The Monarch Who Levels Up by Devouring - M.L.U.B.D Chapter 26 (Part 1):

[Skill – Mud Trap has been added.]

[Mud Trap]

– Rank: ★★
– Type: Active
– Creates a swamp within a 10-meter radius centered on the designated point.
– Targets within the swamp have their speed reduced.

A skill that inflicts a speed debuff within a specified area.

Its activation method, which requires designating a target, is considered one step below instant-cast skills.

‘That’s actually better.’

I rearranged my mana.

[Mud Trap activated.]

[A 10-meter radius transforms into a swamp.]

*Splorch!* A sticky swamp formed around the designated point.

The magically created swamp was even more viscous than the natural terrain.

“As expected. So that’s how it works.”

The muddy ground doesn’t distinguish between friend and foe.

Since players typically move in teams, area-of-effect skills that don’t differentiate between allies and enemies are generally rated lower.

“It’ll be useful.”

– ‘Is a skill that dirties the ground really that useful?’

“I’m used to going solo.”

– ‘Even so, an instant-cast curse or binding skill seems more practical, I say.’

“Oh? Not bad, Goddess.”

– ‘This lady’s intuition is at least this sharp, I say.’

“But area skills depend on how you use them.”

They’re great for slowing down a group of enemies to divide them.

You can also lay down [Mud Trap] in advance to lure opponents into it.

Area skills vary wildly depending on how they’re applied.

An area skill that lets me dictate the enemy’s movement path was far more useful.

– ‘If my contractor says so.’

“Anyway, I’ve gotten everything I need from the swamp. Let’s move to the next place.”

– ‘Shall we head to the lake now?’

“One more stop left.”

The volcano.

Along with the lake, it’s classified as one of the top-difficulty areas in the tutorial stage.

Honestly, I thought it’d take two weeks of nonstop hunting to devour all the essences, but by the evening of the third day, I’d already cleared five out of seven regions.

The ant lions in the wasteland can wait for later, but either way, my progress was several times faster than planned.

“The lake conquest comes last.”

The monsters living in water are not only strong, but movement there is also a hassle.

So, the next destination was practically set.

– ‘Understood. I shall wait patiently.’

*Kabooom-!*

Just then, a massive explosion sent flames scattering into the sky.

A place filled with dark smoke.

The volcanic region.

* * *

The moment I stepped out of the swamp, the debuff that had clung to my body lifted.

I gave a wry smile.

“Suffocating heat beats boiling alive, I guess?”

Head southeast from the swamp, and you’ll find a plain filled with the scorching heat of the volcano.

[You are currently in the volcanic region.]

[Volcano – High Heat]

[Fire-type skill potency increased by 10%.]

“Ugh, hot.”

The moment the searing air touched my skin, my hairs stood on end.

The dry wind carried the volcano’s heat.

My mouth already felt parched.

– Players with an Endurance stat below 20 will suffer burns in less than an hour wandering the volcanic region.

– To operate in the volcano, you need at least 30 Endurance, a fire resistance skill, or appropriate equipment.

The tutorial guide emphasized the dangers of the volcanic region.

That 30 Endurance mark is the bare minimum for activity.

Move around carelessly, and you’re begging for dehydration.

‘It’s like stepping into a dry sauna.’

Thanks to *Devour*, my Endurance stat was high enough to avoid direct damage.

The problem? I’m not exactly a fan of dry saunas.

– ‘This place is rather unpleasant, isn’t it?’

“Yeah. Let’s grab what we need and head to the lake.”

I wiped the sweat from my forehead with the back of my hand and stepped into the volcanic region.

*Ssssss!* White steam burst from the cracked earth.

Touch it, and you’re guaranteed a burn.

This was a place where even taking a step required caution.

“Kyu-ing?”

A monster poked its head out from behind a rock.

A Fire Worm.

A worm-like creature about two meters long.

It leaves a trail of flames on the ground as it moves, and its main attack is spewing fire when you get close.

A natural enemy for melee players!

But its slow speed makes it prime prey for ranged players.

Its high magic resistance means it takes a while to finish off, though.

“Why bother with the hassle?”

[Energy Bolt activated.]

[Overcharge completed.]

In just 4.2 seconds, a fully charged *Energy Bolt*.

The blue sphere struck the Fire Worm’s head with pinpoint accuracy.

“Kyu-iiing!”

The Fire Worm shook its head.

– ‘Contractor, that attack didn’t seem very effective.’

“It’s just enduring the pain.”

I charged *Energy Bolt* to max again and fired at the Fire Worm.

But it held out longer than expected.

Four shots, then five, and it still showed no sign of falling.

It should have less Endurance than the lizards in the swamp.

Must be that high magic resistance.

– ‘Your hair is soaked with sweat.’

I know that without you telling me.

I glared at the wriggling Fire Worm.

Sweat it out in the volcanic heat for too long, or dive into close combat for a quick, fiery showdown?

I chose the latter.

*Zip!*

As I charged straight in, the Fire Worm opened its mouth.

[Flame Burst]

Flames poured out directly at me.

The range was wide enough that dodging would require a big detour.

With [Spiked Armor], I could charge through wide flames like these without a care.

‘While I’m at it, why not test the item’s performance?’

I thrust my right hand forward.

[Mana Absorb activated.]

[The attack’s mana value is lower than the user’s.]

[The attack is absorbed.]

*Flash!*

An eerie light leaked from [Maw of Gluttony].

A red barrier, expanded to about two meters, swallowed every flame the Fire Worm spewed.

“Kyu-iiing?!”

“Oh? Not bad at all.”

Exclamation and shock at the same result.

My mana was already maxed, so it didn’t recover, but nullifying that *Flame Burst* alone made it worth its weight.

[Sharp Claws activated.]

[Blessing of Greed erodes the claws.]

[Blood Claw Technique activated.]

Claws dyed a deep crimson tore through the Fire Worm’s body.

With internal energy fueling the attack, it had no chance to endure.

*Splatter!*

Green blood sprayed from the wound.

[Gained 1.4% EXP.]

It didn’t budge after several *Energy Bolt* hits.

But one close-range strike brought it down.

– ‘Why didn’t you just use your hands from the start?’

“There’s a deeper meaning to it.”

– ‘Oh, is that so?’

The Goddess, falling for my words.

Why does this make me feel like I’m losing?

Absorbing the Fire Worm’s *Flame Burst* with [Mana Absorb] took it down without even feeling the heat.

If it was going to be this easy, why did I bother with *Energy Bolt* from a distance?

The recommended level for hunting Fire Worms was 20, wasn’t it?

With my raw stats rivaling a level 80 player, plus claws enhanced by Blessing of Greed, it had no chance.

Still, though.

I gave a wry smile and devoured the Fire Worm’s essence.

* * *

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!

•