"Marvelous display of magic," Tza'har clapped, his voice echoing through the scorched air as he approached Thorian. "Not only do you command the primary elements, but you also possess control over the secondary ones."
"I wouldn't say I have control," Thorian replied, shaking his head. "I have merely acquired skills in manipulating various elements."
"Nonetheless, it is truly impressive," Tza'har nodded, his eyes gleaming with admiration. "Even with the aid of the gods, very few possess the ability to accomplish what you just did."
Observing the skeletal mage's unwavering determination to compliment him, Thorian offered a slight smile and nodded in response.
"Well then, let us ascend the stairs," Tza'har gestured towards the staircase they had descended. "I am certain you wish to collect your rewards now."
As they ascended the staircase, Tza'har began to speak unprompted. "Magic is truly an enigma. To understand it is to understand the cosmos, in all its beautiful expanse and its intricately woven details. I devoted my entire life to this endeavour, and even after my mortal form decayed, my quest did not cease."
After letting out an abstained sigh, Tza'har turned to Thorian with an apologetic countenance. "I apologize for diverging onto a tangent. I merely... felt the need to impress upon you the value of probing deeper into the essence of magic. Only by comprehending, shaping it to your authentic intent, will you break free from the celestial chains imposed by the gods."
Upon hearing Tza'har's profound proclamation, Thorian paused to contemplate. "Do you suggest I should master the manipulation of mana?"
"Mana manipulation?" Tza'har pondered, the hollows of his skeletal face flickering faintly. "Consider it as a larger confinement. It surely offers additional room for maneuver but remains a cage nonetheless. Despite the illusion of expanded freedom, it's just another tier of the gods' constraints, albeit less restrictive. True understanding in magic lies beyond these enforced limits."
Tza'har's revelation caused Thorian's eyebrows to rise in astonishment. In his decade-long experience, he had never heard such an assertion.
"Are you implying that I should disregard the existing system?" Thorian asked, the implications of Tza'har's insight sinking in.
"No, you're currently too weak to go through such a tribulation," the mage countered, shaking his head before he resumed his ascent. "But perhaps someday you'll have the chance to glimpse beyond the celestial veil. Should that opportunity come, do not waste it."
Tza'har's words stirred a tumult of thoughts within Thorian. Utilizing magic without the confines of a system? Can such a thing even be possible? Even when I had gained mastery over fire, not requiring any specific technique to incinerate armies by the thousands, I was engaging in mana manipulation. That still conforms to the system.
No matter how intensely he probed his intellect, Thorian found it difficult to comprehend Tza'har's implication. More accurately, even though he could grasp the isolated meaning of the words, he could not actualize them in context. He was unable to envision how magic beyond the system could potentially manifest, or how it would substantially differ from the conventional use of mana manipulation.
Yet, Tza'har afforded him little time to mull over the philosophical discourse. The duo swiftly traversed the ascending staircase, returning to the room adorned with shelves. The skeletal mage navigated towards his desk and began rummaging through various artifacts. Eventually, he withdrew a cerulean crystal, barely nestling within his skeletal grip. Upon closer inspection, Thorian discerned other hues jostling and harmonizing within the confines of the light blue gemstone.
"Since we were discussing mana manipulation, I presumed you would find greater value in this reward over others," Tza'har remarked, smoothly approaching Thorian. "Naturally, there are still two additional options at your disposal for your reward. However, they are unlikely to parallel the relevance of this one."
Mana Manipulation I Skill Crystal
Use: Grants the user the active skill "Mana Manipulation I," enabling the sensing and basic use of mana for rudimentary spells and enchantments.
Description: This crystal, glowing with an ethereal light, is a beginner's gateway to the realm of magic. Upon touch, it dissolves and transfers the fundamental knowledge of "Mana Manipulation I" into the user's mind. Essential for any magic-leaning adventurer, it breaks class boundaries and forms the bedrock of magical understanding.
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Inspecting the petite crystal within his palm, Thorian couldn't resist the surge of joy reflecting in his broad grin. A skill crystal this soon? And one specialized in Mana manipulation at that? Lady luck has truly favored me today.
As covetousness coiled around Thorian's heart, his gaze drifted back to Tza'har. "Could you provide me with another mana manipulation crystal? I could accept it instead of the other two rewards."
"That seems like a fair trade," the skeletal mage nodded, puzzled. "But why would you ask for such an exchange? An additional crystal wouldn’t be useful to you."
Sporting a knowing smile, Thorian responded, "I intend it as a gift for a friend."
Harald, consider it a tribute to a long and fertile companionship.
"If such is your desire, then I have no objections." Tza'har pivoted and began his search for another homologous azure gemstone. While the skeletal mage busied himself at his desk, Thorian was suddenly assailed by a cascade of notifications.
Level up!
Level up!
"Congratulations, adventurers," an ethereal voice echoed throughout the room gathering both magi’s attention. "You have vanquished the Guardian of the First Layer, the lightning prince. You've shown strength, courage, and exceptional teamwork. The treasure of this layer is yours to claim."
Even as the spectral voice receded into silence, Tza'har's gaze remained tethered to the ceiling. The flickering embers within his hollow sockets bore testament to his ardent longing.
"It appears your comrades have accomplished their task," the skeletal mage broke his silence after a few lingering moments.
"Indeed, they have," answered Thorian, his voice rippling with pride. I was worried earlier, yet it seems that was unnecessary. They've proven their capability to act independently and triumph even against unfamiliar foes.
While Thorian was engrossed in his contemplations, Tza'har approached him, brandishing another azure crystal in his skeletal hand.
"Here is your second reward," Tza'har extended the skill crystal to Thorian before resting his skeletal hand on his shoulder. "Since your allies have already cleared this dungeon, I shall send you directly to them. I sincerely hope we cross paths again, and ideally while retaining your memory when that time arrives."
"Wai—" Before Thorian could articulate his protest, a luminous flash erupted from Tza'har's hand, enveloping the flame kobold entirely.
When Thorian finally dared to open his eyes again, he found himself in an entirely unfamiliar environment. He stood amidst a vast garden that sprawled as far as the horizon reached. The heavens overarched him, remarkably clear, save for the sporadic bolt of lightning that carved through the skies. Although a closer inspection revealed the presence of a grey shroud enveloping him from all sides. It didn't require much consideration for him to comprehend that he was standing within the eye of a storm.
The eye of the storm, the dwelling of the guardian of this dungeon, Thorian reflected upon his new surroundings. Despite the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in his mind, he found himself gravitating back to the image of Tza'har, the skeletal mage. An archmagus? What a farce. To think I likened my former self to such a formidable entity. The true nature of that being must be that of an awakened - or perhaps even a transcendent.
Recalling the astounding power and intricate magical prowess the skeletal mage exhibited during their encounter, Thorian shivered involuntarily. He found himself unconsciously gnawing on his fingers as he entered a deep meditative contemplation.
Soon, the raucous cacophony from the outside world yanked Thorian back from his reverie. From his vantage point, he observed his cluster of nine kobolds and ten direwolves congregating around a spot where the golden light burst forth.
A golden hue, again? Thorian clicked his tongue in slight disappointment. I was hoping for a prismatic treasure this time, but perhaps that's inviting greed.
Discarding those thoughts to the recesses of his mind, Thorian barreled toward his group with breathless speed. His massively upgraded agility now superseded that of most first-advancement assassins.
In mere seconds, he reached his destination. Surprised heads swiveled in his direction, taken aback by his abrupt arrival.
"King, you've finally returned!" Ventus' exclamation pierced the silence, his broad smile radiating enthusiasm. "You're too late! We've killed the Guardian already. It was a piece of cake!"
Thorian couldn't help but scrunch his eyebrows at Ventus's remark. The words brimmed with assurance, in stark contrast to his tarnished appearance - his body was marred with charred spots.
"You say that, but your appearance tells a different story," Thorian voiced his concern. "What happened to you?"
At his query, a hearty laugh burst forth from Saxum. His uncontrollable amusement painted a sharp contrast to Ventus, whose cheeks reddened like ripened apples. All the while, Thorian's confusion only deepened, his furrowed brows knitting closer together.
"It wasn't the Guardian that cooked him like that," Forlune interjected with a chuckle. "It was those traps in the maze. The idiot managed to trigger not one, not two, but five of those light-blue rocks. I don’t think he missed even one of them - I’m honestly impressed."
Upon hearing Forlune's teasing account, Ventus could hardly contain his embarrassment. "Stop it! It's not like there was much of a difference!"
Observing the playful banter, Thorian simply shook his head, a faint sigh easing past his lips. He then directed his gaze towards the treasure chest poised in the center.
"Regardless, since this isn't a matter of urgency, let us proceed with the distribution of rewards," Thorian interjected. He then veered his gaze towards Harald and inquired telepathically, "Have you been keeping track of everyone's kills and contributions?"
The alpha direwolf met his gaze, a broad grin pulling at his features. " Indeed. Other than you, I've documented everyone’s contributions."