Clink! Clink!

Sounds of metal ringed inside the Malevolent Jar.

“Let’s see what’s inside. Coming to this dungeon has been the best decision in my life,” Gerald exclaimed.

Caesar and Nocturne smirked.

Dario turned the large golden jar upside down with the Omen Tribe’s signature skill, Telekinesis. This particular skill is invented by the Omen Tribe and requires users to have a high chi/mana manipulation. Since this is a “skill,” no MP is depleted and only AP is expended.

Chi-Based Techniques: [Skill - Telekinesis] Rank: Transcendence Proficiency: 89% -Can manipulate and move matter with the mind.

Telekinesis is a signature skill exclusively used by the Omen people. Typically, the cultivators of the skill use gestures as a courtesy to others. Essentially, it was to show that they were using the skill and the only way for it to be known is to face one’s palm downward. Pointing one’s finger is only done by the individuals whose rank with the skill is high-tier Transcendence level. Moreover, it is important to note that this skill is different from the mana-based spell, Telekinesis. They may have the same names, but they have different consumption rates in Mana or Action Points.

Anyhow, the glimmer of precious gems, gold coins, and other treasures started pouring out of the Lucky Jar.

Nocturne whistled.

Whistle.

“You were right for once Gerald, this dungeon has been a blessing for all of us.”

“We’ll see to our spoils after we’re done with this dungeon,” Dario replied as he moved all of the treasure into his Item Box.

Not losing focus for even a second, the group crossed the hallway where it led to the next chamber. Oddly enough, there were no signs of traps so far. If there were any, Nocturne would immediately sense it because of the job class, Thief. And a high-level one at that.

It seemed odd to Dario who could sense things like traps as well. But, he paid it no mind. All that was left was two chambers to deal with.

This time, the party’s eyes were met with dark strange gates. An insignia of a soldier was imprinted.

“What kind of metal is that gate?” Questioned Caesar.

“It’s made of Ebony,” replied Dario.

“What’s Ebony?” Gerald blurted out.

Dario smirked. “It’s a magical metal more powerful than mithril and orichalcum.”

!!

The three Peak Realm experts were surprised.

“Veda will tell you about that later, but now, bring up the character profile, Azad.”

“Very wise, young master.” The butler displayed a darkly armored individual. From a close glance, the soldier’s gender was a horned male humanoid armored in a razor-sharp and glass-like substance.

Azad Lvl. 89

Epithet: Blade Demon

Arishokras

The Blood Ox

Class: Transcendence Realm Species - Ronso

Rank: Boss

Elite Boss (sealed)

Ultimate Boss (sealed)

Contrary to its dark and grim name, the soldier’s armor reflects a black metal sheen that attracts the eye. The main features of the soldier is his long crimson hair along with a set of horns curling upward past the backside of his head and a mask made of Ebony. Moreover, decadent silver engravings are outlined at the ends of every armor piece.

“If it's who I think it is,” Dario commented. His face under the hood only displayed his nose and mouth area. It was enough to notice that his expression became serious. “We’ll have to go all-out until the end. And, none of us can make a mistake.”

Gulp.

The three Peak Realm experts gulped. “W-Who are we up against?” Gerald asked apprehensively.

“A relic of a bygone age, the Legendary Midnight Soldier. Elders of the Omen Tribe have many stories about him.” Dario replied.

“Just what do you mean by ‘make no mistakes?’” This time, the taciturn Nocturne asked the question.

“This would be a good time to explain what we’ll be doing from now,” Dario said.

Before the young disciple challenged Deluc’s Dungeon, there were already established facts about the tomb that the Demonic Teacher confirmed himself. Thanks to Elder Saru’s short expedition inside the place, the Demonic Teacher was able to meet the Legendary Midnight Soldier. When Elder Saru returned to the tribe, the Demonic Teacher declared that Deluc’s tomb was of no serious threat and that it would be solved when fate allows it. Naturally, the elder had told the young disciple about the excursion down to the finest details. This leads the young man to develop a dream about conquering Deluc’s tomb. By then, Dario had plenty of time to devise a cunning plan.

The Legendary Midnight Soldier, Azad, was a soldier that was betrayed by his own country. Azad was subject to numerous arcanic rituals involving the power of darkness (yin). It is unknown which country Azad hails from since it was destroyed during the Fairy War Campaign, a war that came before the Omen Campaign.

“I’ll be the one to fight Azad head-on while Gerald supports me. Caesar, I believe it’s time that you elevate to the next realm. And Nocturne, you will maximize both your jobs to their fullest potential,” Dario said.

Befuddled, the three experts looked at each other.

Caesar spoke first, “W-What do you mean by ‘elevate to the next realm?’”

The young man sighed. Sigh. “I had wanted to do this before we meet Deluc, but The Blood Ox is not a foe you can face while in the Peak Realm.”

Dario summoned Revenant and Kuma. “Go and stand watch.”

The tall Revenant bowed and Kuma was wagging its bony, demonic tail. Then, the young disciple started pulling out a table with alchemic tools from the Item Box.

“What’re you gonna do with all of those?” Gerald questioned while Dario was busy disassembling the Enigma Bird.

“The reward for killing a unique monster like the Rainbow Bird is that its body can be used to create chi pills,” Dario commented.

Conveniently, the young disciple knew how to synthesize the Rainbow Bird. People from the Omen Tribe are natural alchemists knowledgeable in producing medicine and holistic potions for the body. Young or old, all of them have a degree of skill in that area.

Furthermore, Dario had access to quantum technology where producing chi pills could easily be synthesized with a few machines. Only alchemical tools, vials, and lab equipment were all compact enough to produce pills or tablets.

“This will take half an hour. Regulate your chi to replenish your MP and AP. And one more thing.” The young disciple pointed his finger and a light green orb flew up and started showering streams of lights like rain.

“Healing Rain.”

Since they first stepped inside the dungeon, Gerald, Caesar, and Nocturne were commanded to activate Blade Aura and Sword Aura at all times during combat. Therefore, they were getting close to using all of their MP/AP. If that were to happen, they would fall over due to exhaustion. Also, even if they were able to replenish chi through meditation, their minds would be fatigued to be able to think clearly while on the battlefield. Luckily, Dario had a spell to lessen psychological strain.

At this moment, all that needed to be done was the completion of the pills, specifically, the Rainbow Pills. The Omen Tribe has information regarding the effect of such a pill. If successfully synthesized, it can increase the size of one’s Dantian by over 100 years. And, the amount of pills that can be manufactured depends on the size of the bird.

Anyhow, twenty minutes passed by and Dario finished.

Dario held a smile on his face as he caressed the Rainbow Pills and displayed them to the group. Sparkling glitter was reflected in the eyes of the group as six Rainbow Pills were glimmering beautifully.

Six huh? It’s been a while since I last surprised myself. Dario grinned.

“Are you sure you didn’t make pearls instead of pills?” Gerald said jokingly.

“Heh.” Dario scoffed. “I’ll be the last, so you three will start, then Revenant and Kuma.”

“Your undead grow stronger? Does that even make sense?” Nocturne knew that a Necromancer’s undead will forever remain as they are. The potential for growth was nearly impossible. And, the only way for the undead to increase their power was through buffs.

“I am a Sith Lord, not some second-rate Necromancer,” Dario arrogantly (confidently) expressed.

?

Gerald held a stupefied expression.

“Go on now, take it. We’ll be facing Azad soon enough.”

Gulp. The three experts felt tense but proceeded to grab a Rainbow Pill and sat in a lotus meditation form. They began at the same time.

Suddenly, their respective Aura began to emit from their body. Dario used a spell and placed Protect around the three. The Peak Realm experts’ transition to Transcendence Realm would be a special one.

***

The three awoke on top of their sleeping bags. “Did we succeed?” Asked Caesar.

Gerald immediately sprung on his two feet and clenched both of his hands. Two different colors of Aura started to emit. A red and green Aura. Those two signify an aptitude in fire and wind synergy.

“With this, I can keep using Dual Wave Blade like it’s nothing.”

My ultimate move can be used like any other skill now! Guess I have to make a new one! Gerald thought internally. He had a smile on his face that expressed deep satisfaction.

Caesar gripped his Nodachi. He too could feel the transcendent feeling of manipulating chi.

We won’t be a burden to anyone anymore. Caesar thought.

The last to realize what had changed within themself was Nocturne. He was quite literally a master of two jobs now. Safe to say that his power won’t be lacking.

“Your husks are over there,” Dario said while pointing across from them.

Whenever martial practitioners reach the Transcendence Realm, there is a shedding of a vessel like a cocoon that takes place. Typically, individuals that reach the Master Class would break out from their cocoons in a span of several months to half a year. The newly incorporated mana that was absorbed would need to purify the entire body which takes a very long time. However, thanks to the special effects of the Rainbow Pill, that process is mitigated due to Complete Rejuvenation, also known as the Complete Mana Pathway Cleanse. A clay-like figure that was once your vessel is now but layers of solidified impurities from the body. Much like a creature hatching from an egg, or a snake shedding their skin, a human would look younger with this transformation.

While the three newborn Transcendence Realm warriors laid their eyes on their husks, a realization suddenly dawned upon them. They now knew that they were worthy to be of the Master Class.

Master Class

-In this world, Soa, people of Master Class are known to be warriors or knights reaching the level where Aura is easily manipulated.

-The Omen Sect also refers to them as Masters.

Of course, they were all above Level 50 ever since defeating the hundreds of monsters and undead at the labyrinth. All that needed to be done was to absorb the Rainbow Pill and unlock themselves even further. This is a feat only the top ten percent of all physical fighters can hope to achieve in this world.

“Revenant and Kuma are up next,” Dario said.

The process of absorbing the Rainbow Pill for the two undead will proceed a lot faster than the previous three. One of the special effects of the Sith Lord job is that familiars share the same arcane connection to their master. In essence, the young disciple’s core function of manipulating mana, the breathing art of the Heavenly Demon is also transferred to the familiars. This special effect has opened the usage of mana to have an effortless release accompanied by a faster mana flow for the undead.

The skeletal bear and the demonic Revenant approached and absorbed the pills. Unlike most creatures, resurrected familiars or undead do not require a meditative position to process unrefined mana into their Dantian. Revenant simply stood as his Death Aura emanated around him like a silhouette while Kuma laid on the ground.

Ten minutes had gone but the party felt like only a couple of moments had passed by. Seeing the undead’s Aura grow brighter and stronger made time slow down for them. And just like that, Revenant’s appearance changed as he solidified his Death Aura into jet black equipment leaving the front torso bare while having the shoulders and arms equipped with heavy armor. His lower half was covered by a black sheet armored by black plates of metal around the waist area. Most importantly, his spartan-looking helmet which was Revenant’s main feature has been added with more details like a drake’s wing protruding vertically from the sides of the helmet and a black plume feather hanging down like a tail.

(Author’s note: Revenant’s gladiator helm was changed to look like a spartan helm.)

Overall, the undead demonic species gave off the impression of a dark martial priest. His previous appearance of a spartan with mummy-like features could no longer be seen and Revenant has come to bear his own image.

As for Kuma, a new ability formed for the demonic bone bear. It was the ability to masks its appearance with Aura and revert to its original appearance. In other words, Kuma can go back to looking like the Lord of Bloodwood Forest with its jet black fur and red demonic eyes. Other than that, only certain attributes were increased mainly including MP/AP. At this point, Kuma can actively wield Aura like Gerald and the others.

“Lord Disciple,” Revenant said with his coarse and eerie voice. The tall undead knelt.

As if Dario knew what his familiar would say, he replied calmly.

“You remember something?”

“Forgive me, master, my memories are returning as we speak. What is certain is that I have regained more than half my original power.”

“Heh.” Dario scoffed. If you can solidify Death Aura into armor, then your level is more than worthy to have been selected for resurrection.

The feeling of having two competent chess pieces like Kuma and Revenant brought an arrogant (confident) grin upon the young disciple’s face. It was an evil look by all means, but Dario’s face made the expression attractive to look at.

Chuckle.

Dario chuckled. “Good. My turn won’t take long. We’ll proceed once the Rainbow Pill has been fully absorbed,” he said.

***

Pushing the heavy Ebony gates, the presentation of a massive box room tiled entirely out of Ebony presented itself. Mana orbs illuminated the room with their radiant light. From a distance, the shape of a horned humanoid was in view.

“Arishok,” Dario said.

Azad Lvl. 89 Class: Transcendence Realm

Epithet: Blade Demon

Arishokras

The Blood Ox

Species: Ronso

Main Job: Legendary Midnight Soldier - Lvl.99

Job 2: Ritual Soldier - Lvl.99

Job 3: Mystic Rogue - Lvl.99

Rank: Boss

Elite Boss (sealed)

Ultimate Boss (sealed)

The appearance of a standing individual over six feet tall with two horns protruding backward to the backside of the head. Also, his shoulder-length crimson hair while adorning a sleek and alluring Ebony armor accompanied with a white fluffy pelt curling around the shoulder made Azad look like he was living up to his legendary status. Most importantly, the mask covering the eyes of the Midnight Soldier concealed his true identity.

A disembodied growl was heard.

Grrr.

Azad unleashed his killing intent.

!!

From this point on, communication would only be handled by telepathic messages.

As expected of a legend. His energy is intense. Caesar shared with the group.

Gerald with his warrior spirit personality smiled. He was excited to fight someone far stronger than most of the party members.

No kidding! It feels like his presence can swallow me whole.

The party unsheathed their weapons and activated their Aura. It came easily to the three newly formed Masters and brought about great confidence when even facing a powerful opponent.

Dario transmitted a message before entering combat.

Remember, even though he’s severely weakened due to the rituals, he’s still strong.

No words needed to be said as the group already had a game plan. Dario began the fight with his classic move, Heavenly Stinger. It was a straightforward move stepping forward as the initial phase then thrusting the sword piercing deep into the enemy. Moreover, combined with Sword Aura, Dario’s technique did substantial damage to Azad.

Sword Techniques: [Skill - Heavenly Demon Swordsmanship] Heavenly Stinger - An extreme-speed lunge attack. Breaks parry when connected and skewers through the middle.

Although the damage had been done, the Legendary Midnight Soldier lived up to his name and repulsed the attack with a unique two-handed battleaxe wielded on the right hand. Azad is also a dual-wielding master with a fire attribute battleaxe and a katana with two reinforced parallel blades set a small distance apart. It was an unusual way to fight while brandishing such weapons that have different capacities. Yet, it was easy to tell the amount of destruction Azad was able to produce with such weapons. And his nonchalant stance sent chills to the group knowing that the Legendary Midnight Soldier could effortlessly swing such heavy weaponry.

When Dario’s Heavenly Stinger was repulsed by a wave of Aura, the young disciple immediately cast a spell, Fireball.

Kaboom!

The explosion caused the smoke to blind Azad for a quick second and the party distanced themselves a few paces apart.

Dario commanded the group. Do it now!

As soon as the telepathic message was received, their exclusive Aura techniques were discharged. The wind was surging inside the giant chamber while the immense Aura started to gather.

The young disciple was the first to unleash his Aura art, “Flare Sword!”

Aura Techniques: [Skill - Flare Sword] Rank: S Proficiency: 100% -An array of large non-elemental waves. Cannot be parried.

Not falling behind the young disciple, Gerald shouted, “Dual Wave Blade!”

Aura Techniques: [Skill - Dual Wave Blade] Rank: S Proficiency: 100%

-Gerald Killeway was born with the aptitude of a warrior allowing him to emit his spirit from swords.

-A once ultimate technique that can now be used normally.

-Unleashes enormous waves in an “X” formation.

Caesar wasted no time as well, “Darkseid!”

Aura Techniques: [Skill - Darkseid/Dark Wave] Rank: S Proficiency: 100%

-An Aura Technique taught by the Demonic Teacher, Elder Saru.

-Can be initiated with any skill as long as the technique is combined with it.

-It deals thrice the damage of normal Aura Techniques at the cost of ¼ of the user’s HP.

So far, Nocturne has been masterfully blending in the shadows, awaiting the perfect chance to strike. His position in the battle was pre-planned and allowed for a surprise attack that would shift the tone of the battle.

With that said, the combined Aura Techniques of the three blasted Azad and the explosion created a dust cloud around him. Dario and the party awaited the horned man to make his move once the dust settles. Going in to attack right now would be suicide. Just one swing from either of Azad’s weapons is certain to obliterate them with one shot. And the party knows that thanks to Dario’s briefing.

Then, the sound of the ground quaking was loudly heard.

“Watch out!” Yelled Dario.

The Blood Ox lunged at Gerald but the young disciple intercepted it.

Clang!

Dario’s quick thinking made him pull out a weapon from the Item Box before clashing with Azad’s weapons. Now, the young disciple was wielding two weapons, Illiyin and Sijjin. Both weapons were bequeathed personally to Dario by his Master.

From the look of the legendary figure, the combination of Aura Techniques worked.

Move in now! Dario telepathically messaged to the one hiding in the shadows.

Shank!

From the shoulders of the Midnight Soldier was Nocturne who had pierced Azad’s neck with his dual daggers. Nocturne immediately did a backflip and joined Gerald and Cesar. His role at the beginning of the fight was done perfectly. However, he could no longer hide in the shadows since that option has already been used and Azad could no longer be fooled by stealth operations.

“Grrr!” Azad growled.

Dario had an open shot to pull off a move at Azad when Nocturne attacked but withheld it and pulled back with the group.

“Damn! When is he entering the Berserk phase?!” Gerald exclaimed.

“Look closely. The real battle starts now,” Dario replied.

With those last words, Azad imbued Aura into his weapons, and pupils had disappeared leaving only red sclerae.