Chapter 70 Laying the Foundation

Chapter 70 Laying the Foundation

The second floor, Childs Play with Fire.

The third floor, Hall of Deception.

The fourth floor, A Hundred Barrages.

The fifth floor, Natural Traps.

The sixth floor, Knights Territory.

And about a month had passed.

Now, reaching the sixth floor, Kraush and three companions moved through each level via the shortest possible routes. There had been countless battles, and their time in the Demonic Bastion had left them in tattered clothes. Yet, the wear was merely superficial.

Kraush and Lakradiyon led at the front, facing down a massive army of giant ants with weapons drawn.

Are those two even human? Their stamina seems bottomless.

Derrick commented with a hint of disgust as he watched Kraush and Lakradiyons relentless combat. They had been fighting almost non-stop since entering the Bastion, as if driven by an unseen force, refusing even the briefest moments of rest.

Its good to see, though. I havent seen Lakradiyon this motivated in ages.

Derrick couldnt deny it. In days past, Lakradiyon had swung her sword daily but with no apparent ambition. Although not usually expressive, Derrick knew she had been caught in a cycle of monotony.

But now was different.

Advancing to the sixth floor alongside Kraush, she had gradually regained her former vigor. The sparring sessions with Kraush during their breaks played a significant role in sparking her enthusiasm.

Miss Lakradiyon, how about a sparring session with me?

When they first heard this suggestion from Kraush, Derrick and Penichelri thought he might be out of his mind. They were in the midst of a Demonic Bastion campaign, and it seemed ludicrous to expend energy on sparring during their rest time.

Yet, for some reason, Lakradiyon agreed.

Though both Derrick and Penichelri were bemused, they couldnt object since Lakradiyon was willing. They silently observed the duel.

Lets not use our aura and rely solely on our swords. Is that fine with you?

Yes, that sounds good.

Thankfully, both seemed sensible enough not to use their aura. However, the ensuing battle resulted in Kraushs complete defeat a somewhat disheartening but anticipated outcome for Derrick and Penichelri, who had heard of his overwhelming victory over Pendal. They had assumed Kraush would at least be evenly matched, yet here he was, defeated so easily.

While the two onlookers were puzzled, Lakradiyons eyes widened. Kraushs swordsmanship was, to be frank, ordinary. It was almost akin to a novices. His recent victory over Pendal was due to mixing a variety of variables, secret techniques, and situational predictions, not because he had dedicated himself to the sword.

Lakradiyon realized this.

Kraush, who lacked even a speck of natural talent compared to her, had clawed and scrambled his way up to her level against all odds.

Day after day, Kraush requested more sparring sessions. Lakradiyon accepted each time, and the outcome was always the same. Kraush was thrown to the ground, defeated. Yet, she began to notice something:

It was as if he was copying her, absorbing her fundamental techniques into his being.

Lakradiyon was renowned for her foundational skills. Although her straightforward swordsmanship sometimes got her outwitted, she had honed it to reach the threshold of mastery.

Kraush had observed many geniuses. All were incredible, remarkable in their own right. But their growth was based on their talent, not on the foundations that Kraush, a commoner, struggled to overcome.

Kraush was no genius.

Mr. Kraush.

At that moment, Lakradiyon called out, and Kraush turned to her. Ready for battle, she was regaining her brilliance more and more as time passed. It was as if this was the path she had always been meant to walk. Her light was akin to bright radiance.

Yes, its time to head to the seventh floor.

Kraush spoke and slowly channeled his Annihilation Erosion. The heat coursed through his body, drastically enhancing his physical capabilities.

Clip-clop!

Suddenly, the stone horse charged into motion. It was several times larger than any man, and its gallop seemed to shake the very earth beneath it. Kraush and Lakradiyon, having attuned their breath together over the past month in the sixth floor, leaped into action simultaneously. They reached the front of the galloping statue even before the guardian expected.

Surprised, the guardian attempted an urgent block with his shield and halberd, but Kraush and Lakradiyon dodged fluidly, like water.

Slicing and burning sounds rang out. Kraushs sword, wrapped in black flames, and Lakradiyons blade, surrounded by an aura, sliced through the stone horses front legs.

With a thunderous crash, the stone horse and its rider collapsed. The guardian, unlike ordinary humans, could not die from a mere fall. He simply shook off the rubble and rose again, thrusting his halberd in their direction. The stone weapon was a genuine threat, fitting for a fortresss armament, but the opponents were Kraush and Lakradiyon.

Their swords met in unison, intercepting the halberd. The strength of the stone figure was immeasurable, causing the floor beneath Kraush and Lakradiyon to crack and fissure from the impact. But they did not falter, instead raising their aura even higher.

In a flash, their blades soared into the sky simultaneously, and the guardians halberd was sent flying from the force. Lakradiyon moved into the gap, her sword poised against the shield in an honest attack.

Mr. Kraush!

Following her call, Kraush reached the guardians core in an instant, bypassing the raised halberd and the shield Lakradiyon was engaging.

The guardian had nothing left to defend his body. Kraushs sword, driven with his full might, cleaved through the stone, severing the guardians core. Deprived of its power source, the guardian crumbled, and Kraush and Lakradiyon swiftly distanced themselves from the fallen adversary. Their coordination was nothing short of fantastic.

I must admit, apart from guiding us, I dont seem to be much needed.

Derrick chuckled while patting his belly. Lakradiyon alone was more than capable of conquering the sixth floor. With Kraush added to the equation, there was little to no need for Derrick to intervene.

I guess I didnt have much to do either.

Penichelri admitted, tasting slight disappointment. Though she had used her holy magic to treat occasional injuries, she knew that they wouldnt be able to fight Nakcheon so leisurely, not much further ahead.

Child.

As Kraush extinguished his Annihilation Erosion and stretched his limbs, Crimson Garden landed on his shoulder. She was looking toward the doorway to the seventh floor that had opened with the guardians defeat.

Crim?

Kraush looked puzzled, and Crimson Garden wore a slightly annoyed expression.

[The scent of traps is thick in the air.]

Kraushs gaze followed hers to the entrance.

Moving immediately towards it, Kraush felt nothing unusual. But for Crimson Garden, who had lived through countless ages, the signs were unmistakable.

A sinister smile touched Kraushs lips.

He knew all too well who had prepared those traps.

So it begins.

The machinations of Pendal.