Chapter 42 - Fourth Evolution (2) (1/2)

Fourth Evolution (2)

[Are you sure you want to synthesize for the Lunatic Trickster skill? In that case, the following skills will disappear: Trap Creation, Poison Creation, Spider Web Creation, (choose one: Power Attack or Power Arrow)]

[The skill is strengthened by the effects of magic skills and combat support skills.]

[Yes]

[No]

It was clear that that the Lunatic Trickster skill is similar to that of Trap Creation.

Spider Web Creation is just a lump of unnecessary luggage, so this is the perfect time to get rid of it.

The same goes for Poison Creation, which I have never even used yet.

It would be a huge blow, however, if I lose Power Attack, but fortunately, I have another option.

I chose to use Power Arrow for the synthesis.

It was completed immediately.

[Trap Creation, Poison Creation, Spider Web Creation, and Power Arrow have been synthesized.]

[You acquired the Intermediate Lunatic Trickster skill Lv1.]

[1. Consumes time, mana, stamina, weapons, equipment, and other materials to create a desired type of trap in the desired location (within sight). The size, strength, and duration of the trap depend on the type and amount of materials used.]

[2. Other skills can be applied through Lunatic Trickster. Amplify specific elements of skill or add new elements. This is done randomly and will consume one skill level in exchange for skill improvement.]

As if it wasn’t a good skill already, the Lunatic Trickster had to abilities.

The first one was what I expected – a better version of Trap Creation.

The second ability made me worry, however.

I don’t like to depend on random luck. I cannot risk my life on chance.

Of course, it’s a skill that improves a skill for the price of one skill level.

However, the scope of the improvement it can offer is unknown, so it had a gambling-like factor.

What’s more, it comes with a heavy price.

But it’s a good option to have.

Every ability has its own purpose. The second ability of the Lunatic Trickster will definitely prove useful sometime.

I closed the notification window.

Suddenly, I felt A.

I immediately noticed his presence and looked at his direction

A didn’t comment on my polished sense of Detection, and instead said something.

“Last one left.”

“I know.”

“Would you like to challenge right away?”

I looked down on my body. It was still in Goblin form.

Usually, after I finished eating the last opponent, I go back to a Hob Goblin Assaulter form.

“Yes… but my body…”

“The 10th conquest of the first floor of Jinma Tower – begins.”

Damn it, A!

Unlike Rain, who was too kind, A was annoying and unhelpful.

Having said those words, he disappeared again.

I ground my teeth. He really started the 10th conquest just like that. Damn.

However, I felt nothing.

No – I felt like I was nothing.

I tried to move my head, but I can’t.

I tried to feel the ground with my feet, but I can’t.

I had a dagger in my hand… there was nothing in my hand.

I had no hands. No feet, body, head… there was nothing left at all.

Even the Ebon Heart was gone.

No heart to pump blood, no lungs to breathe… I can’t breathe!

No, I don’t need to breathe.

Fear overwhelmed me.

I am nothing.

I can’t feel myself in this space.

Is this space even real? If I am not here, does this space exist?

If this space is real, then why am I not conscious of the things within it, even my own body?!

Am I gone?

Did the Goblin form disappear completely, and only my consciousness remained?

Then… will my consciousness disappear soon, too?

A terrible horror swallowed me, and I swam desperately in it.

I exist. I exist!

This was supposed to be a safe training center.

There should be no loss of life. This shouldn’t happen.

I can’t disappear.

I have to survive.

I can’t disappear without a trace in this place.

I exist.

My soul and my body are definitely here!

At that moment, it was as if time reversed. I thought back.

I recalled the moment I killed the Poison Scorpion.

What did you think then? Think! Think!

I recalled. It was a question that passed my mind.

There is a boundary between the soul and the flesh. Is it possible to degenerate even further, leaving only the existence? Will that be against the laws of this place?

It was a simple moment of wondering about what A said. He said that this place is where all the trajectories I’ve passed through will merge into one, but can I degenerate to the point of non-existence?

Of course, everything that happened in Jinma Tower was mysterious, and I wouldn’t be able to comprehend them all with my own knowledge.

But I have to try to find out how it worked. So I can escape this phase.

What is common in degeneration?

Realization.

The level and skills remain the same.

From beginning to end, my skill and my level remained the same.

Even if the body has degenerated, those were maintained.

I took it for granted.

I did not question the deterioration of my body in the past.

I accepted it as the truth, and it became my reality. I really degenerated to a Hob Goblin and below, even if it wasn’t physically possible.

But how could the level and the skills remain the same?

What if degeneration was just my illusion?

What if I was a Hob Goblin Assaulter all this time?