Chapter 38

Chapter 38
## Chapter 38: Finalizing the Legend

The initial test I faced consisted of ten thousand skeletal warriors, each scaled exactly to my current power. Following that, a second wave appeared—ten thousand more, but these were augmented with the “Void” trait.

“It’s tied directly to my racial stats.”

This wasn’t some random occurrence. There was clearly a profound link between the specific “race values” I noted upon my arrival and the nature of these challenges.

I wondered what the subsequent trials would entail.

“Giant, Druid, Heavenly.”

The very first encounter had likely been a standard trial centered on “Corpse Crows,” given that dealing with the deceased is the fundamental essence of that species. That left three specific categories remaining: Giant (10), Druid (10), and Heavenly (20).

If the difficulty was proportional to the numerical value assigned to each race, then Giant and Druid occupied the same tier as Void. These were hurdles that could be cleared through tactical thinking and clever maneuvers. While the cumulative pressure was daunting, a path to victory still existed.

“The real concern is ‘Heavenly’.”

That single attribute was worth 20 points on its own. I racked my brain trying to define it. Did it refer to the celestial beings of the upper planes or perhaps the high-ranking demons of the underworld? Yet, I found it hard to believe either would fundamentally outclass Giants in terms of raw racial essence. Giants were the legendary protectors of the Goddess; ancient lore claimed some possessed strength that rivaled the gods themselves.

“It might be something I haven’t even considered.”

Perhaps “Heavenly” had nothing to do with my preconceived notions of angels or demons. I had to be prepared for it to be something entirely unrelated to those realms. Regardless, the answer would reveal itself as I ascended.

The trials were layering these racial characteristics one on top of the other. By the time I reached the final stage, the definition of “Heavenly” would be undeniable. But first, I had to overcome the two immediate gatekeepers: Giant and Druid.

“Void granted the skeletons a counter-element. The Giant trait will likely bolster their physical or magical resilience, and Druid will almost certainly introduce some form of spiritual or nature-based power.”

I paused to reflect deeply before committing to the next phase, visualizing various strategies to neutralize skeletons enhanced by such diverse abilities. I also scrutinized my own improved attributes, ensuring every movement was backed by precise calculation.

[‘Skeleton Soldier’ level synchronized with challenger.]

[‘Skeleton Soldier’ acquires counter-element via ‘Void’.]

[‘Skeleton Soldier’ inherits the ‘Giant’ trait.]

With my preparations finalized, I initiated the next stage. Stepping through the newly formed rift, I found the environment largely unchanged—a desolate landscape of cracked earth and jagged precipices.

And then, I saw them.

“……”

Ten thousand skeletal fighters stood before me, but the sight made my expression sour immediately.

“This is the worst-case scenario. Caw.”

These weren’t just skeletons with high defense; they were literal titans. Massive, towering figures. The trial hadn’t just given them the resistance of a Giant—it had turned them into giants. For a moment, I felt like I was completely out of my league.

—

“……”

Isaac stood frozen, staring at the spire. What was happening defied all logic, a phenomenon so bizarre it rendered him speechless. He wasn’t the only one captivated; the various creatures of Kramdel were beginning to swarm around the base of the tower.

The brilliant pulses of light radiating from the Mystery Tower were intensifying, becoming a beacon visible throughout the entire region. While the Observatory of Mysteries was a common landmark for the inhabitants of Kramdel, it had never reacted with such intensity before. The local monsters, driven by an irresistible curiosity, gathered in droves to witness the transformation.

“Look at those halos…”

“Who could possibly be inside attempting the trials?”

“How powerful must they be to trigger this?”

At the very peak of the impossibly high spire, a single ring of shimmering gold had manifested. Soon, a second ring formed alongside it. These twin halos cast a blinding radiance that left the onlookers in a state of trance-like awe.

“That is the final gauntlet… the one meant only for ‘Transcendent Species’.”

As those words were spoken, a formidable beast approached, its voice carrying over the murmurs of the crowd. The throng of monsters parted instinctively as it walked forward, like a path opening through a dense forest.

The creature was a Qiongqi—a legendary beast resembling an ox but bristling with needle-like quills. It had the terrifying visage of a tiger, lethal hooked talons, and wings emerging from its shoulders. Even among monsters, it was a figure of dread, yet the Qiongqi looked up at the tower with visible apprehension.

“Transcendent Species? You mean like Mythic or Fantastical beings?”

“What does that actually signify?”

The lesser monsters were confused; the terminology was foreign to them.

“It refers to one who has surpassed the natural limits of their kind. In the history of Kramdel, only the White King has ever reached that height.”

“!!!”

“Are you saying someone is facing the same challenges as the White King?”

“Is a being like that inside right now?”

The crowd was struck by a wave of shock. To them, the White King was the God of the North—the absolute sovereign and protector of Kramdel. No human, demon, or celestial being dared to challenge the northern territories while he ruled. If someone of his caliber was currently in the tower, the implications were staggering.

‘It can’t be…’

‘If this is real, everything changes.’

A heavy tension settled over the spectators. Kramdel was a sanctuary for monsters specifically because the White King maintained order. If a rival to his power emerged from that tower, the peace of their world might vanish. At the very least, the balance of power would be irrevocably shattered.

‘During the Mythic Trials, the White King manifested three rings.’

Qiongqi kept its gaze fixed on the summit. Those golden halos were the measure of “Myth Completion.” Even the legendary White King had only achieved three before finishing his ascent. Since no one else had triggered the Mythic Observatory in ages, the sight was surreal.

‘There are two now.’

Two rings currently circled the spire. While it hadn’t yet matched the White King’s record, clearing two stages of the Transcendent trials was already an unbelievable feat. The identity of the challenger would soon be revealed when the trial ended.

“Three! There are three now!”

The rings had increased again.

‘Three?’

Qiongqi’s eyes widened in disbelief. The challenger had just equaled the White King’s achievement. Something that should have been impossible was happening right before their eyes.

Suddenly, a shadow fell over the land.

“The sky!”

“It’s the Eye of Medusa…!”

High above, a colossal eye belonging to Medusa blinked into existence. She wasn’t even trying to stay hidden, which meant she had focused her full attention on this spot. One of the White King’s most powerful lieutenants—a ruler of Kramdel in her own right—was showing an unprecedented level of interest.

“What is happening in there?”

“Who is it?”

“It has to be the most ancient, evil thing imaginable.”

“A monster so terrifying it broke the limits of its own soul.”

The crowd speculated wildly, imagining a horrific, mountain-sized beast. They couldn’t even fathom the reality of who was actually inside, or what kind of entity could command the attention of both Medusa and Qiongqi.

—

*Crash!* *Thud!* *Boom!*

“……”

I stood in silence, watching the army of skeletons collapse like a row of falling tiles. These massive skeletal giants, each over ten meters tall, had looked invincible. When they first moved, swinging their colossal limbs and launching beams of light, I thought I was finished.

But then, the tide turned abruptly. As soon as the front line stumbled, they began to tip over, crashing into the ones behind them and shattering into piles of bone.

“Oh. It’s the levels.”

The realization hit me. Despite their towering size and the “Giant” trait, they were still only Level 4. Their physical attributes—strength and durability—were capped by their low level. They simply didn’t have the structural integrity or the power to support such massive frames. No matter how much their stats were “maxed out” for a Level 4, they couldn’t exceed a value of 40, which was nowhere near enough to move a giant’s body effectively.

*Boom! Crash!*

I watched the self-destruction with a blank stare. It was absurd. No matter how I analyzed it, the situation was just comical.

‘…That was lucky.’

The third trial ended up being a complete cakewalk—essentially a gift. I wondered if the fourth and fifth would follow suit. While the Giant trait would remain active, their low levels would continue to make their massive bodies a liability. The person who designed these trials likely never imagined a low-level challenger reaching this specific stage.

‘I hope they don’t skimp on the rewards because it was too easy.’

I was actually a bit concerned. I hadn’t really done anything to “earn” the win. Usually, trials are about testing one’s limits, but I hadn’t even broken a sweat.

《’Wall of Species (3)’ trial successfully cleared.》

《You have earned the Transcendent Mythic Mystery: ‘Progenitor Giant’.》

《Would you like to claim this reward?》

《If declined, you will proceed to a more difficult trial.》

I breathed a sigh of relief. It still counted as a victory.

‘Transcendent comes after Ultimate…’

I was becoming genuinely curious about what lay beyond that tier.

《You have declined the Mystery: ‘Progenitor Giant’.》

I’d come too far to stop now. I wouldn’t be satisfied if I walked away before seeing the end. Even if I couldn’t fully grasp what was coming, I had to try. With the third trial down, only Druid and Heavenly remained. I was especially determined to uncover the truth behind the “Heavenly” attribute.

《Challenger is advancing to the next tier.》

《Achievement unlocked: ‘Challenger on the Verge of Myth Completion’.》

《The Saints of the Hundred Saints War are collectively speechless.》