Chapter 8: Chapter 7: Acquiring Magic
After a couple of hours of wandering around, pulverising bones and raising levels, I'm finally here. The hideout of the skeletons... or so I'm hoping it to be.
Well, I guess I should prepare before entering. The only stat which decreased on the way here was SP huh. I should have some Basilisk meat in the storage so might as well restore my SP.
As expected, I can't eat skeletons so I won't have any means of replenishing SP after the current stock of Basilisk meat is exhausted.
So I eat just the amount required to get my SP back to full. The rest remains in the storage.
『All right, now that I'm all set, let's wipe out the skeletons!』
Saying so, I carefully approached the two skeletons standing on guard near the cave. I made sure not to get found out. Once I was just barely within the range of Appraisal, I checked their status.
Species: Skeleton Archer
Level: 5
HP: 10/10
MP: 20/20
Species: Skeleton Archer
Level: 5
HP: 20/20
MP: 5/5
As I thought, these are small fries as well. Just when I was thinking this, something unexpected happened.
As I was thinking how to launch an attack, the skeletons seemed to have noticed me. They quickly pulled out arrows from the quiver on their backs, fixed them on the bows and were about to shoot.
『Sh*t! Did using Appraisal on them make them aware of my presence?』
I was hiding pretty well behind a rock so there was no chance of being found out unless I got closer. But it looks like using Appraisal attracted their attention more than I expected.
Well, not that they can damage me anyways even if they find me out. I pick up two stones from the ground and throw them at a terrifying speed towards the skeletons before they could shoot the arrows.
The stones hit the chest area of the skeletons and went right through it. Be it their magic stone or their rib cage, everything was shattered and they fell to the ground.
As I thought, this Throwing skill is terrifying even though I'm the one using it. There is nothing left of the archers other than a pile of bones.
I pick up the quivers which still had a few arrows in it. Just in case, I used Appraisal on the bows and arrows.
『Result. ⟨⟨Common Arrow⟩⟩: ⟨⟨It is an arrow made by fixing a sharply cut stone and feathers to a piece of stick with the help of ropes or ivies. It is a cheap and low quality arrow generally used by Goblins or Skeletons⟩⟩』
『Result. ⟨⟨Wooden Bow⟩⟩: ⟨⟨It is a bow made by joining the two ends of a curved piece of wood using ropes or ivies. It is a cheap and low quality bow generally used by Goblins or Skeletons⟩⟩』
Well, as expected of skeleton loot, there's not much to be expected from the quality. I'll still keep it in case it helps out somehow in the future. I put the 20 arrows and 2 bows in the Dimensional Storage.
Oh, by the way, these were the few new skills I gained...
⟨Archery Lv.1⟩
⟨Projectile Resistance Lv.1⟩
I expected them to have something like Archery, but the resistance skill was new. Well it makes sense for archers to have resistance to projectiles, all the more if they are guards.
But wait, wasn't the rock I threw supposed to be considered as a projectile as well?
『Answer. Anything thrown using the ⟨Throwing⟩ skill is considered to be a projectile』
Hmm... I see. Well it doesn't matter since even if they have the resistance, my Throwing is just more powerful than the resistance, so the resistance was practically useless.
Ah... Looks like my Perception has risen as well. They were guards so they should've had Perception on them. Even if they're small fries, I need to be careful since this is the enemy's hideout. There's a possibility that the ones inside have already been informed of the arrival of an intruder. It'll be pretty bad if I fall to an ambush here.
I keep using Perception to get a hold of my surroundings. Since it was a huge cave, I thought that it would be pretty dark inside. But when I entered, there were torches placed on the wall at fixed distances.
It was neither too dark nor too bright. I kept walking while keeping my Perception ON. I would occasionally hear the sounds of bats and mice from the inside.
After walking for a few minutes, we came to a place which was brightly lit up with a big torch. It was an empty space and it led to several different places.
I walked towards a cave entrance to the right. Perception was detecting signs of monsters from all of the caves. The first cave I checked out had a lot of monsters living inside it. It was a species I haven't seen before so I appraised it immediately.
Species: Draugr
Level: 7
HP: 50/50
MP: 10/10
Hmm? Draugr? What's that? I remember reading about a fantasy monster called Draugr on Earth but, let's ask Wisdom-sama anyways.
『Result. ⟨⟨Draugr⟩⟩: ⟨⟨It is an Undead monster that has evolved from a ⟨⟨Zombie⟩⟩. It's body is made up entirely of rotten flesh and muscles. It has high physical abilities but low magical abilities. They also have low intelligence. Threat Level: D⟩⟩』
Uwaaahh... That's one gross enemy I've come across today. I really don't want to fight that thing with bare hands and on top of that, there are around 20 of them. Looks like this is going to be a tough battle, in ways more than one.
All right, they haven't noticed me yet. First I'll take out the five closest ones to draw their attention and then, burn the rest of them to death.
I picked up a rock about one metre in radius and throw it at them with all of my strength. A few of them noticed the rock approaching but it was already too late.
A thunderous roar echoed inside the cave along with a dust cloud. I immediately prepare to throw Blast Liquid at them at any moment.
As I thought, as soon as the dust cloud cleared up, around five Draugar approached me. When they were within two metres of my reach, I poured Blast Liquid on them and took a huge backstep.
「Guooooohhhhh!!」
「Gyaaaaaahhhh!!」
「Gaaaaaahhh!!」
The Draugar were roaring and screaming as they were burning. Since they are burning in the front, the Draugar at the back were unable to approach and were just glaring at me with killing intent.
But I made a huge miscalculation when I decided to defeat the Draugar using fire. I didn't realise it until now but...
『Uwaaaahh!!! This smell is terrible!! How the heck can this smell so bad!!? I won't survive if I don't get fresh air soon... fresh air...』
Yes, the miscalculation was deciding to burn monsters who are made up entirely of rotten flesh and muscles. Naturally, the cave got filled with the smell of burning rotten flesh.
『Haah... Haah... Haah.... That... was a nightmare...』
I somehow managed to survive from the horrible smell after coming out of the cave.
「Guooooohhhhh!!!」
A while after escaping from the cave, ten Draugar came out from the cave releasing roars filled with hatred, anger and bloodlust.
This is bad... I don't have the leeway to fight against ten of these guys at once. But, I have to do it! In order to escape from this dungeon and see the outside world, I have to defeat my enemies no matter what!!
I take out three big-sized stones from Dimensional Storage and throw them at full force towards three of them. Maybe because they weren't as big as the previous stone but, the Draugar did not die. They certainly took immense damage but they were still standing.
Sh*t! I don't have any more stones with me. Looks like I really have to fight barehanded.
My speed was a lot greater than them. I closed the distance in an instant and killed the three already injured ones first. While I was doing that, the Draugr who was close threw his fist at me. I ducked down and with a Razor Tail sweep, I cut off all the legs of the Draugar.
Since their mobility was decreased greatly, from there on, it was an easy fight. After they fell down, I pierced their chests one by one, destroying the Magic Stones.
『Experience threshold reached. Level has increased from 5 to 10』
Ohh... looks like I leveled up a lot. Let's check my status.
Name: N/A
Gender: N/A
Age: --
Status: Normal
Species: Drake
Level: 10
HP: 150/150
MP: 120/120
SP: 120/120
STR: 180
VIT: 170
AGI: 190
INT: 170
[Unique Skills]
⟨Wisdom Lv.2⟩
[Skills]
⟨Appraisal Lv.8⟩ ⟨Hunger Resistance Lv.6⟩ ⟨Fatigue Resistance Lv.6⟩ ⟨Sleep Resistance Lv.3⟩ ⟨Paralysis Resistance Lv.1⟩ ⟨Charm Resistance Lv.1⟩ ⟨Confusion Resistance Lv.1⟩ ⟨Heresy Resistance Lv.1⟩ ⟨Solitude Resistance Lv.1⟩ ⟨Razor Tail Lv.6⟩ ⟨Quick Step Lv.4⟩ ⟨Poison Fangs Lv.3⟩ ⟨Petrifying Glare Lv.3⟩ ⟨Evasion Lv.7⟩ ⟨Pain Resistance Lv.8⟩ ⟨Fire Resistance Lv.5⟩ ⟨Petrification Resistance Lv.1⟩ ⟨Acid Body Lv.3⟩ ⟨Accuracy Lv.5⟩ ⟨Acid Shot Lv.3⟩ ⟨Dimensional Storage Lv.3⟩ ⟨Perception Lv.3⟩ ⟨Power Lv.9⟩ ⟨Speed Lv.4⟩ ⟨Perfect Vision Lv.1⟩ ⟨Close-Combat Techniques Lv.9⟩ ⟨Advanced Swordsmanship Lv.1⟩ ⟨Archery Lv.1⟩ ⟨Projectile Resistance Lv.1⟩ ⟨Physical Attack Nullification⟩ ⟨Poison Immunity⟩ ⟨Acid Immunity⟩ ⟨Throwing⟩
[Titles]
⟨Gross Feeder⟩
I'm finally into three digit status values! Some of the skills leveled up as well huh. Oh... Power and Close-Combat Techniques are close to being maxed out. Let's see, if these skills leveled up this much then it must mean that the Draugar had these skills.
Then, if I just break the Magic Stones which are still intact, I might be able to max out these two skills!
I entered the cave which used to be the Draugar's hideout and destroyed every single Magic Stone which was intact. As soon as I was done...
『Skill ⟨Power⟩ has been raised from level 9 to 10. Skill ⟨Power⟩ has assimilated with the STR value』
『Skill ⟨Close-Combat Techniques⟩ has been raised from level 9 to 10』
Hmm... looks like neither of them have a superior stage. But there was one thing that is bothering me.
『Wisdom-sama, what does "assimilating with the STR value" mean?』
『Answer. A mentioned skill assimilating with the STR value means that it will not be shown as a skill anymore. However the effects of the skill remains. Whenever the user wishes to activate the mentioned skill, they will receive a instantaneous increase in their STR value』
That's amazing! I can use this skill as a trump card when there's an enemy I can't defeat with my current status.
Aren't I becoming too strong? No no no, I'm sure there are monsters here which are way more stronger than me.
Well, let's think about it when the time comes. Now, let's see what the other caves have.
Hmm? There's a cave which leads further into the cave huh.... or more like that cave is bigger than the ones here. Then, that might be the cave which leads to the leader. All right! Leader, wait for me!!
I decide to go through the central big cave later and first went to one of the smaller caves.
This cave... it's strangely quiet. Does this one not have any monsters? But I'm sure I felt presences of monsters inside this cave when I attacked the Draugar's cave.
At that moment...
「Kiiiiiiiiiii~!!」
「Kyaaaaaahhh~~!!」
Screams which seem like tearing through silk resounded inside the cave. It was so powerful that I was about to lose consciousness but I somehow managed to stay conscious.
『Damn it! Where did those screams come from? Huh...? Why am I.... feeling dizzy....? No way.... am I going to die here?』
But I couldn't stay in that state for a long time. An immense pain started running through my head at the same moment as I said those words.
『Haah... looks like.... those screams.... are really troublesome...』
Just as I was about to lose consciousness, the words of Wisdom-sama echoed in my mind.
『Skill ⟨Heresy Resistance⟩ has been increased from level 1 to 2』
After the words ended, I felt my consciousness slowly returning. Looks like Heresy Resistance saved my life out there.
After a few moments, I sensed a number a presences approaching from behind me. I couldn't sense anything inside this cave until now yet a number of presences appeared all at once.
『These numbers... One... two... no.... There are twenty of them?! Are you telling me I didn't sense twenty monsters approaching me this close even when my Perception was always ON!? Am I supposed to fight against a monster like this who can probably- no, most likely- conceal their presence...?』
This is bad!! This is really bad!!! I have a feeling that these guys are bad news for real.
As I was thinking this, I could finally see the appearance of the monsters. I put up my guard and was ready to defend against an attack any moment... but what appeared was totally unexpected.
『A woman...? What is she doing in a place like this? And where did the monsters go? Why do I see just a single woman?』
A woman appeared two metres in front of me from the shadows. She was wearing a tattered white dress and had messy hair. If one looks closely, they can even see tears in her eyes. But I wonder why? Something about this woman feels off....
-Help!!!
Huh? I'm sure I didn't see her talking, so why? Why did I just think she is asking for help? Wait, that's not right... What is this feeling...? This uncomfortable atmosphere...
As I was hesitating on what to do, I failed to realise that I was standing defenseless in the enemy territory this whole time. I even forgot about the fact that I could feel only one presence even when there's supposed to be around twenty monsters in this place.
At that moment, I felt an intense pain in the place near my wings. The pain was so intense that it felt as if it had reached all the way to my mind. I was about to fall on the ground but I somehow managed to maintain my posture and looked behind.
There was another woman standing there. She looked exactly like the one who was standing in front of me a while ago. But the image I got from her was clearly different from the first time.
Around 20 women, all wearing the same tattered white clothes, were floating around me, as if they had me surrounded. Their bodies were a bit see-through- as if it were transparent.
They were all smiling but it was by no means a compassionate or gentle smile. It was a smile you show when you've completely cornered your prey. If you combine that with the long sharp nails which could even be called claws and the glares filled with killing intent, it wouldn't take one even a second to understand their situation.
Yes, I splendidly got lured into their trap. The woman I met a while back was most likely just buying time by pretending to be the victim, during which one of them would sneak up behind me and attack.
Now that I think clearly about it, it's an impressive strategy unimaginable to be used by monsters. But now is not the time to be impressed of the enemy's intelligence. Wisdom-sama, information!
Species: Banshee
Level: 5
HP: 50/50
MP: 40/40
『Result. ⟨⟨Banshee⟩⟩: ⟨⟨It is a high-ranking Undead monster. They are a monster which does not possess a physical body. It is essentially a spiritual being with deep regrets from the time it were alive. Since it does not possess a physical body, it cannot be damaged by physical attacks. Their most effective way of fighting is concealing their presence to hide from their enemies and attacking them when their guard is low. They can also deal mental damage through their screams and all of their attacks directly damage the mind. Threat Level: C⟩⟩』
Yup, these women are clearly bad news. Each and every cell of my body is screaming "Run Away".
Though I think running away is the safest choice, it doesn't look like they plan to let me escape after cornering their prey this much.
So I don't have any choice other than defeating 20 enemies who are at a Threat Level: C, whose attacks always hit me and on the other hand, I can't get in even one attack?
Does God really hate me that much? This might actually be the most dangerous battle I've ever had in this life after reincarnating.
Well, it can't be helped. I can't get out of this cave because of these guys anyways, so I'll defeat them.
I raised my body up and was prepared for a battle. The Banshees probably understood my intentions and came lunging towards me.
『Whoa, fast!』
The Banshees were extremely fast as it covered the distance between us almost instantly. But, that's what I was aiming for!!
『⟨Acid Body⟩!』
The Banshees pounced on me all at once. I activated Acid Body just when they were close enough.
My body was surrounded by a veil of acid. The Banshees probably understood that it was too dangerous, so a few of them jumped back.
Around half of them were already incapacitated. Their limbs were starting to corrode and they were screaming and screeching in pain.
The ones who fell back were watching me with a hateful look while emitting a fierce killing intent.
『Haah... I somehow managed to activate it in time. The Acid Body will probably run out in a few moments. Now, what should I do about the ones in the back?』
I was thinking why they weren't making any approaches but I soon understood the reason.
『Kiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!』
『Kyaaaaaaaaaaahhhh!!!!』
Countless unpleasant screeches rang out in the cave once again. It was as if someone was scratching their nails on a blackboard but it was many times more unpleasant than that.
So they were waiting at the back without moving because they were preparing for this attack huh. Moreover, the screams seem a lot more unpleasant than the first time.
『Kuh! I am still not capable of fully nullifying their ability. But I'm somehow able to hold on to my consciousness』
I was holding my head and kept staggering. The screeches are still continuing.
『This is bad! If this keeps up, I'll really lose consciousness this time. Is there anything I can do...?』
Even with ⟨Heresy Resistance Lv.2⟩ it was taking my all just to stay conscious. As I was thinking about what to do, I felt a powerful strike to my left.
Turning around, I saw one of the Banshees slashing at me with her claws. She was surely slashing at me but it didn't hurt that much, probably because I was covered with hard scales.
But soon after, all of them started hitting, slashing and stabbing me. They didn't stop their screams at all but when more than ten of them hit you all together, it's definitely going to be painful.
I wanted to confirm my HP but I didn't have the leeway to do so. But I'm sure it's less than 50 by now.
I have to do something soon. If I don't, this might really be the end for me...
Is there any skill that can stop their movements as well as their voice? If I can manage to do that, I might be able to win. Hm? Ah, it's there!!
Enduring the pain and headache, I turn towards one of the Banshees and...
『⟨Petrifying Glare⟩!!』
The Banshee didn't understand what was happening at first but when she did, it was already too late.
Slowly but surely, from the head to the toes, it was turning into stone. The other Banshees immediately try to take a distance from me but that won't make a difference now.
My Petrifying Glare works in a radius of 3 metres. It's a short distance but that doesn't matter here.... because they can't move more than 3 metres apart in an instant.
Even after falling back, they were still within my range, so I activated Petrifying Glare on all of them.
All the Banshees which were not previously incapacitated, have all been turned into stone statues. Before something unexpected occurs again, I shattered the statues and moved towards the ones which were still writhing in pain from the acid attack.
I used Petrifying Glare on all of them just to be sure. The ones who didn't lose consciousness yet were glaring at me hatefully with tears in their eyes, while they were gradually turning into stone.
『Sorry, but I need to kill monsters to become stronger. This is the only way I can survive in this hell. That's why, please forgive me』
I mean, isn't it obvious? One day someone appears out of the blue and slaughters your entire family. Of course you'd be angry. Of course you'd hate them.
Even if I make excuses like "it's survival of the fittest in here" or "it's the law of the jungle so there's nothing wrong in it", in the end, I'm just killing them for my own selfish reasons.
Haah... Sorry for the gloomy atmosphere. Let's keep moving.
By the way, the Magic Stones of these guys appear after I've shattered the statues.
I break all of the Magic Stones and Wisdom-sama makes the announcement.
『Skill ⟨Speed⟩ has increased from level 9 to 10. Skill ⟨Speed⟩ has assimilated with the AGI value』
『Skill ⟨Heresy Resistance⟩ has increased from level 9 to 10. Skill ⟨Heresy Resistance⟩ has evolved into ⟨Heresy Nullification⟩』
『Skill ⟨Heresy Magic⟩ has been acquired』
『Skill ⟨Stealth⟩ has been acquired』
『Skill ⟨Magic Perception⟩ has been acquired』
『Skill ⟨Magic Manipulation⟩ has been acquired』
『Experience threshold reached. Level has been increased from 10 to 12』
Wait wait wait!! I feel like I heard a bunch of important stuff. I need to calmly go over everything that happened so for the time being, let's make this cave our temporary hideout.
Firstly, just like Power, it looks like Speed has assimilated with my status values as well. Also, it seems like the Banshees had Heresy Resistace as well. As a result, my Heresy Resistance went up all the way to level 10 and finally evolved into Heresy Nullification.
Second, it seems that the reason why I wasn't able to detect the presence of those guys at times- was this skill, Stealth.
According to Wisdom-sama, it is a superior skill which has evolved for ⟨Presence Concealment⟩. It's previous stage could only block the ⟨Perception⟩ skill of the enemies, but Stealth can apparently conceal the user's presence even better.
This skill is actually pretty helpful. There might be times when Perception wouldn't help at all, especially against enemies which use some different way up of finding their prey.
The level going up is a good thing as well, but the main reason why I'm taking my time going over the skills is because of these skills!!
The ⟨Heresy Magic⟩, ⟨Magic Perception⟩ and ⟨Magic Manipulation⟩ skills.
Even a person like me, who has been in this world for less than a week, can tell that these skills are super amazing.
How, you ask? Well, that's obviously because of the sheer number of light novels and manga I've read in my past life.
If you are a loner, those are things which appear priceless.
N-No, I'm not saying that I was a loner in my previous life, okay?! I'm definitely not saying that, okay?! I was just, you know, talking from the perspective of a loner, you see?!
Ah, I got derailed again..... Ahem! So, as I was saying, these are magic related skills. In other words, I can finally use magic!!!
I have already asked Wisdom-sama about these skills sometime back, and I understand the important parts.... I think.
Basically, every living being in this world possesses this energy known as "magic power". There are a few cases where even non-living things might possess magic power. The amount of magic power varies from individual to individual and is denoted by the MP status value.
Higher the MP, more is the magic power of that individual and vice-versa. Naturally, it is possible to increase the amount of MP one possesses by raising their level. The surroundings and the world itself also contains magic power but interfering with that is a feat possible only by Gods.
Oh, by the way, as you might have expected already, Gods actually do exist in this world. But that's a story for another time.
Heresy Magic is a type of magic that creates illusions and attacks the mind of the enemy directly. It can directly deal mental damage and can also damage the soul.
Magic Perception and Magic Manipulation are necessary for the activation of magic. It is because you need to be able to perceive the magic power inside your body first which is possible with the help of Magic Perception.
On the other hand, Magic Manipulation helps you to manipulate your magic power so that you have a control on how much magic power you are utilising for a specific magic.
Well now that the important parts are done, it's time to try out magic for the first time in this world!! Ah, but first let's take a look at my current status.
Name: N/A
Gender: N/A
Age: --
Status: Normal
Species: Drake
Level: 12
HP: 200/200
MP: 170/170
SP: 150/150
STR: 220
VIT: 200
AGI: 230
INT: 200
[Unique Skills]
⟨Wisdom Lv.2⟩
[Skills]
⟨Appraisal Lv.8⟩ ⟨Hunger Resistance Lv.6⟩ ⟨Fatigue Resistance Lv.6⟩ ⟨Sleep Resistance Lv.3⟩ ⟨Paralysis Resistance Lv.1⟩ ⟨Charm Resistance Lv.1⟩ ⟨Confusion Resistance Lv.1⟩ ⟨Solitude Resistance Lv.1⟩ ⟨Razor Tail Lv.6⟩ ⟨Quick Step Lv.4⟩ ⟨Poison Fangs Lv.3⟩ ⟨Petrifying Glare Lv.5⟩ ⟨Evasion Lv.7⟩ ⟨Pain Resistance Lv.8⟩ ⟨Fire Resistance Lv.5⟩ ⟨Petrification Resistance Lv.1⟩ ⟨Acid Body Lv.3⟩ ⟨Accuracy Lv.5⟩ ⟨Acid Shot Lv.3⟩ ⟨Dimensional Storage Lv.3⟩ ⟨Perception Lv.4⟩ ⟨Perfect Vision Lv.1⟩ ⟨Advanced Swordsmanship Lv.1⟩ ⟨Archery Lv.1⟩ ⟨Projectile Resistance Lv.1⟩ ⟨Heresy Magic Lv.1⟩ ⟨Magic Perception Lv.1⟩ ⟨Magic Manipulation Lv.1⟩ ⟨Stealth Lv.1⟩
⟨Physical Attack Nullification⟩ ⟨Poison Immunity⟩ ⟨Acid Immunity⟩ ⟨Throwing⟩ ⟨Heresy Nullification⟩ ⟨Close-Combat Techniques⟩
[Titles]
⟨Gross Feeder⟩
Hm... A few skills went up but, as expected there are a few skills which aren't increasing at all. Probably because I'm not using them that often.
Well, this place looks huge so there will be plenty chances to use my other skills in here.
『All right, it's time to try magic!』
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