Chapter 41

041. Aura (2)

"A skill 'Forced Breakthrough (D)' has been created."

I opened my eyes wide at the sight of the newly synthesized skill.

'No way, it turned out like this?'

The result of the synthesis was not an E-rank skill, but a D-rank skill...

Indeed, the benefits granted by the Tower of Trials lived up to their value.

'I thought even a high-rank skill would be at the E level.'

I never imagined a D-rank skill would come out.

If the content is good, it could be a skill similar to Instant Acceleration, which I often use.

Instead of lingering on various thoughts, I quickly opened the skill window.

『Skill – Forced Breakthrough (D)』

『Proficiency – 0%』

『Effect – Can break through unclear forms of constraints such as skills and unique traits. However, the user's mana level must be higher than the level of mana used in the constraint.』

The corners of my mouth twitched involuntarily at the better-than-expected synthesis result.

'Combining Despise the Weak and Combat Continuation resulted in this skill.'

It was hard to believe that a skill of this quality could be obtained by combining the lowest-rank skills.

However, the result was more intriguing than joyful.

I couldn't understand why combining skills centered around Despise the Weak resulted in this outcome.

'Forced Breakthrough, does it have a significant connection to the skill Despise the Weak?'

Of course, the constraints of Forced Breakthrough are similar to those of Despise the Weak.

It requires the user's mana level to be higher than the level of mana used in the constraint.

Despise the Weak also operated in a similar manner, so the activation conditions were quite similar.

However, the ability was more similar to Combat Continuation, which was a bit perplexing.

"It seems to be a 50-50 mix."

If the activation conditions and characteristics are closer to Despise the Weak, then the ability is closer to Combat Continuation.

In other words, the 'center' of the skill synthesis might refer to the activation conditions.

Of course, there isn't much to verify yet, so I can't be certain...

"I'll know more if I try synthesizing again."

The materials for the next skill synthesis were already decided.

I needed a skill that was almost useless and whose proficiency increased very slowly.

「Viewing the skill list.」

「Please select the synthesis materials from the skills you currently have.」

It didn't take long to choose the lowest-rank skills as materials.

-Ranger's Discipline

-Heat Resistance

Both were the lowest-rank skills and not very useful, so I chose them quickly.

Of course, Ranger's Discipline helped in battles by widening the field of view...

'But honestly, Heat Resistance wasn't very helpful.'

The second trial was the last time I faced a fire-based attack in the Tower of Trials.

It was an environment where I couldn't use or improve resistance.

'You can't even increase the proficiency of a resistance skill through self-harm, so it's not a waste to discard it.'

With that judgment, I decided to synthesize the two skills.

「The levels of the synthesis materials are the same.」

「Please select the skill that will be the center of the synthesis.」

This time, I was more cautious.

'If the constraints and characteristics are influenced by the 'center,' I should choose Ranger's Discipline as the center.'

It's better to have fewer constraints and conditions.

So, I chose Ranger's Discipline, which is almost a passive skill.

「The skill 'Ranger's Discipline' is being used as the center for the synthesis.」

「The probability of creating a higher-rank skill is 57%.」

「Do you want to proceed with the synthesis?」

'The synthesis probability has decreased.'

Previously, the probability of creating a higher-rank skill was quite high...

But when I tried synthesizing again, the probability dropped to a vague 57%.

'The combination also affects the synthesis probability.'

It seems there are tricky elements like unique traits, as mentioned before.

However, there's no need to be overly anxious.

Even if I don't know everything yet, I can gradually figure it out.

Click.

As I started the skill synthesis, I felt the skills disappearing.

"Ah..."

Unlike Despise the Weak and Combat Continuation, which were not passive, the disappearance of Ranger's Discipline made me feel my field of view narrowing instantly.

'...Even though it was just an F-rank skill, it provided this much correction.'

The wide field of view that allowed me to monitor all situations in front of me was completely gone.

If I were to engage in battle later, this change could be a harsh reality.

'Although it's an unexpected problem, it should be fine if I train enough.'

Realizing once again how important skills are, I smiled bitterly.

「The skill synthesis is complete.」

As I smiled bitterly with a shallow sense of loss, the synthesis result appeared.

「A skill 'Tough Eyes (E-)' has been created.」

"Hmm..."

I narrowed my eyes at the sight of a lower-rank skill being created compared to Forced Breakthrough.

Now, I feel like I'm starting to grasp the skill synthesis ability.

『Skill – Tough Eyes (E-)』

『Proficiency – 0%』

『Effect – Can secure a certain level of vision even in poor environments, and vision is improved.』

The proficiency was not inherited, but the result was similar to the previous synthesis of Forced Breakthrough.

'The activation conditions and characteristics depend on the skill that is the center.'

By synthesizing the Heat Resistance skill, I gained the ability to endure elements that obstruct vision.

The skill that is not the center only reinforces the ability.

Other than that, it doesn't have much of an impact.

'I think I understand the probability and the extent of the rank increase.'

The probability and rank increase are likely influenced by the synthesis combination.

The difference in the synthesis combination determines whether the synthesis can be fused.

The previous synthesis of Despise the Weak and Combat Continuation had a good combination...

'But the skills used to create Tough Eyes did not.'

Indeed, the combination of Ranger's Discipline and Heat Resistance was not good.

It was fortunate that the rank didn't decrease.

Well, I decided to stop the skill synthesis for now.

'Actually, I have a pretty good combination in mind...'

But reducing the variety of skills without being certain could be risky.

If I get a bad result and end up with a skill that is worse than before, it would be problematic.

I decided to temporarily stop the skill synthesis and start checking the other rewards.

『Skill – Wind's Grace (A-)』

『Proficiency – 0%』

『Effect – When the skill name is recited, all speeds can be increased by 10%. This effect can stack up to seven times, but a one-day cooldown is applied after the final stack.』

"A skill that can increase all speeds by 70%."

Not only does it have an effect like something from a dream...

But the fact that it doesn't require mana is particularly appealing.

'Instant Acceleration already had a high mana consumption rate, which was a burden.'

As a D-rank skill, Instant Acceleration required a lot of mana to achieve significant speed.

Even though it might increase in rank soon, I didn't want to increase the mana burden.

'There are no shortcomings, and the effect is excellent.'

Thus, the main reward for the 7th floor trial was very satisfying.

Additionally,

「Boots of Swift Movement」

「Rank: C+」

「Attack Speed +3%」

「Movement Speed +5%」

「Boots with small wings made by magical engineering to enhance swiftness.」

「When a certain speed is exceeded, the speed increases momentarily.」

The additional breakthrough reward from the 7th floor, which was related to speed, made me smile.

"Well, there's nothing more to think about."

I took off my shoes, put them in my inventory, and put on the Boots of Swift Movement.

I had checked all the rewards and used the aura's selection and skill synthesis abilities, so the only thing left was to check the community.

「You have entered the community.」

「Difficulty – Hard」

「8th Floor Community (787/1121)」

-Oh Chunseok: Wow, finally the 8th floor... I really thought I would die on the way.

-Mage is Noble: Haha, now this hellish Tower of Trials is over. I'll use 4,000 points to escape the tower.

-Kim Seunghoon: It's fortunate that the Return Stone wasn't too expensive.

-Kare Cover: Haha, I'll avoid life after returning. Damn, I was an E-rank Hunter, but thanks to the Tower of Trials, I might aim for B-rank.

-Oh Chunseok: I might try being a Hunter when I return...

-Denture Seizure Team: What, I thought you were some kind of monster since you always ranked high, but you're just a regular person?

-Mint Chocolate: Haha, you only found out now? How often do you not check the community?

The atmosphere in the 8th floor community was quite warm, as expected.

Since it was almost time to return, everyone's mood was relaxed.

The Return Stone, which is used for permanent return, seemed to be cheaper than expected, contributing to the warm atmosphere.

However, there was no discussion about the 'aura' at all.

Of course, no one would casually spread such top-tier information.

Those who obtained the aura would know how advantageous it is.

'Hmm, not much useful information is being shared.'

I thought everyone would share some tips before returning, but that didn't happen.

It was even more disappointing to see many of the previous ranking members.

They all took a long time to clear the 7th floor trial, but there was no useful conversation.

There was no information about the aura or the interdimensional challenger.

"They won't easily share high-level information."

Unable to do anything, I left the community open and executed the shop command.

I recalled the message that the 'Skill Shop' would be open when I entered the 8th floor waiting room.

There were also things to learn about the floor invasion.

「You have entered the Skill Shop.」

「Displaying the list of skills available for purchase.」

-Steelization, D- rank.

-Immovable, E- rank.

-Monster's Skin, F rank.

-Weapon Enchantment, E rank.

-Instant Acceleration, D rank.

-Mana Circuit, D- rank.

-Mana Barrier, E rank.

-Vision Enhancement, F rank.

...

The quality of the shop was not as high as expected.

Most of the skills listed were close to the lowest rank.

Truly helpful skills start from D rank, but they are hard to find and expensive.

'Why is the Instant Acceleration skill 8,000 points...?'

The Instant Acceleration I originally received as a bonus was very expensive here.

Of course, there were higher-rank skills, but the highest was D rank.

Higher ranks had gray icons and no response when clicked.

'To obtain higher-rank skills, some conditions must be met.'

And that condition is likely reaching a higher floor.

As mentioned in the Q&A, the tower grants more authority to those on higher floors.

'Well, I can still get a few desired skills.'

I could also obtain materials for skill synthesis here.

Combining the lowest-rank skills to create higher-rank ones would be a profitable deal.

Of course, I don't have enough points to do that now, so I chose a few desired skills.

'Clearly... I need a skill related to mana.'

Recalling the knowledge I learned long ago, I quickly selected the skills and completed the purchase.

「You have purchased Mana Circuit (D-).」

「15,000 points have been deducted.」

「You have purchased Anti-Magic (D-).」

「12,000 points have been deducted.」

I bought a total of two skills from the Skill Shop.

『Skill – Mana Circuit (D-)』

『Proficiency – 0%』

『Effect – Mana in the body forms circuits, increasing the efficiency of mana usage.』

『Skill – Anti-Magic (D-)』

『Proficiency – 0%』

『Effect – Magic resistance is generated throughout the body, increasing resistance to others' mana. However, the effect is significantly reduced without the Mana Circuit skill.』

Woo...

As soon as I bought the two skills, a burning sensation rose from my back.

I immediately knew it was due to the Mana Circuit.

'Originally, forming circuits would grant the skill... but I got the skill and then formed the circuits.'

Instead of forming the circuits first, I obtained the skill and then the circuits formed.

The mana that was dormant in my body gathered on my back and quickly intertwined to form circuits.

It felt like thin, hot metal wires were intertwining.

I winced at the strange, hard-to-describe pain.

"Huff..."

Of course, the pain was brief, and the formation of the Mana Circuit didn't take long.

In fact, I was surprised that the Mana Circuit was formed with just this.

Kiiing...

"It works well."

The doubt disappeared as soon as I used the Mana Circuit.

Woo...

Circulating mana through my body, I felt a surge of vitality.

I channeled the surging vitality into my right foot and struck the floor of the waiting room.

Bang...

'Oh.'

A shockwave that resonated throughout the waiting room spread.

The result of forming circuits and enhancing physical abilities with mana, which I used haphazardly before.

This is also an ability included in the Mana Circuit, and it feels quite good.

A kind of combat instinct surged with the vitality.

Considering the total amount of mana I can use at once and the consumption rate, the efficiency is considerable.

'If the Mana Circuit is this good, I'm curious about Anti-Magic, which is highly rated.'

In the Hunter industry, the Mana Circuit is considered a prerequisite for obtaining Anti-Magic.

While forming efficient and systematic circuits is important...

'For Hunters specialized in close combat, Anti-Magic is also valuable.'

A skill that takes about a year to master for those without the aptitude.

However, the number of Hunters who consistently attempt to learn it is not small.

Anti-Magic not only reduces the power of skills but also increases resistance to magic.

Well, reducing the power of skills is not possible unless it's a unique trait...

But it means I won't be helplessly restrained by unique traits or skills anymore.

'I don't feel anything significant right now, but I can check it later.'

Since I've reached the 8th floor waiting room, it's time to prepare thoroughly.

I need to grow to the point where I can safely break through even if I face a life-threatening situation like in the 7th floor trial.

I need to achieve a certain level of growth without challenging the trials.

And the