Chapter 649 Armoured Kong (1/2)

The various Strata of the Dungeon are as different from one another as can be, each holding unique characteristics that can only be found in those places. There is some discussion around whether the environment of that Strata is the cause of the predominant mana attributes in those places, or does the mana that gives shape to the environment?

Since no scholar was present as the various layers of the Dungeon took shape, it's impossible for us to know for certain. What we can do, as researchers, delvers and academics, is to study the current state of the various layers and hypothesise as to their formation. In the following pages I will provide a detailed breakdown of the layers known to the Magio Scholars of the Imperial College and give my own thoughts as to their purpose and origins.

(Inquisitor Note: Details of the lower strata are NOT for distribution on pain of death. Do not disseminate, discuss or pa.s.s on this information without the express clearance of the Inquisitorium.)

First Strata: The Layer of Beasts, as it is commonly referred is the weakest and least dangerous. The mana here is of a low concentration and is unable to support the more advanced monster types that can be found deeper.

Second Strata: The Shadow Sea, due to its nature, is far more threatening than the first layer, despite being only slightly deeper into the Dungeon. The darkness, cold and high concentration of death mana can create many unique monster types that can prove fatal to the unprepared. It has been noted by many that this layer holds special affinity to stealth Skills and types, proving the perfect hunting and training ground for those who specialise in such builds.

Third Strata: The Red Plateau. The world of the Demons and the playground of Arconidem's subjects. The mana here behaves in such peculiar ways that it isn't easy to a.s.sign a single affinity to the entire layer, but fire is certainly a persistent, and violent affinity that is found here. The Demon society, such that it is, is one that has adapted to this environment (or perhaps created it?) and certainly those monsters themselves are by far the greatest danger. Those that rule over that place are worse tyrants than any that has sat on a throne on the surface.

Fourth Strata: Mythic Realm. It is in the fourth layer that what mages like to cla.s.s as the 'higher mana' affinities begin to appear, those that are beyond the basic elemental types. The monsters here draw power from many sources and are as varied as the environments that can be found. It is certainly worth noting that this layer is home to the highest concentration of many rare minerals that are prized highly by the Sapient races, making territory here among the most fiercely sought after.

Fifth Strata: Fields of Decay. A troublesome place to say the least, the fifth strata is almost inhospitable to life. Filled with mana of decay, decomposition and rot, few powers seek to fight for control over these lands and contest against the almost indestructible monsters that roam through it. According to the earliest records the Tower has access to, the first Delvers to reach this place found remnants of a different environment and traces of mana with attributes that no longer exist there. It is theorized by many that Theorazzn somehow tainted this entire layer upon his ascent, changing it into what it has now become.

(Inquisitor Note: Information of the lower strata is strictly forbidden. The remaining pages are sealed to the scroll.)

Gaining Invidia helped Tiny tremendously in terms of his survivability in combat. The numerous s.h.i.+elds, which only get stronger as the little demon improved his Skills, with the constant flowing of sweet, sweet healing mana had done wonders in allowing the big ape to unleash his inner gla.s.s cannon. When I'd heard there was an opportunity to kit him out in some hacked together Legion armour… I have to say, I'd been a bit sceptical it would make much of a difference. However, after watching the ape nearly get himself killed diving headlong into the Legion, I knew that something had to be done. To be honest, I took this chance just to get Tiny away from the front for a few days in order to prevent him diving into bristling Legion formations for a bit. Perhaps that would be enough to cool him off.

Turns out I was wrong on many fronts. Not only did the slight visit not calm Tiny down, it appears to have bottled his rage even further, compressing it into a neutron star of fury that has apparently exploded. The moment he saw the Legion gathering to a.s.sault our position he began to roar and bellow non-stop, slamming his fists into his s.h.i.+ny new armoured chest and throwing punches at the distant foe. To be fair to him, the Legion didn't seem all that happy to see him, either. Once they were able to see him, I saw a crack in their usual cast-iron discipline. A visible ripple moved through the ranks and it became immediately clear that Tiny was their primary target once they drew closer. The amount of firepower directed his way was extraordinary! Sword light, spells and a few kitchen sinks flew up at him well before the distance had closed to the point that such things could hurt him.

When the battle lines closed, that was when all h.e.l.l broke loose. I'd forced Tiny to remain on the wall by giving a strict, clear order using only small words which I'd repeated fourteen times. That didn't stop him from bathing the approaching Legion with Lightning the moment he could. If I hadn't ordered him to stop, he might have run out of juice before he even got to throw a punch!