Chapter 52: Magic Light Emerald
I was initially quite astonished by my sudden growth in height, but gradually, a sense of pride began to swell within me. Even if I couldn't attain the robust physique of the Wolf King and his ilk, an additional ten centimeters would still be commendable. Yet, I was left wondering what had caused this growth—was it the unnamed martial arts technique or the power of Platinum Glory?
I attempted to sense the effects of both forces, inadvertently channeling the power of Platinum Glory. Suddenly, I detected subtle distinctions: whether it was martial arts cards, magic cards, or any skill, a cultivation progress of 100 signified full capacity. For instance, once the unnamed martial arts card reached a progress of 100, its ability to enhance internal strength ceased. Although continued practice would yield improvements, it would only shorten the flow time of qi and enhance its recovery. Without a second-level martial arts card, I would naturally find myself at a standstill regarding internal strength.
My Platinum Glory had long since achieved a cultivation level of 100, thus I hadn't anticipated any further enhancement. However, my recent sensations suggested that this seemingly stagnant Platinum Glory might just be on the brink of new progress. "Could it be that not all abilities require cultivation cards?" I pondered. Or perhaps… the power of Platinum Glory simply follows the path of the unnamed martial arts technique—when my internal strength improves, so does the Platinum Glory!
I casually summoned my Demon Book, disregarding the opinions of the Wolf King and others, and carefully searched beneath the section of mastered skills. Indeed, the description of Platinum Glory was markedly different from before. The second layer of Platinum Glory's alchemical arts was developed to mimic the holy force through physical techniques, reducing energy expenditure by fifty percent while enhancing the physical body by three hundred fifty percent and increasing alchemical ability by one level. It could assimilate fourteen types of magical scripts, such as Holy Words, Ancient Hebrew Sage Scripts, Raem Divine Texts, and others.
This ability inflicts significant damage to undead, demonic, blood hell, soul, darkness, holy, light, elemental, and curse-type creatures, and can be synthesized with other means, though without the effects of alchemical transformation on the body. My current cultivation progress stood at 1, with an energy level of 1300/1316. "It seems that the title of Alchemical Apprentice also provides a unique boost to Platinum Glory; I wonder what further changes this ability may undergo!"
Closing the Demon Book, a newfound confidence in the future surged within me. As our group of nine arrived at the heart of the Demon Island, where the Swamp Dragons were known to roam, we began to circle in the sky, seeking our first target.
The Swamp Dragons were decidedly clumsy and, naturally, incapable of flight. However, they could unleash a fiery breath with an effective range exceeding three hundred meters, which coincided with the effective damage range of most modern weapons we possessed. Though weapons with longer ranges existed, the Swamp Dragon's armor was thicker than tank plating, accompanied by an energy shield, rendering such firepower nearly ineffective.
For our group, the Swamp Dragon was aptly likened to a mouse pulling a turtle—impossible to attack. We could only rely on patience to wear down its tough hide. Consequently, locating a target was crucial; a single Swamp Dragon could eventually succumb to our relentless assault, but against a horde, the damage we inflicted might pale in comparison to their recovery.
There should be one over there that we can target. Prepare your weapons, and you, French girl, drive carefully; our lives depend on you," bellowed the Wolf King, lifting his favored weapon. I, too, spotted the colossal creature, half-submerged in a moist mire. The Swamp Dragon bore a resemblance to ancient dinosaurs, though which species was beyond my high school knowledge.
I quietly grasped the emerald gem acquired from the Cave Demon Dog King. The powers of my Platinum Glory and icy qi instantly transformed into pure magical energy. I raised my hand to cast the curses of weakness, sluggishness, and dizziness, then discreetly stowed the emerald gem away. This treasure, known as the Magic Light Emerald or Cursed Stone, was a level four artifact that could convert the internal energy of its wielder into pure cursed magical power, enabling the release of any three out of twelve curse spells. Once used, it required thirty minutes before it could be activated again.
This was my first time employing this artifact in actual combat, and I had no idea how effective it would be. When I cast the curse, it did so silently and without warning; even Lilith, seated beside me, was unaware that I had activated a new skill. The crude companions of the Wolf King paid no mind either. Once our firepower was directed at the Swamp Dragon, it became evident that the creature's responses had significantly slowed.
As I continuously experimented with the combination of magical scripts and Holy Light bullets, I slowly confirmed one thing: in the absence of observers, I removed the Holy Light Beetle that I had consistently worn. The results of my recent battles manifested in that moment; while the power of my Holy Light bullets became less stable, it quickly broke through to a new level.
I surmised correctly; the Holy Light bullets were merely a technique, while the true essence of strength lay in mental power or Platinum Glory. As long as I possessed formidable power, I could independently explore these techniques without perpetual reliance on artifacts!
Integrating six Max magical scripts into the Holy Light bullets, I formed a simple hexagram, which crashed into the Swamp Dragon below. The once-helpless beast suddenly regained vigor, roaring towards the sky as it expelled a fiery breath of orange. Had it not been for Lilith's exceptional piloting skills, this counterattack could have spelled disaster for us.
The Wolf King cursed loudly, while Aki Mizuhara silently urged the ancient sword, Ancient Moon, to suppress the Swamp Dragon's retaliation.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
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