[Obtained:
One Thousand Temples Tenth Floor Key x1]
[New Mission:
Clear One Thousand Temples Tenth Floor]
…
Janu and Berut went back to the shore. The castle was so precious and would definitely be useful in the future so without question it must be taken. As the ruler of the castle, Janu knew exactly how to bring it along with him. Its size, as an artefact, could be set to be small, which was equal to a bottle. Janu had put it in his inventory and he found it very convenient.
"It's good to be on land again." Berut was relieved. Even though he was able to breathe underwater it was still preferable for him to be on land.
"I'm going to the next floor of this dungeon. Are you coming?"
"There's nothing to do here and it will be really boring. It might not be bad to come along. But, is it possible? The lady went home but it didn't seem that I could tag along."
"Yeah, right. I guess so. It would be a pleasure if you could come along, though. I'm leaving. If chances arise, let's see again."
"Yeah.. Take care."
"Thanks for helping me."
"Just go."
Janu activated the key and the atmosphere distorted. The sky and the sea were gone. It changed into a hall. The hall was circular and spacious. Against the wall were some big pillars. The wall also had reliefs depicting a war. Two forces were fighting against each other and many died on the battlefield. One side had human-like troops while the other looked more vicious and monstrous.
"It's like a great war," Berut broke the silence. He was already standing behind Janu, who was observing the reliefs.
"Huh!? You're here!' Janu startled upon hearing Berut's voice. They had the same thought before: it was impossible for Berut to join him to the last floor.
"How did you come here?"
"I dunno. The air became weird and here I am."
The two moved closer to the centre of the room.
"Do you know her? Her weapons are not common." As they were walking they saw a statue with some unique weapons in the centre of the room.
"Most likely artefacts."
The statue was about three metres high. It was a female warrior with ten hands, each of which held different weapons; a conch, a spear, a bow and an arrow, a snake, an axe, a lotus, a vajra, a sword, a trishula and a chakram. She had slain a devil-like creature.
"So you've come."
The two were dumbfounded. A ghost-like figure was approaching them. Dim light was emanating from it. It was impossible to recognise her face, but it's clear that she was a female.
"Who are you?"
"Eh..em.."
The voice was laughing lightly like someone who found another's error in their behaviour.
"Is it not appropriate for you to introduce yourself first before asking the other's identity?"
"I apologise. I thought you had expected me to come and already knew about me. My name is Janu and this is Berut."
"A human and a siluman. What a nice combination. I am Homa. I'm here to test you, the Chosen One."
(Note: Siluman can be translated to demon. But the two are quite different. Siluman can be: (1) animals which obtain intelligence and skills and become powerful through meditation and enlightenment, they can also take human form depending on their level, or (2) humans who gain power and become animal-like, for example werewolves.)
"The Chosen One!?"
Janu and Berut were shocked at the same time and they looked at each other. They were very unsure who she meant.
"It should be you, right? You've been exploring this dungeon." Berut was half-believing what he said. Janu was special, even though it wasn't that extraordinary from Berut's perspective. However, the fact that he had been entering dungeons somehow made him think that Janu was the one who she meant.
"Let me tell you a story." Homa continued. "Once, there was a war between the Devas and the Asuras. The Devas were led by Lord Indra and the Asuras were led by their king, Mahisa. He was so evil that many fell victim to him. He was also so powerful that many Devas failed to kill him. It was due to his boon. He was half immortal. No man could lay a finger on him. It was later found out that he could only be killed by a woman. In the end, the Devas sent one of them, a devi, after granting her with their divine power and weapons, to battle. She and Mahisa fought for nine days before finally the asura was defeated."
"Now, answer my question, Janu. Since the beginning, good and evil have existed together. However, evil must not be allowed to rule. What do you think is needed the most to fight against evil?"
"Hmmm…."
….
….
"Many things are needed. But one thing is certain for me. One must be faithful, so he doesn't falter."
"Interesting. That's true. I expected you to answer with power, or something similar. If one doesn't have good nature, there's a chance that he misuses his power. But, only a handful of people have it."
"That's why it's very important. Anyway, two are better than one. I must say that we need companions. If you are alone, no one will be there to help. As long as there are others who are willing to help then we have hope."
"So, are you saying that power is not essential?"
"No one can bear the burden alone no matter how powerful he is. Besides, if someone has too much power… it's not really good."
"Why?"
"How do I say it?
…
We definitely need power. But, humans tend to be greedy over power. So, we need balance. It's just that it's better to have companions if you know what I mean."
"I see. But you need to realise something. Some people are chosen to bear greater responsibility, so they are granted greater power. You'll know it when the time comes."
…
"I guess he's right." Homa was contemplating. "I will unlock your skills. Use it well and be wise."
'Who is 'he'? Another Deva?'
Just as he was thinking, the status window popped.
Level: 93
Name: Janu Dewanto
Class: <locked>
SubClass: Magic Enchanter
Title: Brute Strength
Available titles:
- Undead Killer
- Beast King
- Monster Hunter
- Daredevil
HP : 8,740
MP: 1,870
Strength: 1,980 (+1,980) (+)
Vitality: 1,675 (+1,675) (+)
Intelligence: 1,670 (+1,670) (+)
Spirit: 1,520 (+1,520) (+)
Dexterity: 1,270 (+1,270) (+)
Agility: 975 (+975) (+)
Luck: 100 (+)
Available Points: 0
Active Skills
- Appraise
- Craft
- Flash
- Summon: Dinka
- Power Up IV
- Heal IV
Equipped Skills
-
Passive Skills
- Mpu Gandring's Legacy
- Crit. Dmg Up III
- Troll's Blood
- Dual Wield
- Poison Resistance
- Underwater Breathing
Mission:
-Clear the One Thousand Temples' Tenth Floor
-Unlock another subclass
"My skills are unlocked. Thank you."
'Finally.' It was a relief for Janu to have his skills back. Having both the skills and equipment, including artefacts, provided him with many options and combinations to deal with stronger opponents.
"Some Devas have their concerns about your power. They thought that it would be a double-edged sword to you and to our plan. The Asuras have been keeping their eyes on our movement. You are obviously a threat to their plan. So we decided to lock your skills, to keep you from their eyes. You've met Vastra, right?"
"Vastra?" Both Janu and Berut were taken aback upon hearing the name. "The Deva of Craft?"
"Right. He was the one who was against locking your skills, saying that your skill was essential in boosting the overall humans' power. I believe he came to you and somehow unlocked your skills."
"So, it was Vastra. Back then, someone came to me. Or rather, I was brought to another realm by someone. I couldn't see him clearly. Everything was blurry. I could feel he activated something inside me. It turns out that it was to give me a chance to unlock my skills."
….
"But, if the devas decided to lock my skills then why did they give me artefacts? Isn't it the same as telling the enemy that I'm favoured by the Devas? If so, what's the point of locking my skills?"
"You're reasonable. At first glance, it looked the same-giving you skills or giving you artefacts. However, they are completely different from our perspective. Or the Asuras'."
"How come?" The statement raised curiosity in Janu's mind. Both the skills and the artefacts were just the same; they helped to kill enemies.
"It's because of your class. I've talked too much. You must find out by yourself."
"Wait. I'm at a loss here. Devas and Asuras are at war. And now humans are caught in the middle…" Just before he finished his sentence, Homa interrupted him.
"It's not that humans have never been involved. Devas and Asuras do interfere with the human realm, to some extent. You've heard about myths or legends, right? They're not without bases. There's some truth behind them. Besides, Devas and Asuras also use avatars to go to your realm and they have been fighting for some time. Now that it has escalated, the influence has gone more direct and strong. The Asuras have been looking for ways to use humans against us. We must stop them. The only thing we can do is to give humans strength. But as you said, some humans are greedy for power. The Asuras know this."
"You also have Vastra's artefact."
"The castle? So, it was indeed created by him." Janu said that while recalling the castle. It was magical, so he thought that Vastra was a great artisan.
"But, since you've come this far, there's no need to lock them. Just be careful with the Asuras."
"Can you tell me more about the Asuras?"
"You can think of them as Deva's counterparts. While the Devas preserve peace, the Asuras bring calamity. Not all of them are evil, though. Remember, just as Devas can grant humans with their power, so can Asuras."
"Is it about the dungeons?"
"...."
"You can think of it that way. There's nothing I can say about it. Now, for the last test."
"..."
"Get ready."
With a wave of her hand, they changed dimensions and Janu was in an arena. In front of him was a huge lion with an intimidating gaze. Its eyes were sharp and fierce as if it was ready to hunt its prey. The mane on its head and neck added to its robust look. Just from its appearance, anyone could feel how powerful that beast was.
"This is my mount. I have restricted its level to match yours. Try to defeat him."
"Rooarr…"
[Singa Gedon Lv.93]
HP: 99,999
MP: 9,999
….
"Your companion can fight alongside you."
"Okay. C'mon Berut."
"Yoi." Berut was quite enthusiastic about the fight. He transformed again to his toad form and jumped from the side to the arena.
"It's strong despite its level. Be careful." Janu gave a warning to Berut, who looked impatient.
"I know. I'll distract it. Or, you can do it." Berut said that as if he had a plan.
"What do you mean?" Janu wasn't clear about his intention, but he didn't get any answer because Berut had already made a move.
[Mirage Stride]
Beirut moved to the lion's left side in an instant to surprise it. Unexpectedly, the lion stayed calm and observed him without any haste. Just as the lion looked back to Janu, he wasn't there.
[Flash]
Janu was already above the lion with his spear, Dragon Tongue. He was ready to fall down on the lion's head with the spear to plunge it.
The lion, not seeing one of its opponents in his spot, became more vigilant. As it realised he was above, it stride to the right while still facing Berut, who was on its left.
[Air Shot]
Berut used his skill to attack from his position.
[Steel Fortress]
Boom…
Metal wall rose from the ground in four directions protecting the lion and Berut's attack was nullified. The lion, a true predator, blocked the attack with its skill. It was unexpected for it to have a defensive skill, which was an advanced version of Earth Wall.
'Hmmm?'
'What is its role? Attacker or Defender?'
Janu landed on the floor and took a position not far from Berut.
"Send me above. And keep distracting it."
"Okidoki."
Janu jumped above in front of Berut and he used his palm to send him above the opponent. As Janu was flying towards his destination, Berut ran towards the lion.
[Air Shot]
The lion dodged it by jumping to the left. Before it could make another move, Berut shot again.
[Air Shot]
Seeing the attack once again this time the lion blocked instead of dodging. It raised its claws to break the cannon.
[Steel Claw]
Splash…
The bullet shattered before it could hit the target. The two were still facing each other before they were interrupted.
[Dragons' Breath]
Fire gushed from above towards the lion. It tried to dodge it but it was a little late.
Boom…
The fire hit its left hind leg. For a normal monster, it would deal quite a lot of damage. But the lion was fine. There was a burn mark, though. Now, it looked more serious.
'Now damage even with the 25% boost!?'
[Predator's Mark]
The lion roared and activated its skill. It inflicted Fear to the opponents and their stats were dropped by half. Moreover, the victims also received 20% extra damage.
"This is bad.."
Realising that his stats dropped significantly, Janu used one of his cards.
[Power Up IV]
This skill made up his lost stats, but Berut still suffered from the effect.
At that time, Janu changed his weapon with Arok's Kris.
[System
Mpu Gandring's Legacy is in effect.
Arok's Kris becomes Heroic+]
He also had another dagger in his left hand.
Berut, who became much weaker, also used one of his skills.
'Not much I can do now until the effect wears off. At least, this will help.'
[Psychedelic Toxin]
He bursted out greenish gas from his mouth to fill the arena.
The lion opened its mouth wide and it was brimming with light.
"That's enough. You fought well. The both of you. You could think of different strategies and make use of your skills to your advantage. You pass the test."
"Is it over?" Both Janu and Berut didn't anticipate the ending, but they were quite relieved.
"It hasn't used its full strength but it was a difficult fight."
[Mission Accomplished:
Clear the One Thousand Temples' Tenth Floor]
[Obtained:
- Elemental Dungeon Key x5
- XL Red Skill Stone x1
- 75,000 coins]
Level up..
Level up..
[Unlocked: Runemaster
Able to inscribe runes to equipment and artefacts.]
Level: 95
Name: Janu Dewanto
Class: <locked>
SubClass:
- Magic Enchanter
- Runemaster
Title: …
"Runemaster?" It was the first time Janu knew about this class. He didn't know what this class was capable of or how it worked.
"You already have Vajra. It was Lord Indra's signature weapon. You might not know, but Vajra was made by Vastra. Now your task is to create Divine Artefacts. It can only be achieved with the Runemaster class. Level it up as fast as you can."
"I'll try my best." Janu responded with conviction.
"I will also lend you Singa Gedon. You can summon it using Bansuri."
[Bansuri
Type: Divine Artefact
Description: Lord Khrisna's flute. The sound it emanates can even mesmerise gods.
Skills:
-Shepherd's Call, captivate anyone and anything to listen to the user's order.
-Soul Lock, make the listeners unable move
-Ode to Deva, play tunes to borrow deva's power (Up to three skills)
Available skills to borrow:
-Summon Garuda (Lord Vishnu's Skill)
-Summon Singa Gedon (Lord Homa's Skill)
-<empty>
Gain devas' favour to borrow their skills)
Good luck. I hope you can find good companions on your journey.
"What about him?" Janu asked about Berut. "He was brought here accidentally and he couldn't go back to his realm. It was also impossible for him to come with him to human's world."
"He can stay in your artefact. You can bring him to your realm, but he cannot come out from the castle. He can only go out when you enter dungeons."
"Okay, thank you."
"It will be boring, but I think it's the best for now." Berut couldn't be more satisfied with the outcome.
I'm back everyone. I'm sorry for not being able to provide you all with updates. I won't drop this story. Thank you for your support. Have a good day, everyone.
— ตอนใหม่กำลังมาในเร็วๆ นี้ — เขียนรีวิว