I Raided the Demon’s Treasury

Chapter 91

Sizzle—

Around Se-woon, charred blackened bugs were lying on their backs, their bellies exposed.

As expected of Dark Flare. While it consumed a considerable amount of mana, its destructive power was undeniable.

Some bugs, twitching their legs, spasmed in their final moments, but the black flames relentlessly burned away their vitality, snuffing out every last one of them.

– Your level has increased.

Since these monsters weren’t supposed to exist on the first floor, the experience points gained were substantial.

Even Se-woon, who had raised his level absurdly high during the Tutorial, managed to level up again in a single go.

As Se-woon gathered his mana, he recalled a certain being who must be eagerly waiting for its meal. He stretched out his hand toward the bugs.

– The Fangs of Gluttony devour their prey.

As if on cue, black fangs appeared. Without bothering to chew, they swallowed the bugs whole in a single gulp.

Whether this meant Beelzebub was exceptionally hungry or the bugs’ spectral nature made them impossible to chew, Se-woon wasn’t certain. Either way, the surrounding bugs vanished in an instant.

– The ‘Blurry Bugs’ has been devoured.

– Absorbing its nutrients increases Mana.

– The ‘Blurry Bugs’ has been devoured.

– Absorbing its nutrients increases Mana.

…

“Huh?”

Unlike before, it wasn’t just stats that increased—mana itself was being directly absorbed.

While consuming large quantities of monsters had raised mana before, this was the first time he had absorbed mana individually from each monster.

It was likely because these creatures were specialized in mana rather than other stats.

For Se-woon, who was planning to create his fourth mana circle, this was a very welcome development.

– The Constellation, ‘Hungry Prince,’ crawls on the floor with a gaunt appearance, struggling to gulp down the meal.

– The Constellation, ‘Hungry Prince,’ exclaims in astonishment at the remarkably fresh taste.

– The Constellation, ‘Hungry Prince’s’ emaciated body rapidly begins to fill out.

– The Constellation, ‘Hungry Prince,’ though slightly regretful at feeling full rather than satiated, nods in satisfaction at the excellent meal.

Perhaps it was because it had been a while since the Power of Gluttony had been used, but Beelzebub’s reaction was unusually dramatic.

‘Well, the Power of Gluttony can only be used on monsters I’ve killed, after all.’

Even during the feast the previous day, beelzebub had merely drooled while gazing longingly at Se-woon.

Seeing this, Se-woon felt a twinge of sympathy, but there wasn’t much he could do. Even Se-woon couldn’t go hunting monsters daily just to feed Beelzebub.

On the contrary, it seemed necessary to maintain proper feeding intervals, almost like a form of dietary training.

If Beelzebub were to learn of Se-woon’s thoughts, no matter how patient a Constellation he might be, he would likely explode with anger.

Not that it mattered—one delicious meal would surely calm him right down.

Hiss—

“Hm?”

As the bugs completely vanished, the surroundings suddenly seemed much brighter.

At first, Se-woon thought it was simply the light returning after the darkness caused by Dark Flare, but that wasn’t the case.

The trees, which had been gnawed away by the bugs, now radiated an even more brilliant light than before.

– The tree of the Shimmering Hill has been freed from the vile pests.

– The tree of the Shimmering Hill expresses its gratitude to you.

– You have received ‘Shimmering Fruit’ as a reward.

– The tree of the Shimmering Hill is healing the wounds inflicted by the vile pests.

– During its recovery, the mana concentration around the tree will increase significantly.

A single glowing fruit gently descended from the lush canopy of the tree, coming to rest in Se-woon’s hand.

The light wasn’t particularly strong, but Se-woon could sense the immense magical power compressed within the fruit.

[ Shimmering Fruit ]

Category: Elixir

Rank: C+

Description: A fruit long nurtured in secret by the tree of the Shimmering Hill to protect it from vile pests.

Effects: Essence of Mana – Upon consumption, significantly increases mana absorption.
An elixir.

Not just any elixir, but a rare one that could increase mana.

‘I thought I knew all the hidden pieces on the first floor.’

It seemed that had been an overestimation on Se-woon’s part.

Before his regression, Se-woon had discovered various hidden pieces through the Guidepost of the Journey. However, back then, he hadn’t possessed the capability to uncover their full potential.

Thinking about it now, the Tower was likely brimming with hidden pieces Se-woon hadn’t yet uncovered.

And on top of that…

‘An increase in mana concentration, huh.’

The tree’s recovery would raise the mana density in the area while it healed.

If he consumed the elixir in such an environment? It was an ideal situation to train his mana.

Gulp.

Leaning against the tree trunk, Se-woon popped the small, cherry-like fruit into his mouth and began focusing on his mana training.

* * *

So far, Se-woon had learned two methods for mana training: The Blue Tower’s method and the Black Tower’s method.

The Blue Tower’s training method not only provided a solid foundation for mana circles but also enhanced the fluidity of mana, allowing for precise control.

In contrast, the Black Tower’s method focused almost entirely on offensive power.

Originally, Se-woon had intended to use a different training method for his third circle to maintain balance. However, since he had created the third circle earlier than expected, the current state of his circles was unbalanced.

If he were to create his fourth circle as another Dark Circle, the imbalance might destabilize his entire mana structure.

To prevent this, Se-woon chose an alternative solution.

– Opened the Treasury of Greed.

[ Brown Mana Circle ]

– A training method taught only to the direct disciples of high-ranking officials in the Yellow Tower, one of the Empire’s Seven Great Mage Towers.

The Brown Mana Circle. A method originating from the Yellow Tower.

Specializing in earth magic, the Yellow Tower emphasized durability in its magic, and its mana circles reflected that same solidity.

Not only did it strengthen earth-based spells, but it also reinforced physical spells like shields, making them exceptionally resilient.

Moreover, the Brown Mana Circle, known for its robustness, served as a stabilizing pillar for other circles.

For this reason, the Yellow Tower’s mages were famed for being the least likely to have their mana circles break during battle.

A foundation built with the Blue Tower’s method and a pillar erected with the Yellow Tower’s method.

These two techniques together would undoubtedly correct the instability in Se-woon’s circles.

“Phew…”

Exhaling deeply, Se-woon focused his mind.

From below, he could feel the solid energy of the earth; from behind, the steadfast aura of the tree embraced him.

Although he had chosen this training method to restore balance, the environment of the Shimmering Hill proved to be the perfect setting for the Yellow Tower’s technique.

Wuuung!

The mana imbued with the energy of the abundant earth began to spin the circle slowly but steadily.

At first, it moved slowly, but as time passed, like a rolling boulder, it gained momentum, accelerating to an uncontrollable speed.

The pace became so rapid that even in the mana-saturated surroundings, there wasn’t enough mana to draw from.

That was when the Power of the fruit Se-woon had consumed came into play.

Due to the use of a specific training method, the mana absorption rate of the ‘Shimmering Fruit’ has greatly increased.

Normally, the effectiveness of an elixir varies depending on how it is consumed. For this reason, most people would process it into a decoction before consumption.

But Se-woon was different.

Instead of processing the fruit, he utilized an extremely advanced training method to amplify the absorption rate of the elixir.

The essence of mana imbued within the Shimmering Fruit began to be rapidly drawn into the spinning circle.

“……”

“…?”

“.!”

Sensing the sudden fluctuations in mana, spirits began to gather around Se-woon.

Though they lacked intelligence, spirits were beings born of mana. Naturally, they were drawn to individuals with high mana affinity.

– The spirits have taken an interest in you.

– As spirits gather, the mana concentration in the area increases further.

With the spirits congregating—beings born of mana—it was inevitable that the mana density around Se-woon would rise.

Before long, most of the spirits from the hill had swarmed around him.

The gentle glow that once bathed the entire hill now focused entirely on Se-woon.

This concentration only fueled the spinning of his circle, which continued to accelerate without pause.

With the heightened mana density, the elixir’s power, and the energy of the spirits combining, mana of an extraordinarily pure quality was being absorbed at an unprecedented rate.

Rumble!

Around the three mana circles Se-woon already possessed, a larger, sturdier ring emerged, encompassing them all.

It stood firm like a pillar, robustly supporting the other circles. Within less than an hour, the construction of this new pillar was complete.

– Through the training method of the Yellow Tower, you have successfully created a fourth mana circle.

– With the creation of a new circle, you can now use 4th-circle magic.

– The level of magic you can use, as well as its power, speed, and other aspects, will increase depending on the mana circle’s level.

– Due to the unique principles of the Yellow Tower’s method, your magic is now significantly more durable.

– Earned an extraordinary achievement.

– Earned 100,000 points as a reward.

Even though Se-woon had already filled nearly all of his third mana circle, completing a fourth circle in just one hour was unprecedented.

Not even in the long history of the Tower had such a feat been recorded.

– The Constellation, ‘Bowed Raven,’ spreads his wings wide in disbelief at your growth speed, even after granting his power.

– The Constellation, ‘Serpent of Envy,’ is in awe of your astonishing progress and feels even more trust in the pact you share.

– The Constellation, ‘Hungry Prince,’ drools at the thought that with this pace, more delectable prey will soon be within reach.

– The Constellation, ‘TFifth Day,’ offers you a gentle smile.

The eyes of the Constellations observing Se-woon naturally widened in astonishment.

But this was not the end of the spectacle.

Not only had Se-woon created the fourth circle, but the spinning of the circle hadn’t ceased—in fact, it accelerated.

If the previous pace resembled a boulder rolling downhill, now it was akin to one hurtling off a cliff at breakneck speed.

This wasn’t entirely a cause for celebration. The speed of mana absorption had grown so extreme that Se-woon was on the verge of losing control over the circle.

‘This is dangerous.’

Se-woon instinctively recognized the peril.

Just as a boulder shatters under its own weight upon striking the ground from a great height, his mana circle risked breaking apart entirely if it surpassed its limits.

Realizing this, Se-woon hastily activated the Power Of Greed, summoning a green wind that swept across the hilltop.