Ascension Through Skills

Chapter 408: Floor 81, Advanced Magic (7)

A vast, earthy brown space spread out around him.

Taesan stood alone.

The quest had been completed. Now it was time to examine the gains he had acquired.

---

**[Magic]**

**[Proficiency: 81%]**

*Allows efficient use of magic. The control over mana itself permits various auxiliary powers for magic.*

His magic proficiency had reached 80%.

The ability to wield negation magic, even in a limited manner, was likely due to this proficiency increase.

“Only 19% left to reach 100%.”

Yet, based on his experience with divine power, he knew that progress from here would be painstakingly slow.

Reaching 80% proficiency had also granted him several new skills.

---

**[Magic Circle]**

**[Proficiency: 1%]**

*Allows the user to deploy various spells in the form of magic circles.*

Taesan decided to try it out firsthand.

>[You have activated the Magic Circle of Frozen World.]

*Buzz!*

A magic circle formed beneath Taesan’s feet.

From the circle emanated a frigid chill, creating a protective area that blocked incoming attacks and could freeze enemies.

“So, it’s a persistent effect?”

By casting his magic in the form of a magic circle, he could occupy the surrounding space. Testing it further, he discovered he could deploy up to three magic circles simultaneously, making it highly versatile depending on how he utilized it.

---

**[Magic Interference]**

**[Proficiency: 1%]**

*Allows the user to interfere with an opponent’s magic.*

He already had an idea of how to use this skill.

Wirad had disrupted Taesan’s restricted Blink skill, making it difficult to close in on him. Now, Taesan could disrupt an opponent’s magic in the same way, and although his current proficiency was low, the value of the skill would rise as it improved.

---

**[Memorize]**

**[Proficiency: 1%]**

*Allows the user to pre-record their spells, which can then be activated at will. Currently, up to three spells can be recorded.*

Taesan immediately put the skill to the test.

>[You have activated Memorize.]

>[You have activated Frozen World.]

>[You have activated Starlight Arrow.]

>[You have activated Restricted Blink.]

After recording these spells, Taesan cast one of them.

*Crack!*

Frozen World materialized instantly, without the usual casting time or mana fluctuations.

Taesan raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

The same was true for Starlight Arrow and Restricted Blink; the absence of a casting time meant the spells materialized immediately, without warning.

“Not bad.”

The ability to cast spells without the usual visual cues or mana waves meant his opponents would have no forewarning. Although limited to three stored spells, it was a useful skill nonetheless.

Completing the trial had also granted him two intermediate magic spells.

---

**[Intermediate Magic: Mana Storm]**

**[Mana Cost: 1,000]**

**[Proficiency: 1%]**

*Creates a storm concentrated from pure mana.*

The mana cost was the highest among his intermediate spells, so he anticipated significant power. Gathering his mana, Taesan activated it.

>[You have activated Mana Storm.]

Mana flowed out and took form in the world around him.

Initially swirling gently, it quickly transformed into a tempest, tearing through the surrounding space.

*Crack!*

The sheer force of the mana storm swept everything in its path. True to his expectations, this was one of his most powerful intermediate spells by sheer force.

“It’s slightly different.”

Unlike his black magic spell *Zepar’s Black Gale*, which created multiple smaller whirlwinds covering a large area, Mana Storm focused its immense force in a single area. Both had their distinct uses, so he didn’t mind.

---

**[Radiant Blue Barrier]**

**[Mana Cost: 900]**

**[Proficiency: 1%]**

*Summons a barrier of blue light, blocking all types of attacks and preventing hostile entities from entering.*

The Blue Barrier performed just as described. When he activated it, a translucent blue barrier formed over a large area. According to the description, it blocked attacks regardless of type.

It seemed particularly useful for when he returned to Earth.

“Not bad.”

The new spells he’d gained were incredibly valuable. Normally, he would be overjoyed, but right now, these abilities felt somewhat overshadowed.

Taesan looked at the skill window.

---

**[Advanced Magic: Cataclysm]**

**[Mana Cost: 5,000]**

**[Proficiency: 1%]**

*Controls a core that brings about the collapse of all things.*

The mana cost was exorbitant.

5,000 mana was about a quarter of his total. Even with his intelligence stat and skills that reduced mana consumption, the cost was on another level entirely.

“Hm.”

After checking out the advanced magic, Taesan turned to examine another skill as critical as his advanced magic.

---

**[Negation Magic]**

**[Proficiency: 1%]**

*An unholy magic created by merging the power of ancient gods with Zerband’s magic.*

Negation magic—a magic Taesan had created by balancing darkness and magic against each other, yielding an absolute advantage in compatibility.

The power was undeniable. With a mere intermediate spell, he had neutralized Wirad’s black lines, which he previously could only divert. It was no exaggeration to say it rivaled the authority of an immortal.

But the risks were equally significant.

For one, it required absolute control over mana to wield it.

The issue was that Taesan had yet to reach the level where he could attain such control. He needed to manipulate mana as easily as his own limbs, but he was still far from that level.

As such, he had to cast Partial World Alteration on himself to use negation magic.

Partial World Alteration affected the world itself, allowing him to impose restrictions or alter the environment. Yet, he had to forgo using these aspects to wield negation magic.

Having an absolute advantage in compatibility was a potent power, but Partial World Alteration was valuable in its own right.

Moreover, the resource consumption when using negation magic was significantly higher than for other spells.

‘It’s definitely useful.’

The conditions were demanding, and the cost high, but the return was substantial.

A powerful tool, but one he couldn’t use lightly—a trump card, in essence.

>[Can’t you mix the black energy with anything other than magic?]

“I tried, but nothing else worked.”

Taesan answered the spirit’s question. He had to temper the black energy just enough to prevent it from spiraling out of control, and only magic could achieve this balance. Black magic, in particular, reacted wildly, trying to consume him in the process.

If he reached a higher level, it might be possible, but for now, only magic and divine energy could combine with it.

Having completed his review, Taesan exited the room.

Walking down the corridor, he encountered several mages. They froze upon seeing him, casting him intense, mixed looks.

Their gazes contained admiration and reverence.

And also, fear.

All the mages had witnessed his battle with Wirad.

While they found Taesan’s use of black energy fascinating and astonishing, it also felt disturbingly alien. Since that fight, neither Eliana nor any other mage had dared to approach him.

“Feeling a bit lonely here.”

>[Your fake sentiment is showing.]

The spirit scoffed.

Taesan walked down the corridor until he reached a small room. Opening the door, he stepped inside.

“You’ve come.”

Inside was Wirad, who closed the spellbook he had been reading.

“Are you planning to leave now?”

“Yes. I’ve gained everything I needed.”

After defeating Wirad, Taesan hadn’t immediately returned to the labyrinth.

Wirad had told him he could stay as long as he wished, as per the will of Zerband.

With no reason to refuse, Taesan had stayed to gather knowledge on magic and consolidate his new powers.

But his time here was nearing an end. It was time to return to the labyrinth.

Taesan spoke to Wirad.

“Thank you. I gained a lot thanks to you.”

The concept of negation magic was inspired by observing Wirad’s powers. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say it was thanks to Wirad. Wirad responded nonchalantly.

“What you gained was through your own ability, so there’s no need to thank me.”

Wirad looked at Taesan thoughtfully.

“You’re not a mage.”

“No.”

Taesan nodded.

He wasn’t a mage who delved into mysteries and pursued the arcane. He was an adventurer who gained strength through various abilities.

Though he admired Wirad’s magic, as an adventurer, he preferred shortcuts to the direct path Wirad had taken. Wirad chuckled quietly.

“Zerband told me to recruit you as a member of the tower.”

“Is that so.”

“But you don’t belong here. Go back to where you should be.”

“May I ask a question before I go?”

“A question, is it? Ask whatever you like. I’ll answer as I see fit.”

“Your authority.”

Dimensional Separation.

The ability to create a separate dimension and manipulate points, lines, and planes—powers resembling the very laws of nature. It felt far beyond the authority of an immortal.

When asked about it, Wirad replied.

“This place is the Tower. It’s an optimized space for magical power. I also set up some preparations in the duel space. Because of that, I could wield powers beyond my capacity.”

Wirad waved his hand, creating a quiet black point.

“Intervening in dimensions is indeed

the level I aspire to, but right now, I can only manage simple effects like this. I’ll get there someday, but for now, it’s out of reach.”

“I see.”

His curiosity was satisfied. Wirad spoke again.

“This time, I’ll ask a question. You’re an immortal. What’s your authority?”

What was his authority?

Taesan himself couldn’t be certain. Perhaps the best fit was Spirit Elevation, but he had possessed that power even before becoming an immortal. It didn’t feel like an authority he gained upon ascension.

And divine power was not exactly it either, as it was something any being could acquire through worship.

Wirad, perhaps misunderstanding his silence, spoke again.

“You don’t have to answer. Authority is the culmination of an immortal’s own strength. It’s inherently personal and private. But instead, I’ll ask something else. How did you manage to wield black energy with magic?”

“That, I do not know.”

He had obtained the black energy through Spirit Elevation and had been able to control it to some extent from the start. That was all he knew.

“Interesting. Beings bound by the laws of this world cannot wield the power of the ancient gods, not even immortals. Yet you not only control it, you also merge it with magic.”

Wirad regarded Taesan.

“It’s as if your very essence contains a hint of their power.”

Something Wirad said sparked a thought in Taesan’s mind.

Wirad shook his head.

“I’m curious, but if even you don’t know the answer, then I won’t dwell on it.”

“...Understood.”

“Zerband’s trial is over. That means you’ve acquired advanced magic, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm.”

Wirad looked at him with interest.

“I’ve never personally seen Zerband’s advanced magic.”

“Really?”

“The mages here haven’t been granted that privilege yet.”

The mages of the Tower were all individuals acknowledged by the God of Magic himself, possessing both talent and a passion for magic.

Yet, none among them had been allowed to wield advanced magic.

Such magic had immense value.

“I chose to pursue my own magic, so I didn’t learn advanced spells. I stand by that choice, but I admit, I’m curious. How about a duel?”

Taesan nodded, eager to test the strength of his advanced magic. Having an immortal like Wirad assist him was invaluable.

For a final confirmation before leaving, Taesan headed to the dueling grounds with Wirad.

Wirad waved his hand, summoning hundreds of black points.

“Then let’s begin. When you activate the advanced spell, I’ll respond accordingly.”

Taesan nodded and gathered his mana.

>[You have activated Cataclysm.]

The advanced magic manifested in reality.

Simultaneously, an intense power gathered.

Space itself began to collapse, a core of terrifying power forming and appearing before Taesan.

A black sphere materialized before him.

“Hmm.”

Taesan let out a soft groan as the powerful burden weighed on his body.

Wirad’s expression hardened. He quickly swung his staff, sending thousands of black lines toward the black sphere.

Taesan fired the sphere.

The core of Cataclysm shot toward the black lines.

*Rumble!*

“What in the world?!”

Wirad was astonished.

The black lines could cancel out negation magic, meaning they held strength comparable to it.

Yet, these black lines were all crushed and obliterated.

The core disintegrated everything it touched, leaving no trace behind, and it showed no signs of slowing.

Wirad hurriedly summoned a white point. The white dot collided with the black sphere, causing a violent shockwave.

---

Once everything was confirmed, Taesan returned from the Tower.

As he prepared to go back to the labyrinth, the space around him shifted. A universe of countless galaxies unfolded in a black world.

>[Did you enjoy it?]

Zerband stood alone in the dark space.