The Monarch Who Levels Up by Devouring - M.L.U.B.D Chapter 19 (Part 2):

A book containing the essence of *Blood Claw Technique*.

The moment I finished reading its contents, the paper crumbled into dust with a faint *fwoosh-* sound.

[You have acquired Blood Claw Technique.]

[You have acquired Three Talents Qi Technique.]

[The effects of the qi technique have generated an Internal Energy stat.]

At the same time, knowledge of the martial arts began to surface in my mind.

The stances of *Blood Claw Technique*.

The locations of the meridians used to channel *Three Talents Qi Technique*.

Concepts of martial arts I hadn’t known before were now etched clearly in my mind.

“Phew.”

A short sigh slipped past my lips.

Skills obtained from skill books require repeated use to build proficiency.

The same applies to *Blood Claw Technique* and *Three Talents Qi Technique* I just learned.

To fully unleash the power of *Blood Claw Technique*, I need to practice it repeatedly to increase its mastery.

‘But I need enough Internal Energy to even use Blood Claw Technique.’

I gave a wry smile.

[Internal Energy: 1]

Barely enough to execute a single third-rate technique.

It’s the complete opposite of the overflowing mana I have thanks to [Dragon’s Heart].

Heh heh, no worries.

I prepared for moments like this!

I took out a Moonlit Stone and popped it into my mouth.

“Now, let’s get into position.”

I sat cross-legged on the spot and swallowed the blue pebble in my mouth.

[You have consumed a Moonlit Stone.]

[You can absorb the power contained within the stone.]

If I channel mana here, my Mana stat increases. If I guide the energy with a cultivation method, I gain Internal Energy.

I activated [Three Talents Qi Technique.]

The energy of the Moonlit Stone flowed through my meridians according to the technique’s principles.

It felt like my body’s senses were coming alive.

A refreshing qi circulated through every corner of my body, awakening it.

[Three Talents Qi Technique’s mastery has increased by 12%.]

[Three Talents Qi Technique’s mastery…]

The system alerts kept chiming, but I ignored them.

I was too focused on channeling the condensed power of the Moonlit Stone through the principles of *Three Talents Qi Technique* to pay attention to anything else.

How much time passed?

The energy of the Moonlit Stone, having completed a full circulation, settled stably in my dantian.

*Hoo-ah-!*

A satisfied exclamation escaped me.

“This is why experienced newcomers are the best.”

[Internal Energy: 0.1 → 22.8]

My Internal Energy had risen by 22 points from a single Moonlit Stone.

That’s equivalent to gaining the stats of 4 levels!

‘Internal Energy can’t be boosted by bonus stats.’

It’s a stat that can only be increased through cultivation methods!

That’s why, in the future, martial artists went crazy over Moonlit Stones.

With this much Internal Energy, I could execute all four stances of *Blood Claw Technique* and still have some left.

Alright, shall we dance?

I slightly bent each finger joint.

It resembled a beast raising its claws.

The preparatory stance for *Blood Claw Technique*.

[Blood Claw Technique activated.]

My bent hand slashed through the air.

The first stance of *Blood Claw Technique*, *Fierce Tiger Blood Claw*.

*Papapat!*

Perhaps because I used Internal Energy, the air vibrated, producing a sharp sound.

“Ah, that’s not right.”

I retracted my outstretched hand.

What’s the point of just using the technique?

My true strength lies in simultaneously utilizing the abilities of various species absorbed through Devour.

[Sharp Claws activated.]

With claws extending about 20 centimeters, I performed *Fierce Tiger Blood Claw* again.

The sound reverberating through the air became even sharper.

*Blood Claw Technique* is composed of movements derived from a beast—specifically, a tiger swinging its forepaw.

In other words, the technique becomes more powerful if you possess the characteristics of the beast it was based on!

Lost in a trance, I repeatedly executed all the forms of *Blood Claw Technique*.

[Your understanding of Blood Claw Technique has increased.]

[Blood Claw Technique’s mastery has risen to 2 Stars.]

Tch- I clicked my tongue.

‘Only 2 Stars, huh.’

In my previous life, I mastered numerous martial arts.

Blood Claw Technique?

I’d long since grasped the insights of such a third-rate technique.

But my current body isn’t the same.

Mind, qi, and body must align, but my body is that of a novice who just learned the technique.

Understanding of the stances.

Internal Energy control.

Even with those two perfected, my body can’t keep up, so the technique’s mastery stopped at 2 Stars.

‘No need to rush.’

I clenched and unclenched my fist.

Compared to before regression, I’ve already saved over a year.

I’ve absorbed the essences of numerous monsters inhabiting Rainbow Island.

I acquired the Internal Energy stat far earlier than before.

And that’s not all.

With a large stock of Moonlit Stones, I can periodically increase my Internal Energy.

If I keep building strength like this, surpassing the ancient gods I aimed for isn’t just a pipe dream.

Having claimed the rewards for defeating the Blood Mountain Lord, I was about to move on to my next prey when—

『“The Evil of the Heavens” marvels at your innate talent.』

A message stopped me in my tracks.

A tone different from the system’s voice.

Just hearing it made my heart feel solemn.

The being who sent this message…

“A Constellation?”

『The Evil of the Heavens affirms that your words are correct.』

Constellations.

Beings who have woven the trajectories of stars to inscribe their names upon the heavens.

Deva.

Olympus.

Asgard.

And many other Divine Races ruled as Constellations, watching over players.

All for their own amusement.

When the Tower of Babel invaded Earth, the Constellations invited only a select few under contract to their realms.

And those who weren’t invited by a Constellation?

‘They all died.’

Memories of the horrors I witnessed countless times in my previous life surfaced unbidden.

Rage welled up within me.

The Constellations are, in the end, mere spectators.

But now isn’t the time to unleash my anger.

Gaining the attention of Constellations brings various benefits during the Tower’s ascent.

Those so-called gods act all high and mighty, but when they spot a player who catches their eye, they shower them with support.

Earning a Constellation’s interest during the tutorial proves just how extraordinary my actions have been.

『The God of War of Olympus glares at The Evil of the Heavens.』

『The God of War of Olympus shouts loudly that he alone should be your Patron Constellation.』

Hold on, why are you popping up here too?

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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