As Noah unlatched the gleaming chest, the lid creaked open to reveal its contents. A brilliant light flooded the room, forcing him to squint as his eyes adjusted. Slowly, the treasures within came into focus:
A crimson rune, glowing faintly as if pulsing with the essence of the slain Fire Drake. When Noah examined it, a system notification chimed in his mind.
[System Notification:]
You have obtained the Flame Drake Rune!
Description: Grants resistance to fire-based attacks and increases the potency of fire-related abilities.
Effect: Fire Resistance +20%, Flame Art damage amplified by 30%.
"Perfect," Noah muttered, a grin spreading across his face. "This will come in handy for later floors."
A fiery gem radiating intense heat, its surface swirling with molten energy. This rare material could be used to enhance weapons or craft powerful equipment.
[System Notification:]
You have obtained the Blazing Core!
Description: A condensed core of fire mana, capable of upgrading weapons or armor to imbue them with fire properties.
Noah turned the gem over in his hand, the heat radiating from it comforting rather than oppressive. "Nemesis is strong as it is, but with this… it could reach another level entirely."
A hefty pile of coins gleamed at the bottom of the chest, their weight satisfying as Noah scooped them into his inventory.
[System Notification:]
You have acquired 10,000 gold coins.
His total wealth climbed further, a resource he knew would be critical for future upgrades and supplies.
4. Skill Scroll: Infernal Tempest
Tucked beneath the gold was a pristine scroll glowing faintly with fiery runes. When Noah picked it up, the system chimed again.
[System Notification:]
You have obtained the Skill Scroll: Infernal Tempest!
Description: Summons a devastating whirlwind of fire that deals massive area damage. Usable once per battle. Cooldown: 1 hour.
Noah's eyes gleamed as he examined the scroll. "A high-level skill. This will be useful in large battles or against stronger bosses."
With the chest emptied and its treasures safely stored, Noah turned back to the chamber. The oppressive heat had dissipated entirely, leaving the room cool and eerily silent. He took a moment to catch his breath, stretching his sore muscles.
Despite the victory, fatigue was setting in. The Fire Drake had pushed him to his limits, and the sheer effort of cycling through his arsenal had left him drained. Still, the rewards had been more than worth it.
He glanced at the door leading deeper into the ninth floor. Beyond it lay new challenges, stronger foes, and greater rewards.
"No rest for the wicked," he muttered, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
Preparing for the Next Challenge
Before leaving, Noah opened his Status Window to assess his progress.
Class: Angel of Death
Mana: 185 (+3 from Soul Ascension)
Strength: 191 (+3 from Soul Ascension)
Dexterity: 185 (+2 from Soul Ascension)
• Skill Scroll: Infernal Tempest
Noah's strength had grown once again, putting him further ahead of his peers. Between the rune's fire resistance, the scroll's destructive potential, and the core's ability to enhance his gear, he was more than prepared for what lay ahead.
"This floor won't stop me," Noah said, gripping Nemesis tightly. "Nothing will."
With renewed determination, he stepped through the exit, ready to conquer the rest of the ninth floor and uncover the secrets of the next.
The search for powerful monsters proved fruitless. Noah scoured the ninth floor, navigating dense forests, rocky outcroppings, and mist-shrouded glades, but no new challenges presented themselves. The powerful monsters seemed to have retreated or were simply absent, leaving the floor eerily quiet.
Though disappointed, Noah decided it was time to take a break. After all, the ninth floor wasn't devoid of beauty. His wandering brought him to a serene clearing near a small, crystal-clear lake surrounded by towering trees whose leaves shimmered faintly in the dim light. The air here was cool, carrying a soothing aroma of fresh earth and blooming flowers.
"This is as good a place as any to camp," Noah thought, setting down his gear.
His stomach growled in protest, a reminder that he hadn't eaten since his battle with the Fire Drake. Earlier, during his exploration, he had caught a plump white-furred bunny-like creature, a harmless floor-native animal. Its meat was said to be tender and flavorful, perfect for a meal.
Noah set up his cooking kit near the lake, arranging a small pile of wood for a controlled fire. With a flick of his hand, he used Flame Art to ignite it, the flames crackling warmly as he worked.
First, he washed the rice he'd taken from his item box in the lake, marveling at the water's purity. He set the pot of rice to cook over the fire before turning his attention to the bunny. He carefully skinned and cleaned the creature, seasoning the meat with a blend of herbs and spices he kept on hand for moments .
He skewered the meat on a makeshift spit, rotating it over the fire until it sizzled and browned, its aroma filling the clearing. The savory scent made his mouth water, and he couldn't help but smile. "Simple meals always taste the best."
Once the rice was ready, he scooped a generous portion into a wooden bowl and placed slices of the tender, juicy meat on top. He added a sprinkling of wild herbs he'd found nearby for extra flavor.
Sitting cross-legged by the fire, Noah took his first bite. The rice was perfectly cooked, its fluffiness complementing the smoky, spiced meat. The combination of flavors was satisfying, and with each mouthful, he felt his body relax further.
He gazed out at the lake as he ate, the surface reflecting the faint light of the shimmering leaves above. The tranquil atmosphere was a stark contrast to the intense battles he had fought earlier, and for the first time in a while, he felt at peace.
After finishing his meal, he leaned back, letting out a contented sigh. He stared up at the canopy of glowing leaves, their soft light flickering like stars in the night sky.
"Even in a world , there are moments worth savoring," he murmured to himself.
As the fire crackled and the night deepened, Noah took a moment to review his progress. His stats had increased dramatically thanks to Soul Ascension, and he had acquired powerful new tools like the Flame Drake Rune and Infernal Tempest skill. The challenges ahead would only grow more difficult, but so would his determination to conquer them.
He thought about the battles he had faced so far—the enemies he had slain, the floors he had cleared, and the strength he had gained. Each step brought him closer to his goal, though the road ahead was uncertain.
"The next floor will surely test me," he thought, his hand resting on Nemesis's hilt.
Resting for the Night The most update n0vels are published on 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵•𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮•𝓷𝓮𝓽
The fire burned low, casting a gentle glow over the clearing. Noah set up a simple barrier using Mana's Armor, a protective layer of energy that would alert him to any danger while he slept.
He lay down near the dying embers, using his cloak as a blanket. The soft chirping of insects and the gentle lapping of water against the shore lulled him into a state of calm.
"Tomorrow, I'll find stronger foes," he murmured, his eyelids growing heavy. "For now… rest."
As sleep claimed him, the ninth floor remained silent, the peaceful clearing a rare sanctuary in a world filled with danger.