The Monarch Who Levels Up by Devouring - M.L.U.B.D Chapter 12 (Part 2):

As I climbed over large and small rocks, I encountered more Spiked Boars.

Is it because it’s nighttime?

Their activity range was wider than I remembered.

‘Even better.’

Seeing a Spiked Boar charge at me in a rage, I couldn’t help but smile.

How delightful it is when the essences I need to devour come right to me.

[Devouring Spiked Boar’s essence.]

How long had I been climbing the Emirite Mountains? My essence gauge was already over 50% full.

If I had to name one minor downside, it’s that my clothes were reduced to rags.

“Didn’t think about this part.”

I gave a wry smile.

[Armor] only protects my skin.

The spikes densely packed on the Spiked Boar’s body shredded my clothing to pieces.

It’d be awkward if I ran into another player.

I’ll just cover my whole body with armor if that happens.

I didn’t worry much.

It’s already happened. There’s no point in worrying about something that can’t be solved.

“Where was that Red Rock?”

I muttered to myself as I followed the ridge.

There’s no need to reach the summit before the full moon rises.

I’ll take everything I can get my hands on before then.

Potent Moss is a premium material, worth about 10 million won per root.

A hidden area discovered in the third year of the Tower of Babel.

Players in this round would have studied the guides and memorized it by now.

Better gather some before the competition heats up, right?

‘Might as well snag some essences while I’m at it.’

I licked my lips and continued searching for the Red Rock.

Using the moonlight as my lantern, I traversed the mountainside, and Spiked Boars came at me one after another.

[Devouring Spiked Boar’s essence.]

[Essence Devoured: 100%]

[You have completely absorbed one species’ essence.]

[Strength +3]

[Endurance +3]

[Skill – Spikes has been added.]

[Spikes]

– Rank: ★

– Type: Active

Generates sharp spikes on the skin.

– Effect: Consumes a small amount of mana.

While searching for the Red Rock, I filled the Spiked Boar’s essence to 100%.

Perfect.

Since it’s nighttime, tutorial points are doubled, so it’s a triple win.

Killing two birds with one stone.

The changes didn’t stop there.

[The essence of the Ironclad Armadillo reacts with the essence of the Spiked Boar.]

[The two essences can be fused to create a new skill.]

Skill fusion.

A synergy effect maximizing the properties of similar essences.

Exactly as I expected.

Without hesitation, I spoke.

“Fuse them.”

[Spiked Armor]

– Rank: ★★

– Type: Active

Generates armor with spikes on the skin.

– Effect: Consumes a small amount of mana.

I deployed [Spiked Armor] on my forearm as a test.

*Dr-dr-dr-dr!*

Gray armor enveloped my right arm.

The difference from before? Sharp spikes densely covered the armor’s surface.

“Not bad.”

I muttered, inspecting my spike-covered forearm.

The spikes were shorter, but their piercing power and durability surpassed the original.

*Toong.* I lightly tapped the spiked armor with my left hand.

‘The shock absorption’s improved too.’

Enhanced durability.

Plus spikes that can injure nearby enemies.

Before my regression, I played it safe and never acquired such abilities in the tutorial.

Knowing the future is, truly…

‘The best.’

I smiled.

* * *

I found the Red Rock around dawn.

Recalling the guide, I circled behind the massive boulder.

A crevice just wide enough for one person to squeeze through.

How anyone ever found this is beyond me.

“Pardon the intrusion.”

Muttering to myself, I slipped into the crevice.

Inside, not a sliver of light could be found.

A strategy revealed in the third year after the Tower of Babel opened.

Most players at this point would know it by heart.

The standard approach is to move slowly, with minimal force in your steps, and collect the Potent Moss.

But I have another goal besides the Potent Moss.

*Thud- thud-* Clear footsteps echoed loudly through the Red Rock cave.

On my tenth step.

A flapping sound filled the cave.

“Kiiiiii!!”

A piercing screech.

The cry of the Big Bat, the master of the Red Rock cave.

“Now that’s a warm welcome.”

Clad in armor from head to toe, I charged toward the source of the screech.

Dangun

I'm currently Translating the following novels: "Labyrinth Exploration 101" & "The Monarch Who Levels Up by Devouring " If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!

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