Chapter 157
I watch the ground get closer and closer as the Berserker lies in wait below.
"This is the only way."
I toss the small Black Strengthening Fragment into my mouth and prepare for its full power to be unleashed. As the tingling sensation in my fingertips begins, I get a nagging sensation on my telepathic link. It's Ember.
"Master, this is not wise."
I clench my jaw while the gem begins to activate. Pins and needles form all over my body and the warm feeling of near-limitless mana begins pouring into my chest, then circulating through my veins.
Letting out a gasp, I begin charging my blades without a moment's hesitation, then reply.
"This must be done. Just catch me when I fall."
"Understood."
Blades glowing, and Dungeon Walker Activated, I blip around to the backside of the one-armed, heavily breathing Berserker.
In less than 10 seconds, a 15k MP attack has already easily been charged. This is far more powerful than anything I've thrown at the beast so far. I release it instantly, charging another one up as I Dungeon Walk to its opposite side.
A flash of white flight followed by the fiery explosion clouds my vision, but I push through.
The moment I see a dim red glow from within peek out, I release another full-force 15k MP attack.
The negative effects of the Strengthening Fragment are starting to take place. Even pumped up on battle adrenaline, the influx of mana into my bloodstream is overwhelming. Releasing 15k MP attacks with no cool down in between is extremely painful, but euphoric at the same time.
The feeling of a thousand tiny knives piercing my body returns, partnered with both hot and cold sensations all over confusing my senses.
With a yell, I let out another 15k MP attack straight into the fiery cloud rubble hoping to get a final shot in on the mutilated monster.
With my vision blurring, I try to charge a 4th attack, but it's no use... My eyes roll into the back of my head and I black out, just like the last time I tried one of these fragments.
Everything goes dark....
"..."
[Level Up]
"Master."
"..."
"Master, it looks like you're moving again."
I let out a groan as I wake up to the "Level Up" notification bringing me to level 409.
My bones feel frail and my muscles ache like they're about to snap.
I try to use self regeneration, but realize I'm completely out of MP. Moving my head back and forth slowly while sitting up and adjusting to the light, I take in the view.
A large crater has been made in the middle of the perfect smooth square-shaped battlefield. Ember sits beside me, and both of my blades rest on the ground nearby.
"Did... I kill it?"
"You did, and we've leveled up too."
I see a grin creep across the Dragon's face.
Letting out a chuckle as I groan and stand to my feet I reply.
Rylan waves at me with a cheerful grin on his face.
"Hey, it's not every day I get to see Elite level training. I may learn a few things."
I open my mouth to reply, but Fisher continues.
"Come on, let's get some breakfast. I'll fill ya in on the day's tasks."
I walk out the door with a nod, closing it behind me with a light thud. Fisher takes the lead, walking down the steps as Rylan talks my ear off about how his team is going off to hunt High Ogres while he stays here for a few more days.
I just woke up... All this stimulation isn't helping my headache and sore parts.
As I walk down the wooden steps, I can feel the individual joints in my ankles and knees crack. They make slight popping sounds and I'm struck with a sharp pain after every step. It's nothing I can't handle, just a bit annoying...
The 3 of us walk over to the front desk to be greeted by Mr. Conway.
"Well good morning to the 3 of you! Well..."
The man looks down at his watch.
"Actually, it's closer to midnight in the outside world, but good morning to ya anyways! It looks like you've all gotten to know each other a bit better now. Am I right?"
Fisher smirks, putting an arm around both Rylan and me.
"Yeah, we're getting along just fine."
A squirm out from his grip with an annoyed look on my face. Rylan on the other hand, looks pretty used to this treatment.
The blue-haired swordsman speaks up again.
"Another round of drinks and food, the house special. Jay is starting his training today. I'll be teaching him about the Tier 1 techniques and how a Tier 0 can handle higher-level monsters."
The old man looks over to me, smirks, then looks back at Fisher.
"Got it, you're food and drink will be out shortly. Take a seat."
The Innkeeper points to an empty table nearby and walks over to a small door near the far side of the counter whispering under his breath with a grin.
"Oh, what it would be like to be young again."
Fisher leads us over to the table, shouting to the old man.
"Thanks, Conway."
We all sit down and wait in silence for a few seconds. I look the Elite in the eyes with a puzzled expression on my face.
"What did you mean by all of that? A Tier 1 and a Tier 0? What do all these terms mean...?"
I gulp, eager for a reply. Rylan listens wide-eyed and grinning. Fisher nods, putting both hands on the table before replying.
"The Tiers I mentioned are just a system the Association created to track the progress of mana control in Elite level hunters. I'm a Tier 1, a Low-Grade, but still a Tier 1. You are definitely a Tier 0, if I had to guess you're still a Low-Grade, but on the edge of breaking into the Mid-Grade range. This week you'll be breaking through."
I squint my eyes, still confused about what these Tiers even represent. Fisher continues.
"Remember yesterday? When you threw that highly refined mana attack at me and I didn't use a single skill to block it."
I nod, thinking back to the time I threw that attack at his open chest and it didn't make a single scratch... It reminds me of the Yeti and Berserker I fought earlier too. They all used a similar technique.
Fisher leans in.
"Well, this is a Tier 1 mana control technique called Mana Shielding. We'll be working on a few ways to improve your mana control this week. It's the only way you'll be able to stand a chance on higher floors. The Behemoth's Mana Shielding is near the level of my own."
