Ascension Through Skills

Chapter 412: 82nd Floor, Lemegeton (1)

"The reason they were crafted as twins in the first place was due to their overwhelming uniqueness; merging them into one was simply impossible. But with materials like these... it should be feasible."

Hafran examined the materials carefully.

"Are you planning on using all of them?"

"I’ve just laid out everything because I’m not sure exactly how much we’ll need."

"Hmm."

Hafran stroked his chin thoughtfully.

"We won’t need them all... Even if the twin rings have a strong identity, what you’ve brought surpasses it by far. Using everything might actually be overkill."

Looking over the items, Hafran picked up the Divine Blood.

"This won’t be necessary. Its caliber is far too high. It might even overshadow the ring’s essence."

The Divine Blood was an item capable of elevating a mortal being to immortality.

Certainly, it seemed excessive to use such an item for a mere piece of equipment.

"Besides, if it’s something related to a god... I’d rather not meddle. There's no telling how the deity might react."

With a hesitant expression, Hafran handed back the Divine Blood.

"But the other materials should suffice. Using the World Core alongside the World Essence is an ideal match. In the meantime, continue with the labyrinth."

"So it’s going to take quite some time, then."

"With materials like these, just figuring out how to handle them takes considerable time. Besides, I’ll need your assistance when we’re ready to forge the equipment. I’ll summon you when everything is prepared."

"Understood."

"By the way, do you intend to use this as well?"

Hafran indicated a shard of Will.

"This is a material connected to will. You’d be better off entrusting it to Kosrun than to me."

Previously, Hafran had mentioned a blacksmith who was particularly adept at crafting will-based equipment.

The mad blacksmith, Kosrun. He was rumored to dwell in the deeper layers.

But Taesan shook his head.

"Unfortunately, I haven’t encountered him."

"Hmm?"

Hafran looked surprised.

"You’ve already passed the 80th floor, haven’t you? And yet you haven’t found Kosrun?"

"If I didn’t overlook anything, he’s simply not there."

It was unlikely that Taesan would miss such a presence. Kosrun had been absent up to the 82nd floor.

Hafran rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"I heard he was settled somewhere in the 70s, but he may have moved. In any case, keep it with you. You might not need it after all."

Taesan accepted the shard of Will.

With an excited expression, Hafran picked up his hammer.

"Well then, I’ll start my preparations. You can expect something extraordinary."

Taesan watched Hafran for a moment.

Seeing the scrutinizing gaze, Hafran looked puzzled.

"Is there a reason you’re looking at me like that?"

"No, it’s nothing."

‘Joy, excitement, and madness, perhaps.’

Taesan turned and descended the labyrinth, leaving Hafran behind.

The materials he had entrusted were ones so rare that even in the depths, they were almost impossible to find.

When combined into a piece of equipment, it would likely surpass anything Taesan had obtained thus far.

Perhaps, it might even exceed the gear wielded by his former self, Lee Taeyeon.

Taesan descended deeper into the labyrinth, leaving Hafran to his work.

---

His business with Hafran was concluded. Now, it was time to assess the power he had recently acquired.

While he hadn’t gained much, the changes were significant.

---

**[Conceptual Skill: Will of All Things]**

**[Proficiency: 1%]**

**[The will of everything in the world can be sensed and read. If desired, this will can be influenced to align with your intentions. Currently, only minimal influence can be exerted.]**

---

A conceptual skill, ???.

Its effect allowed Taesan to read the will of others.

He could predict an opponent's actions and thoughts in advance, allowing him to counter them effectively. While subtle, it had proven useful in battle.

This skill had evolved into the Will of All Things after he had defeated the world itself.

Taesan looked at the ghost beside him. The ghost flinched as if feeling exposed under Taesan’s gaze.

[Why are you looking at me like that?]

"I had something to confirm."

With the Will of All Things, Taesan could read Hafran’s emotions when they had spoken.

It wasn’t just superficial emotions; he could sense things from deeper within as if reading thoughts themselves.

He sensed similar feelings from the ghost.

‘Expectation.’

A hope that Taesan might reach the end of the labyrinth and what he might obtain there.

‘Unease.’

A worry that Taesan might fail along the way.

Lemegeton. The right to make direct contracts with demons.

The Demon Lord nodded.

[Ordinarily, the choice of whether to use it would have been yours. Of course, you’d likely have used it anyway, but the choice would’ve been yours. But things are different now, Taesan. You’ve already entered into a pact with the Mage, haven’t you?]

"Yes."

Taesan nodded. The contract with the Mage allowed him to increase the difficulty of the labyrinth for his exclusive benefit.

And the best way to raise the stakes was through Lemegeton.

Taesan accepted it calmly.

"I don’t mind. I intended to use it regardless."

The Demon Lord clapped with satisfaction.

[Lemegeton has been activated.]

The black passage began to twist and distort, merging with Lemegeton amidst a screeching sound.

Beyond the darkness that seemed like an abyss, Taesan sensed multiple presences.

They were demons.

Demons who each held dominion over their own realms, and they were staring at Taesan.

[Normally, a low-ranking demon would oversee the trial. Even a lesser demon could adequately challenge an adventurer. But now, apart from those who possess a domain, no demon here can match you.]

Taesan gazed quietly beyond the passage.

Perhaps because of the Demon Lord’s direct intervention, he could feel their power even more keenly.

The demons were formidable.

They were certainly stronger than Taesan.

But in terms of essence, they stood on equal footing.

‘Immortal-grade, perhaps.’

[Among the demons, these are the 72 most powerful, each with their own dominion. They are the masters of the black magic you wield. They will present you with a trial.]

The demons seemed ready to burst forth from the passage.

Black energy seeped out of the darkness.

[Hold your ground.]

The Demon Lord swung his hand, unleashing a massive wave of force that dispersed the gazes directed at Taesan.

[These troublesome beings... bound by contract, yet always trying to act independently.]

As the scattered gazes gradually returned, the Demon Lord seemed to read Taesan’s mind.

[These beings are similar to the ancient gods. Born with immense power from the outset. Most are far weaker than the ancient gods... but still closer in essence to that side. It’ll be quite the significant trial for you.]

Since the Demon Lord had subdued them, the demons’ power had settled.

The Demon Lord reached his hand into the passage.

[As I mentioned, these demons are close to the ancient gods, which makes their trials rather... distasteful.]

He clicked his tongue in disapproval.

[I doubt you enjoy torture or such cruelties either. I’ll filter them for you.]

"Thank you."

Although unexpected, Taesan was grateful.

If the Demon Lord filtered the trials, it would save him from trials too distasteful to stomach.

Time passed.

About ten minutes later, Taesan asked the Demon Lord calmly.

"Has a suitable trial been selected?"

[Just a bit longer.]

The Demon Lord scowled.

[No way am I letting them subject you to a trial of this level.]

The trials proposed by the demons seemed to displease him, as his tone was firm. Taesan kept silent and waited.

Ten more minutes passed, then twenty. Throughout, the Demon Lord continued to sift through the trials, hand in the passage.

"Perhaps it’s fine to proceed with one of the current trials..."

[Hmph. None of these trials are satisfactory. Compared to Jervand, they’re laughable.]

While Taesan appreciated the Demon Lord’s diligence, he couldn’t help but think that at this rate, it would take all day to finalize the trial. He was about to request a more expeditious process when—

[Then I shall handle this.]

A deep male voice resonated from beyond the passage.

A hand emerged.

[...Why have you shown yourself?]

The Demon Lord looked startled as the figure stepped forward leisurely.

[At this rate, it seems we’ll never reach a conclusion. While I understand your favor for him, wouldn’t it be better to bring things to a close?]

The owner of the voice bore large horns on his head.

His red pupils were reptilian, and a dark aura enveloped his entire body.

An image of a demon incarnate.

And his power felt vastly different from the other demons.

‘This one...’

A being of a completely different level.

By rank, he was an Exalted Being.

Most notably, his aura didn’t belong to this world.

A being akin to the ancient gods.

He looked at Taesan with a sly grin.

[It’s a pleasure to meet you, amalgamated one.]

**[The Grand Demon Baal has appeared.]**