Abyssal Chain

Zatiel and Ezequiel headed to the spot where most of the apprentices gathered, the place under the huge screens on the walls.

One of these screens showed the missions that were available at the moment, and another displayed the courses you could take and the corresponding fees.

At these locations, there were podiums where you could obtain more detailed information about the missions and accept them.

According to the tower's rules, every new apprentice had to take a mission upon joining. After completing a mission, there was a designated rest period before undertaking the next one. The duration of the rest period varied based on the mission's difficulty.

For missions suitable for Rank 1 Apprentices, there was one month of rest. For Rank 2 Apprentices, the rest period was three months. Rank 3 Apprentices had six months of rest, while pseudo-magus missions allowed a year of rest.

Zatiel approached the screen and went directly to the podium, activating it.

"A.I. Chip, search for missions that involve gathering materials for crafting runes and have a pseudo-magus difficulty level."

[Bip... Initiating search...]

"With our current power, we can easily handle a pseudo-magus mission. I should choose one that allows me to gather materials for crafting runes to enhance both my and little EZ's abilities.

Even though I can currently craft only basic runes, they should suffice for now. I can also sell them to generate some income."

It didn't take long for the chip to display a list of missions that met Zatiel's requirements. After reviewing them and deciding on the mission they would undertake, he proceeded to the stall indicated by other apprentices.

"Little EZ, choose something suitable for you," Zatiel said, directing his attention to the magical equipment displayed.

Ezequiel's previous weapon had been destroyed prior to their arrival at the tower, which was quite common since normal weapons couldn't withstand prolonged exposure to spells.

Most of the equipment on display consisted of basic magical gear with minor enhancements or abilities, such as a necklace that provided a 1-point improvement to spirit force or night vision goggles.

Zatiel eventually selected a one-handed sword made of mitratium, a durable and conductive magical metal. Its lack of magical enhancement didn't concern him, as his primary focus was on its durability, ensuring it could withstand his power.

Ezequiel opted for a simple short sword. It featured a green crystal in its hilt, which allowed the sword to apply paralytic poison upon striking, capable of incapacitating magical creatures.

Given their formidable attributes and defensive spells, they felt additional equipment was unnecessary at the moment, especially considering their limited funds.

Zatiel's purchase of the sword cost him 120 magical crystals, and with the additional 30 crystals given to apprentice Richard, he was left with only 73 crystals.

"Wealth disappears quickly," thought Zatiel, though he didn't deem the amount significant.

"Little EZ, I will transfer the mission information to you. This time, we will work separately, each undertaking a different mission."

Ezequiel nodded in response. While it would be their first time separating since they met, he didn't require constant hand-holding. He was more than capable of completing a mission on his own.

The mission details appeared in Ezequiel's mind.

"Pseudo Magus level mission: Retrieve the brains of 5 Harpies. These magical creatures possess the strength of Rank 3 Apprentices, can fly, and employ wind spells.

Some of the strongest harpies are on par with Pseudo Magi and can utilize spells that affect opponents' consciousness. Reward: 300 magical crystals and 10 merit points."

Accompanying the information was a map indicating the most likely location of the harpies.

"The more brains you acquire, the better. I will need you to bring back their claws," Zatiel instructed.

Ezequiel didn't question the purpose and simply nodded. He believed that if Zatiel needed something, there was a good reason for it.

Zatiel was accustomed to Ezequiel's silence and didn't comment on his lack of words.

"Remember, little EZ, never overestimate your power or underestimate your opponent. The battlefield is constantly changing, and a momentary lapse in vigilance can be fatal. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, retreat immediately. That's an order," Zatiel stated with a serious expression.

Ezequiel once again remained silent and nodded, his eyes revealing warmth.

"Master, that person from before, I believe he will seize the opportunity to attack while we are on our mission, taking advantage of our separation and distance from the tower."

As per the tower's regulations, apprentices were prohibited from killing each other. However, unless there were witnesses or the person had an influential background, the "disappearance" of an apprentice wouldn't be investigated.

"They will likely try, but don't worry. If they act as I anticipate, it won't be an issue. I was going to teach you another spell, but I can see that you are surpassing the limits of the spell I previously taught you and refining it to suit your own needs. So, continue with it," Zatiel assured him.

"Yes, master. I also feel that the spell can become more powerful, and I can explore additional applications for it," Ezequiel expressed his satisfaction with the spell, not wanting to divide his attention with another one.

Zatiel believed in quality over quantity, particularly as a Neo-Demon. Thanks to the core, the spell could be continually improved, and his body could quickly enhance proficiency in that type of energy. He had intended to learn another combat spell to compensate for his lack of long-range attacks, but with his current spell's potential, it would suffice for the time being.

"We should rest today. Tomorrow, we will begin our respective missions," Zatiel declared as he and Ezequiel headed toward the portal to the second floor, where apprentices rested.

As they approached the portal, Zatiel glanced at the lion statue nearby.

"A golem with power equivalent to a Rank 1 Magus. I must exercise caution in this place. Attracting too much attention could lead to serious trouble."

Without further delay, they entered the portal, vanishing from the first level.

Within seconds, Zatiel and Ezequiel materialized on the second level. While most apprentices experienced discomfort from teleportation, they felt no significant difference due to their physiques.

The second level comprised rectangular houses, lined up side by side, constructed from the same material as the tower itself. Aside from the portals, the houses contained only basic amenities.

Zatiel and Ezequiel quickly located their respective houses. To enter, they utilized the crystal containing the guidebook.

Zatiel stepped into his house and surveyed the interior. It consisted of two floors, with a bathroom, sleeping quarters, and kitchen on the first floor. The second floor housed a space for conducting various experiments.

"Not bad. This place is truly comfortable and equipped with most of what we need," Zatiel remarked. He placed his belongings in a corner before ascending to the second floor.

On the second floor, a variety of chemical and magical equipment was available. There was also a separate room with thick walls designated for spell practice, featuring a carpet designed to calm the mind.

Zatiel made his way to the practice room and settled on the carpet, contemplating the new spell he intended to learn.

"My current Abyss Aura has reached a threshold of 10 points. Further growth will be challenging without consuming highly concentrated energy. With my current aura, I should be able to utilize this spell."

The spell in question was Abyssal Chains, one of the most powerful Rank 0 spells he possessed. However, it was also extremely difficult to control.

"A.I. Chip, display information on the Abyssal Chains spell and circulate my Abyss Aura to activate it."

[Bip...

Abyssal Chains: Manifests chains from the air surrounding the host, capable of attacking and restraining opponents. These chains, forged from abyss energy, deliver fire and negative energy damage, and possess remarkable durability. Each chain must be individually controlled, exerting significant pressure on the host's consciousness.

Consumption: Abyss Aura - 2 per minute. Damage: Each chain can inflict up to 10 degrees of damage and apply a corroding effect upon contact, unless the target possesses abyss aura. Effective range: 20 meters around the host.]

Zatiel concentrated on the spell and employed his abyss aura to activate it.

Within minutes, a chain resembling burning metal with an arrow-like tip materialized beside Zatiel. Soon after, a second, then a third, and finally a fourth chain appeared.

Zatiel opened his eyes and assessed the chains.

"I can control a maximum of 4 chains at the moment, while still being able to utilize my body."

Each chain acted as an additional limb that he had to command, thus exerting a mental toll. For now, he could control 4 chains while maintaining his physical capabilities.

As he continued to grow stronger, his cognitive functions and abilities would improve, allowing him to control a greater number of chains.

Focusing on a corner of the room, he commanded the chains to attack. With incredible speed, the four chains struck the walls, leaving visible marks.

With another command, the chains maneuvered through the room, occasionally simulating an attack or intertwining to form a protective barrier before Zatiel.

"This spell is truly versatile. Let's test its maximum damage potential. A.I. Chip, record and display information on my next attack."

The chains intertwined, merging into a single entity. This consolidated chain slammed into the wall, creating a hole and causing the surrounding area to melt.

[Bip... 19 degrees of damage, along with 4 degrees of fire and negative energy damage per second.]

"Excellent. This will be more than sufficient. Now, I should rest. Tomorrow will be a long day."