Chapter 39 of 100

Chapter 39

11 min read2,666 words

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Exceeding Expectations

A warp floating above the horizon of the earth.

Before challenging the next trial, there was something that needed to be done.

"Pick out the strongest bones, caw."

Caw!

Eleven carrion crows descended from the sky and began to search through the giant's bones.

【Lv.6】

The carrion crows, which were level 4 boss monsters, had been upgraded to level 6.

The change that occurred as the ordinary carrion crow summoning skill transcended into the advanced carrion crow summoning skill.

However, it wasn't just the level that changed.

When the carrion crows flapped their wings, two purple hands stained with curses appeared and lifted the large bones.

The advanced carrion crows had been granted a new skill.

This rapid skill transcendence was possible thanks to the hidden attribute 'Handiness.'

'Handiness also raises the level of transcended skills.'

When a skill transcends, its level is reset.

But here, the true power of 'Handiness' is revealed.

Originally, 'Handiness' had already raised the skill level of the ordinary 'Carrion Crow Summoning' by 1.

When the skill transcended into 'Advanced Carrion Crow Summoning,' it was given an additional level, starting at 2Lv.

This is why the advanced carrion crows summoned now are eleven in number.

'Handiness effectively raised the level to 2.'

Even though it is said to be reset, in reality, it is no different from 'inheritance.'

It means that the skill retains its pre-transcendence characteristics and raises the level even further.

Whether this is a system error, a bug, or intentional, the more a skill transcends, the more the power of 'Handiness' grows, like compound interest.

It even amplifies the speed at which proficiency increases.

There is almost no attribute with better cost-effectiveness.

While the Weapon Master is limited to weapon proficiency, 'Handiness' affects 'all proficiencies.'

Caw!

Thud!

They selected the unbroken, intact bones of the giant and stacked them neatly in front of me.

'They couldn't withstand the low level, but these are all the bones of the giant.'

It's not just that the skeleton soldiers have grown in size.

The giant's attribute. These bones are genuine, armed with powerful anti-magic resistance.

The strength of the bones is harder than steel and would not be scratched by most physical attacks.

The reason for gathering only the intact bones of the giant is simple.

'I will create a single masterpiece using eleven advanced carrion crows.'

I plan to create a 'masterpiece' to prepare for the next trial.

The skill that transcended and transformed was not just the carrion crow summoning.

'Corpse Art' transcended into 'Master of Corpse Art.'

Previously, I could stack bones to create a golem-like structure, but with 'Master,' the utility has increased.

I can now use more materials to create a larger and more complex work of art.

'If the druid attribute is added in the next trial, it will certainly handle nature elementals.'

Druids are a race specialized in elementals of nature.

Using elementals, they can easily support the massive body of a giant.

The terrifying aspect of druids is that they can handle elementals of all nature attributes.

But what I am more worried about is an even worse scenario.

'... Void added the attribute of light. They might even handle light elementals.'

Elementals of light, not nature.

If such elementals are summoned, it would be impossible to clear the current state.

Therefore, I must prepare thoroughly.

"Connect them properly, caw! There must be no gaps, caw!"

The area around the Tower of Mystery was now packed.

The number of monsters gathered from the entire Crandell region had exceeded ten thousand.

Among them were many powerful beings from Crandell.

"Young phoenix, imugi, adult leviathan, minotaur king, multiple ogres, king of carrion crows, truebloods, serpents... "

Monsters wearing red helmets were writing something at the entrance of the Tower of Mystery.

They were confirming the identities of those currently inside the tower.

"Apparently, there are 100 people inside now."

"Among them, there are transcendent beings."

The Tower of Mystery only allows 100 visitors at a time.

Their task was to investigate all 100 visitors inside the Tower of Mystery.

To determine if the beings undergoing the 'Mythical Trial' inside were friendly to Crandell or not.

If they were friendly, they would be treated accordingly; if not, preparations would be made.

"There are only four with the potential."

"Imugi, Leviathan, Truebloods, and Minotaur King."

Even if a species transcends, the foundation must be excellent. It is almost impossible for a lower species to produce a transcendent being.

After much selection, only four remained.

Among them, the imugi and leviathan were mythical beings.

"The Minotaur King is not."

"Sir Gonggi?"

At that moment, Gonggi burst in.

The monsters wearing red management helmets bristled at the sight of Gonggi.

One of the four most influential monsters in Crandell, Gonggi.

One of the four close aides of the White King.

A being corresponding to the third of the four main forces.

He shook his head confidently.

"The Minotaur King is under my command. However, he is not a transcendent being."

"Ah. Is the one who entered the tower recently the Minotaur King born from the third main force?"

"That's correct."

Swish, swish.

After crossing off, three remained.

One of the red-helmeted managers said,

"Leviathan is known to be from the dark lake of Aphendel. However, there is no clear information about the imugi and truebloods."

"Does that mean one of them is undergoing the Mythical Trial?"

The tower is closed during the Mythical Trial.

No one can enter or exit.

If someone successfully completes the Mythical Trial and comes out, it must be determined.

At that moment, Gonggi asked, puzzled.

"Where are the other main forces? Did only you come here?"

Even if it was Gonggi asking, the managers of Crandell could not avoid answering.

"Medusa is still focused on recovery..."

"The Death King is conducting important research..."

"The Great Earth Dragon is in hibernation..."

Gonggi frowned at their excuses.

"Are you still so calm even after seeing three rings appear? Or rather, you were calm even when dealing with 'that human.' It seems you haven't learned anything since then."

Gonggi shook his head.

Two years ago, the four main forces were defeated.

If they had combined their strength, it might have been different, but they were defeated one by one due to underestimating the human race.

All four main forces were defeated by a single human.

'They didn't kill us to lure out the White King.'

How could he forget that humiliation?

The human was incredibly strong, beyond comprehension.

In the end, the White King had to give up one of his fangs, leading to a catastrophic event.

Since then, the other main forces seem to have learned nothing.

All the main forces, including himself, were alive only because of the White King's grace.

If the White King had not given up his fang, the four main forces would have been killed by a single human.

'Now...'

Gonggi had changed since that day.

He pushed himself harder and grew stronger.

To avoid repeating the same humiliation!

'Now, I won't lose as easily as before.'

Gonggi was looking forward to the day he would meet the human again.

He would not lose if they fought again.

He had become several times stronger since then.

He was counting down the days until he would face the human again.

'But, it's time for me to step forward now.'

Three rings.

A transcendent being who achieved the same feat as the White King.

It was time for him to step forward.

But the tower did not open, no matter how much time passed.

'... Could he be challenging the fourth ring?'

If four rings are completed...

This would be an achievement surpassing the White King.

When that happens, the other main forces would have to reveal themselves.

An unprecedented achievement that no one has ever achieved would be a matter of concern even for them.

Gonggi looked up at the top of the tower.

... There were still three rings.

But if the rings become four...

All the main forces of Crandell would gather here.

And they would face the unknown transcendent being.

As an ally or an enemy.

Unlike the third trial, the fourth trial clearly had a higher difficulty level.

<'Skeleton Soldier' level is the same as the challenger's level.>

<'Skeleton Soldier' gains the opposing attribute due to 'Void'.>

<'Skeleton Soldier' gains the 'Giant' attribute.>

<'Skeleton Soldier' gains the 'Druid' attribute.>

Skeleton soldiers with the full attributes of druids.

They use elementals to support and move their massive bodies and shoot arrows of light.

The range, which was only 50 meters, increased proportionally with their size.

The destructive power was the same.

Boom! Bang! Rumble!

The wall shakes with intense vibrations.

What I created using the Master of Corpse Art skill was an incredibly thick 'wall.'

A massive wall reaching 10 meters in height.

I installed this wall in the narrowest part of a cliff.

'The light arrows cannot penetrate the anti-magic resistance of the giant.'

I effectively used the giant's attributes.

The anti-magic resistance of their bones prevents the light arrows from penetrating.

To penetrate with physical force, they would need to move violently, but the elementals supporting them cannot provide that much thrust.

Moreover, I installed it in a narrow area to prevent them from crossing.

'The fish farm is complete.'

Literally, a fish farm.

If it were just the ordinary 'Corpse Art' skill, I wouldn't have dared to attempt it, but with 'Master of Corpse Art,' the only limit is the amount of power available.

'There was no time limit for when to move on to the next trial.'

I made full use of the given time.

The wall, which was simply cut and pasted bones, was made as sturdy as possible.

I repeatedly worked on it to complete this masterpiece.

The skeleton soldiers had to stop in front of the wall made from their own bones.

'All the trials had the same terrain, so I spent a lot of time finding the right place.'

All the terrains of the trials I've faced so far were identical, like a copy and paste.

Therefore, I first searched for a place to install the wall.

I had to create it with no 1 cm error and fit it precisely.

I also installed nine pillars to anchor it to the ground to prevent the wall from falling.

This prevented the skeleton soldiers from entering.

'The problem is the elementals.'

Elementals can materialize.

They can penetrate the wall and target me.

"I will win if I hold out, caw!"

Swoosh.

Swoosh!

As I expected, various elementals appeared, penetrating the wall.

But elementals are summoned by mana.

They cannot be summoned indefinitely.

When the mana is depleted and the elementals are recalled, the skeleton soldiers will fall.

If I can withstand their attacks, I will win.

If the wall collapses or I cannot withstand them, I will lose.

'I must survive.'

Facing the skeleton soldiers and elementals simultaneously would be worse.

Suddenly, I recalled the first time I was summoned to Pangaea.

Dropped in the desert, facing death.

My current state of mind is the same as then.

I must survive. I must continuously strive and challenge for life.

Gonggi looked up at the tower.

"... Four."

"The rings have become four!"

No one could have predicted this emergency situation.

Four rings!

An achievement surpassing the White King's record.

It can no longer be ignored.

Eventually, all four main forces gathered in front of the Tower of Mystery.

When they gathered, all the monsters surrounding the tower had to retreat.

The four main forces were Crandell itself.

"... It's been a long time since we've all gathered like this."

The Great Earth Dragon.

The strongest among the earth dragons, the most powerful being.

A massive brown dragon, as vast as the tower, appeared.

"It hasn't been that long. Just 2 years and 87 days."

The Death King.

The king of the dead, said to govern all deaths.

He was in the form of a skeleton with a robe, but just being near him drained life. All the flowers and grass within a few dozen meters were dead and lifeless.

"..."

Medusa appeared with her eyes covered and her hands bound.

She had intended to observe from a distance, but when the fourth ring appeared, she decided she had to face it directly.

"Gonggi, what do you see inside?"

The Great Earth Dragon asked Gonggi.

Meaning, since he had been observing the longest, did he discover anything?

"... I don't know."

But Gonggi shook his head.

It's impossible to predict.

Among those who entered, there was no being that could be identified as a transcendent.

The only possibility might be the truebloods, but their race does not have a good relationship with Crandell.

Even if a Grand Master of the truebloods appeared, he would not be unknown to Gonggi.

Then the Death King spoke.

"Four rings signify the completion of a myth. I wonder what has been completed."

"Even the White King couldn't complete it..."

The Great Earth Dragon responded.

At this point, they were almost driven mad with curiosity.

To think that a being who witnessed the end of the Mythical Trial would really appear.

-If it is considered a threat to Crandell, it will be killed immediately.

Medusa said through telepathy.

All the main forces agreed.

Crandell is not just a city.

It is an empire where the apex of monsters gather.

The four main forces, who rule the empire, can kill anything when they combine their strength.

Even if the opponent is the 'Demon King.'

Moreover, the empire must remain intact to support the White King.

"... But why isn't it coming out?"

"Could there be another trial?"

All the main forces were puzzled.

The Mythical Trial consists of four stages.

If the four stages are overcome, the myth is completed, and the tower opens its closed door.

But even with four rings, the door did not open.

'It can't be...'

Gonggi inwardly shook his head.

The White King's words could not be wrong.

The absolute king's words that the completion was on the verge of failure.

"..."

I looked up at the sky.

My body was battered and bruised.

'Thankfully, the core didn't break.'

When the last elemental was recalled, all the skeleton soldiers self-destructed.

I managed to hold out, but my condition was not good.

I was lying down, unable to move a finger.

At that moment,

<'Species Wall (4)' trial cleared.>

<'All species trials have been completed.>

<'The tower expresses reverence to you for completing the myth!>

All the trials have been completed.

But I couldn't understand.

'The Celestial being?'

There is still a Celestial being left, yet it's said to be completed.

Could this really be the end?

<'The tower's final gift to the one who completed the myth.>

<'You can obtain the unique-level mystery 'Randolph' as a reward.>

'Ah... Unique-level...'

... Unique-level.

I was speechless.

I had never known that there was a unique-level among mysteries.

Moreover, the name of the unique-level mystery is my name.

Randolph.

Proof of myself, completion of myself.

It means I have finally achieved my own myth.

There is no higher item grade than unique-level.

Likewise, there is no higher mystery grade than unique-level.

The tower also says this is the final gift.

<'All the constellations of the Hall of Heroes commend your efforts.>

The constellations also recognized my efforts.

Once I receive this mystery, the main quest 5 will be completed, and I will be able to claim other rewards and benefits.

The constellations of the Hall of Heroes witnessed the Mythical Trial from beginning to end. I was looking forward to how many constellations would raise the reward grade.

Whether I would obtain a transc