Ascension Through Skills
Chapter 383: The Sixth Return, Earth (1)

[Wait. Advanced magic?]

The ghost was taken aback. Taesan silently stared at the book in his hand.

[Advanced Magic, The Grimoire of Cataclysm.] [A grimoire holding advanced magic, the Cataclysm. Only those who pass the qualifications and trials may wield its power.]

Since entering the labyrinth, Taesan had encountered countless strong adversaries.

Among them, there was only one who could use advanced magic.

“Have you ever seen advanced magic before?”

[I have, but… they were all apostles of the God of Magic. Aside from them, the only one was that guy you fought—Shayan. He was the first.]

Shayan had wielded the power of five dots of destruction.

Taesan, now far stronger than when he faced Shayan, wondered.

Could he perfectly counter that power now?

The answer came quickly. It was impossible.

If the advanced magic dealt with boundaries or eternal, unshakable beliefs, Taesan could counter or retaliate. Otherwise, it was impossible. Even if he gave his all to defend, it was a power that would still deal damage.

The value of advanced magic was incomparable to intermediate magic.

Now, Taesan had a chance to obtain such power.

“What do these qualifications entail?”

[Exactly as the word implies.]

A voice echoed. It wasn’t the ghost. A powerful presence was revealing itself through the grimoire as a medium.

“…God of Magic.”

[Hello, adventurer.]

“It’s been a while.”

Taesan quietly bowed respectfully. It had been quite some time since the God of Magic had directly spoken to him.

The God of Magic accepted Taesan’s greeting and continued.

[Advanced magic is a power significant even to me. Not just anyone can acquire it. To obtain it, one must have the proper qualifications.]

“And these qualifications?”

[Nothing extraordinary. Just this: to please me. That’s it.]

Zelbando spoke as if it were trivial.

[In that sense, you already possess the qualifications. That’s why I’ve opened the way.]

“Did Shayan also please you?”

Shayan, the Archmage who was the Guide of Sin, had wielded advanced magic.

[I didn’t agree with his beliefs, but he dedicated everything to magic. If I didn’t embrace that poor child, who would?]

The God of Magic valued the yearning for magic above all else.

This was evident in how even the talentless Lilis was given a chance to gain magic through offerings.

[Moreover, that child unraveled something I had idly left behind ages ago, with an obsession bordering on madness. It was a shortcut, really. In contrast, you’re earning it through legitimate means.]

“So I must pass the trials to obtain it.”

[Advanced magic holds that much value. It touches upon more fundamental laws. Without the strength to control it, you’ll be consumed by it. You’ll understand if you succeed.]

“What is the content of the trials?”

The trials to learn advanced magic.

There was no reason to delay. Taesan was already determined to pass them.

The God of Magic chuckled softly.

[First, finish what you need to do. You’re about to leave this place soon, aren’t you?]

“You know?”

The return to Earth was less than a week away.

[I’ve been watching closely. Resolve things there first. Then, we’ll talk.]

“Understood.”

[Then I’ll look forward to it. Perhaps we’ll meet there.]

With those words, Zelbando’s presence faded.

[Even a magic-obsessed entity grants advanced magic to someone who isn’t their apostle…]

The ghost muttered, but he didn’t seem particularly surprised.

Having witnessed countless events alongside Taesan, the ghost had grown indifferent to most extraordinary occurrences.

In the remaining time, Taesan continued to explore the Library of All Things.

He accumulated knowledge and gathered information. He tried to decipher the advanced magic grimoire in his spare time, but it seemed locked, and he could extract nothing.

And so, time passed.

Only a few hours remained before the return.

［Kim Hwiyeon [Hard]］: Phew. This is the sixth time, but I still feel nervous. ［Geum Junggeun [Hard]］: It’s natural; we never know what might happen. How about Jun-hyeok? ［Kang Jun-hyeok [Solo]］: I’m fine. I’m used to this. Though, Taeyeon seems a bit uneasy. ［Lee Taeyeon [Solo]］: Ugh. Be quiet.

The players quietly tried to ease each other’s anxiety. Taesan spoke to Kim Hwiyeon.

［Kang Taesan [Solo]］: What’s the situation with other countries?

Since there was a high chance of meeting players from other countries again, it was better to communicate in advance and exchange information.

Above all, Taesan himself wasn’t entirely sure about this return.

Too many changes had occurred compared to his previous life. People who should have died were alive, and nations that should have been destroyed still existed. His memories of his past life were no longer reliable.

［Kim Hwiyeon [Hard]］: Taesan. It’s…

Kim Hwiyeon trailed off.

［Kang Taesan [Solo]］: Seems like it didn’t go well. ［Kim Hwiyeon [Hard]］: No, we did talk. We even exchanged some information. ［Kang Taesan [Solo]］: Then what’s the problem?

Kim Hwiyeon hesitated before posting a message.

［Kim Hwiyeon [Hard]］: They don’t trust us.

The unexpected statement made Taesan pause.

［Kang Taesan [Solo]］: Distrust? ［Kim Hwiyeon [Hard]］: Yes. And the reason… they’re saying it’s because of you. ［Kang Taesan [Solo]］: Me? ［Kim Hwiyeon [Hard]］: I think it’d be faster for you to check the community yourself rather than me explaining it.

Following Kim Hwiyeon’s advice, Taesan accessed the community. In the forum, Korean players were engaging in a heated discussion with what seemed to be Indian players.

［Lee Chaea [Hard]］: I’m telling you, Taesan saved us! He’s a savior! Why do you keep denying it? ［Gulsan Grove [Hard]］: It’s not denial. I’m sure this person, Taesan, is remarkable, as you say. ［Lee Chaea [Hard]］: Then you agree! So why… ［Gulsan Grove [Hard]］: But don’t impose your faith on us. Unlike you, we don’t disgrace ourselves by worshiping another human. ［Sajid Khan [Hard]］: Humans worshiping another human… how pitiful. ［Lee Chaea [Hard]］: Wh-what?!

The overall sentiment in the community was similar. Korean players were proclaiming Taesan’s greatness, while players from other countries expressed discomfort. There was a shared sentiment across the responses.

-We survived on our strength and faith. We didn’t offload everything onto someone else and run away like you did.

“Is that so?”

Taesan now understood the situation.

The High Gods had focused their power on Taesan.

As a result, the players from Korea, China, and Japan faced concentrated attacks from their forces.

In contrast, other countries were spared this intensity.

This gave those other countries some breathing room.

Room to hold onto their beliefs.

Room to maintain their pride as humans.

It didn’t matter. This return would teach them as well.

Time passed, and the quest began.

Taesan stepped beyond the space.

What greeted him was a crumbling world and countless players.

“Oh!”

“Lord Taesan!”

Spotting Taesan, they ran toward him, exclaiming with awe. They bowed their heads, displaying absolute reverence.

Deep, unwavering faith began flowing into Taesan.

Receiving their devotion, Taesan moved.

Kim Hwiyeon organized information on the survivors. Since much of the groundwork had been done during the previous return, it didn’t take long.

“There’s less damage than I expected.”

Kim Hwiyeon muttered with a relieved expression. After the previous return, not many had perished while navigating the labyrinth. The numbers were far fewer than she had anticipated.

“They’ve received numerous divine blessings. As long as they’re careful, they won’t die easily.”

Taesan replied. The blessings they had received were incredibly potent. Even in Solo Mode, their value was significant; in other modes, it went without saying.

“How far have you progressed?”

“We just entered the 70th floor.”

The Hard Mode players had reached the 70th floor—a fast pace. In his past life, players had barely reached the 40th floor at this stage. His memories from the past were no longer of much use.

“But the difficulty suddenly spiked here. I almost died advancing recklessly.”

“Take your time. This is where things get serious.”

“Of course.”

Kim Hwiyeon nodded.

Taesan conversed with Geum Junggeun and then sought out Lee Taeyeon and Kang Jun-hyeok.

When Taesan drew his sword, the two responded by raising their weapons.

Taesan sparred with them, holding back on both magic and dark magic, even suppressing his swordsmanship. He also adjusted his stats to make the duel winnable for them.

“Ahhh!”

“Ugh!”

Despite this, neither managed to graze Taesan’s clothing. Kang Jun-hyeok dusted himself off, grumbling.

“We’ve gotten a lot stronger, but we still can’t touch you.”

“You’re at the late 40s floors now, right?”

“Yes. At this rate, we’ll reach the 50th floor soon.”

The 50th floor.

Reflecting on what lay there, Taesan spoke.

“There’s a village on the 51st floor. A place where those who’ve lost hope reside. It’s fine for a brief rest, but be careful not to get stuck there.”

“A… a place to rest…”

Lee Taeyeon, sprawled on the ground, murmured. In his past life, she might have struggled, but now, she would pass through the 51st floor without issue. She had grown that strong.

As Taesan observed Lee Taeyeon, something dawned on him.

‘…What is that?’

Within her, there was a mysterious power.

It was faint—so small that only someone who had transcended mortality could perceive it.

It wasn’t a blessing. Nor was it a reward from a deity.

After a moment of scrutiny, Taesan understood.

It was a link.

Something was connected to Lee Taeyeon.

When Taesan stared intently, Lee Taeyeon glanced away nervously.

“W-Why are you looking at me like that? Do I have something on my face?”

Just as Taesan was about to ask what it was, a quest window appeared.

[Special Quest Begins] [This quest is a continental joint quest.] [Designated Continent: Asia.] [All players in the designated region must gather in one location. Overcome the hardships encountered during this journey and meet players from other nations.] [This quest has no time limit.] [The more influential your interactions with other players, the more points you will receive upon returning to the labyrinth.]

The sudden quest window caused an uproar.

Lee Taeyeon and Kang Jun-hyeok also examined the quest details.

“Across all of Asia? That’s a huge area.”

“It’ll take a lot of time just to gather. Oh, Taesan, weren’t you about to say something?”

“It’s nothing.”

Taesan looked away. The power within Lee Taeyeon was so small it wasn’t a pressing issue. It wasn’t something to worry about immediately.

“We’ll discuss it later.”

For now, he decided to focus on sorting things out and examining it properly later.

Taesan sought out Kim Hwiyeon, who was already deep in thought, analyzing the sudden quest.

“With all of Asia involved… this is a lot. Ah! If only we had communicated with more countries beforehand!”

There was too much to organize. Kim Hwiyeon swiftly examined the quest details.

And she noticed something.

“The gathering spot is here?”

Realizing they didn’t need to relocate brought a sigh of relief. Taesan confirmed the details as well.

“Exactly.”

Taesan moved to the forefront of the ruins. Those who saw him immediately bowed down.

Receiving their faith, Taesan gathered power.

This was the designated location for the quest. No need to move elsewhere.

It could serve as a base.

Kiieeeng!

Golden light radiated out into the world.

It enveloped the ruins and the people, extending far enough to draw the attention of those far away.

“Oh… oh…”

“Ah…”

People unknowingly fell to their knees, overwhelmed by a reverence as if witnessing a divine miracle.

Taesan released his power. Golden light spread from the ruins, creating a domain.

[You have activated Holy Land Creation.]