Despite the tumultuous visions that accompanied Ethan's absorption of chaos energy and its transference to his sword, he found solace in the fact that his psyche remained intact. As he channeled and harnessed the volatile energy, he was privy to a myriad of dark scenes, glimpses into the depths of despair and malevolence that chaos entailed. However, he remained resolute, refusing to let these disturbing images cloud his judgment or undermine his determination.
Ethan grappled with the decision of whether or not to disclose these haunting experiences to his companions. He understood that revealing the full extent of what he witnessed could potentially sow doubt and unease among his allies. Yet, he recognized the importance of maintaining trust and open communication within the group.
For the time being, Ethan chose to keep the unsettling visions to himself, determined to shield his friends from unnecessary worry and maintain their focus on the immediate task at hand.
"All according to the plan," Ethan shrugged. "I wouldn't be a hero if I couldn't withstand a bit of darkness. All in the line of duty."
"... I don't want to dampen the mood, but you guys realize that we are in a bind, right?" Aline asked.
The realization weighed heavily upon the group as they reflected upon their struggle against the three formidable beasts. Despite their valiant efforts and unwavering resolve, they had encountered significant resistance. The sheer strength and resilience of these creatures made it evident that their true adversary, Chaos itself, would be an even greater challenge.
The difficulty they faced against the three beasts served as a stark reminder of the immense power and unpredictability of Chaos. The creatures they had just encountered were mere fragments of its influence, and yet they proved to be formidable opponents. The group understood that if they were to confront Chaos directly, they would need to strengthen their resolve and hone their skills to an even greater degree.
"It can't be helped. Those creatures were at the level where they were threats to whole worlds," Ian said after he crossed his mind. "We faced three of those at the same time, and we won, that is all."
It was weird for Ian to improve the mood, but he had a point. It was the first time they faced anything of that level… the demon king that Ethan faced was at level seven hundred. Still, those three were easily at least three times stronger than the demon king.
"We will rest for half an hour and then move on," Ethan said. "Still, it will be hard to deal with the final boss if he also has things like attacks that ignore defense."
"I wouldn't expect anything less from chaos…" Dante said. "I don't know how its ability to ignore defense worlds, but I guess revealing how mine works might help."
The key to Dante's unparalleled speed and precision lay in his ability to manipulate mana to maintain a state of invisibility. By harmonizing his own energy with the surrounding environment, he could conceal his presence and move with an almost imperceptible grace. This required a remarkable level of control, a delicate balance between exerting and suppressing his mana.
Dante's fine control over his mana granted him an incredible advantage in combat, allowing him to strike swiftly and invisibly, catching his opponents off guard. This unique ability showcased his exceptional prowess as a swordsman and his deep understanding of the arcane arts. It was the culmination of years of dedication and practice, a testament to his relentless pursuit of perfection.
"I guess it is only something that warriors can pull it off since it combines physical strength and magic," Aline said and then furrowed her eyebrows. "Unless…"
"We use magic to mask the attacks as well in some sort of illusion… it isn't something that we can master in a couple of hours," Emily added.
Aline felt a bit troubled by the fact that Emily had finished her thought, but she had better things to do than to worry about that. Regardless, Emily had a point. It wasn't something that they could master that easily.
"At least chaos isn't sending any more enemies. That means that we don't have to waste time, but we don't have the chance to get stronger anymore," Dante said.
With his eyes closed, Ethan entered a state of deep concentration, attuning his senses to the energy swirling around him. He felt the raw power surging through the very fabric of the dimension, beckoning to be harnessed. Drawing upon his heightened connection with the chaotic energy, he began to absorb it at an accelerated rate, feeling its raw potency course through his being.
However, in a sudden moment of clarity, Ethan halted his absorption. Opening his eyes, he realized that he needed to reevaluate his approach. Recognizing the immense potential contained within the chaos energy, he decided to tap into a different avenue to fully harness its power. With a resolute determination, he accessed his system shop, a unique interface that allowed him to buy numerous items. It was time to go all out with his coins.
Blade of Shadows
Strength: +400
Speed: +200
Effect: Shadowstep - The user can blend into the shadows and teleport behind an enemy, launching a surprise attack. This ability grants them a momentary advantage by catching their opponents off guard, increasing their chances of a successful strike.
Cloak of Evasion
Speed: +200
Defense: +400
Effect: Evasive Veil - The user can activate the cloak to create an ethereal veil around themself, granting increased evasion and making it harder for enemies to land precise attacks. This effect provides an extra layer of defense, allowing the thief to avoid damage and maintain their agility in combat.
Boots of Swiftness
Speed: +500
Defense: +400
Effect: Fleetfoot - These boots enhance the user's speed and agility, allowing them to move swiftly and silently. The user gains an inherent advantage in both engaging and disengaging from combat, as well as in navigating through complex environments, evading traps, and outmaneuvering opponents.
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