Chapter 14 - The Link Between You and I 2 (2/2)
“So is it better to catch 400 level 50 Skeletons or one level 100 Skeleton?Which gives better EXP?”
“Of course, the former gives an overwhelmingly more EXP.Anyways, this magic wasn’t meant to give its opponents EXP in such a manner.”
In terms of EXP, Artpe and Maetel was suffering a very huge loss through this venture.
If they had killed 400 normal level 50 Skeletons, they would have been strengthened by a ridiculous amount.However, if one looked at the outcome of this battle, it had been equivalent to killing a level 10 Skeleton.
“However, the world isn’t only about EXP.”
When one defeated an enemy that was significantly higher in level, one’s Achievement was recorded.It was something that followed one throughout one’s lifetime.
If one defeated a level 70 enemy at level 50, the Achievement remained throughout one’s lifetime.It had the effect of aiding the one, who had acquired the Achievement.Even if one faced an enemy of higher level at a later date, the effects of the Achievement won’t weaken or disappear.It helped one fight the higher level enemy head-on.It even had an influence on the acquisition of skills, and the reward items that one acquired from battling monsters.
“On top of it all, you can’t ignore the skill growth that occurs when you apply the finishing blow.Normally, a skill grows the more you use it.The other method to grow your skill is to kill an enemy using the skill.If you acquired the skill while fighting an enemy, the successful killing of the enemy allows the skill to grow once more.”
“Wow.Amazing.”
Of course, there was no adjustment if one wasn’t successful in killing the enemy.This was also true for running away or canceling the battle.The reason why this happened was unknown.
Someday, he’ll ask the question to the god, who had made this world.He’ll seize the bastard by the collar.
“The technical term for this phenomena is called Rumination.”
“Artpe knows everything!”
“I don’t know everything.I know what I know.”
While Maetel was asking questions and receiving answers from Artpe, she was bashing the two skulls against each other.Cracks were forming on the skulls.Her repetitive action was so mechanical that he felt goose bumps all over his body.Artpe took a small step backwards.
[I won’t forgive you.I will revive someday, and I will raise my sword in revenge against you guys!]
“Yes.Next Undead, please.”
“Hoo-ooh….. This is the last one!”
Maetel let out a shout as she brought one skull against the other.At that moment, she gathered the small amount of Mana left inside her body into her arms.This single strike was more powerful than any of her previous blows.It cleanly pulverized both skulls.At the same time, it wouldn’t have surprised Artpe if she gained the Bash skill through this action.
Anyways, this was how all the monsters on the 6th floor were eradicated.The Mana and the Record had been gathered into a single bundle.It was finally released from the monsters, and it was given to the challengers.
“Ah-ooh.”
Maetel let out a short moan. Artpe had somewhat expected this so he kept his mouth shut, but it wasn’t as if he was fine.It felt as if all their internal organs had been dislodged.They felt nausea sweep over them as if their internal organs were spinning around like a tornado.
“Artpe….This is....”
“Endure it….It is the level up.”
“This is it? Koo-oo-oohk.”
[Maetel]
[Level : 34]
[Level : 35]
[Level : 36]
[Level : 37]
Artpe could see Maetel’s information update in real time.His innate ability wasn’t broken.Artpe was probably going through a similar situation as her right now.
The two Skeletons had been strengthened to the extreme, and their EXP was divided between two, who were in their early level 30s.Of course, their levels would increase in a flash.A level up strengthened the body and soul.They were going through about a dozen level ups, so it wasn’t strange to see their bodies undergo an abrupt change.
“It hurts so much, Artpe.”
“Endure it.It’ll pass soon.”
“Yes….!”
[Maetel]
[Level : 41]
Maetel’s ability shone in this instance.Even if she received the same amount of EXP as others, she grew at a much faster pace.Artpe’s pain was slowly ebbing away, but it seemed Maetel was still in distress.
When Artpe experienced his rapid level ups, he felt his Mana fill up in an instant.He took deep breaths as he monitored Maetel.Shortly, Maetel also let out a deep sigh as if she was expelling everything that had built up inside her.Then she sat down heavily.
“Level ups are really miraculous…I’m incredibly tired, yet I feel really strong..”
“Your existence seems to be most miraculous phenomena to me.”
[Maetel]
[Level : 43]
[Swordsmanship Lv11]
[Mana Control Lv8]
[Berserk Lv7]
How could this information be about a girl, who picked up the sword only a week ago?Even a mercenary, who participated in battles for 10 years, would be unable to grow to this extent!
Artpe still didn’t like the purpose behind this Dungeon, yet he had to grudgingly admit that it had been very helpful in radically maturing the hero.She had grown in skill by facing an amalgamation of monsters that resided on a single floor.What Achievement will she be able to gain if she faced a monster, who possessed the combined might of all the floors!
‘Of course, it’s a death sentence to carry out the original test.’
He still couldn’t believe he was able to cause change to the Record Link.It really was a result that had risen out of his desperation.Artpe shook his head as he let out a bitter laugh.
“The wall is opening, Artpe.”
“It is set-up to do so.”
They had gained control of the 6th floor of the Dungeon, so the Record Link placed on this floor was cancelled.When they descended to the 7th floor, they arrived at a small fountain.It was placed there as if to encourage the weary to rest at this spot.Artpe looked at Maetel, who let out a cheer.He smiled as he nodded his head.
“Don’t be fooled.It is poisoned water.”
“This Dungeon is really terrible!”
“You’ll be fine if you keep that attitude.There is nothing here you should trust in this damned place.”
Before Artpe could finish his words, a faint light started to emanate near the fountain.Artpe’s eyes twinkled when he discovered it.
“I’m sorry.Let me modify that statement.There is one person you can trust here.”
“Huh?”
The light disappeared, and in its place, a beautiful woman with a big cart appeared.Maetel tilted her head in confusion when she saw this stranger suddenly appear in front of them.Artpe grinned.He turned to look at Maetel as he spoke.
“I’m talking about the Dungeon Merchant.”