Chapter 30: Evolution and Job Change (2nd)

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Race level has increased. Gained 1 SP.

Job level has increased. Gained 1 SP.

Race level has reached its growth limit. Evolution is possible.

Job level has reached its growth limit. Job change is possible.

The level of [Staff Mastery] skill has increased.

The level of [Magic Control] skill has increased.

The level of [Earthen Magic] skill has increased.

The level of [Storm Magic] skill has increased.

The level of [Sand Magic] skill has increased.

The level of [Mist Magic] skill has increased.

The level of [Black Magic] skill has increased.

The level of [Void Magic] skill has increased.

The level of [Summoning Magic] skill has increased.

The level of [Enchantment] skill has increased.

Newly learned “Quadruple Enchantment” spell.

The level of [Magic Circle] skill has increased.

The level of [Necromancy] skill has increased.

The level of [Curse] skill has increased.

The level of [Trap Magic] skill has increased.

The level of [Spirit Channeling] skill has increased.

The level of [Witchcraft] skill has increased.

Newly learned “Transformation” and “Duplication” spells.

The level of [Ambush] skill has increased.

The level of [Ambush] has reached its growth limit.

You have acquired the [Assassination] skill through your past actions and experiences.

The level of [Light Weakness] skill has decreased. 

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I-I’m utterly exhausted! You see, it’s because after the discussions were over, I spent the whole Friday pushing myself to level up at a high pace!

It’s not that my motivation to catch up to Jigoro was lacking, but the primary reason was to prepare for tomorrow’s confrontation with the Ratman General. Even though we’ve increased in numbers and grown stronger, it’s a bit unsettling that Jigoro is the only one who has completed the second stage of evolution. That’s why I worked hard to level up, since I’m the closest to evolving.

In the process, I learned new spells for [Enchantment] and [Alchemy]. With the newly acquired spell of [Enchantment] named “Quadruple Enchantment”, as the name suggests, it seems I can now stack multiple enhancements on a single target.

As for the [Alchemy] acquired spells, “Transformation” was a spell that allowed me to freely change the shape of items, except for indestructible ones. The “duplication” spell, on the other hand, enabled me to instantly create any item I had previously made, skipping all the steps involved. At my current level of [Alchemy], I can only produce items of “scrap” quality, but I’ve heard that higher levels can yield “good” quality items. Undoubtedly, this spell will significantly facilitate mass production.

However, what I’ve been eagerly waiting for was the transformation aspect. Why, you ask? Well…

“With this, I can finally modify myself!”

I transformed myself into a chimera skeleton! Well, when creating a chimera skeleton with multiple arms using the monster bones, it should be better to increase the number of shoulder blades. But in the case of a skeleton monster like me, who wasn’t a mix of creatures but a single entity, I couldn’t add more.

However! With this transformation, I could directly alter the shape of my bones! Now I had the ability to modify my own body! Let’s try it right away!

First, the shoulder blades. I used magic while firmly imagining the chimera skeleton warrior that the undead mage used to command. Then, my shoulders started to stir. It was a somewhat strange sensation.

But it seemed to work well. When I checked my reflection on the menu screen, both of my shoulder blades had transformed properly.

“Fufufu, it’s a success…!”

Then, I attached the new arms I had prepared in advance. Of course, they were specially made. After all, the raw materials were a fusion of the bones of the Lesser Small Naga and my own bones.

Through various experiments, I discovered that the skeleton creatures could still function even if a few bones were extracted. However, there was a penalty to their maximum physical strength based on the ratio of “weight of the extracted bones ÷ total weight × 100.”

Currently, I was extracting bones that weighed almost the same as the bones of the Lesser Small Naga. As a result, all of my ribs, lower jaw, and numerous small bones in my limbs were missing.

From an outsider’s perspective, I would look very shabby, but it didn’t matter. It was late at night, around three o’clock, and no one was logged in!

I carefully attached the arms to my shoulder joints. Yes, they fit perfectly. Now, let’s see…?

“Hmm… Huh? Ohh!”

A few seconds after attaching the arms, I felt a gradual warmth spreading through my shoulders, followed by a sensation of nerves connecting to the third and fourth arms. It was quite ticklish, but that was beside the point.

“T-they can move!”

It was a great success! I did it! Hahaha, with the addition of these arms, it seems like I can do even more stuff!

“Now, is there any visible change?”

Oh? I thought there would be some transformation in my race, but according to the menu, I was still an Abyss Skeleton Mage. It seems my expectations were off. Well, perhaps the change will occur after the evolution. Alright, let’s check the evolution options!

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• Chimera Abyss Demilich

A subspecies of the Demilich with the ability to use all Abyssal magic.

Far more powerful than a regular Demilich.

The arms have multiplied through [Alchemy].

• Chimera Abyss Dragonbone Demilich

A rare breed of Demilich that can utilize all Abyssal magic and possesses fragments of a dragon within its body.

Boasting unparalleled strength compared to a regular Demilich.

The arms have multiplied through [Alchemy].

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Oh, wow! This is amazing! It’s reflected in my race options! So, does that mean that the race name would only show changes when evolving? If that’s the case, it would be best to undergo another “transformation” right before future evolutions.

Now, there are two evolution options… but the answer is clear. There’s only one choice: Chimera Abyss Dragonbone Demilich. The Chimera Abyss Demilich seems to be a simple mixed chimera. Alright then, let’s evolve right away!

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Chimera Abyss Dragonbone Demilich has been selected.

Initiating evolution into Chimera Abyss Dragonbone Demilich.

Through the process of evolution, the level of [Undying Wisdom] has increased.

Through the process of evolution, the level of [Abyss dweller] has increased.

Through the process of evolution, the level of [Abyssal Aura] has increased.

Through the process of evolution, you have acquired the [Dragon’s Force] skill.

You have obtained the title “Dragon Kin”

As a result of evolution, the Staff of Hourai, Skull Mask, and Moon’s Feather Robe have all grown by one level.

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Hm? The [Dragon’s Force], you say? And a new title as well? It must be because of the bones of the Lesser Small Naga that I used in the process of transformation.

But more importantly, after the evolution, my bones, fused with the bones of the Lesser Small Naga, have returned to their original state. So, evolution also repairs bodily deficiencies. That’s something I’ve learned.

From what I can see on the menu screen, there doesn’t seem to be any visible change apart from the additional arms. I still have that mysterious sense of versatility, and my bones feel even stronger… but I can’t really tell beyond that. I’ll have everyone take a look this afternoon, or rather, later today.

I’ll set aside the various confirmations for now. Before that, I need to change my job. Now, let’s see what options there are…

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• Abyss Mage

A mage who has delved into the realm of forbidden magic. Provides medium bonuses to abyssal magic.

• Sage

A mage capable of using numerous types of magic. Provides affinity bonuses for all types of magic.

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These two options were the only ones that really drew my attention. The rest consisted of mage jobs that seemed to be evolved versions of my skills, like the “flame” mage or the “Void” Mage that existed before.

Choosing any of those jobs that anyone could have seemed rather mundane. I knew it would be nearly impossible for me to become number one based solely on my skills, so I decided to aim to be the only one on my chosen path.

With that in mind, I narrowed it down to only these two choices, but in reality, there was only one true option.

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The “Abyss Mage” has been selected.

The title, “Explorer of the Abyss” has changed into “Uncoverer of the Abyss”

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Oh, the title has changed once again. And it’s now “Uncoverer of the Abyss?

So, it goes from “Connoisseur” to “Explorer” and finally “Uncoverer”. I guess that makes me a full-fledged Abyss Mage. However, this makes me wonder if there are any other players who have reached this level of mastery in Abyss Magic? Most likely, there aren’t any.

Well, then, I’ll thoroughly specialize in Abyss Magic. My goal is to become a specialist in the realm of Abyss Magic!

With the update to my race and job now complete, it’s time to delve into the analysis of new skills and titles.

First, let’s focus on the [Dragon’s Force]. Hmm, this might be a bit tricky to use. It seems that, thanks to this skill, all my stats increase within a margin of error during normal times.

But the skill’s true power was unleashed when I was on the verge of death. Specifically, when my HP drops below 10%, all my abilities would be enhanced, and I would gain a constant HP regeneration effect. Additionally, I would gain the ability to use “Dragon’s Breath” once, a powerful skill that could only be activated in that state.

Once activated, the effects lasted for three minutes or until my HP surpassed 10%, at which point they were forcibly canceled. Furthermore, once activated, I couldn’t use it again for one day in real time, which translated to ninety-six in-game hours. It truly was a last resort skill.

However, I was a mage. In the current state of affairs, where party cooperation was essential, using this skill could potentially result in party annihilation. I could only hope that I never have to activate it. Although I was curious about how it felt to use it, especially now that I was in a party!

Next, I examined the rewards from the “Trial of the Azure Moon” which had also been strengthened alongside my evolution. As expected, new effects had been added. Let’s take a look.

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• Staff of Hourai – Quality: God, Rarity: G (God Class)

A staff crafted from the divine tree of Mount Hourai. Indestructible. Bound to its owner.
Its true power will surely be unleashed alongside the growth of its owner.

Equipment Effects: [Magic Attack Enhancement] Lv3, [Magic Power Amplification] Lv3, [Magic Stone Emission], [Magic Stone Absorption]

• Moon’s Feather Robe – Quality: God, Rarity: G (God Class)

A robe worn by the gods and their attendants residing on the moon. Indestructible. Bound to Its owner.
Its true power will surely be unleashed alongside the growth of its owner.

Equipment Effects: [Color and Shape Manipulation], [Magic Resistance] Lv3, [Flight] Lv3, [Skill Enhancement: Moonlight] Lv3

• Skull Mask – Quality: God, Rarity: G (God Class).

A mask that amplifies the power of death. Indestructible. Bound to Its owner.
Its true power will surely be unleashed alongside the growth of its owner.

Equipment Effects: [Necromancy Enhancement] Lv3, [Curse Enhancement] Lv3, [Disguise] Lv3, [Witchcraft Enhancement] Lv3

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The old equipment effects had all been raised to level 3. Moreover, there were three new effects: [Magic Stone Absorption], [Skill Enhancement: Moonlight], and [Witchcraft Enhancement]. Let’s examine them one by one.

First, [Magic Stone Absorption] allowed the staff to absorb magic stones, enhancing the power of spells. However, it only had an effect upon absorption and the magic stones available at the moment were of poor quality, so it didn’t hold much significance. Nevertheless, as the game progressed, it might become possible to greatly increase instantaneous firepower. I looked forward to what lay ahead.

Next, [Skill Enhancement: Moonlight] seemed to provide overall stat improvement when bathed in moonlight. It meant that I should make an effort to spend time outside during the nighttime, taking advantage of moonlit opportunities.

Then, there was [Witchcraft Enhancement], which was rather self-explanatory. It provided a boost to the effects and success rate of [Witchcraft]. I could consider it as becoming more proficient in inflicting “instant death”.

Lastly, there were two title designations: “Dragon Kin” and “Uncoverer of the Abyss”. Perhaps I should check the details of these titles.

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• “Dragon’s Kin”

This is a testament to those who have reached or incorporated a fragment of a dragon.

It greatly increases affinity with dragon-type monsters.

Requirement: Evolve into a race with the name “Dragon” or incorporate the physical body of a dragon-type monster.

• “Uncoverer of the Abyss”

This is the testament of someone who has mastered the arts deemed as evil.

Having reached the depths of the abyss, you will be regarded with awe by humans, respect by monsters, and affection by the inhabitants of the abyss.

The effects of abyssal magic moderately increase.

Requirement:  Change jobs into an Abyss Mage.

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The “Dragon’s Kin” title didn’t hold much significance for now. However, I possessed an item dropped by the “Moon Obsession” Boss that was called Dragon’s Jewel. I intended to return it to its rightful owner, the dragon god, someday. Perhaps this act would help prevent unnecessary conflicts. I hope it would.

As for the “Uncoverer of the Abyss” title, it was simply an enhancement of “Explored of the Abyss”. It was akin to the previous transition from being a “Connoisseur” to becoming an “Explorer”. It meant that I had become more adept at using abyssal magic.

With the verification process complete, I couldn’t go on any longer! I’m going to sleep until noon today! After waking up and having something to eat, I would then log in! Goodnight!