Chapter 123:
Chapter 123:
Chapter 123:
“The skill ‘Mixed Demon Sword (S-)’ has been created.”
I couldn’t help but be amazed as I looked at the newly created sword skill.
After all, I never expected it to be an S-grade skill.
“Honestly, even with good luck, I thought the synthesis result would stop at A+ grade.”
The promotion to an S-grade was beyond my imagination.
But what was even more surprising was the effect of the newly created skill.
“Skill – Mixed Demon Sword (S-)” “Proficiency: 0%”
“Description: A fusion of various martial arts and magic swordsmanship. When using a bladed weapon, it imbues the blade with the extreme magic attribute, causing continuous damage to any living being until death.”
“Detailed Effect: Increases the damage output of all sword techniques threefold and allows for the activation of the exclusive skill ‘Double Strike’ at will.”
It was the result of combining the White Sword Seven Styles and Blue Sky Sword Style with the Blood Demon Sword.
The Blood Demon Sword, somewhat like the Demon Hole set, merely added a magical attribute and harmful effects to life.
But now, the newly reborn Mixed Demon Sword had an additional basic effect, dealing continuous damage to any living being until death.
“This effect is insane.”
In simple terms, it meant that enemies wouldn’t stop taking damage until they met their demise, making it deadly for anyone unprepared.
But the crazier part was that this relentless dot damage didn’t end there
“Detailed Effect: Increases the damage output of all sword techniques threefold and allows for the activation of the exclusive skill ‘Double Strike’ at will.”
While the previous Blood Demon Sword’s skill only applied to White Sword Seven Styles and Blue Sky Sword Style, the newly born Mixed Demon Sword’s skill tripled the damage output for all sword techniques.
Moreover, it seemed to inherit the Bloodline Magic Sword’s exclusive effect, the Double Strike.
“Double Strike…”
I immediately tested it by swinging the sword in my right hand forward.
“The exclusive effect ‘Double Strike’ of the skill ‘Mixed Demon Sword’ is activated.”
I felt a switch-like sensation, and the Double Strike of the Mixed Demon Sword was activated.
And…
Swish!
The waves of the sword, as if mirroring each other, surged forward with the exact same power.
I finally understood the exclusive effect called Double Strike as I watched this scene with wide eyes.
The Mixed Demon Sword’s Double Strike allowed the user to replicate a tangible sword strike exactly like the original.
It was incredible, not an illusion.
It meant that without using any resources like divine power or mana, I could duplicate the same attack to the left and right.
“Could it really do this…?”
Astonished by this seemingly overpowered effect, I couldn’t help but smile with anticipation.
I adjusted my stance and, as if cutting through the air, released a blade imbued with mana using the Blood Demon Sword.
White Sword Island Sun
The unstoppable essence was unleashed like a whirlwind, and another activation message appeared.
“The exclusive effect ‘Double Strike’ of the skill ‘Mixed Demon Sword’ is activated.”
Whoosh!
Three times.
“……”
“Could it really replicate the exact same output for the technique…?”
I chuckled in disbelief at this fact.
Even the recent technique had a significant output, without undergoing any separate enhancements.
It seemed like the threefold damage increase from the Mixed Demon Sword’s effect was being applied.
‘Could it even replicate the Radiant Sword, my ultimate sword technique?’
If the Double Strike effect duplicated the nature of the skill itself, then things would truly change.
I pondered for a moment and decided to conduct one more experiment to find out. It was an experiment to see if Double Strike could replicate a skill effect.
“…The skill ‘Truth Seeker of Blood’ is activated.”
“<inscribed skill:="" first="" blood="" enhancement="" (c+)=""> of the True Bloodline Magic Sword.” </inscribed>
The experiment aimed to determine if Double Strike could truly replicate the skill effect.
I coated the blood drawn from my fingertip with the True Blood Demon Sword, then assumed a new technique stance.
White Sword Island Sun was released once again, exhibiting the technique’s essence like a raging sea.
Then, another activation message appeared like a passing thought.
“The exclusive effect ‘Double Strike’ of the skill ‘Mixed Demon Sword’ is activated.”
Swish!
It was as if three sword strikes, identical to the original, were released and collided with the walls of the waiting room, vanishing.
“……”
I smiled with a sense of emptiness, contemplating the results of the experiment.
I chuckled in disbelief at this fact.
“This is just a skill that breaks the balance…”
Double Strike was a crazy exclusive effect that replicated even skill effects.
Exploration of the Mixed Demon Sword’s skill continued for several hours.
During this process, I realized just how insane the skill itself was.
The skill embedded in the sword was a skill that replicated its effects regardless of its type.
It didn’t just replicate the effects but also the quantity, without discrimination
‘It’s a truly insane skill.’
In other words, it replicated all the effects attached to the sword.
Now, it was hard to consider it a skill within the realm of swordsmanship.
‘When it’s possible to replicate skill effects, it’s hard to call it pure swordsmanship.’
Of course, I didn’t obsess over calling it pure swordsmanship or anything like that. I had a principle of using everything at my disposal.
Even if it didn’t look like traditional swordsmanship, as long as it worked, it was fine.
Now, what was truly important was how to utilize the Mixed Demon Sword’s skill.
Regarding this aspect, I discovered some facts during the hours of experimenting.
One of them was that the Double Strike of the Mixed Demon Sword could set the point and direction of attack replication
‘No, it’s more like designating rather than setting?’
It felt more like designating which direction to replicate the attack rather than sticking to a default setting.
Anyway, by utilizing this point effectively, I could unleash attacks with the same power in multiple directions.
‘Whether I cover multiple directions or concentrate my attacks, it seems like it can be used in various ways……’
Of course, that was just a momentary thought. I quickly stopped exploring the Mixed Demon Sword.
That was because…..
“Surprisingly, it’s not that difficult to become proficient.”
This skill simply made it easier to use the swordsmanship mix of White Sword Seven Styles and Blue Sky Sword Style.
The other additional effects didn’t seem to require proficiency either.
So, I didn’t feel the need to explore the skill further.
Rather, I thought of this as something to discover while using it in real combat.
Now, it was time to prepare.
“You have purchased the ‘Incomplete Elixir (A+).’ 97,700 points will be deducted.”
“You have purchased the ‘Body Enhancement Potion (A+).’ 99,600 points will be deducted.”
It had been a long time since I purchased potion-type items, but… for me, preparing this thoroughly was the only way to alleviate my anxiety about the upcoming trial.
That was because…..
“Namgung Hyuk will surely come for the next trial.”
With the addition of items that eased the penalty for invading new floors, the possibility had arisen.
The worst-case scenario was Namgung Hyuk investing significant points to intrude into my trial.
Of course, I didn’t completely doubt the growth of my skills, abilities, and attributes.
“However, I don’t have multiple lives, so there’s no choice.”
The Ashen Blood skill boasted near-immortal regenerative abilities, allowing the body to recover even in life-threatening situations.
The Necromancy shield could block any damage as long as the command was sufficient.
But even with such abilities, I was just a mere human, and the level of enemies I expected to encounter wasn’t to be underestimated.
Even when pushed to the brink of defeat, the monster that retired all challengers, including me, in the end…..
If that creature wasn’t constrained by the Tower’s restrictions, its power would undoubtedly shine in this one-on-one battle.
Therefore, my chances of surviving weren’t high, and that’s why I poured the points earned from breaking through two trials into purchasing potions.
“Incomplete Elixir (A+)”
“Grade: A+”
“An elixir left incomplete by the descendant of a legendary alchemist.”
“When consumed in its unfinished form, it can cure all conditions and revive the user regardless of their state.”
“However, unlike a completed elixir, it cannot resurrect the dead, and there may be some side effects when curing severe conditions.”
“Body Enhancement Potion (A+)”
“Grade: A+”
“A masterpiece among enhancement-type potions that dramatically increases all attributes when consumed.”
“When all the potion is consumed, all attributes increase by +10 for 41 minutes and 17 seconds.”
“However, the effects of this attribute increase do not overlap with other physical enhancement potions.”
“Incomplete Elixir”
was obtained in anticipation of Namgung Hyuk using his “Healing Impervious” skill on my Ashen Blood’s regeneration.
I purchased the “Body Enhancement Potion” due to its striking effect of raising all attributes by +10.
Of course, both had some limitations, but…
“To be honest, there’s not much to complain about.”
Despite spending a considerable amount of accumulated points, I didn’t regret it. I had reached a point where I didn’t feel that the points were too valuable.
“Could there even be such a thing as being too valuable?”
While there was some waste of time involved, it was wise to consume the potions in advance, as there might not be an opportunity once the battle began.
“Will you accept the 14th-floor trial?”
Without hesitation, I immediately activated the trial command… and, as usual, stepped through the portal that appeared in the center of the waiting room.
“Entering the 14th floor of the Tower.”
“Difficulty – Hard”
“The theme of this trial is ‘Underwater Battle.'”
“We hope that the challenger’s chosen path leads to satisfying results.”
“You, how long do you think I’ve been waiting for this?”
I burst into laughter as I looked at the lake beyond the portal, stained red with blood.
“Starting the 14th-floor trial.”
“Remaining Time – 7 days”
“Trial Breakthrough Conditions – Hunt all monsters in the lake within the remaining time.”
“Trial Failure Conditions – Challenger’s death or expiration of remaining time.”
“Trial Breakthrough Reward – Wind Spirit’s Boots (A+)”
“Trial Failure Penalty – Death”
Originally, I was supposed to hunt underwater fishmen, but considering the massacre that had taken place…..
“As a user, I have encountered a formidable opponent that is difficult to handle.”
“Skill ‘Indomitable Will’ is activated.”
A young man, seemingly unconcerned, stood in the middle of the lake, casually stepping on the water.
“How long do you think I waited to meet you in this tedious place?”
Perhaps because he was the opponent I couldn’t kill but had to settle for a draw in Tokyo on that day.
The blood coursing through his entire body was as hot as water in a boiling kettle, and his body was heated up.
“Even after killing all these monsters, you didn’t show up, so I thought I came to the wrong place.”
I muttered briefly while looking at the guy who spoke with a smile in his eyes.
“You crazy bastard.”
Blue Sky Sword Dragon, Namgung Hyuk.
Just as I expected, this lunatic came right for me.
[To be continued.]