[Level Up!]
''Finally,'' Noah mumbled while looking at his status window, without hesitation, he put the newly gained stat points into Mana.
■Status Window
Name: Noah Adler
Rank: Expert
Level 48
Class: Angel of Death
Title: Goblin Slayer
◇◇◇◇◇
☆Stats☆
Mana: 120
Strength: 127
Intelligence: 108
Dexterity: 127
Luck: 99
Stat Points: 0
Coins: 25060G
◇◇◇◇◇
The challenge of the fourth floor had been revealed. He had to cross the precarious bridge, defying the biting cold and the treacherous footing, to reach the other side and continue his journey. Noah took a deep breath, his eyes narrowed in focus. This was no ordinary bridge; it was a test of balance, courage, and perhaps even of his ability to withstand the freezing temperatures.
But he wouldn't let this setback deter him. He had come too far to give up now. With a determined nod, he stepped onto the bridge, ready to face whatever awaited him on the other side.
Noah's quick thinking paid off. The transformation of Nemesis into a magical gun was a stroke of genius, allowing him to deal with the unexpected threat of the Giant Ice Wasps from a distance. His aim, honed by his [Master of Weapons]' skill, was deadly accurate. The magical Fire Bullets, infused with the power of his Flame Art, tore through the frozen air, finding their mark with unerring precision.
The Giant Ice Wasps, caught completely off guard by the sudden eruption of flames, didn't stand a chance.
Bang! Bang!
One by one, they exploded in showers of ice and chitin, their frozen bodies disintegrating into harmless snowflakes before they could even reach the bridge. The sharp cracks of the magical gunfire echoed through the place, momentarily shattering the oppressive silence.
The acrid scent of burnt insects filled the air, a stark contrast to the pristine coldness of the surroundings. Noah, his cloak billowing in the frigid breeze, couldn't help but smirk. He had faced down hordes of undead and navigated a treacherous dead forest. A few overgrown bees wouldn't slow him down.
He continued his march across the bridge, his boots crunching on the crystalline surface. He remained vigilant, his Unprecedented Sense tingling with the ever-present awareness of danger. He knew this was just the first challenge, a mere taste of what awaited him on the other side of the bridge.
But for now, he reveled in the brief moment of victory. He had outsmarted the dungeon's attempt to ambush him, and his confidence grew with each step he took. The bridge stretched on before him, a shimmering path toward the unknown.
The bridge continued to stretch on, a shimmering pathway across the seemingly bottomless chasm. Despite the initial victory over the Giant Ice Wasps, Noah remained cautious. His Unprecedented Sense pulsed with a constant warning, a low hum that vibrated in the very core of his being. He knew this wouldn't be a smooth journey.
Nemesis remained in its magical gun form, the reassuring weight of the hilt a comfort in his hand. As he cautiously ventured forward, a piercing screech shattered the frozen silence. A giant White Eagle, its feathers gleaming like polished crystals, swooped down from the shadows, its razor-sharp talons glinting with a deadly glint.
The speed of the attack caught Noah off guard for a moment. The White Eagle, unlike the lumbering wasps, was a creature of grace and agility. But just as the talons were about to rake across his chest, his Unprecedented Sense flared, a blinding flash in his mind. Reacting with lightning speed, he instinctively channeled his telekinetic powers.
With a mental nudge, he altered the trajectory of the attacking eagle. The majestic creature screeched in surprise as it was thrown off course, its sharp claws missing their mark by a hair's breadth. Seizing the opportunity, Noah raised Nemesis and focused his will. A ball of searing flame materialized at the tip of the barrel, fueled by his ever-present Flame Art.
With a sharp crack, the Fire Bullet shot forward, propelled by magical energy.
The projectile found its mark with a sickening crunch. The White Eagle, struck true, tumbled through the air, its once proud cry replaced by a gurgling death rattle. Its lifeless body crashed into the frozen abyss below, disappearing into the swirling mist that obscured the depths.
But Noah didn't have time to celebrate his victory. Three more White Eagles materialized from the icy shadows, their crystal claws glinting with predatory hunger. They attacked in a coordinated assault, diving and weaving with an almost avian intelligence.
The bridge became a stage for a deadly ballet. Noah danced across the crystalline surface, his movements a blur as he dodged the eagles' attacks. Nemesis, a fiery metronome in his hand, spat out Fire Bullets with deadly precision. Each shot found its mark, the air filled with the pungent smell of singed feathers and burnt flesh.
One by one, the majestic eagles fell victim to Noah's telekinetic maneuvering and his deadly marksmanship. Their screeching cries echoed through the cavern, a haunting testament to the ferocity of the battle. The bridge, slick with the remnants of the fallen creatures, remained his only path forward.
Taking a deep breath, Noah surveyed the aftermath of the fight. His cloak was singed and his chest ached from the exertion, but he was unharmed. He had overcome the challenge, his quick thinking and diverse skillset proving once again to be his greatest assets.