Chapter 67: Inferno Ascendant

That very night, I gathered my party members to the lobby.

Jenna, Aaron, and I convened, ready for discussion. Eolka, however, remained in her room, recovering from the effects of dehydration caused during training. Since the impending discussion related to the three of us, Eolka's absence didn't pose a problem.

I set up the prepared oven in the center of the lobby.

Inside the oven, flames flickered and danced, emitting warmth. I addressed my comrades.

"We have officially welcomed a magician into our party."

"Well, that was expected. It's implied," Jenna replied.

"Now, our duties will shift accordingly. Do you understand the significance of me bringing this oven here?" I inquired.

"I'm not entirely sure," she answered uncertainly.

"Listen closely," I declared, lifting my right hand.

A wave of uncertainty washed over me.

This is sheer madness.

What a reckless endeavor.

Suppressing the rising tide of negative thoughts, I focused my mind. It must be done—for the sake of necessity and progress. Taking a deep breath, I plunged my right hand into the heart of the roaring flames.

"Oh, Hyung! What are you doing?" Aaron exclaimed.

"Aaron, what's happening?" Jenna asked, her voice filled with concern.

"If Eolka is a seasoned user of fire magic, we should become resistant to it," I figured.

My vision blurred as pain enveloped my hand. I clenched my right hand with my left, desperately enduring the searing intensity. Despite my efforts, blisters formed, and the irritation intensified.

After enduring to ten, I withdrew my hand from the fiery blaze.

My right hand displayed a fiery red hue, but as new skin gradually appeared, the pain began to subside.

"Eolka isn't the only one who will harness the power of fire. We will fight alongside her. If we don't develop resistance to the flames, we will be toasted before our enemies," I stated firmly.

"Are you suggesting we should go through something like this?" Jenna's eyes widened in fear.

Aaron closed his eyes momentarily, then spoke with determination, "How many times do we have to do this?"

"We must persevere until we develop resistance," I replied, referring to acquiring the Fire Resistance skill.

While it was possible to create accessories infused with Fire Resistance, it required a plentiful stock of materials and proper facilities. Nonetheless, gaining natural resistance proved beneficial, for Eolka as well as for the entire party.

"Remember the fifth floor. We can't afford to let our guard down again," I cautioned Aaron, his gaze fixed upon the oven. He raised his right hand, preparing to plunge it into the flames, but I interjected.

"Do it where I can't see. I don't want to witness your suffering. My actions were only meant as an example," I explained.

"I understand," he acknowledged, accepting my guidance.

"What about you?" I turned to Jenna.

"I'm not sure if I'll be able to," Jenna hesitated.

"Well, let me bear the burden with you. If we keep hands together and face this challenge united, the flames won't feel as scorching," I reassured.

"That... that's too much!" Jenna exclaimed, her face flushed with embarrassment.

"Would you rather flee every time Eolka uses magic? She can't create shields or use instant transportation spells. If we can't keep her protected by our side, she'll be vulnerable."

"But..."

"We don't have any other choice."

Jenna's gaze lowered slowly, and with reluctant words, she nodded.

I sighed deeply, then said,

"Next."

"Do we have another task?"

"Aaron, I'm sorry to ask, but there's another thing you need to do."

"Okay."

I extended my right hand towards the ground. From Jenna's waist, I drew a knife and placed it on my outstretched palm.

"What's this for?"

"Pain Resistance."

My hand trembled uncomfortably, but I managed to speak.

"I won't force you to do it this way. Find your own method. It's about building your tolerance to pain."

I slowly withdrew the knife with my left hand. The wound healed quickly. Clutching my right hand, blood staining my palm, I looked at Aaron. Sweat beads formed on his forehead.

He must feel terrible. I felt the same. I knew it was necessary, but personally proceeding with it felt agonizing. Yet, it was essential. While Health Elixirs could heal injuries, they came with intense pain. To endure and fight, Pain Resistance was a crucial skill.

"Do I also have to?" Jenna looked alarmed.

"You don't have to."

"Phew."

"But it's something you'll have to eventually face."

"Please, let it be later, much later."

"Okay, but you need to do something else. After practicing with the knife, you'll become a switcher."

"A switcher?"

"Yes, it means you can use both a bow and a knife. Make it possible for you to quickly switch between the two weapons. You should be able to fight at both close and long-range, wherever and whenever."

"But I prefer using the bow."

"From here on out, the situation will be different. It may not be your natural preference, but there will be times when both of us won't be able to defend Eolka. At those times, you'll need to take on an additional defensive role."

It sounded like guarding a real princess.

"However, to harness Eolka's potential, there's no other choice really."

Considering the considerable potential we saw on the eighth floor, its versatility will surely come into play.

"From now on, we'll form a triangular formation based on Eolka. We'll begin training from tomorrow."

"Yes."

"Understood."

"While the ninth floor still remains, our chances venturing there are slim."

"To gain experience in climbing the tower, two groups will set out on the ninth floor. Given the cooperative quest, it is insufficient to have a single party. This knowledge is widely acknowledged among players, and Anytng is logically aware of it as well. After the tenth floor, missions will require cooperation between two or more parties."

"Clues have been provided during this stream, and we could end up with one on the tenth floor."

"Subjugation. Survival. Escort. Breakthrough. Assassination. Defense. Siege. Pursuit. Escape."

I compared the myriad of mission types with the information I've gathered. Although I had several theories, reaching a definitive conclusion proved elusive.

Action must be taken used to be amidst the actual mission.

"Our work is nowhere near finished."

Returning to the room, I set about making a detailed plan.

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