Rei clapped slowly and I watched the Ice fragments disappear with the remains of the Orc. A mana crystal drops and Maria picks it up.
"Ya know... I'm impressed. You've really improved."
"Thanks, I told you I've been training hard! Look at this."
Maria opened her status and turns it to show me.
[Status Open]
_____________________
Name: Maria Cortez
Level: 179
Hp: 705/705
Mp: 705/705
Strength: 388 [+125]
Speed: 421 [+100]
Agility: 404 [+100]
Defense: 395 [+100][+75][+75]
Mental Strength: 797 [+239]
Skills:
Combat Magic [Ice Summoning]
Items Equipped:
[Steel Sword] +125 Strength
[Steel Chestplate] +100 Defense
[Steel WristGuards] +75 Defense
[Steel Shin Guards] +75 Defense
[Enchanted Boots] +100 Speed +100 Agility
[Golem's Pendant] +30% Mental Strength
_____________________
My eyes open wide.
"That explains a lot... your magic is still off the charts!"
She smiled and blushed a little.
Just like that, Maria has become one hell of a fighter. Her overuse of MP is alarming, but it works. That mental strength growth rate is insane. I'm sure she can handle the same High Orc with ease now, she'll only get exponentially stronger with every new superior opponent...
We all venture off further into the dungeon while I'm stuck deep in thought.
Maria and Rei explain what kind of training they've been doing in more detail as we walk. It's mostly sword skill work, lower level D class dungeons for funding, then higher D class raids once she has enough MP potions saved. The guild isn't just throwing money at her, she has to work for it. I guess that's good. This dungeon is the most difficult one she's ever faced, but it seems like it won't be an issue!
Almost half an hour passed.
Finally, another High Orc appeared.
"My turn."
Rei and Maria stepped back as I drew my sword.
The Orc that appeared looks almost identical to the one earlier. I use inspect and appraisal.
[Lv. 248]
Active Items:
[Steel Mace] +250 Strength
[Steel Sword] +250 Strength
[High Orc Heavy Armor] +300 Defense
Active Skills:
[Berserker]
I make the first move and charge straight toward it. The beast follows my lead while swinging its mace in a rhythmic fashion.
*CLANGGG*
Surprisingly, we're almost equal in strength. If anything, it may be a little stronger....
*CLANGGG*
I entertain the monster while gauging all of its abilities. My speed and agility are far greater, I'm not worried about getting hit at all.
I ignite my blade and run around its backside after our second collision and land a fiery hit without much effort. I plunder MP, and leave a solid amount of fire residue behind.
The Orc lets out a roar and flails its spike mace around in circles trying to hit me. I jump backward and we stare each other down about 10m apart. It snarls and begins to glow dark red. I grin.
"One hit is all it takes for you to get pissed huh? Let's see what you've got."
The High Orc charges at me in a straight line with its weapon swinging wildly in front of it. The ground shakes as it comes closer. Out of curiosity, I run at it and raise my blade.
As our weapons collide, I'm completely overpowered. The weight of its mace combined with its newfound strength sends my sword attack flying to the side. I quickly re-position myself and jump out of the way following the momentum of my blocked sword. As I stare down the beast again, I wonder to myself with my body hardening, how well could I take a hit in its strengthened form...? Maria and Rei are right behind me watching with their eyes wide open. Realizing this, it's probably better if I just end this quickly and leave the fun stuff for later.
While circling back behind the Orc, I ignite my full body into a ball of fire. I plant my right leg and jump toward the monster's back as it attempts to turn as well. I land another deep fiery slash across its back and the monster lets out an angry roar. To my surprise, the gash is much deeper than my last. Its defenses haven't gone up at all in this fit of rage, if anything they've lowered...
A few moments later, our battle was over. I ran circles around the monster and cut it down to a pile of ash with 4 more hits. My sword didn't glow once.
[Level Up]
[Use Absorption]
Skill: Berserker
[YES][NO]
I choose yes and stare down at the burning corpse by my feet.
Maria comes running toward me.
"Wow!!! You got a lot stronger too! I knew it!"
I turn and smile.
Rei follows close behind.
"Both of you handled these High Orcs pretty well. Looks like I won't have to step in at all today."
I nod.
"Do they ever use their swords?"
Rei crossed her arms and nodded while motioning for us to follow.
"Yeah some will as we get closer to the boss room, they'll use more than just that sword."
I collected the mana crystal at my feet and looked out into the vast orange sky.
"Interesting. Maybe I'll actually get a serious fight today."
Rei chuckled and started to walk deeper into the dungeon. Maria and I followed.
YOU ARE READING
Dungeon Diver: Stealing a Monster's Power
FantasyA story following a young hunter named Jay. He has grown up in a world where dungeons, monsters, and humans with leveling systems are a cultural norm. At the age of 20, he awakens a skill that allows him to steal the abilities of monsters. While oth...
Chapter 71
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