Walking a few kilometers from the mountain's base, their group entered a swampy area. The swamp water was murky, with dry branches and muddy rocks adorning the surroundings. Dry mangrove trees made their path unclear.
Alden's initial plan on this floor was to find materials for crafting items. He needed certain items as a foundation to achieve his goals. First, to replace the one-sided sword he currently wielded, he needed a sword with the same functionality but with specific upgrades. This was the Smithing World, and he didn't want to squander its existence here!Additionally, he needed to create the Ring Of Fate, a recommended item by Black Orb. The Ring Of Fate had fate characteristics within, allowing the user to get closer to the domain of destiny. With the Ring Of Fate, Black Orb could utilize more of its powers beyond just energy detection or prophecies.The next item was the Heart of Nightmare. Alioth suggested this item as a guarantee of safety whIf it comes to preparedness, Riven is better equipped. She carries a magical item in the form of a bag that can hold items beyond its size.After navigating the swamp area, they faced bone alligators, swamp frogs, bearded scorpions, and several other wild Dark Souls they encountered.Penetrating the swamp, they found a dry forest. The barren reddish-brown soil, tinted red by the ringed sun, added a tense atmosphere.Alden had obtained all the necessary materials to make the Hell Monocle. Materials for two other items, which tended to be difficult, remained. First was the heart of the dream villain, the next priority target, the main material for creating the Heart of Nightmare.After searching for a considerable amount of time, Alden finally found his target. He and his two companions, Erin and Riven, hid behind dry trees, observing a group of dark souls happily surrounding a campfire.The dark souls wore hoods, concealing their true form
After obtaining the necessary materials, there was no reason for them to stay in the wild, so they headed towards the Dwarf settlement, where the best-quality items were crafted....Day or night on the first floor of the Dark Dimension was marked by the presence or absence of a ring around the red sun. When Alden and his group first entered the Dark Dimension, the sun had a ring, indicating it was daytime.Now, the ring around the red sun had disappeared, and the atmosphere became darker with a subdued red hue. They were closer to their destination, bordered only by the hills of the dry forest. However, the challenge was the dangerous Dark Souls that tended to appear at night.Alden, however, wasn't concerned, as it might have been troublesome if he were alone, but now he had companions to fight alongside him.Dryads were dangerous Dark Souls, once permanent residents of the fourth floor of the Dark Dimension, but now some of their speci
"You know, Dwarves are also Dark Souls, but they often help us humans," Bradley continued, his eyes still deep.Alden held Erin's hand tightly and glanced back. "Hey, how are you?" He asked Erin's condition.Erin shook her head softly, then said, "I feel tired..."Alden reluctantly began to think about why all this was happening. "Is it because of the use of the Saint Meteor Shower spell? No, she's not out of mana. What's really going on?" Alden raced his mind, fearing that Erin might suddenly summon giant ice boulders while covering the area with a blizzard. The traumatic scene felt imminent.Getting that answer, Alden then looked back at Bradley and his two companions. "No need to worry, we're not your enemies," said Alden."Reasons?" Bradley said coldly, his grip on his sword tightening.Alden turned to Riven. "Open your hood," he whispered softly.Riven, still shocked by Erin's condition, furrowed her brows behind he
"Marked?" Alden asked, puzzled.Seeing Alden's reaction, Alioth fell silent for a moment, his poker face unchanged."How much time do I have?" Alden inquired.Alioth answered, "Who knows, maybe one or two months."Alden furrowed his brow, racing his mind. In one or two months, if following Black Orb's plan, Alden should already be in the next city, searching for the key holder to the second floor. And that also meant, the most important special item, the Ring Of Fate, should have been completed.But Alden still had thoughts that it might not be enough; his opponent was one of the Emperor Dark Souls!"Know that it's highly likely not only Conine, but another Emperor will be sent to hunt you down. The worst-case scenario is if it's Darbend." Alioth expressed concern in his tone, but from a manipulative standpoint, he was more afraid if his plans were discovered by another Emperor; that would be the worst outcome for him."
Turning to Erin, Geld asked again, "And what about the young lady?"Alden spontaneously replied, "She's my younger sister."Geld furrowed his brow in confusion, "He has two children?"At that moment, Black Orb sighed deeply.Erin smiled, "We're not related by blood,"This revelation surprised Alden, who looked at Erin in confusion. Erin smiled oddly upon realizing Alden's gaze, saying, "What?" as if nothing was amiss.Alden was momentarily stunned before Geld spoke again, "You're here, meaning the Soul Vessel item was successful in containing your father's soul, right?"Alden didn't know how to react. In front of Geld, he should divulge everything, but he feared it would create conflict between him and Erin.Alden simply nodded, avoiding verbal confirmation.Geld breathed a sigh of relief, "Alright, have you obtained the necessary materials?" Geld asked.Alden was a bit puzzled. "Did Geld alrea
Two multi-story buildings enclosed this small area, a narrow alley untouched by the red sun's rays. The concrete walls of both buildings emitted a cold energy, and the brick pavement between them.Alden leaned against one of the buildings, while Alioth stood beside him. They didn't face each other.Next to Alden, opposite Alioth, Erin could still be seen nervous."Where's your elf companion you mentioned?" Alioth asked.Alden immediately responded, "As you know, elves are hunted by other Dark Souls, but here, the Dwarves have enslaved some elves, and as a condition for her to join my team, she asked me to rescue her kind from here. Now she's gathering information about it."Alioth still wore his cunning smile. "Is there a way to find her now? My time here is limited."Observing Alioth's unchanged expression, Alden answered, "I'm not skilled at finding people," he paused for a few seconds before continuing, "Alright, I'll lead you
Inside the mini hangar, Geld stood holding his beard, staring intently at the blueprint of the Heart of Nightmare item. It looked quite intricate with various engraved information on it.At that moment, he almost didn't realize that guests had arrived. Alden and Erin stood behind him, looking puzzled. Peep perched on Alden's shoulder, emitting a soft sound and alerting Geld, who had been lost in deep thought."Oh, you've arrived," he said, turning to greet his guests."We received your message," Alden said.Geld nodded in understanding. He walked to the side, revealing a special room with simple interior. In the middle, there was a long table with several items displayed on it.On the edge was a pair of white cloth gloves, specially made to fit Erin's hands."Virtue Gloves," Geld introduced the item."This item fulfills your request, having the function to stabilize mana circulation, and I incorporated Dryad materials to
Two days after Alden received the items crafted by Geld.At the foot of the mountain, where the dry forest looked chaotic. Alden moved adeptly, avoiding thorn bullets from the Dark Soul Rose Mutants. With the Hell Monocle on his right eye, he could see the mana traces of the Dark Soul, following it, Alden could easily anticipate where the next attack would come from.Swinging his sword, Alden adjusted his position and cut off the poisonous stem of the Rose Mutant.Seeing a large gap that could be exploited, Alden leaped back, letting Erin finish them off.Erin, now wearing the white gloves with black buttons on her right hand. "Flamethrower!"Flames sparked at the tip of her fingers and instantly enlarged into a deadly attack against the Rose Mutants.They defeated a group of Rose Mutants with ease."I'm starting to get used to these items," Alden murmured.Erin felt the same way.Back in town, they eat