《Limitless Leveling : A LitRPG Wuxia to System-verse》 The End of Blood Age The stench of blood and rot was suffocating¡ªa thick, cloying miasma that clung to the boy¡¯s lungs. Yun Jin crouched low, his small body trembling as he pressed himself deeper into the pile of corpses. His arms wrapped tightly around his knees, his breath muffled against his sleeve. All around him, chaos raged. Shouts, screams, and the sickening clang of steel on steel filled the air. The once-green fields of Yunhe Valley had been turned into a sea of red, the ground slick with blood and littered with the fallen. Soldiers, villagers, and the twisted forms of demonic cultists lay where they had fallen, their faces frozen in terror and agony. This valley had been meant to herald a new future. Yun Jin and his parents had been traveling to a secret assembly¡ªthe founding of a new Warrior Federation that would unite the martial world and bring an end to the chaos of the Blood Age. But they had been ambushed by the entirety of the demonic cult. ¡°It¡¯s the demonic cult! Alert the Sword Saint!¡± The desperate cry had rung out moments before the battle began, but now even the memory of that voice had been drowned beneath the ceaseless clash of steel and the anguished wails of the dying. ¡°Hide here, and don¡¯t make a sound,¡± his mother had whispered, pressing him into the pile of bodies. ¡°Mother, please!¡± Yun Jin stared up at her, his wide eyes brimming with tears. ¡°I love you, Yun Jin,¡± she kissed his forehead. Then she was gone, vanishing into the fray alongside his father. He hadn¡¯t understood it then¡ªnot fully¡ªbut he had known enough to realize they had no chance. They weren¡¯t fighting to win. They were buying time. Even a single second longer to ensure their son¡¯s survival. His life. Yun Jin peeked through the tangled limbs of the dead, his smalleyes trembling as he searched for them. He saw flashes of steel, sprays of blood, and then¡ªfinally¡ªa burst of crimson light against the pale sky. His father¡¯s sword met the blade of a towering figure cloaked in black. The man¡¯s face was sharp and striking, unnervingly clean amidst the carnage, but his eyes burned with malice. His wild hair framed his expression like a storm, and his presence radiated an oppressive aura. Choenma, the Heavenly Demon. His father fought with everything he had, each movement a testament to decades of training in the Wudang Sect. But it wasn¡¯t enough. Against the Heavenly Demon, one of the three absolute powers of the martial world, it was like hurling pebbles into the ocean. Choenma¡¯s blade swung with the weight of a mountain. With a single, devastating strike, his father¡¯s sword shattered into glittering shards. Blood sprayed into the air as the blade continued its deadly arc, slicing him in half like a slab of soft meat. ¡°Is this all the so-called Warrior Federation has to offer?¡± Choenma said, his voice smooth and mocking. Yun Jin¡¯s mother, desperate to avenge her husband, charged forward with a dagger clutched tightly in her hands. She didn¡¯t make it far. ¡°Foolishness.¡± Without sparing her a glance, Choenma flicked his wrist. His qi rippled through the air in an invisible wave, a force so overwhelming that it hurled her like a rag doll into the dirt. She hit the ground with a sickening crack, her body crumpling unnaturally, her limbs twisted from the sheer destructive power. Both his parents were warriors of renown. His father, an elder of the Wudang Sect, and his mother, a descendant of a prestigious martial family. Yet, before Choenma, they were nothing. Yun Jin bit down on his sleeve to stop himself from screaming, every fiber of his being torn between fleeing and leaping out to help, knowing both would be futile. The Heavenly Demon stood as the pinnacle of unorthodox martial power, his name whispered in fear even among the demonic sects he ruled. Together with the Demon King of the Evil Sect and the Sword Saint of the Righteous, he was one of the three absolutes of the martial world. The Demon King was already dead¡ªslain by his hand. And now, Choenma sought to destroy the last bastion of hope¡ªthe Sword Saint himself. ¡°Choenma!¡± The voice rang out, cutting through the chaos like a blade slicing sky.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. The battlefield stilled. Even the demonic cultists paused. A gust of wind swept across the valley, scattering the smoke and ash. Amid the haze, a lone figure emerged. His white robes were unblemished, glowing faintly in the light. At his side, a simple looking green sword hung loosely, its edge gleaming like a sliver of stardust. Baek Tianjun, the Sword Saint. Choenma¡¯s lips curled into a grin, his teeth gleaming like fangs. ¡°Finally,¡± he said, spreading his arms wide in mock welcome. ¡°The so-called savior of the martial world graces us with his presence.¡± Baek Tianjun¡¯s gaze swept across the battlefield. His eyes burned with fury, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. He had arrived minutes too late, and now the bodies of the innocent lay scattered before him. Baek Tianjun was no hypocrite, no self-serving fraud cloaked in righteousness. He truly walked the path of virtue¡ªand that was why the anger swelling within him now was so consuming. He stepped forward. ¡°Your reign of blood ends today!¡± Choenma laughed, the sound low and guttural. ¡°Bold words, Baek Tianjun,¡± he sneered. Crimson light flared around his blade as he raised it. ¡°Come, then. Let us see whose sword holds the truth of this world.¡± Baek Tianjun stepped forward, his hand rested on the hilt of the Heaven Ruling Blade, bestowed upon him by the emperor himself. Choenma grinned, unfazed, his fingers tightening around the hilt of the Divine Blood Sword. The blade pulsed with a sinister red glow, each heartbeat sending ripples of dark energy through the air. The two masters surged forward, their swords colliding in a dazzling flash of light and fury. The battle raged on, relentless and unforgiving, for three consecutive days. By the end of the third day, both warriors had pushed themselves to their absolute limits. Their strikes slowed, their steps grew heavier, yet neither wavered, neither surrendered. Everything around them lay in ruin¡ªgrass and trees reduced to splinters, human bodies scattered like broken dolls, even the once-proud mountains bore deep scars from their unyielding clash. Baek Tianjun swung the Heaven Ruling Blade in a sweeping arc, its radiant light cutting through Choenma¡¯s defenses and grazing his shoulder. Blood sprayed into the air like crimson mist. Choenma retaliated immediately, driving the Divine Blood Sword into Baek Tianjun¡¯s side. The blade tore through flesh, its dark energy rippling outward with a sinister hum. Both men stumbled back, their breathing heavy and ragged. Yet, despite their battered bodies, the fire in their eyes refused to dim. Baek Tianjun¡¯s blade darted forward like lightning, aiming for Choenma¡¯s chest, but the Heavenly Demon deflected it with a twist of his wrist, countering with a horizontal slash that sent sparks flying. Baek Tianjun''s legs gave way, and he stumbled, falling forward onto his hands. For a brief moment, his vision darkened, the edges of his world fading to black. Seeing his enemy falter, Choenma¡¯s hoarse laughter broke the heavy silence, tinged with bitter triumph. He wiped the blood from his lips, his crimson aura flickering faintly. ¡°You¡¯re old, Baek Tianjun, or should I say, Master,¡± Choenma said, his voice rasping but steady. ¡°Ten years younger, and perhaps...¡± He paused, his grin fading as he straightened. For a moment, his expression flickered with grudging acknowledgment. ¡°Perhaps you could have killed me.¡± Baek Tianjun tightened his grip on the Heaven Ruling Blade. His body screamed with exhaustion, but his resolve remained unshaken. ¡°You talk too much,¡± he said. Choenma smirked. ¡°Take solace in this, Master: Your greatest failure has become the pinnacle of the martial world. The world doesn¡¯t need your dreams¡ªit needs men like me.¡± Baek Tianjun¡¯s reply came cold and firm. ¡°The world needs neither of us. My dream was to make you kind, Choenma. But you turned into a nightmare.¡± Choenma sneered. ¡°Your dream? A world where the weak smile while the strong stand idle? A world without evil and demonic way? It¡¯s a fantasy! Power is the only law of this world. You taught me that better than anyone!!¡± ¡°No,¡± Baek Tianjun said, his voice steady. ¡°I failed to teach you what true strength is.¡± "You... after all these years, you became soft, master. Now. Get out of my sight!" The Divine Blood Sword pulsed with malevolent energy as Choenma raised it high, the crimson blade crackling with destructive qi. The air around it twisted and screamed, resonating with the finality of the killing blow about to be delivered. But before he could strike, a small shadow darted from behind. Yun Jin, face streaked with dirt and blood, rose from the corpses like a ghost. From behind, the boy leapt and drove the dagger into Choenma¡¯s back, straight into his dantian. The blade sank deep, piercing the core of the Heavenly Demon¡¯s power. Choenma staggered, his qi flaring wildly as a guttural roar escaped his throat. He twisted around, his face contorted with shock and fury. ¡°You little insect!¡± Choenma bellowed. His hand shot out, crackling with crimson energy, ready to swat the boy into oblivion. Baek Tianjun¡¯s eyes widened as the moment he¡¯d been waiting for arrived. With a burst of speed that defied his battered body, the Sword Saint surged forward. The Heaven Ruling Blade ignited with a blinding light as it cleaved through the air. In one smooth, decisive motion, Baek Tianjun¡¯s blade severed Choenma¡¯s head, cutting through flesh and bone as though the heavens themselves had guided his strike. The red aura surrounding the Heavenly Demon flickered, then vanished entirely as his head hit the ground with a dull thud. Yun Jin collapsed onto the ground, his small hands trembling as the dagger slipped from his grasp. For days, he had hidden among the corpses, crawling through the sea of blood. Every step, every breath, had been agony. Yet he endured, driven by one singular purpose: to avenge his family. Now that it was over, his soul felt at peace. And with it, so did his life. ¡°No,¡± Baek Tianjun murmured, his voice hoarse but firm. ¡°Not yet.¡± He knelt down, placing a steady hand on Yun Jin¡¯s head. The boy¡¯s body was cold, his breathing faint, but his eyes fluttered open as the warmth of Baek Tianjun¡¯s qi began to flow into him. The Sword Saint¡¯s energy enveloped the boy¡¯s fragile frame, stabilizing his flickering life force. Rising slowly, Baek Tianjun sheathed the Heaven Ruling Blade and gripped it tightly, using it as a cane to steady himself. With his free arm, he lifted Yun Jin, cradling the boy¡¯s fragile body against his chest. And then, he walked. Above, the faint light of dawn began to break through the smoke-filled sky, casting pale rays over the ruined valley. Choenma was dead. His reign of terror had ended. And with it, the Blood Age. Tale of The Limitless Blade Stolen novel; please report. The Invitation Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. First Encounter: Cleared This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Tutorial Rewards [Yes.] ¡°Oh no, no!¡± Yun Jin replied, shaking his head firmly. ¡°I decline. Power isn¡¯t free, and I¡¯ve seen what happens when people take shortcuts. I don¡¯t trust you that much, mysterious floating text.¡± The system flickered briefly, unperturbed, before displaying a new message. [It is not power in the direct sense, but knowledge, unique traits, or tools. Skills, items, and classes purchased provide potential, but mastery and effectiveness depend entirely on the user.] Yun Jin¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line. He tapped a finger against the hilt of his blade as he considered the response. The explanation didn¡¯t seem dishonest¡ªbut he¡¯d seen enough demonic martial artists fall into ruin to remain cautious. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying you¡¯re just... teaching me?¡± Yun Jin asked, his voice skeptical. ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± The system responded promptly: [Correct. Skills and items are based on rank rarity. Knowledge is provided, but usage, discipline, and growth are the user¡¯s responsibility. The Shop offers no shortcuts¡ªonly possibilities.] Yun Jin stared at the screen for a moment longer, then let out a short, sharp laugh. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just say so earlier?¡± he said, grinning. ¡°Knowledge, huh? That¡¯s a different story. Knowledge is always welcome.¡± He crossed his arms, his expression growing thoughtful. ¡°But still, you say there are no shortcuts.¡± His tone sharpened. ¡°Then what¡¯s the catch?¡± The screen flickered briefly before displaying: [The system¡¯s primary purpose is to nurture challengers for harder challenges.] Yun Jin raised an eyebrow. ¡°It does give me real battles,¡± he murmured, his lips twitching into a faint smile. ¡°I suppose it checks out.¡± The list of available options unfurled before him, glowing faintly in the dim air. Yun Jin¡¯s eyes scanned the classes, lingering briefly on Arcane Blade Master before moving on. ¡°Blade Master?¡± he said, his tone thoughtful. ¡°I¡¯m already walking that path. I don¡¯t need to buy some title I haven¡¯t earned myself. What¡¯s the point if I didn¡¯t fight for it?¡± His gaze shifted to Mage instead, curiosity sparking in his expression. ¡°But this... magic?¡± Yun Jin tilted his head slightly. ¡°I¡¯ve never dabbled in anything like that before.¡± He tapped on the Mage class. The system responded instantly, presenting a description: [Mage (Rank C): Focuses on elemental spellcraft and manipulation. Unlocks basic mana control and introduces magical principles.] Yun Jin nodded, his curiosity outweighing his caution. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s see what this magic business is all about.¡± The system flickered once. [Mage (Rank C) purchased.] [Initializing mana circuits. Synchronizing with user¡¯s qi reserves...] Yun Jin tensed as a strange sensation coursed through his body. It was unfamiliar yet not unpleasant¡ªlike unlocking a door he¡¯d never known existed. A faint hum resonated deep within, followed by a steady pulse. [Mana Circuit Initialized (Rank E-): The foundation of magic. Allows the user to channel mana for spells and techniques. Efficiency and reserve size depend on circuit rank.] The system expanded: [Qi and mana are two expressions of aura, the universal energy. Qi is tempered and internalized within the body, while mana flows outward, shaped and directed by the magic circuit. Strength depends on reserve size, circuit quality, and control.] Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! [Elemental Affinity: Light (Rank E-). You are attuned to the element of light, granting potential access to its magical properties.] ¡°Interesting¡­¡± Yun Jin''s gaze flickering. What can I do with it? he wondered. Curiosity compelled him to test it. Guiding the wild flow of mana through his circuit, Yun Jin focused on his palm. At first, it resisted, erratic and unwieldy. But as he steadied his breathing and applied his precision, the energy condensed. With a sudden pulse, a bright flash of light erupted from his hand, flooding the darkened battlefield with brilliance. He shielded his eyes, blinded by it intensity. As the light faded, Yun Jin¡¯s lips twitched into a faint grin. ¡°Let¡¯s see what else you got,¡± he mused, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. -- [Skills:] [Items:] --- His gaze next landed on Weapon Mind under the skill section. ¡°Communicate with weapons? Unlock hidden capabilities?¡± Yun Jin¡¯s lips twitched into a faint smile. ¡°I¡¯ve always treated my blade like a companion, an extension of myself. This¡­ could be interesting.¡± He tapped the selection without hesitation. [Weapon Mind (Rank B) purchased. 50 Points deducted.] A ripple in his consciousness settled over him. The presence of his sword at his side felt sharper, more tangible, as though it acknowledged him for the first time. Yun Jin flexed his fingers, testing the connection, and the faintest whisper of understanding seemed to echo back. ¡°A good choice,¡± he murmured, feeling a quiet satisfaction in his chest. With 25 points remaining, his sharp eyes swept over the items section. His gaze lingered on the Iron-forged Shortsword. ¡°Simple. Reliable." He didn¡¯t need an elaborate weapon¡ªat least, not yet. Power wasn¡¯t in the tool but the hand that wielded it. [Iron-forged Shortsword (Rank E) purchased. 10 Points deducted.] The weapon materialized before him in a flash of light. Yun Jin reached out, grasping the hilt. It was simple, sturdy, and perfectly balanced. This will do nicely. [15 Completion Points remaining.] Yun Jin glanced back at the shop list, noting the remaining points. He felt no urgency to spend them all¡ªbetter to hold onto what he had and save them for something that truly intrigued him later. --- "Hmm... With all these skills, I wonder if I..." Yun Jin closed his eyes. In the silence, he turned his senses inward, focusing on the two distinct flows of energy within him. Qi and mana¡ªtwo expressions of aura, the universal energy. Qi was tempered and internalized within the body, cultivated by absorbing aura from the outside and refining it into one¡¯s own. Mana, on the other hand, flowed freely, drawing energy in and releasing it outward. He furrowed his brow slightly, delving deeper into the concept. The strength of mana depended on three key factors: the reservoir available to the user, the efficiency of their magic circuit, and their control over its flow. The magic circuit itself acted as a conduit¡ªa measure of how much energy could pass through and how precisely it could be directed. "Channeling Qi into the blade to connect with it¡ªthat¡¯s the basic principle of martial arts." He began channeling Qi as he had done countless times before, allowing it to flow into the weapon¡¯s structure. The blade hummed faintly, its weight subtly shifting as the energy became one with its core. But this time, it felt different. With Weapon Mind, he could sense every inch of the sword, as if it had truly become an extension of his body. It no longer felt like a tool¡ªit was his arm itself, moving in perfect harmony with his will. "Qi flows inward," he muttered. "Then mana flows outward." Now for the unknown. Focusing on his newly-formed circuits, Yun Jin guided mana outward, layering it over the blade like a translucent film. The process was delicate. Slowly, the mana merged with the Qi inside the blade, and it began to pulse outward in steady ripples. A faint glow emanated from the weapon, white and pure, as if the light of the moon had been captured within the steel. The light pulsed gently¡ªsteady and serene. Yun Jin opened his eyes, observing the weapon with a rare flicker of satisfaction. [You have unlocked a skill: Aura Blade (Rank D-)] The mages name is Merlin. The battle was over. Yun Jin observed the subdued goblins scattered across the battlefield. With their shaman defeated, the chaos began to settle, and villagers slowly emerged from their hiding places, peering cautiously from behind broken doors and crumbled walls. Seeing him, they rushed forward, their voices rising in jubilant cries. ¡°The hero has returned!¡± one shouted. ¡°Praise the gods for sending a savior!¡± another cried, dropping to their knees. Before Yun Jin could react, more villagers knelt, their hands clasped in prayer. ¡°Hero of the heavens, we are saved!¡± Yun Jin¡¯s expression darkened. He stepped forward, raising a hand. ¡°Stop,¡± he said firmly. The villagers froze, their reverent whispers silenced by the commanding tone. ¡°I am no hero,¡± Yun Jin continued, his voice calm yet unyielding. Inside, he felt a pang of bitterness. A hero? That title belongs only to my master¡ªthe one who ended the Blood Age and brought peace to the world. I¡¯ve done nothing compared to him. Still, confusion lingered in his mind. He didn¡¯t even know where he was, let alone why this village had been attacked. Yun Jin folded his arms and addressed the crowd. ¡°Explain what happened here. Why was your village attacked, and where exactly am I?¡± An older man stepped forward, his posture humble but resolute. ¡°I am Harun, the village elder,¡± he said, bowing slightly. ¡°This is a small village within the Kingdom of Velmire. Just days ago, the goblins began their raid, led by a shaman. We were hopeless... until the boy mage summoned you.¡± ¡°The boy mage?¡± Yun Jin muttered, his mind flashing back to the golden-haired child he¡¯d seen unconscious in the church when he first arrived. His gaze sharpened. ¡°Where is he now?¡± The elder gestured for Yun Jin to follow, leading him back to the church. Inside, the faint light filtering through the cracked stained-glass windows cast an ethereal glow over the sleeping boy. Yun Jin approached quietly, his eyes narrowing as he took in the boy¡¯s features. The child¡¯s golden hair framed a delicate face, his skin pale but unblemished. His breathing was shallow, his chest rising and falling unevenly. He seemed to radiate an otherworldly beauty, as if carved from light itself. Yun Jin knelt beside him, his sharp senses honing in on the strange energy he had noticed before. That¡¯s not qi, he thought. It¡¯s mana... but it¡¯s fluctuating wildly. Focusing his qi sense, Yun Jin delved deeper. Within moments, he saw the truth¡ªa phenomenon he had only read about in ancient texts. ¡°A Divine Death Star,¡± he murmured under his breath. It was an extremely rare and deadly condition, where one¡¯s dantian was small but their energy veins were unnaturally large, allowing them to draw infinite energy from nature. However, the cost was their life¡ªit would burn them out in a short time. This boy¡¯s condition appeared to be a magical equivalent, with his mana circuits vastly outpacing his reserves. The boy¡¯s mana reserves were significantly smaller than his circuits, yet his body continuously pulled far more mana than it could handle. This imbalance had left him drained and on the brink of collapse. Elder Harun spoke, his voice breaking the silence. ¡°The boy tried to cast a spell¡ªSummon Lesser Celestial. He meant to bring forth a guardian, but something went wrong. Still, it brought you here, hero from the heavens.¡± Yun Jin scratched the back of his head, frustration flickering across his face. ¡°Hero from the heavens, huh?¡± He glanced at the boy again. ¡°I don¡¯t have expertise with magic circuits, so I can¡¯t help with that. But...¡± Yun Jin trailed off, his gaze sharpening as he considered the boy¡¯s fragile state. While repairing magic circuits was beyond him, he could at least stabilize the damage. Drawing upon his mastery of qi, Yun Jin synchronized his breathing with the boy¡¯s, channeling a gentle flow of qi into his fragile body. The qi pulsed in harmony with the boy¡¯s erratic fluctuations, bolstering his vitality and easing the strain. Slowly, the boy¡¯s breathing steadied, and a faint flush returned to his pale cheeks. Moments later, the boy¡¯s eyes fluttered open, revealing irises of a vibrant, piercing blue. He gasped for air, his gaze darting around the room in a panic. Then his eyes locked onto Yun Jin¡¯s calm, serene face. The panic melted into confusion, then something else entirely. A blush crept across the boy¡¯s cheeks as he stared at Yun Jin, wide-eyed and speechless. Yun Jin raised an eyebrow, his expression unchanging but inwardly bemused. ¡°Feeling better?¡± he asked, his tone steady. The boy stammered, his voice barely a whisper. ¡°Y-you... saved me...¡± ¡°There, there, kid. You¡¯re stable now, but you still need some fresh air to fully recover,¡± Yun Jin said, his tone calm but firm. He leaned forward and hoisted the boy onto his back with practiced ease. ¡°Hold on tight.¡± Without waiting for a response, Yun Jin leaped out of the church, his movement fluid and effortless, leaving the stunned villagers in awe. -- The boy screamed in alarm as they soared through the air, his voice carrying across the village. ¡°W-wait! What are you doing?! Put me down!¡± Yun Jin landed gracefully in a clearing just outside the forest, the fresh breeze sweeping past them. He crouched slightly to let the boy down before standing upright and stretching. ¡°See? That wasn¡¯t so bad,¡± Yun Jin said with a small grin. He turned to the boy, whose face was pale from the sudden leap. ¡°Now, take a deep breath. Your vitality¡¯s only been jump-started. You¡¯ll need some time to refresh before you¡¯re back to normal.¡± The boy hesitated, then reluctantly inhaled the crisp air, his cheeks regaining a faint flush. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. ¡°Good. While you¡¯re at it, why not introduce yourself?¡± Yun Jin said, sitting cross-legged on a nearby rock. ¡°My name is Yun Jin. Thanks to you, I¡¯m here, apparently.¡± The boy shifted awkwardly, clutching his staff tightly. ¡°I¡¯m Merlin. Merlin Junior,¡± he said, his voice soft. ¡°I¡¯m a level 25 mage.¡± Yun Jin raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. ¡°Level 25? That¡¯s impressive. Your level¡¯s five times higher than the goblin shaman I fought.¡± He paused, his curiosity growing. ¡°Wait... how do I even see my own level?¡± As if responding to his thoughts, a glowing panel appeared before him, hovering in the air. Yun Jin¡¯s sharp eyes scanned the text, his expression shifting as he took in the details. -- Status Window Name: Yun Jin Level: 12 Title: The First Forerunner (Rank EX) The system¡¯s chosen for a new world, granting a higher chance to encounter special events Energy Systems: Qi Realm: Core Qi Mastery (Rank C+) Highly refined and condensed qi, supporting advanced martial techniques, external projection, and body reinforcement Mana Circuit: Initialized (Rank E-) A foundational mana circuit, enabling basic mana manipulation. Efficiency and reserves are limited Affinities: Light (Rank E-) Basic attunement to the light element, enabling introductory light-based magical principles Skills: Weapon Mind (Rank B) Establishes a connection with weapons, unlocking hidden potential and enhancing combat synergy Aura Blade (Rank D-) Combines qi and mana to enhance a weapon, increasing sharpness, durability, and energy output Mana Manipulation (Rank E-) Basic control of mana, supporting light-element techniques Completion Points: Remaining: 15 -- Yun Jin¡¯s eyes widened slightly. ¡°Level 12...¡± he muttered, his gaze flicking back to Merlin. ¡°Wait a minute... your level¡¯s even twice as high as mine!¡± Merlin¡¯s cheeks flushed, and he hugged his staff tightly, avoiding eye contact. ¡°It¡¯s because of my condition,¡± he said hesitantly. ¡°That¡¯s the only reason my level is so high... but in reality, I¡¯m probably no better than level 3 at most.¡± Yun Jin studied the boy for a moment, noting the way Merlin clutched his staff tightly and avoided his gaze. His lack of confidence was clear. With a quiet exhale, Yun Jin gestured for Merlin to sit down. ¡°Take a seat,¡± he said calmly, his tone gentle but firm. Merlin hesitated before sinking onto the grass beside Yun Jin, still clutching his staff as though it were a lifeline. ¡°There¡¯s too much blood in the village right now,¡± Yun Jin continued, glancing toward the distant lights of the village. ¡°The smell lingers, and it¡¯ll make it hard to breathe. Tonight, we¡¯ll stay here. It¡¯s quieter, and we¡¯ve got a lot to talk about.¡± He rose to his feet, his movements fluid and deliberate, and walked toward a nearby tree. In a swift motion, he cut a sturdy branch with a single strike of his sword. Returning to their makeshift camp, he snapped it into smaller pieces before gathering another branch. Kneeling down, Yun Jin rubbed the sticks together with practiced ease. Sparks caught, and soon a small fire flickered to life, its warm glow illuminating the clearing. Yun Jin leaned back slightly, resting his arms on his knees as he looked at Merlin. ¡°Since you¡¯re the one responsible for summoning me, I¡¯m hoping you can fill in some details. What exactly happened?¡± Merlin looked at the fire, his expression conflicted. After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice soft. ¡°I was trying to summon a Lesser Celestial Guardian,¡± he admitted, his hands tightening around his staff. ¡°It was supposed to protect the village... but something went wrong.¡± He glanced at Yun Jin nervously. ¡°Instead, the spell brought you here.¡± Yun Jin leaned back slightly, his gaze thoughtful. ¡°I don¡¯t know much about spells,¡± he admitted with a faint shrug. ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t know anything about them. Hell, I don¡¯t even know what counts as a spell.¡± He raised his hand, channeling mana through his circuit. A surge of energy built in his palm, and suddenly, a burst of blinding light flared into existence, as if a miniature sun had risen in the clearing. Merlin flinched, covering his eyes with a startled yelp. ¡°Is this a spell?¡± Yun Jin asked, tilting his head, oblivious to the boy¡¯s reaction. Merlin blinked rapidly, lowering his hand cautiously as his vision returned. ¡°No, that¡¯s not a spell!¡± he said, his tone incredulous. ¡°That¡¯s just channeled magical energy. But... it¡¯s light energy.¡± His eyes widened, a spark of amazement lighting up his expression. ¡°Affinity for light magic is really rare. That¡¯s incredible.¡± Yun Jin closed his hand, extinguishing the overwhelming glow with ease. ¡°Rare, huh? I guess that¡¯s good.¡± He paused, curiosity flickering in his eyes. Then, gripping the hilt of his sword, Yun Jin channeled his energy. The blade glowed faintly before a brilliant aura engulfed it, radiating light and energy like a blazing star. ¡°Is this a spell?¡± Yun Jin asked, holding the blade out for Merlin to inspect. Merlin tilted his head, his gaze intense as he studied the weapon. ¡°Yes...? It does feel and look like a spell, but there¡¯s something more to it that I can¡¯t quite place.¡± He stepped closer, narrowing his eyes thoughtfully. ¡°Hmm... the condensing aura within the blade acts like a conduit, radiating mana outward in a constant flow. It¡¯s almost like... an organ of a magical beast. Fascinating.¡± Yun Jin¡¯s brow lifted in awe at the boy¡¯s keen observation. ¡°That¡¯s correct. And more,¡± he said, impressed by Merlin¡¯s perception. ¡°You sure know a lot about spells.¡± Merlin looked up, a small blush creeping across his face. ¡°T-thank you...¡± he stammered, then hesitated. Encouraged by the boy¡¯s insight, Yun Jin sheathed his blade and folded his arms. ¡°If you¡¯re this knowledgeable, could you show me a spell? I want to see what more advanced magic looks like.¡± ¡°Actually, no,¡± Yun Jin said quickly, waving a hand. ¡°Forget I said that. Better not risk it with your condition.¡± Merlin frowned but then offered a small smile. ¡°If it¡¯s just a minor spell, I can manage.¡± Before Yun Jin could protest further, Merlin raised his staff. He murmured a few quiet words, and a tiny spark of magic flared at its tip. Moments later, a small firefly-like construct of light hovered in the air, gently illuminating the clearing with a warm glow. Yun Jin stared, captivated. His qi sense allowed him to feel the precise, intricate construct of the spell, each thread of mana woven together seamlessly. ¡°So that¡¯s a spell...¡± he muttered under his breath, awe evident in his tone. -- Without thinking, Yun Jin extended his hand and focused. He tried to replicate what he had sensed, guiding his mana as he had seen Merlin do. After several long moments of intense concentration, a glowing butterfly of light emerged, fluttering delicately in the air. [You have learned: Minor Light Conjuring (Rank E-): Control and shape luminous small constructs.] ¡°This... is E- rank?¡± Yun Jin asked, more to himself than to Merlin. ¡°The lowest level of magic?¡± He clenched his fist, dispelling the butterfly as his thoughts raced. If even a spell like this takes this much focus, I¡¯ve got a long way to go to compete with this kid. But as Yun Jin lost himself in thought, Merlin¡¯s firefly flickered and disappeared. The boy¡¯s face paled, and he began coughing violently, his small frame trembling under the strain. ¡°Hey, deep breaths!¡± Yun Jin said, immediately kneeling beside him. Placing a steady hand on Merlin¡¯s back, he infused the boy with qi, guiding the energy to stabilize his weakened body. The qi pulsed through Merlin¡¯s veins, bolstering his vitality and bringing a flush of color back to his pale cheeks. Within moments, the coughing subsided, and Merlin¡¯s breathing evened out. Merlin looked up at Yun Jin, his wide blue eyes filled with wonder. ¡°What... what did you just do?¡± he asked between breaths. ¡°It¡¯s a basic breathing technique,¡± Yun Jin replied, his tone calm but encouraging. ¡°It aligns your energy with your body¡¯s rhythm and keeps you balanced. I can teach it to you if you want.¡± Merlin¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement, the previous weariness momentarily forgotten. ¡°Really? Yes, please!¡± Yun Jin held up a hand, halting the boy¡¯s enthusiasm. He pointed a finger directly at Merlin¡¯s nose, his expression steady but mischievous. ¡°But in return, you have to teach me magic. Deal?¡± Merlin blinked, then broke into a small smile. ¡°Deal!¡± Everybody Qi Refining You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. The Wudang The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. The Magical Diagram The setting sun cast long shadows through the forest as Yun Jin strolled ahead, the gentle rustle of leaves and distant bird calls providing a serene backdrop. Behind him, Merlin lagged, his breaths uneven and labored. Yun Jin glanced over his shoulder just in time to see the boy stumble and collapse, his staff clattering to the ground. ¡°Merlin!¡± Yun Jin rushed to his side, kneeling as the boy¡¯s flushed face and trembling form confirmed his exhaustion. The kid¡¯s been pushing himself too hard, Yun Jin thought, frowning. By the time dusk settled, Merlin awoke, blinking groggily. He realized his head was resting on Yun Jin¡¯s lap, and his face flushed even redder. ¡°I¡ªuh¡ªsorry!¡± he stammered, scrambling upright and brushing himself off as though nothing had happened. ¡°You should¡¯ve told me you were at your limit,¡± Yun Jin said, his voice a mix of frustration and concern. Merlin hesitated, his gaze dropping. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to look weak... You weren¡¯t tired at all, so I thought I could keep going.¡± Yun Jin sighed, his expression darkening. Without warning, he lightly chopped the boy¡¯s head with the side of his hand. Merlin yelped, clutching his head. ¡°Resting when you¡¯re exhausted is far better than collapsing,¡± Yun Jin scolded, though his lips quirked into a teasing grin. ¡°Next time, just say something. We¡¯ll stop, or I can even carry you.¡± Merlin rubbed his head, muttering an embarrassed, ¡°Okay¡­¡± When the boy tried to stand, his legs wobbled before giving out, sending him back to the ground with a frustrated groan. ¡°I... I don¡¯t think I can walk right now. Can we just... stay here for the night?¡± Yun Jin nodded, his calm demeanor returning. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll set up camp.¡± He stood, scanning the area for materials, but Merlin stopped him. ¡°Wait! Let me handle it.¡± The determination in Merlin¡¯s voice made Yun Jin raise an eyebrow. Curious, he stepped aside and watched as Merlin knelt on the ground, drawing an intricate diagram in the dirt with his staff. The boy¡¯s hands moved deftly, his focus unwavering as he muttered under his breath. When the drawing was complete, Merlin placed his hand on the diagram and channeled his mana. The lines glowed faintly, and a translucent barrier shimmered into existence around them. Yun Jin stepped outside and turned back, only to find that the boy had vanished from sight. He walked back in, and Merlin reappeared as though he¡¯d never moved. ¡°What is this?¡± Yun Jin asked, his curiosity piqued. ¡°A barrier,¡± Merlin explained, still slightly winded. ¡°It blocks most animals¡¯ senses and is hard to break. It¡¯ll keep us safe for the night.¡± Yun Jin nodded, impressed. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you use this in the village?¡±This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it ¡°It takes time to set up,¡± Merlin admitted. ¡°And if something attacks before it¡¯s complete, it¡¯s useless. Plus, repeated attacks can break it eventually. But out here, it¡¯s perfect. It¡¯ll stop us from being ambushed.¡± Intrigued, Yun Jin knelt by the diagram, tracing a finger over the faintly glowing lines. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± he asked, pointing to a particularly intricate section. Merlin crouched beside him, eager to explain. ¡°Diagrams are like external magic circuits. They¡¯re tied to specific spells. You have to know the spell you want to cast and use the right medium to draw it.¡± As Merlin spoke, Yun Jin watched the faint flow of mana circulating through the diagram. When Merlin infused more mana, the glow intensified, and a floating, glowing eye formed at the center. It rose into the air and floated out of the barrier. Moments later, Merlin sagged to the ground, pale and trembling. ¡°That¡­ takes a lot out of me,¡± he admitted with a weak smile. ¡°It¡¯s the only way I can cast spells that need a constant mana supply. If I use my magic circuit, I¡¯d be drained in seconds.¡± ¡°Did the eye find anything?¡± Yun Jin asked. Merlin¡¯s face brightened. ¡°I saw a town on the horizon! If we keep moving tomorrow, we¡¯ll reach it by evening.¡± Yun Jin nodded. ¡°Great!¡± He knelt by the remnants of the diagram Merlin had drawn. His fingers traced over the glowing lines, his brow furrowing in thought. ¡°So this is like an external circuit, right?¡± Merlin nodded, though he seemed a little cautious. ¡°Exactly. It¡¯s stable and specific. You could try using it, but it depends on how much mana you can control.¡± Yun Jin¡¯s eyes gleamed with curiosity. ¡°I¡¯ll give it a shot.¡± Without much hesitation, he redrew a pattern in the dirt, though the lines were a little uneven. Infusing the lines with mana, he channeled energy into the diagram. Merlin tilted his head, watching Yun Jin¡¯s work. ¡°What are you trying to¡ª¡± Boom! A brilliant flash erupted from the diagram, flooding the barrier with an intense burst of light. Merlin yelped, stumbling back and shielding his eyes. ¡°Seriously?!¡± he shouted, blinking rapidly to clear the afterimages. When the glow subsided, Yun Jin sat cross-legged with a satisfied grin. ¡°Not bad for a first try,¡± he said smugly. Merlin groaned, rubbing his temples. ¡°You just... ran a spell through a diagram? Do you even know how diagrams work?¡± He sighed, his voice taking on an exasperated tone. ¡°Diagrams are one of the hardest arts of magic! You need to understand leylines, materials, mana flow, and the specific magic you want to cast. Just ¡®running a spell through it¡¯ isn¡¯t how it works.¡± Yun Jin scratched the back of his head, his grin fading slightly. ¡°I just wanted to see if it would work.¡± Merlin facepalmed, muttering to himself, He¡¯s more narrow-minded than I thought. He sighed, looking back at Yun Jin. ¡°For now, stick to the basics. Use what the system gave you. If you really want to learn diagrams, I can teach you the necessary knowledge later. But it¡¯s not something you can just wing like that.¡± Yun Jin smirked. ¡°Alright, alright. I¡¯ll keep tinkering with the basics for now. But I still think I¡¯m getting the hang of this magic thing.¡± Merlin sighed again, shaking his head. ¡°Let¡¯s hope you don¡¯t blind me a third time.¡± Yun Jin chuckled, standing and patting Merlin¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Come on, get in position. I¡¯ll help you recover with breathing practice before we sleep.¡± Merlin obeyed, sitting cross-legged as Yun Jin placed a hand on his back. The boy tensed briefly at the contact but quickly relaxed under Yun Jin¡¯s steady guidance. Slowly, Merlin¡¯s color returned, and his breathing steadied. As the night deepened, both settled into the barrier¡¯s protective embrace. The quiet of the forest enveloped them, and for a while, there was peace. In the shadows beyond the barrier, unseen eyes watched. Welcome to Terrilstead Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. The warm welcome This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Adventurer鈥檚 Guild The bustling streets of Terrilstead sprawled before Yun Jin and Merlin, an intricate web of shops, stalls, and lively chatter. For a while, they wandered aimlessly, the vibrant chaos pulling their attention in every direction. Finally, Yun Jin stopped in the middle of the street, rubbing the back of his head with a sheepish grin. ¡°Welp, looks like I¡¯m completely lost.¡± Merlin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. ¡°Maybe we should ask someone for directions before we wander into more dead ends.¡± Yun Jin chuckled. ¡°Nah, that¡¯s not the way. My father always said, ¡®When you¡¯re lost, follow the crowd.¡¯¡± He pointed ahead where groups of armed individuals entered and exited a large, imposing building with a distinct symbol above its entrance. ¡°And it looks like the crowd is heading there.¡± The building radiated a familiar energy to Yun Jin¡ªone of purpose and strength. Warriors clad in polished armor, mages wielding ornate staves, and even beast-like humanoids passed through its doors. Many carried high-quality weapons and a quiet air of confidence. Merlin squinted at the large sign hanging above the entrance. ¡°That¡¯s the Adventurer¡¯s Guild! We should¡ª¡± But before Merlin could finish, Yun Jin grabbed his arm and dragged him through the doors. -- The interior of the guild hall was lively and chaotic. Long wooden tables lined the space, occupied by boisterous adventurers sharing food, drink, and laughter. A hum of activity filled the air as groups huddled around a massive quest board pinned with parchment notices. Yun Jin¡¯s gaze swept the room, intrigued by the diverse gathering. His eyes lingered on a humanoid lizard, a man with fox-like ears, and a mage with glowing tattoos. ¡°This place is incredible,¡± Yun Jin said, his tone light but curious. A nearby group caught his attention as they discussed forming a party: ¡°We¡¯ll need at least one healer for this dungeon run.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t forget a tank¡ªour last one nearly got shredded!¡± ¡°Bah, we¡¯ll manage! I can double as DPS and crowd control.¡± Merlin followed Yun Jin¡¯s gaze to the quest board, where his companion was now fixated. Yun Jin stepped closer, scanning the notices. ¡°Merlin,¡± Yun Jin asked, pointing to a particular notice, ¡°are these dungeon rifts where those green little creatures came from?¡± Merlin peered at the notice and nodded. ¡°Yes, goblins usually appear in D-rank gates. But the one we encountered had a shaman, so it was probably closer to a D+.¡± Yun Jin tilted his head. ¡°D-rank? Is that strong? I could handle two or three hordes of those things at once.¡± This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Merlin smiled faintly, though a hint of unease lingered. ¡°Not really. There are higher ranks like D+, C, B, A, and S. And then there are special types like red gates, black gates, and boss raids. I¡¯ve only heard about them from my grandfather, though¡ªI¡¯ve never seen one myself.¡± Yun Jin rubbed his chin, intrigued. ¡°Then why don¡¯t we try one? We¡¯ve got time.¡± Merlin hesitated for a moment, then nodded. ¡°That¡¯s... actually not a bad idea.¡± -- At the end of the hall, a striking blonde receptionist stood behind a polished counter, attending to adventurers with a practiced smile. As Yun Jin and Merlin approached, her gaze landed on them, and her smile brightened. ¡°Welcome to the Adventurer¡¯s Guild! How can I help you today?¡± she asked warmly. Yun Jin placed a quest notice on the counter. ¡°We¡¯d like to take this one.¡± The receptionist glanced at the notice before looking back at him. ¡°May I see your adventurer cards for registration?¡± Yun Jin blinked. ¡°Adventurer cards?¡± Merlin scratched his cheek, sheepish. ¡°We don¡¯t have those.¡± The receptionist raised an eyebrow, her eyes quickly assessing them. Yun Jin¡¯s muscular frame and fine sword spoke of combat experience, while the dense energy radiating from Merlin hinted at latent magical potential. ¡°In that case,¡± she said, ¡°would you like to take the registration test? We offer a full test, which takes about 5¨C6 hours, or a quick test to determine your energy rank.¡± Yun Jin tilted his head. ¡°What¡¯s the quick test?¡± The receptionist smiled, though there was a hint of pity in her tone. ¡°It only measures your energy level¡ªno combat or skill evaluation. Are you sure? It won¡¯t showcase your swordsmanship.¡± ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Yun Jin said. ¡°Let¡¯s do the quick test.¡± The receptionist retrieved a smooth, glowing orb and placed it on the counter. ¡°Simply place your hand on the orb and pour your mana into it. It will display your rank.¡± Yun Jin stepped forward, placing his hand on the orb. As soon as he made contact, he felt an instant connection. Is this thing a weapon? he wondered. A smirk crept onto his face as a mischievous thought crossed his mind. He focused, channeling his energy into the orb. The light within it began to grow brighter and brighter, until it glowed like a miniature sun. Gasps echoed through the hall as the letter S appeared on its surface. The receptionist¡¯s face went pale, and adventurers around the room turned their heads, murmuring in shock. ¡°S... S-rank?¡± she stammered. Yun Jin, satisfied with the chaos, relaxed his energy. The orb dimmed, and the light stabilized to reveal C instead. The receptionist exhaled, still shaken. ¡°C-rank...¡± Merlin stared at Yun Jin, his mouth agape. Yun Jin flicked his forehead playfully. ¡°Your turn.¡± Snapping out of his stupor, Merlin stepped forward and placed his hand on the orb. The light pulsed, growing steadily until it displayed B. ¡°B-rank?¡± Merlin whispered, his voice trembling with excitement. The receptionist handed them forms to fill out, requiring their names and a drop of blood. Once completed, the papers glowed and transformed into cards. Yun Jin¡¯s bronze-colored card bore a bold C, while Merlin¡¯s iron card displayed a proud B. The receptionist registered their quest and handed them the details. ¡°Good luck on your first mission!¡± Here¡¯s the expanded version of the swarm dialogue scene: As Yun Jin and Merlin walked out of the guild hall, the air still buzzed with murmurs from adventurers. The moment the door swung shut behind them, the receptionists wasted no time swarming their colleague. ¡°Who are they?¡± one of them demanded, leaning over the counter. ¡°Did you see that? The orb glowed like the sun! That has to be a mistake, right?¡± another chimed in, her voice a mix of disbelief and excitement. The blonde receptionist, still recovering, shook her head, her hands clutching the counter. ¡°I... I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°Wait, wait,¡± another receptionist interjected, her eyes sparkling with mischief. ¡°Are they a couple? They looked awfully close.¡± The blonde receptionist blinked. ¡°A couple? I didn¡¯t ask, but... I don¡¯t think so?¡± ¡°Does it matter?¡± another said, her tone teasing. ¡°The swordsman, though¡ªwow. Tall, muscular, and that smirk? I don''t care!¡± Against the Void Yun Jin and Merlin made their way through the northern part of Terrilstead, following the signs that pointed toward their destination. As they walked, the bustling sounds of the town faded behind them, replaced by the rustling leaves and distant calls of birds from the nearby forest. After a short while, they reached the edge of town, where the dense jungle loomed ahead. Just beyond the treeline, Yun Jin¡¯s sharp eyes caught sight of a strange sight¡ªa swirling blue vortex hovering in the air, shimmering like liquid light. The energy emanating from the vortex sent a tingle through Yun Jin¡¯s senses, a strange mix of familiarity and unease. It¡¯s just like that time I was pulled into this world, he thought, his grip tightening slightly on his sword. ¡°It¡¯s awfully close to the town, isn¡¯t it?¡± Yun Jin said aloud, glancing back at Merlin. Merlin nodded, adjusting the strap of his staff. ¡°It can happen sometimes. Dungeon rifts don¡¯t have set spawn points¡ªthey can appear almost anywhere. That¡¯s why towns like this install protective magic diagrams to prevent them from spawning inside the walls.¡± ¡°Diagrams? I didn''t see anything.¡± Yun Jin asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Like the ones I use,¡± Merlin explained. ¡°But much bigger. They¡¯re might be powered by mana channels running under the town.¡± He paused, his voice lowering slightly. ¡°Still, the diagrams aren¡¯t perfect. Some towns have been overrun because the defenses failed.¡± Yun Jin hummed thoughtfully, his gaze returning to the vortex. ¡°Well, let¡¯s not give it a chance to cause trouble.¡± He glanced at Merlin. ¡°You ready?¡± Merlin nodded and began chanting softly, his staff glowing faintly with emerald light. With a sweep of his hand, he cast a shimmering barrier over himself and Yun Jin. ¡°Magic Armor,¡± he said. ¡°It¡¯ll absorb some damage before breaking.¡± He continued, drawing intricate diagrams in the air with his staff. The glowing lines of mana hovered for a moment before converging on Yun Jin, wrapping around him in a soft light. Yun Jin felt an immediate difference¡ªhis body felt lighter, as if a heavy weight had been lifted. Merlin smiled, though his forehead glistened with sweat. ¡°That one increases agility. Casting normal spells takes too much mana, so I like to prepare diagrams ahead of time. Mostly buffs and summons.¡± As he spoke, he waved his staff again, conjuring a small emerald bird made entirely of wind energy. The bird fluttered around them, its translucent wings glimmering in the sunlight. ¡°This one¡¯s a scout. It can warn us if anything¡¯s waiting inside.¡± Yun Jin nodded approvingly. ¡°Not bad. You¡¯ve got a lot of tricks up your sleeve.¡± Merlin flushed slightly at the compliment, adjusting his grip on his staff. ¡°Thanks. But we should stay focused.¡± Yun Jin drew his sword, the blade catching the light as it left its sheath. He stepped toward the vortex, the swirling energy casting faint blue shadows across his face. He glanced back at Merlin one last time. ¡°Stay close,¡± he said. Then, without hesitation, he stepped into the gate. -- The moment Yun Jin and Merlin stepped through the rift, the world around them shifted. The bright sky and the sounds of Terrilstead faded into an eerie, unnatural stillness. A vast magical forest stretched before them, bathed in a gloomy, green-tinted light. The air felt damp, and the scent of moss, soil, and something faintly floral lingered. The trees here were ancient, their gnarled roots twisting unnaturally, some even hovering slightly above the ground as if resisting gravity. Glowing mushrooms pulsed faintly along the trunks, casting a dim bioluminescent glow. Merlin, stepping forward, took a deep breath and raised his staff. He closed his eyes, channeling mana through his fingertips. A thin wisp of emerald energy flickered before him before forming into a small wind bird, a spectral emerald falcon with faintly glowing eyes. With a soft trill, it took off into the air, flitting between the trees like a whispering breeze. ¡°I¡¯m sending it to scout ahead,¡± Merlin explained, his voice focused. Yun Jin nodded, watching as the wind construct zipped through the misty forest. -- Merlin¡¯s brows furrowed as he processed the information his wind bird had relayed. His grip on his staff tightened slightly. ¡°We¡¯ve got seven enemies,¡± he said, his voice steady but carrying a hint of unease. ¡°Two Brambleguards¡ªliving walls of thorned vines, level five. Three Pixie Tricksters, level seven¡ªthey like to mess with your head. One Treant, level ten¡ªa walking tree, tough as stone. And¡­¡± His voice hesitated ever so slightly, ¡°¡­one Dryad. Level fifteen.¡± The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Yun Jin raised an eyebrow. ¡°Sounds like a big jump from goblins.¡± Merlin nodded, licking his lips. ¡°D-rank dungeons can vary a lot depending on the creatures inside. Goblins? Dangerous in numbers, but predictable. But fae?¡± He exhaled sharply. ¡°They don¡¯t play fair. And the Dryad¡ªshe¡¯s the worst one here.¡± Yun Jin tilted his head. ¡°You sure know a lot.¡± Merlin blinked, then gave a nervous chuckle. He looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°I just know about fae. Their body parts and materials are excellent ingredients for magic.¡± He fidgeted slightly. ¡°But¡­ I don¡¯t actually know much about monsters.¡± Yun Jin smirked. ¡°So, which are they? Monsters or not?¡± Merlin pursed his lips. His hands clenched around his staff before he finally spoke. ¡°Fae aren¡¯t like monsters. They¡¯re creatures of nature and magic. They don¡¯t live in dungeons naturally¡ªthey¡¯re born from nature¡¯s mana. Some are playful. Some are cruel. Some just don¡¯t care about humans at all. But the important thing?¡± He hesitated before meeting Yun Jin¡¯s gaze. ¡°They follow their own rules. And that makes them unpredictable.¡± Yun Jin watched him carefully, noticing how Merlin''s fingers twitched slightly, betraying his nerves. The boy was usually confident when talking about magic, but here? There was uncertainty in his voice. ¡°So, you¡¯re worried?¡± Yun Jin asked, his tone lighter than before. Merlin huffed and crossed his arms, looking away. ¡°Of course not!¡± His voice cracked slightly. ¡°I mean, okay, maybe a little! It¡¯s just¡ªDryads are no joke! Even experienced mages have trouble with them, and we only have me.¡± He glanced at Yun Jin¡¯s sword. ¡°And your sword, I guess.¡± Yun Jin chuckled, rolling his shoulders. ¡°Hah. That makes this interesting, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Merlin sighed, adjusting his grip on his staff. ¡°I swear, you¡¯re the only person who gets excited about fighting something this dangerous¡­¡± Yun Jin only smirked in response. -- But as he observed their surroundings, he noted something peculiar¡ª The path ahead was unnaturally narrow. A perfectly winding, thin trail cut through the magical forest, with thick trees looming on both sides, forming a natural corridor. It was too clean. Too convenient. Yun Jin frowned slightly, clicking his tongue. ¡°This setup¡­ feels like a trap.¡± Merlin blinked in confusion. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Look at it,¡± Yun Jin gestured toward the suspiciously clear-cut path ahead. ¡°It¡¯s guiding us. There¡¯s only one way forward. But in a place like this, don¡¯t you think that¡¯s¡­ too obvious?¡± Merlin hesitated, glancing around. ¡°I mean¡­ I heard most dungeons have paths like these, don¡¯t they?¡± Yun Jin shook his head. ¡°In the real world, forests aren¡¯t this neatly arranged." Before Merlin could protest further, Yun Jin ignored the path entirely. Instead, he veered off-course, stepping directly into the dense, mystical forest, where the air felt heavier with magic. ¡°Wait¡ªwhat are you doing?!¡± Merlin hissed, scrambling to follow him. Yun Jin drew his sword, effortlessly slicing through the thick foliage, creating his own path. The blade¡¯s edge glowed faintly with a trace of qi, allowing it to pass through the tough, magical vines as though they were paper. Merlin grumbled, stumbling after him. ¡°You¡¯re seriously going to just¡­ cut your way through?¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Yun Jin said simply, stepping over a tangle of roots. ¡°If I¡¯m going to fight, I want to know where this place ends.¡± Merlin looked skeptical but didn¡¯t dare separate from Yun Jin¡ªif he got attacked alone, he¡¯d be an easy target. He hurried to keep up, keeping his staff at the ready. The deeper they walked, the more unnatural the air became. There were no monsters in this area, only absolute silence. Then¡ª Yun Jin stopped. They had reached the very edge of the dungeon. Before them lay the void. A vast, infinite darkness stretched beyond the boundary of the dungeon¡ªa sheer, impossible emptiness that swallowed all light. Yun Jin felt a strange, hollow sensation in his chest. His breathing hitched for a moment, his body instinctively rejecting the sight before him. Just staring at it made his stomach churn, like he was peering into something beyond reality itself. ¡°Ugh¡­¡± Yun Jin exhaled sharply, steadying himself. Merlin, who had caught up, gasped. ¡°W-what is this place¡­?¡± They could see the dungeon¡¯s end¡ªan invisible, translucent barrier that separated the world of the dungeon from the absolute nothingness beyond. Yun Jin reached out a hand, pressing against the barrier. It was solid, yet completely smooth. A faint shimmer rippled where his fingers touched it, but it did not give way. Merlin gulped. ¡°Is¡­ is this what happens when dungeons form? Do they just¡­ carve out space like this?¡± Yun Jin didn¡¯t answer. He simply stared at the void, his mind struggling to comprehend what lay beyond it. He had never seen anything like this before. There was no sky. No ground. No depth. No color. Just an abyss of nothingness. The sensation of looking at something that shouldn¡¯t exist made his head feel light, almost nauseating. And then¡ªinstinctively¡ªhe took a step back. Merlin noticed. ¡°You okay?¡± Yun Jin shook his head, his usual smirk replaced by unease. ¡°Let¡¯s not stay here too long.¡± But before leaving, he glanced at the translucent barrier one more time. A thought crossed his mind. ¡°¡­I wonder.¡± He stepped forward again, this time drawing his sword. Merlin paled. ¡°H-Hey, Yun Jin, what are you¡ª¡± Yun Jin ignored him. [Aura Blade] Instead, he exhaled slowly, focusing his absolute intent. His sword pulsed with light, and in that instant¡ª Light Blade Sovereign Style: Thirteenth Form ¨C Vector to Heaven. A single, motionless slash. A cut that required neither movement nor wasted energy. The embodiment of pure mastery. The sword flashed¡ªan imperceptible strike that no eyes could follow. And yet¡ª Nothing happened. The barrier remained. Untouched. Yun Jin narrowed his eyes. ¡°Not even a scratch¡­¡± Even his strongest technique had done nothing to it. A trace of frustration flickered across his face, but he sighed and sheathed his blade. Then, without another word, he marked the spot in his mind before turning back to Merlin. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Merlin, still standing stiffly, exhaled a breath he didn¡¯t realize he was holding. ¡°¡­Yeah. Let¡¯s go.¡± As they walked away, Yun Jin¡¯s thoughts lingered on the barrier and the abyss beyond. Just what the hell is this place¡­? --