Part Eight

It took another three days to get to thirty fragments. I hate this place. I cannot say how much I hate this place. Like, so much hatred, that I can’t contain it.

Because of my experience moving to the second layer, I’d decided to fully prepare before entering the tower. First I wanted to categorize and list all the equipment I’d gotten through my exploration.

Butcher’s Knife ×5

Acidic Throwing Axe ×1

Iron Mace ×1

Paralyzing Knife ×2

Momentum Axe ×1

Desecrated Sword ×1

Soldier’s Set ×3

Magic Bag E and D Rank ×1

Warrior’s Bracelet ×1

Magic Ring ×1

Weapon Belt ×2

Beetle Helmet ×1

Scaleskin Glove ×1

Cloak of Shadow ×1

I had plenty of weapons and back-up armors, but I was afraid that my base abilities weren’t up to the task yet. Unlike the fight with the minotaur, I had no prior knowledge of what was waiting for me.

Well, I said that, but I had another motivation. Skanda. I was afraid of it. Or rather that it might cripple my growth. It was overpowered, disgustingly so. Sure, it was the main reason I was still alive and it was incredibly useful during many of my battles. But what if it wasn’t enough, or I couldn’t use it? In that situation, if my abilities were insufficient, I’d die. And I’m extremely against that.

And so I decided to use this chance to train myself. I’d fight without Skanda, improving my basic abilities and combat sense. This is going to be rough, I can tell.

Greater Stingray

Rank: D

Description: A Stinger Moray which evolved. Its poison has become even more potent, as has its hunger.

I was on day three of my training, when I’d received another Fragrant Meat. These were interesting items that could attract various monster, possibly field-bosses, and held much potential to be a double edged sword. I’d still decided to use it, attracting the above monster.

Since it had evolved, it’s appearance had completely changed. Stinger Morays looked like eels with wings. This was closer to a stingray, with three tails and four wings. It’s overall appearance suggested that it would be a slow flyer, but I’d seen it swoop down to feast upon the meat.

I figured even if it had evolved, it’s weaknesses would be the same as the lesser variety. Meaning that wounding the wings would cripple it, though since it had four I might need to injure more. I was also wary about its tails. The weaker variety had longer thicker tails that seemed more for helping them steer while flying. These were closer to whips and had sharp barbs on the ends.

I crept closer, under cover of shadow. Using the Cloak had become easier, but I still hadn’t learned any new skills. The stingray was too busy eating to notice me, so I was able to sneak up on it undetected. However, as I went to strike, It launched itself off the ground, avoiding my attack. Damnit, you’re not supposed to notice!

It seemed to resent having its meal interrupted, as it began to let out multiple cries. Then, it swooped down on me, performing a magnificent dive bomb. Needless to say, I rolled out of the way, then threw a knife at it. The blade struck it in its back left wing, but didn’t disturb its ability to fly. Crap! I thought this might happen!

Turned out its cries weren’t of rage, but we’re calls for help. A half dozen Stinger Morays had shown up to aid the big one. This was only a minor inconvenience, as these guys had little in the way of attacks. They were just irritating pests that wouldn’t leave until killed.

Every time one got close, I’d use my sword to cut at its wings, and use my knives to attack the ones in the air. This was a rough balancing act, as all the monsters had Paralytic toxins. If I focused on one type too long, the others would attack from my blind spots. I don’t know how many times I’ve thought this, but I wish someone was here to help!

The morays poison wasn’t strong, so I wasn’t too worried about them, but the stingray’s was an actual threat. If one of its tails got me, I’d be monster chow.

Finally, I managed to sever one of the stingray’s wings, causing it to crash to the ground. You’d think it would be little trouble to kill once I’d downed it, but it’s other wings and tails more than made up for its lost flight. Between them and the remaining morays, it took another ten minutes to finish the fighting.

When at last, I’d thrust my sword through the stingray’s head, I took a seat to watch the customary transformation into a treasure chest. Damn. That wasn’t the hardest, but why is this place filled with so many things that want to kill me? Even monsters with glaring weaknesses are surprisingly tough.

Moray Gauntlets

Rank: D

Equipment Skill: Paralytic Strike

Effect: Slight immunity to paralyze, increase to Strength

Description: A set of gauntlets crafted with moray skin. The poisonous tail spikes have been incorporated into the knuckles.

Moray Boots

Rank: D

Equipment Skill: Paralytic Strike

Effect: Slight immunity to paralyze, increase to Speed.

Description: Boots made from Moray parts. Tail spikes have been crafted around the edges of the boots.

I’d opened the chest, which contained a pair of boots and gauntlets. I liked both the skills and the bonuses that came with them. Even their overall appearance was nice. The monsters they came from had brownish hides, but these had an almost maroon coloring. Though there was one thing that bugged me.

It says Moray in the equipment names. Why? Are the stingrays considered morays even after evolution? What’s the criteria for the naming? Isn’t kinda haphazard? I decided to ignore this latest irregularity and instead check my Status.

Status

Race: Human

Archetype: Warrior

Age: 22

State: Healthy

Titles: Razor's Edge, Way of the Warrior

Rank: C

Skills

Normal Skills: Analyze, Survival Instinct

Equipment Skills: Stealth, Shadow Lurk

Special Skills: Skanda Rank E

Equipment: Soldier’s Leather Armor, Metal Helm, Moray Gauntlets, Moray Boots, Warrior’s Bracelet, Cloak of Shadow

Hm, equipment skills appeared in my Status, but only some are listed. Why is that? Ah! These are mobile Skills, the ones I can eventually learn myself.

Killing the Moray had been the final kill to upgrade the Desecrated Sword.

Desecrated Sword+

Rank: C

Equipment Skills: Cursed Blade+

Description: A sword created using unholy techniques and sacrifices. The grudge the blade carries has been strengthened by numerous lives.

The upgrade made not only the weapon itself stronger, but the curse it carried as well. I’m as prepared as I’m going to get. Let’s get this over with.