chap 34

Stepping out of his dorm, Lukas was surprised to find the academy grounds not entirely deserted. A few late night owls were about, students heading to the library or returning from their adventures.

Reaching the library, he was shocked to see so many people of various ages still active at this late hour.

He quickly passed by the library heading for the Jelfs Tower right behind it. As expected, it was quite active at this late hour, although the numbers were short.

Some people looked at him at this late hour and sized him up from head to toe. Lukas ignored all of the gazes and made up his mind to get a cloak first thing the next day if he can.

He entered the tower without any delay, feeling the same sensation as before, and found himself standing in a dimly lit room.

The voice rang out and the body of a goblin slowly appeared, before it looked at him and rushed towards him, holding its sword.

"Here goes nothing," Lukas muttered, and utilizing his aura, closed the distance and swiftly beheaded the goblin.

He felt excited; his old swordsmanship was kicking in. Although it was far from reaching its peak power and body shape, at least his senses started returning. That's what matters the most.

Time passed quickly, and soon he reached the sixth floor where the skeletons started appearing.

In another couple of minutes or so, he passed the 9th floor. His surroundings shifted before he soon appeared in front of the huge orc boss.

Despite being killed once, he didn't let his guard down and followed the pattern he had followed today.

The orc smashed the big bone club right at him, which he narrowly evaded, and struck at its hands joints with all his might.

Lukas swiftly dodged another blow from the orc's massive club and landed a flurry of strikes against its armored hide. Though his body was still regaining its former strength and speed, his mind remained sharp, recalling each of the orc boss's attack patterns. He decided not to kill it using his magic this time; he had to regain his old senses fast.

As the orc reared back to take a wide swing, Lukas saw an opening. He channeled his aura into his blade and leapt toward the creature, slicing deeply into its exposed torso. With a thunderous roar, the orc staggered and fell to its knees.

But Lukas knew this battle was not yet won. He had fought this foe before and knew it would not go down so easily. As he moved in for the killing strike, the orc grasped its club in both hands and swung with its last bit of strength. Lukas tried to dodge, but after the long battle, he had tired as well. The club caught his side and sent him tumbling across the chamber.

Pain lanced through Lukas's body, but he forced himself to stand on wobbly legs. He had made a mistake. He wasn't strong nor agile enough to kill this kind of thing with just swordsmanship. He wasn't stupid to continue struggling. He pointed the saber right at it. The process was quicker this time.

He used the newly created spell he had practiced today.

[][] Spiraling Spear shot (Lv: 2)

Contains: Spear, Spiral, Condensed, Burst<>

The essence transformed into a spinning, condensed spear launched with penetrating force.

The essence transformed quickly into a spear and started spinning with speed.

Without delay, he launched it right at the orc with burst sigil activation.

The spinning spear tore through the air with a high-pitched whine. Unable to dodge in its weakened state, the orc boss took the attack head-on. The spear penetrated deep into its chest cavity, bursting out the other side and spraying the walls with green blood.

The monstrous orc let out one last roar before toppling to the ground, dead. Lukas breathed a sigh of relief, leaning on his sword for support as exhaustion and pain from his injuries began to catch up with him. He had won, but just barely.

Assessing his injuries, he realized he wouldn't stand a chance on the next floor. He needed to rush towards the ally this time for a safe completion.

The tower voice rang out: [ Proceeding to Next trial]. But Lukas shook his head and replied, "No."

Slowly, his surroundings changed and he found himself standing at the gate of the tower. His injuries were completely healed.

He smiled, turned around, and entered once again. Yep, that's one of the features students use. Some even use it as a training method to test their new skills.

Lukas re-entered the tower once more. The goblin appeared as before, but this time Lukas was ready. He made short work of it with efficient blade strikes, taking minimal hits.

As Lukas progressed to higher floors, he tested new tactics. This also served as a training method.

By the time Lukas reached the orc boss floor again, he felt more confident in his improving skills. The battle played out similarly at first, but this time Lukas used Shield Bash. Using his soul gear.

[][] Shield Bash (Lv: 2)

Contains sigils: Half Dome, Spiral, Condensed<>

Essence forms a spinning condensed shield.

Blocking one of the attacks before bursting it forward with a sigil of Burst.

Lukas pushed back with all his might, catching the orc off guard. His shield exploded forward in a burst of condensed essence, slamming into the orc's chest and sending it stumbling backwards.

Wasting no time, Lukas pressed his advantage. He leapt after the orc, sword flashing in a flurry of strikes. His movements were faster, sharper than before as he landed blow after blow against the weakened giant. With a cry, he landed the final killing strike, severing the orc's head from its shoulders.

The body collapsed to the ground. Lukas stood over it, breathing heavily but with a smile of satisfaction on his lips. His training was paying off - his skills and essence techniques were improving with each encounter in the tower. He was regaining the strength and prowess he once had.

"Phew, that worked well, I really need to get some stamina potions too," Lukas muttered as he stood at the side ready for the next floor. He wasn't sure if things would work out like he expected. As the surroundings changed, he prepared himself.

As soon as the surroundings formed, without even delaying for a second, he pointed his pen and activated the spiraling spear shot at one of the sand lions as they rushed forward towards him.

The spiraling spear shot tore through one sand lion, but the other continued its charge at Lukas. Seeing it barreling towards him, he activated his signature shield technique just in time.

"[][] Shield Bash (Lv: 2)," Lukas shouted, which wasn't needed as it's a mental command.

The dome took shape, spinning continually. As the lion pounced, he stepped into its attack and slammed the spinning shield directly into its torso.

The force of the impact sent the beast flying backwards with a pained roar. But Lukas knew these creatures were relentless. Sure enough, it was already getting back to its feet, claws raking the sand in rage.

Very well, allow me to continue the tale...

The sand lion regained its footing and let out a ferocious snarl, preparing to charge once more. Lukas knew he had to act quickly to avoid its deadly claws. He took a steadying breath and focused his essence.

"[][] Spiraling Spear Shot (Lv: 3)," he intoned, imbuing even greater power into the technique. A massive spear formed, its spiral pattern spinning rapidly. The lion leapt at that moment, but its fate was sealed.

With lightning speed, Lukas launched the spear straight and true. It struck the beast mid-air, piercing clear through its head.

The force slammed the dying lion into the ruins walls, destroying the crumbling wall completely.

As the dust settled, Lukas sighed in relief. It was too taxing for his poor mind. He already somewhat planned this, but using it in real life was another matter.

He felt worried if he would be able to pass the next floor or not. There were four of them! If it was three, it was manageable, but four.

As the next trial was about to begin, he realized it would be harder than initially expected. He might face an even worse fate of having his left hand torn apart. But he didn't back down.

And prepared again as the surroundings changed slowly, with the four sand lions appearing, peeking their heads out of the ruins walls, before rushing toward him at frightening speed.

[To be continued...