The objective was to hunt Goblins. There was no need to be careful anymore. By defeating the Servant of Rakiratas, his Stats had risen to an absurd degree.
After passing through the corridor and reaching the door, Taesan kicked.
Kwang!
Four Goblins looked at him in surprise.
“Kiiik!”
[A Bow-Wielding Goblin has appeared.]
[A Spear-Wielding Goblin has appeared.]
[A Spear-Wielding Goblin has appeared.]
[A Shortsword-Wielding Goblin has appeared.]
Taesan calmly drew his Bow. He shot a Paralysis Arrow at the Bow-Wielding Goblin.
[12 Damage dealt to the Bow-Wielding Goblin.]
[The target has been paralyzed. It cannot move until the next attack hits, or for 30 seconds.]
“Kiiik.”
The Goblin’s arms twitched as if having a seizure, then it froze. Three were left. Taesan took out his sword and shield.
“Kaaaak!”
Taesan pushed it back with his shield.
[6 Damage dealt to the Shortsword-Wielding Goblin.]
“Kiiik!”
Though he pushed it very lightly, the Goblin was thrown back three steps. The two Spear-Wielding Goblins thrust their spears at Taesan. He could see everything.
Agility also improves one's dynamic vision. Taesan parried the spear on the left with his sword. The Goblin couldn't withstand the force, and its spear flew away.
He lightly dodged the other Goblin’s spear and stabbed its neck.
“Kiek.”
[12 Damage dealt to the Spear-Wielding Goblin.]
The Shortsword-Wielding Goblin was just now charging. The other Spear-Wielding Goblin scurried off to pick up its lost spear. It was a one-on-one situation.
The Goblin desperately swung its spear.
[You have activated Counter. You will counter the opponent’s next attack.]
His body naturally dodged and stabbed the opponent.
[30 Damage dealt to the Spear-Wielding Goblin.]
[You are victorious against the Spear-Wielding Goblin.]
“Keck, keck.”
The Goblin died in two hits. He had become much stronger than when he first entered the 2nd Floor. Goblins were no longer a match for him.
What he was trying to confirm now was the Proof of Struggle.
[Your Proof of Struggle has activated.]
In an instant, his mind cleared. Taesan’s face brightened at the distinct relief from his fatigue.
“Oh?”
Skills that reduced mental fatigue in the Labyrinth were extremely rare. Even if they existed, their effects were so faint they were unnoticeable, and there were many times he had to rest due to mental exhaustion even when his Health was plentiful. But the fatigue reduction from Proof of Struggle was clearly noticeable.
And the Stat increase. Taesan opened his Status Window to check. All his Stats had increased by 1. His action speed had also increased.
Taesan checked by moving his hand.
‘About 5%?’
On top of that, the Mana he had used was recovered. This meant he could keep using the Counter Skill against Goblins without losing Mana. It was quite good.
Even when swarmed by many, if he could somehow kill one, he could go on a rampage from that point on. As long as the battle continued, it was a Skill that made it very unlikely for him to lose.
“Kiiik!”
He dodged a Shortsword coming from a diagonal angle to his left and grabbed the wrist. He pulled the Goblin in and stabbed its stomach.
“Kaaaak!”
He swung his shield at the charging Spear-Wielding Goblin, sending it flying. He stabbed the one in his grasp in the stomach again.
[You are victorious against the Shortsword-Wielding Goblin.]
[Your Proof of Struggle has activated.]
Once again, all his speeds increased. He sprinted toward the Spear-Wielding Goblin that had been sent flying. The terrified Goblin thrust its spear, but he easily parried it with his shield.
The spear flew away.
“Kieeek!”
14, 14, 13. [You are victorious against the Shortsword-Wielding Goblin.]
[Your Proof of Struggle has activated.]
The battle ended quickly. The Bow-Wielding Goblin, just freed from paralysis, stood there, not knowing what to do. Taesan strode forward.
The sword moved. Damage windows appeared one after another.
“Kieee……”
[You are victorious against the Bow-Wielding Goblin.]
[Your Proof of Struggle has ended.]
The power that had been circulating throughout his body vanished. The difference was so great that it made him feel powerless for a moment.
“This is quite good, isn't it?”
To put it simply, it was mental recovery, an increase in all Stats, increased action speed, and recovery of Health and Mana. There were too many effects to be attached to a single Skill. Considering that most Acceleration Skills only had one of these effects, Proof of Struggle was the best Acceleration Skill he had ever seen.
There were no restrictions. There were no limits either. It meant that as long as the condition of continuous combat was met, he could fight endlessly.
Depending on the situation, it was a Skill on the level of a Main Skill. Moreover, on these lower floors where Monsters often appeared in groups, it could be used very effectively. It was definitely not a Skill he should have acquired so early.
“He’s quite generous.”
Rakiratas was different from the Dwarf or Ainzhar. They acknowledged Taesan's abilities but were extremely cautious when giving him anything, fearing he would grow lazy after being consumed by the rewards. But Rakiratas gave rewards befitting his achievements.
Having finished his check, Taesan began to sort out his rewards. Soul Rank Ascension gave 4 Intelligence. It was a very consistent increase.
He checked the Gold. 50 Gold each, for a total of 200 Gold. The equipment drops were one dagger and two arrows.
It was alright, but still not enough. Taesan gripped his sword and headed toward the corridor. He casually parried a desperately fired arrow and approached.
He cut down the Goblin that was about to burst into tears.
“Keeeek!”
[13 Damage dealt to the Bow-Wielding Goblin.]
[You are victorious against the Bow-Wielding Goblin.]
[Your Proof of Struggle has ended.]
[Your Level has increased.]
[You are now in Optimal Condition.]
[As a reward for Leveling Up, Health has increased by 15.] [As a reward for Leveling Up, Agility has permanently increased by 2. Strength has permanently increased by 2.] [Your Soul Rank Ascension has activated. Intelligence permanently increases by 1.] Taesan flicked the blood off his sword.
“This should be enough.”
He had cleared six rooms. After defeating twenty-four Goblins, he had leveled up.
“Status Window.”
[Kang Taesan] [Level: 7] [Health: 205/205] [Mana: 22/22] [Strength: 29] [Intelligence: 39] [Agility: 42] [Attack Power +7] [Defense Power +7] [The target is in Optimal Condition.]
The increase in Intelligence was more noticeable than his other Stats. It should have risen higher, but it seemed to have hit a limit, repeatedly failing to break through the wall of 40. Still, it was a large increase. Without Soul Rank Ascension, he would have barely reached this point after clearing the 5th Floor.
He had also earned a lot of Gold.
1,200 Gold.
If he sold the duplicate weapons, it would be up to 2,400 Gold. He wasn’t just earning money; he had also acquired some useful equipment.
[Worn Ankle Guards] [Defense Power +1] [Seems like it can block minor scratches.]
[Worn Leather Armor] [Defense Power +2] [Seems like it can block moderate attacks.]
Taesan wasn't paying much attention, but Defense Power was fundamental for a Player. The more one raised it, the more it reduced the damage taken as a flat value, to the point that there were even those who focused solely on raising their Defense Power.
Six rooms.
A total of nine rooms cleared. It was about time for the 2nd Floor to end. Before that, Taesan planned to stop by the Shop.
When Taesan returned to the Shop, the Dwarf greeted him with a frown.
“What. Why are you back again?”
“To get some equipment.”
“Equipment? You think I sell equipment better than what you’ve got now?”
The Dwarf, who had been looking at him strangely, froze.
“…Airak Martial Arts. That son of a bitch.”
“Show me some accessories, please.”
The Dwarf doesn't show equipment from the floor above. He's afraid that Taesan will get lost in the perks and fail to clear the Labyrinth. But accessories were not included in that.
The Dwarf let out a deep sigh.
“Fine. I suppose you’ll be alright. Take it.”
As if giving up, the Dwarf opened a Spatial Storage. Countless accessories poured out. Taesan whistled at the sheer quantity, easily over fifty, and began to check them one by one.
‘Skip the stat necklaces.’
Normally, he would have grabbed those first, since Stats apply regardless of the equipment slot. But with Soul Rank Ascension, it wasn’t that important. What Taesan needed to get now were accessories that gave Attack Power or Defense Power.
Taesan picked up an iron necklace he had been eyeing.
[Iron Cross Necklace] [Attack Power +1] [A necklace worn by those who served the God of War. It’s completely useless, but they believed it would protect them.]
[600G] Contrary to the description, it was very useful for Taesan.
He opened his Inventory and took out the duplicate pieces of equipment.
“How much will you give me for these?”
“……You went and killed them all, huh?”
The Dwarf looked at the mountain of equipment with a disgusted face and checked it.
“It’ll be about 1400 Gold. You selling all of it?”
There was no reason to keep things that just filled up his Inventory. Taesan sold them cleanly and received the Gold.
2,600 Gold.
A simple calculation meant he could buy four more accessories. Taesan held the Iron Cross Necklace and looked for more. As a result, he found three pieces of equipment that were perfect for him right now.
[Rusted Bracelet] [Attack Power +1] [Seems like it will break if you hit something.]
[600G] It was literally in a state where it would shatter if he used it to block something or strike with it.
But since Taesan only needed the Attack Power and had no intention of using it for anything else, it didn’t matter.
[Studded Gloves] [Attack Power +2] [Protects the hands. Seems like you can hit enemies a little harder.]
[900G] It was an upgraded version of the Fighter’s Gauntlets.
The description now included the word ‘more’.
[Sharp-toed Leather Boots] [Attack Power +1] [If you aim for the tip and stab, it seems you can hit a little harder. It appears to be completely useless for defensive purposes.]
[500G] “I'll buy these.”
The total was 2600. It exactly matched the Gold he had.
“Here. Take it.”
Taesan received the equipment, quickly put it on, and checked his Attack Power.
[Attack Power +11] Now, he could deal with Goblins in three hits at worst, or two if he aimed well.
A Counter strike would be a one-shot. He had become noticeably stronger than before. Airak Martial Arts.
It truly was a good Skill. The Dwarf grumbled at the satisfied Taesan.
“Happy?”
“Of course I am.”
“Damn old geezer. Why did he have to give something like that to this kid. You don’t have anything else to buy. Get going now.”
The Dwarf waved his hand dismissively. He was practically shooing him away, but Taesan was already fully satisfied. He headed to the Labyrinth without another word.
“Then I’ll see you next time.”
“If possible, let’s meet on the next floor. Huh?”
Taesan did not answer the desperate voice. Returning to the Labyrinth, Taesan wandered here and there, but no Goblins were in sight. He had cleared nine rooms.
It meant the Boss was just around the corner. As Taesan walked through a corridor without much thought, a peculiar door caught his eye. An orange door stood before Taesan.
“What’s this?”
The Boss room has a red door. He had never heard of an orange door. He searched his memory, but Lee Tae-yeon hadn't mentioned it either.
She had avoided any place that seemed dangerous, so there were occasional gaps in her information. It was a different kind of room. And such rooms usually give rewards.
Taesan opened the door. Inside were two Goblins. Their perfectly fitted leather clothes and swords without a single speck of rust were impressive.
“Kaak.”
“Karuk.”
They saw Taesan and drew their weapons. Unlike the Goblins so far, they didn’t charge immediately and were wary of him.
[Elite Goblin, Atlak has appeared.]
[Elite Goblin, Genesi has appeared.]
Monsters with names. They were guarding a small tomb.
[You have discovered the Tomb of a Hero.]