Chapter 30: Realm Dungeon IV
Asher's eyes narrowed, and he activated Total Assimilation once more, focusing on the dark energy radiating from the Soul Reaver's scythe. As the skill took effect, he could feel the sinister aura of the scythe flowing into his own weapon, coating it in the same spectral energy. His blade now pulsed with a lethal, dark radiance, mirroring the Soul Reaver's own weapon.
The original Black Assimilation developed by Black Magnus could only assimilate the non-owned things, but after System perfection, Asher can now even steal a living person blood without his approval.
This is the power of now fully perfected Total Assimilation.
With a swift, calculated movement, Asher lunged, his blade clashing against the Guardian's scythe. Dark energy erupted from the impact, crackling through the air as both combatants pushed against each other. The Soul Reaver's strength was immense, but Asher held his ground, his skill and control matching the creature's brute power.
Then, in a fluid motion, Asher twisted his blade and broke the lock, sliding his weapon along the Guardian's scythe to deliver a swift strike across its chest. The dark energy from Total Assimilation seeped into the Guardian's armor, amplifying the damage inflicted by the Blood Golem's poison. The Guardian staggered, its scythe lowering as it struggled to maintain its stance.
Seeing his chance, Asher summoned the Blood Golem once more, commanding it to launch a final attack. The Golem leaped onto the Guardian, its slender fingers plunging deep into the already weakened armor. Poison flooded into the Soul Reaver's core, its body convulsing as the toxic energy spread rapidly.
With a shudder, the Guardian let out a guttural roar, then collapsed, its body dissolving into a dark mist as it succumbed to the combined onslaught. Asher stepped back, watching as the mist faded, leaving behind a single, glowing orb—the essence of the Soul Reaver.
Sebas nodded approvingly. "A flawless execution, young master. You've truly mastered the art of synergy with your Blood Golem."
Emily clapped, a gleam of excitement in her eyes. "Now that was something. You didn't just beat it, with your summon but you also displayed your own sword power."
Asher ignored their praise, his focus on the glowing orb left by the Guardian's demise. He reached out, feeling the power emanating from it. This was what he had come for—the skill reward from defeating a Guardian of the realm dungeon.
As he absorbed the orb, a notification appeared in his mind:
[You have acquired: Shadow Scythe - Grants the ability to summon a spectral scythe, imbued with a fraction of the Soul Reaver's power. Can drain life essence from enemies on impact.]
A smile formed on Asher's lips formed for a second as he absorbed the new skill. The power felt like a perfect fit, an extension of his own abilities, blending seamlessly with his fighting style.
[Does Host wish to perfect the Shadow Scythe?]
Asher nodded as he used the skill points gained to perfect it, turning it from a Uncommon skill to Rare Skill.
[ Nether Scythe Skill Acquired ]
Sebas observed him with a nod. "That skill suits you well, young master. It's both powerful and versatile, just like your Blood Golem. You could achieve even greater feats with it."
Emily stepped forward, giving Asher a encouraging pat on his shoulder. "So, where to next? This place is practically full of opportunities for you to pick up more skills like that."
Asher considered this, his mind racing with possibilities. "There's no need to rush. I'll master what I have now. This new skill, combined with my golem, will give me an edge I haven't fully tested yet."
Sebas bowed slightly, understanding. "A wise decision, young master. Mastery is often more powerful than sheer accumulation and versatility"
Asher studied the screen intently, taking in every detail about the new Infinity Tower. The concept intrigued him: an endless tower, filled with floors that each connected to real dungeons. It was a perfect opportunity to gain power and skills, but also a clear reminder of the stakes involved. One wrong step, one moment of carelessness, could be fatal. But for Asher, the challenge was exactly what he needed.
"An endless climb... each level a new challenge," he muttered, the corners of his mouth lifting in a small, calculating smile.
He scrolled through the description, intrigued by the possibilities it presented. The ability to face a new type of dungeon each time he advanced through the Infinity Tower was like a personal training ground, tailored to push him beyond his limits. More than that, it offered a structure to his power growth, granting him a guaranteed reward for every ten floors.
He couldn't deny the appeal of such a clear path to growth, though he knew the risks. One life. One chance. The system made it clear there would be no retries in this tower, no do-overs if he failed. He would have to be prepared, perfectly in sync with his abilities, and ready for any challenge.
He tapped on the tower's icon, observing the shimmering portal that materialized in the air in front of him, a doorway waiting to be opened. For now, though, he closed it. This new mission could wait until he had a better understanding of his recently gained skills. The fight against the Soul Reaver had shown him where his abilities excelled, but also hinted at areas where he could improve.
Asher rose from his seat, drawn by the smell of breakfast drifting through the hall. Emily had likely already prepared something, so he headed out, his mind still half-focused on the tower's possibilities.
In the dining room, Emily set down a plate of steaming eggs, toast, and sliced fruit with a proud smile. "Thought you'd need some proper fuel after yesterday's excursion," she said with a wink.
She also poured a cup of tea, placing it beside Asher's plate as she nodded approvingly. "A hearty meal will do you good, young master. Next time you can continue to clear the Endless Tomb and get many good skills and items from there."
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone