In the realm of Paradiso, the users who claimed the will of the Garfajis received a special bonus that set them apart from others. For wizards, this bonus came in the form of the ability to use Transcendence Magic. Any wizard user coveted this power. It was renowned for significantly enhancing existing magical might, drawing out the transcendental forces inherent in magic itself.
The forms of Transcendence included Single, Double, and Triple Transcendence, allowing for multiplicative enhancements. The key point, however, was that the amount of magical energy consumed rose dramatically with each level—1,000 for Single, 2,000 for Double, and 3,000 for Triple Transcendence. The maximum possible enhancement was known as Decuple Transcendence, which amplified power by ten times. For example, if a wizard used a Class 1 Magic Missile as a Double Transcendence spell, it would consume 2,000 magical energy. Although this was an enormous drain, the firepower it unleashed was undeniable.
To be frank, as long as one's mana reserves were generous, it was a spell one would desire to unleash at any time.
“Let’s see,” I said as I opened the detailed information window to check my abilities classified as Grade B or higher. As a wizard, I should focus on my attributes.
[Fire Magic: SS]
[Ice Magic: C]
[Wind Magic: B]
[Earth Magic: D]
[Lightning Magic: A]
[Other Magic: B]
“First and foremost, it looks like the most efficient form of Transcendence I can utilize right now is indeed Fire Magic,” I noted. Excluding Ice and Earth, I could link all forms of Transcendence Magic. The area that would yield the utmost efficiency was Fire Magic, which had been classified at the SS grade. My mana reserves were nearing 6,000, which meant I could feasibly use the Class 3 Fire spell, Fireball, at Double Transcendence.
“Lord?” At that moment, Hayze, who had noticed I was deeply absorbed in the information window, cautiously tapped my shoulder.
“Just a sec. Hayze, could you take care of the team members first? I have something to check. Also, Hayze, look behind you. I think you have someone trailing after you.”
I laughed as I pointed to the shoes hovering behind Hayze, almost as if they had wings. They were artifacts commonly referred to as the Wings of Garfajis. These were prizes given to all teammates who initially raided Garfajis, with their effect being a permanent hasten spell!
With this, the teammates who strategized with me against Garfajis no longer needed to worry about hasten buffs. As long as they had a slight amount of mana to activate the buff, they would be under its effect at all times.
“Wow, Lady! This shoe feels incredible! I tried them on, and it's like you cast a hasten spell, making me much faster!” Mia exclaimed, unable to contain her curiosity as she zipped excitedly around the stone chamber while wearing the Wings of Garfajis.
“Hehe,” I smiled at her, content, then prepared to cast Transcendence Magic. Without hesitation, I infused the will into my left hand.
[The will of Garfajis has perfectly settled in your left hand. You may now use Transcendence Magic freely.]
There was no pain or discomfort; I immediately felt the knowledge settle in my body. The spell I chose for experimentation was the Class 3 Fire spell, Fireball, utilizing Triple Transcendence. Though my mana stat had not yet exceeded 6,000, once my mana was depleted, I could recover it completely using the daily option of Mudidus's Prayer. This way, even by employing a clever strategy, I could exceed a total mana of 11,000, thus allowing for Triple Transcendence.
Suddenly, flames erupted on both hands as I began to cast the Triple Transcendence Fireball, engulfing me in a fierce blaze.
‘Once again, this is an outrageous display of firepower!’ Although I had experienced this spell in Paradiso, feeling its strength firsthand in this world was even more impactful. Despite being fundamentally Class 3 magic, the heat blazing in my palms rivaled that of a Class 7 spell, Flame Strike!
“Ha!” I shouted as I aimed the Triple Transcendence Fireball at the wall. A tremendous wave of fire soared upwards. Indeed, it had exceeded the mighty power I expected from a Class 7 spell!
“Wow…” I was not the only one watching this spectacle. Every team member was awestruck, their eyes wide with amazement. No one could believe such immense firepower was from mere Class 3 magic.
‘This is the best!’ I couldn’t help but admire my success. While it may have seemed a bit reckless, I felt justified in leading my companions into this dungeon raid. After all, the dead cannot speak. Garfajis would never realize that he had met his end due to my clever tactics. Everything had gone perfectly.
‘Now it seems I can summon a pet as well.’ I gently brushed the green energy floating above my hand.
[Garfajis’s Will]
[The malicious spirit of Garfajis has been purified, leaving behind pure energy. This will cannot cling to humans or inanimate objects, but can only be embedded into animals. The animal will awaken the special energy inherent in the will and will possess remarkable abilities in communication.]
‘This would be perfect to infuse into the black cat I recently started raising back in the estate.’ A suitable candidate came to mind. Though I had yet to give it a name, I had begun taking care of a black cat at the lord's mansion just a week ago. It was plump and adorable, much to Hayze's delight.
‘My level has now risen to 95. I significantly raised it just by conquering the underground floor five. If my level has risen this much, then my companions must have gained at least 20 to 30 levels as well.’ As I saw the 95 beside my name, a proud smile spread across my face. If I had tackled an ordinary dungeon, this growth would have taken months.
Thanks to the level capitalizing on Deluk's bracelet option, leveling up was certainly a welcome benefit, but no matter what, the feeling of growth was exhilarating. I had entered the dungeon at level 70, and now I was at level 95!
I invested all the bonus stats gained from leveling up into mana, raising my total to 5,896.
‘I need to hit level 100 quickly for another title, along with three-fold upgrades for my perception.’ My ambition for titles surged; they granted me lasting stats or buffs, which could only strengthen me. There was no harm in gathering more titles.
“All right!” I exclaimed as I turned my attention to the artifacts we received as rewards. Garfajis had left me with the transcendent magic of Transcendence as loot, and I felt joyous. This magic was something unique to me in this entire world. Even the renowned grand sorcerer Berhard could not wield Transcendence Magic! He would likely be oblivious to its operations, even if he witnessed me in action.
“What artifacts did everyone receive as loot?” I waved excitedly, heading towards my team members.
Indeed, the rewards were sweet. Each team member acquired the Wings of Garfajis, classified as a 4-star grade item, and also received custom artifacts of at least 6-star grade. Such 6-star artifacts were luxurious treasures worth a minimum of 10,000 gold coins.
Mia obtained a spellbook that allowed her to use wind magic two classes higher without fail, while Hayze received a necklace that tripled her divine power. Lena got a red shield infused with the wrath of Garfajis, bolstering both physical and magical defenses by a whopping 250 points. Rakis acquired gauntlets that amplified physical defense by 400. Chloe was given a dagger crafted from the rare mineral Stelladr, which boasted exceptional cutting power capable of slicing through even mithril armor or dragonbone-crafted armor. Isabel received enlightenment on 4-star sorcery along with a purification ring that could suppress emotional outbursts.
It would be tedious to list every detail, but considering the additional options attached, it was as if nearly everyone had acquired 7-star grade artifacts!
Comparing the Transcendence magic I received to their loot felt almost like an insult to its uniqueness.
“Wow…” As I clapped my hands in excitement, not only for the artifacts obtained, but also for the fact that all my companions had gained levels by a minimum of 30, the effort to raid before anyone else bore its fruit. I, who had received the unique, unparalleled ability of Transcendence Magic, felt a sense of fulfillment for everyone involved.
It was a happy ending; our raid was a resounding success.
Upon our return, just as we had done on the way in, we chose a shortcut. Consequently, Plerre was seen firmly guarding her space, undeterred by her master’s demise in the stone chamber.
‘No free rides here.’
Upon returning to the 5th stone chamber on the first basement level, I, alongside my companions, sealed off the hole into the shortcut once more. While I entertained a fleeting notion of leaving it open, I didn’t want everyone else to benefit from a shortcut. Perhaps one day, a fortunate hunter with keen eyes might uncover this path, but only for them would it be a rare boon akin to rain in a drought.
As we nearly stumbled into the lord’s mansion, each member of the team that had participated in the Demon Lord’s hideout raid collapsed in exhaustion. The underground level 2 of the estate was furnished with premier recovery rooms in each area, and they all fell fast asleep there.
Meanwhile, back in my office, I gently petted the head of the black cat, still unnamed, as I infused it with the will of Garfajis.
[Infusing will...]
[The subject naturally absorbs the will and settles into it.]
[The subject immediately awakens new abilities. It can detect all entities that exude dark energy.]
[The subject gains the attributes of a 'Guardian,' empowering it with transcendental strength to protect its master.]
[Five individuals in a close relationship designated as priorities can infuse buffs, debuffs, curses, and spells into the subject.]
[The subject is a pet capable of growth.]
“Oh…” A pet capable of growth! I had dragged many pets around in Paradiso, but they were all gluttons, consuming more gold than they contributed. Moreover, I had seen them as mere data scraps and had no real affection for them. However, this was different.
Seeing this pure, living being made me think it was just cute and endearing.
What you would call the typical butler mindset.
- Nice to meet you, human. You should give me a name. I don’t like the name “Meow.”
“Is it because of the will that you can speak now?”
- That seems to be the case.
The black cat spoke fluently in the language of the Nas continent, a stark contrast to the meows and cries it had made just moments ago! It was astonishing.
“Let’s see…” I pondered what name would fit. Should I call it Nero since it’s black? Or maybe Kkami? How about something weighty like Black?
Just then.
“Oh! That name!” I remembered a cat from a fantasy novel I enjoyed in my past life—“The Solo Summoner.” The name had been inspired when the author went out to buy hamburgers.
That name was simply,
“Derry! From today onwards, you shall be called Derry!”
- Derry? What does that mean?
Derry. Somehow… it felt like it would fit perfectly if I added “burger” to it at the end! Such a familiar name.