Chapter 403

Chapter 403: Promotion to Level 61

If "White Snake" Emil or the alchemist Norton had been present, they would’ve gasped at the fused materials suspended by Midi’s sword light.

This was an entirely new type of alchemical potion—one brewed not with a crucible or magic flame, but through sword light itself!

Only under Eighth Apostle Rot’s guidance and Midi’s unmatched control over his sword light could such a feat be achieved in a single attempt.

Sensing the Terrorclaw Scorpion’s heart blood stirring within him, Midi swiftly swallowed the blended potion.

Instantly, raw Vitality erupted through his veins like wildfire. The Radiance of Darkness in the mixture also triggered a resonance in his magic energy.

Without waiting for Rot’s prompt, Midi steadied his mind and channeled his Dark Magic.

As he cycled the energy, the heart blood and potion merged into his being. His Dragon’s Blood grew purer, sharpening his recovery, toughness, and Vitality. Now, Midi’s physical form rivaled a Terrorclaw Scorpion’s—surpassing even a half-giant’s endurance, though lacking its armored shell.

This bolstered his confidence in direct combat. Hard clashes would temper his body further, refining his Dragon’s Blood in a self-sustaining cycle.

He also noticed the dark patterns on his Spirit Dragon Sword’s core thickening, now covering nearly a tenth of its surface. He’d reached Level 60’s peak—one step from Level 61.

Midi sighed inwardly. Progressing as an Awakened One of Extraordinary Awakening demanded staggering resources—enough to elevate others multiple times, yet insufficient for his own breakthrough. Though his eventual ascension would dwarf ordinary practitioners’ power, the Death’s Pursuit Order nipped at his heels. Faster growth would also solidify his Status in the Wolfspider Tribe.

Rot’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “Let me assist.”

“You can… make me level up?” Midi’s surprise flickered. The Eighth Apostle was mighty, but this seemed beyond even him.

“Wait and see.” Rot’s tone held deliberate mystery.

Abruptly, the Terrorclaw Scorpion’s oppressive aura flooded the room—its core, a concentration of the beast’s Essence, will, and tyrannical power. Formless and impervious to ordinary storage, it required high-tier mind-related abilities for extraction. Midi hadn’t known Rot possessed it until now.

The core thrashed wildly, as if alive, straining to escape the moment Rot released it.

Rot’s psychic energy had already sealed off the entire area, making Midi’s room into a mental prison where the Terrorclaw Scorpion’s core couldn’t escape.

"Hmph, trying to escape me? Not a chance. Get back here," came a proud snort as an overwhelming presence emerged.

Rot materialized from the dagger "Golden Forgiveness"-turned-armring. Through Midi’s psychic sight, he appeared as a tall elder making mysterious hand gestures.

Under this fearsome mind-related assault, the Terrorclaw Scorpion’s core shrieked before being shattered by psychic flames and absorbed by Rot.

The absorption made Rot’s translucent form slightly clearer, as if nourished. Simultaneously, Midi felt part of this psychic energy flowing into himself!

"The dagger ‘Golden Forgiveness’ recognizes you as master. Having dwelled within it, I’m connected to it too," Rot stated plainly. "When my power recovers, you’ll receive residual benefits."

As Rot spoke, continuous psychic energy poured into Midi like the Mind Maze’s enlightenment. This became the final push needed – the last barrier broke like paper.

Midi instantly ascended from Level 60’s peak to Level 61! The energy also stabilized his cultivation at early Stage 61, as if he’d held this level for years.

"Feeling good?" Rot asked knowingly.

"Fantastic!" Midi glowed, sensing surging power.

At Level 61, his psychic control sharpened. More importantly, his Dragon’s Blood had thickened from wisps to pure strands. A mere thought could unleash Dragon’s might.

On Arad’s battlefields, none could approach him – even targeting him with spells or arrows would fail. Though Shaded Realm races resisted Dragon’s might, his enhanced physique guaranteed dominance.

Facing that half-giant again, Midi could now repel the mountain-like foe without even using "Sky Sword Dance". Such were the leaps possible after Level 60.

"Remember to treat me better now," Rot drawled.

"Have I ever prioritized anything over you?" Midi smoothly replied with noble charm, amusing the Eighth Apostle.

Their banter reflected growing familiarity. Once reluctant allies bound by necessity, they’d become friends through shared trials – with hints of mentorship.

Midi never imagined gaining an Apostle’s guidance after reincarnation. But this meant greater burdens – escaping Death’s Pursuit Order and aiding Rot’s rebirth, both requiring entry to Dark Dragon City.

The Black Dragon Conference qualification became crucial. The territory challenge offered advancement chances if he excelled despite Zaride’s schemes and Blue Serpent Tribe’s experts.

Two days later, the team assembled at the cavern’s central square. Midi’s arrival drew immediate attention.

All eyes turned – rival Black Dragon Priestesses, partner Zaknavan, acquaintance Mason, and Level 61 Wolfspider warriors/champions stared. Their gazes held friendship, hostility, curiosity, or scorn, but all bore shock.

This human had been Level 60 mere weeks ago when Galantis found him. Now his magic aura screamed Level 61! Since Black/White Rock Caves prevented advancement, suspicions turned to Dark Mushroom Forest.

As dark elves stared, Zaknavan shrugged. "Don’t ask me. If Dark Mushroom Forest caused this, why didn’t I level up too?"

"Overthinking wastes time. Mind yourselves," Mason commented tersely, sparking resigned sighs.