wooden sword, powered by his 33 points of ATK, landed directly onto its head.
[ Critical Hit! ]
[ -99 ]
Thud!
The wolf’s eyes bulged out in a sickly mess, and then it fell, thudding against the cold floor.
Raidan knelt beside it, groaning heavily and holding his left shoulder to stop the bleeding.
"Apollo, you’re hurt!" Nia shouted in alarm.
Raidan was in excruciating pain. His shoulder was shaking violently, and sweat poured from every pore.
He had to bite his tongue to stop himself from howling out loud.
He didn’t want to look miserable, especially not in front of the person who had brought him this far.
Nia knelt beside him, observing the deep wound where blood was oozing out like gurgling water.
If it wasn’t stopped soon, he would die of blood loss. Even if he survived, the monsters here would finish him off.
She immediately took out a glowing red vial from her cloth bag and poured its contents onto the stinging wound.
The moment the crimson liquid contacted his torn flesh, it felt burning hot. But immediately after a soothing coolness enveloped the whole shoulder.
Raidan gritted his teeth, watching as the deep gash began to knit itself back together.
Within seconds, it was magically healed.
Although, a fresh scar was left behind.
"No need to be so astonished. That is the work of A-tier potion. It costs five gold coins a bottle, so you owe me big time, Apollo," Nia said superficially.
Once Raidan felt the debt on his shoulder. Nonetheless, he flashed her most friendly smile he could muster.
"Got it. Put it on my tab. One day I will pay you back hunded times more."
"Tsk tsk, such big words! I don’t need your 100 times payback, Apollo. Just stay more cautious from now. I don’t understand what drives you to such insanity."
Right on cue, the familiar blue screens popped up in his vision, answering her question.
[ Ding! Quest Completed: Slay an Ice Wolf. ]
[ Rewards: 500 Exp + Active Skill: Cloud Step (F) ]
> You have learned to move as lightly as drifting clouds. It is a basic movement technique inspired by the ever-changing clouds. Although only an F-rank skill, it provides exceptional mobility and serves as the foundation for more advanced footwork techniques. With mastery, each step becomes lighter, faster, and more unpredictable, allowing the user to weave through enemies with effortless grace.
Effects:
•Increases movement speed by 20%. ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm
Greatly reduces footstep noise.
• Allows short bursts of acceleration that leave faint afterimages.
• Improves balance and agility, making it easier to dodge attacks and traverse difficult terrain.
• Consumes mana when activated.
[ Level :8 | Exp: 700 / 2000 ]
Raidan couldn’t be happier after gaining this movement skill.
He eagerly tried it on the next Ice Wolf.
Upon activation, his footwork became a masterclass. He stepped onto empty air, effortlessly sprinting toward the Ice Wolf from above.
The Ice Wolf was shocked, and Nia was equally stunned.
The feeling was indescribable.
Slash!
[ Critical Strike! ]
[ -99 ]
He effortlessly dealt the killing blow to the beast.
Nia came closer to him, her lips parted in surprise. "Wow! How did you walk on air like that? Is it a secret magic spell?"
In reply to her question, he simply shrugged. "Sort of."
Nia understood he was keeping a secret, so she didn’t pry further.
They continued hunting. Raidan’s skills were rising at a terrifying pace, but Nia wasn’t doing too bad herself. She actively used her spells now.
Greater Strength
Greater Speed
Body Fortification
She utilized various boost-type spells on herself, turning her into a complete killing machine. Her claws ripped through the Ice Wolves’ flesh and bones like wet paper.
They cleared the sixth floor within an hour.
Then, they moved to the 7th, 8th and 9th floor consecutively, where stronger Ice Wolves welcomed them.
They cleared those floor with expert coordination.
Nia made the mose of the killing, but a big part was played by Raidan as well.
He was growing at such a rate that it almost frightened her.
Raidan already leveled up to level 9, and lacked only 2,000 Exp from becoming the ultimate Quest assigner.
And the opportunity was right behind the door.
"Apollo, this leads to the boss of this dungeon. Are you sure you want go there? I mean we already gather so many monsters cores, so there is no need to take this risk," she warned seriously.
"Ha, Nia, why are being so serious all of sudden? We have cleared all the floors easily, sk why would you think I would stop at the last? Is this boss really that dangerous?"
She nodded,
"It is. The boss is an Elite Ice Wolf. It is capable summoning storms and disasters with its roars alone. And—"
Raidan cut her off,
"Then we will simply sew its mouth, Nia. Beside since you have already cleared it once, we can do this too."
Nia sighed, although soon a mischievous smile formed on her face.
It was hight time Apollo learned the true horrors of this dungeon.
