――――――――――
The level of [Staff Mastery] skill has increased.
The level of [Magic Control] skill has increased.
The level of [Earth Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Fire Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Wind Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Dark Magic] skill has increased.
Newly learned “Dark Arm” and “Dark Mask” spell attacks.
[Dark Magic] has reached its growth limit. Evolution is possible.
[Dark Magic] evolved into [Black Magic] by consuming 6 SP.
Newly learned “Dark Field” spell attack.
The level of [Non-Elemental Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Summoning Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Enchatement] skill has increased.
Newly learned “Double Enchantement” 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.
Newly learned “Double Trap” and “Dual Trap Circle” spell attacks.
The level of [Archeology] skill has increased.
The level of [Linguistics] skill has increased.
Communication with different species is now possible.
The level of [Pharmacology] skill has increased.
The level of [Alchemy] skill has increased.
The level of [Appraisal] skill has increased.
The level of [Stealth] skill has increased.
The level of [Sneak] skill has increased.
The level of [Ambush] skill has increased.
The level of [Light Weakness] skill has decreased.
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I logged back in and these were the results from Monday to Wednesday. During the day, I engaged in excessive hunting and alchemy in the sewer, while at night, I repeated hunting and gathering in the forest, resulting in these achievements.
Firstly, I made significant progress in enhancing my skills of [Enhancement] and [Trap Magic]. Let’s delve into each of them.
In the case of [Enhancement] double enchantment became possible, which means applying two enchantments to a single target. By utilizing this technique, such as using Magic Boost, I could further enhance my attack power. Moreover, in critical situations, I could bolster my tissue-like durability to the level of kitchen paper.
Huh? You say the improvement is only marginal? Well, that’s true, but still noteworthy.
Moving on to [Trap Magic], I unlocked the double trap spell, enabling me to set two spells within a single trap. By incorporating curses into the trap, I could potentially double the effect of the trap, thus further weakening the enemy.
Then, there was the dual trap circle, a skill that allowed me to set two traps simultaneously. In other words, I could embed up to four spells using these two traps. This expanded my tactical options and widened the range of strategies at my disposal.
Something remarkable happened with [Linguistics]. I wondered what it meant to communicate with different species. However, to my surprise, I found myself roughly understanding the general meaning of the squeaks from those lesser Ratmen monsters. It seemed like I could now translate the languages of different species in real-time. Although I could not quite figure out its practical application yet.Nevertheless, the most exciting development was that my [Dark Magic] level had reached its maximum. It was truly a profound experience to witness the evolution of the spells that had supported my magic battles from the very beginning.
The evolution led me to [Black Magic]. Not only did it allow me to learn more powerful magic spells, but it also enhanced my existing spells. It could be said that it had evolved in every sense of the word.
Furthermore, I had learned new spells as well: “Dark Arm”, “Dark Mask”, and “Black Field”.
Firstly, the Dark Arm spell allowed me to create a gigantic arm from my shadow. While primarily for self-defense, its potential could be maximized depending on how it was used. The next spell, Dark Mask, involved placing a dark element mask on an enemy’s face. As long as the mask was on, it obscured their vision and gradually accumulated dark element damage, making it a harassing magic. Lastly, the Black field filled an area around me with the dark element energy, and if allies within range were of the monster species, their stats would be slightly increased. It was an unconventional spell, but it was compatible with me, so it didn’t pose an issue for me.
Each of these spells had its own quirks, but I had already grasped the feeling of using them. With a little more practice, I would become more efficient in their utilization.
And now it was nighttime, and I had arrived at the Western Forest. This place had become familiar to me, like my own backyard, and I had a general understanding of the gathering points and the positions of the monsters. There was a human party here the day before yesterday, but other than that, hardly anyone came. It was practically my exclusive territory.
Curious about what happened to that party? It consisted of two women and three men, a total of five individuals. Unfortunately, they were ambushed by a Brown Bear that was driven into a frenzy by the Will-o’-Wisps, resulting in their extermination. Their average level was 8, on par with mine, hence, tthey taught me firsthand that losing composure leads to failure. Following their tragic fate, that very Brown Bear became my prey.
Incidentally, I couldn’t help but notice that the darkness seemed more pronounced tonight. Was it the absence of a new moon? The pale blue moon that should have hung overhead was nowhere to be seen. This sky was suitable for indulging in the loneliness of hunting, but still…
Oh, no. It seems I ventured a little too deep. The forest, which had been dense until now, unexpectedly opened up into a sizable clearing. While I still had some time, it would be wise to retreat for now…
――――――――――
You have entered a Field Boss Area.
As the conditions have been met, you will now initiate the “Trial of the Azure Moon”
――――――――――
“…Eh?”
What? What’s that? ‘Trial of the Azure Moon’? A boss?”
Amidst my confusion, the situation continued to unfold. Despite being a new moon, a moon that should not have been there suddenly appeared in the night sky, glowing vividly. It exuded an eerie aura unlike anything I had seen before, resembling a floating eyeball.
I didn’t know what was happening, but now was not the time to hesitate. The atmosphere indicated that a battle was imminent, so I needed to quickly prepare myself.
“Magic Boost, and another Magic Boost, then set trap, and set another trap…”
I wasn’t a vanguard fighter capable of winning battles head-on. Therefore, I had to ensure that I was in perfect condition!
“Magic Circle deployment, Black Field. Meditation. Minions, stand by.”
Somehow, it seemed like I had finished enhancing myself before the fight began. I entrusted the frontline to the three additional minions I summoned. Now, let the enemy come!
Thud…
Just as I heard the sound of the ground cracking at the center of the boss area, something emerged from it. It was as if an arm was sprouting out. Since when did this game turn into a horror show?
Putting jokes aside, what crawled out of the ground was a worn-out, tattered kimono… No, was that a kariginu? It resembled the attire of a Heian-era noble who appeared in those classical literature textbooks from my high school days,
Anyway, the one who appeared was a man wearing that garment. He had an eboshi hat on his head, a dirty staff in his right hand, and what seemed like a precious gem held in his left hand. Considering that he didn’t appear decayed despite emerging from the ground, I deduced that he belonged to the undead race. Now, I wonder what kind of opponent he would be?
――――――――――
Race: Human (Undead) Level 25
Job: Senior Noble (?) Level 18
Skills:
- [Sword Mastery]
- [Spear Mastery]
- [Bow Mastery (archery)]
- [Dagger Mastery]
- [??????]
- [??]
- [????]
- [???]
- [Fire Resistance]
- [Poetry]
- [Court Music]
――――――――――
What? Huh? T-the level difference is three times higher?! Besides, what does that Moon thing name even mean? And an undead human? I don’t understand this at all! Is this really a balanced fight?
“Oh, Moon… Tonight, please answer my love…”
Ehhhhhhh, it talked~~ ! Alright, enough with the outdated jokes. What in the world is happening here? It’s peculiar to witness a monster completely disregarding the player and instead engaging in conversation with the moon. For now, let’s simply observe. I didn’t want to interrupt and risk provoking an angry response from the outset. Besides, this gave me a chance to meditate a little.
“The treasures that you seek are all here! Now, become one with me!”
With those words, the man elevated his garments, staff, the gem he held, and even a teacup and a fragment of a seashell toward the sky. Subsequently, a beam of blue light descended from the moon, enveloping them in its radiant glow. Such a spectacle created an enchanting and truly fantastical scene.
And finally, I began to grasp the origin story behind this boss. Well, it was about time, and I already had a good idea of how it would conclude. As expected, the moon’s light shone upon those rather unappealing objects, claimed to be treasures, but that was all there was to it.
“Why? Why, oh why? I poured my heart out for you! I poured my love into it! Why won’t you acknowledge meeeee!”
The man in the eboshi hat cried out, his voice filled with anguish and sorrow. Rather than crying in front of others, it seemed he was so fixated on the moon that he hadn’t even noticed my presence.
It appeared that the event scene had concluded, so it was time to launch an attack. Thanks to not rushing in and focusing on attacking, my magic power had recovered considerably through meditation. Now, it was time to show him what I was capable of!
“Deploy Dual Magic Circles! Dark Lance!”
“Guhaa!”
The Dark Lance, still boasting the highest firepower among my long-range spells, pierced through both of the eboshi hat man’s… well, let’s just call him a noble due to his long speech. Not only did it possess impressive base power, but the “Ambush” skill and “Undedog” title effects, along with the Black Field, elevated the damage even further. It seemed that my preparations paid off, as despite the level difference, I managed to deplete a tenth of his health with my starting move.
However, putting it another way, despite all my efforts, I had only managed to deplete a mere tenth of his health. The level difference was truly daunting.
“Who are you, you wretched creature?”
S-surprisingly, he seemed rather composed. Well, fine then. Let’s mix in a bit of role-playing and banter!
“What does it matter who I am? Isn’t it customary to introduce yourself before asking someone else’s name?”
“I have no need for courtesy toward a monster! I care not who you are!”
“Ah, I see. I must admit, I’m not familiar with you. So, pray tell, who are you?”
“I-I do not require to introduce myself to a monster!”
Oh? What’s with this flustered reaction? Could it be…
“Could it be that you’ve forgotten your own name?”
“Grrr…!”
To think he had been engaged in this for such a long time that he forgot his own name. Perhaps I should exploit that weakness.
“Even if you’ve forgotten your name, can you not let go of your obsession with the moon? It seems you are far more monstrous than I am, noble sir. How amusing it is, my esteemed nameless individual.”
“Silence…”
“Then allow me to introduce myself, you pitiful, nameless noble. I am Isam! A mere aspiring villain!”
“Shut up!!”
As I introduced myself with a grandiose pose, the nobleman became somewhat deranged and charged at me. Did my earlier taunting in our conversation have an effect? I’m not particularly skilled at provoking others, but I suppose it worked.
“Caught you, fool.”
“Grrrr!”
The noble fell neatly into the trap I had set. It consisted of two curses that reduced his speed. I was worried about the significant level difference, but it seemed to have worked. His speed plummeted rapidly, causing the noble to stumble and fall.
“Wind Wall!”
I positioned myself where the noble had fallen and deployed the Wind Wall. This spell, although possessing minimal physical defense, contained razor-sharp blades within the wall itself, capable of shredding anyone who touched it.
As anticipated, the nobleman became drenched in blood due to my magic attack. However, this state would not last long. Spells of the wall category, by their nature, cannot be moved from their point of activation. If the nobleman were to shift his position, he would be in grave danger.
Driven by madness, the nobleman charged at me recklessly, devoid of any fear of pain. Despite enduring substantial ongoing damage from the Wind Wall, he seemed entirely unconcerned. Well, that was to be expected.
“Gaaaah!”
The slightly sluggish nobleman swung the staff he held in his hand, attempting to strike me. It was quite intimidating, but I would not be defeated easily.
“Truly, like a beast. Activate the Dual Magic Circle, Stone Wall!”
“Giih!”
I set up two Stone Walls in position beforehand. It was a wise decision, as the nobleman managed to shatter the first one with a single strike. However, he could only dent the second one.
“Remote Placement of the Dual Magic Circle! Throw him off!”
“Clatter.”
“And take this, Dark Lance!”
“Guga!”
I inflicted further debuffs on the immobilized nobleman. This time, it was a curse that reduced his attack power. It seemed to have taken effect! Luck was on my side.
Once I confirmed the curse had taken hold, I issued an order to one of my minions. This particular one was a newly summoned entity. I had bestowed it with a strength-enhancing spell called Strength Boost, so it was more fragile than the other two, who had physical defense boost, but was significantly stronger.
As the minion grabbed the nobleman’s arm, wielding the staff, it hurled him away using a hammer-throwing technique. Simultaneously, my last magic attack struck him directly, causing the nobleman to be sent flying in a comical manner, reminiscent of a gag manga character.
Now the distance between us had returned to square one. The nobleman’s health remained at just over 80%. As for myself, my consumption was minimal, thanks to the effects of meditation. However, I couldn’t afford to underestimate my opponent. I would continue to confound and manipulate him with my cunning, just as I always did.
――――――――――
Name: Isam
Race: Skeleton Level 8
Job: Apprentice Mage Level 8
Titles:
- Knowledge Seeker
- Title Earner
- Heretic
- Underdog
- Mastermind Strategist
Remaining SP: 106
Skills:
- [Staff Mastery] Lv11 up!
- [Magic Control] Lv13 up!
- [Earth Magic] Lv8 up!
- [Water Magic] Lv8 up!
- [Fire Magic] Lv9 up!
- [Wind Magic] Lv8 up!
- [Dark Magic] Lv10 max! → [Black Magic] Lv0 new!
- [Non-Elemental Magic] Lv9 up!
- [Summoning Magic] Lv8 up!
- [Enchantment] Lv5 up!
- [Magic Circle] Lv7 up!
- [Necromancy] Lv5 up!
- [Curse] Lv4 up!
- [Trap Magic] Lv5 up!
- [Archaeology] Lv7 up!
- [Linguistics] Lv5 up!
- [Pharmacology] Lv7 up!
- [Alchemy] Lv7 up!
- [Appraisal] Lv8 up!
- [Night vision] Lv-
- [Stealth] Lv9 up!
- [Sneak] Lv8 up!
- [Ambush] Lv6 up!
- [Status Resistance] Lv-
- [Light Weakness] Lv6 down!
- [Blunt Attack Weakness] Lv10
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