CHAPTER 220: ASCENDING THE TOWER

"Verdant Shield," Orion whispered in response, smoothly commanding his own mana. A barrier of tightly woven leaves and branches materialized instantly, deflecting and absorbing the Echo’s aggressive vines.

’It’s a good thing that the Tier 3 spell I learned wasn’t a very offensive or single-target spell,’ he muttered, but he knew defense alone wouldn’t grant him victory.

Carefully observing an opening, Orion rapidly countered, casting "Entangling Roots." His mana surged forth, drawing thick roots from beneath the Echo.

Surprisingly, the Echo responded with similar mastery, forming a swift barrier of "Verdant Shield," expertly blocking Orion’s roots.

"Well, let’s try something different," Orion murmured, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully.

As the Echo launched another series of attacks, Orion skillfully cast "Nature’s Grasp," exerting control over the ambient plant matter within the chamber.

The Echo found itself suddenly besieged by vines and roots manipulated directly by Orion’s mana. Orion watched intently, impressed by the Echo’s rapid reaction as she cast "Emerald Blade," slicing cleanly through the attacking plants.

Determinedly pressing forward, Orion seized the initiative once again. "Verdant Surge," he cast deliberately, invigorating his body with surging life energy.

He felt strength and endurance swelling within him, providing greater agility as he charged toward the Echo.

The Echo, now visibly strained, summoned another set of roots defensively. Orion dodged swiftly, his enhanced agility enabling him to close the gap rapidly.

At close range, he decisively unleashed another "Emerald Blade," its hardened wooden edge slicing neatly through the Echo’s defenses.

A faint smile appeared on Orion’s lips. "You are done."

With a decisive swipe, the blade passed through the Echo’s figure, dispersing her into shimmering green particles. Orion exhaled calmly, appreciating the depth and versatility of his Wood spells.

’These Echoes are getting out of hand, huh. At least now I know that Wood spells are also quite good for offense.’

[Impressive, Master! Your timing and strategy were perfect! ヾ(＾-＾)ノ]

’Thank you, Lumi,’ Orion chuckled softly, nodding appreciatively. His smile remained even as the familiar teleportation sensation enveloped him once more.

As Orion materialized onto the eighth floor, a surge of scorching heat immediately swept across his senses.

The floor’s stone walls flickered with a vivid orange hue, shimmering from the radiance of flowing lava that snaked its way through grooves etched intricately along the chamber’s perimeter.

Wisps of smoke and faint embers rose gently upward, adding to the oppressive heat that permeated the atmosphere.

Opposite Orion, the Echo swiftly took form—an imposing young mage clad in fiery red robes marked with intricate golden runes.

His eyes glowed fiercely, reflecting the intense flames burning within them. The mage exuded the unmistakable aura of a powerful Fire-element specialist, mana visibly surging around him in vibrant, molten streams.

Orion felt a pulse of anticipation course through him, realizing he’d have to counter fire with lightning. His Thunder mana hummed vibrantly within his Sea of Consciousness, ready to unleash swift retribution.

"Let’s see how thunder matches against fire," Orion murmured calmly, raising his hands in readiness.

Without delay, the Fire Mage Echo initiated his assault. Chanting rapidly, intricate fire runes spiraled around him in dazzling arcs of orange.

Within three seconds, he unleashed "Molten Inferno"—a powerful Tier 3 spell Orion had read about. A roaring torrent of liquid fire surged violently forward, threatening to engulf the entire area.

In stark contrast, Orion swiftly whispered, "Flash Step," vanishing instantly in a spark of electricity, repositioning himself safely to the mage’s flank. The fiery torrent harmlessly scorched the stone floor where Orion previously stood.

Taking advantage of the Echo’s recovery moment, Orion instantly cast, "Chain Lightning," mana surging effortlessly from his fingertips.

A vibrant bolt erupted, striking the Echo squarely and branching out with violent electric arcs. The Echo flinched briefly, hastily erecting a shield of molten flame that partially absorbed the crackling assault.

However, the mage quickly retaliated, chanting another spell—"Flame Serpent." From his palm, a giant serpent of flame coiled forth, roaring aggressively and swiftly charging toward Orion.

Reacting decisively, Orion cast "Storm Cage." Within a heartbeat, a sizzling dome of electricity materialized, encapsulating the fiery serpent.

Lightning sparks continuously battered it, gradually dissipating its fiery form until it vanished entirely.

Without giving Orion a moment’s reprieve, the mage began chanting a formidable spell. Fire mana gathered intensely, condensing into a massive sphere radiating scorching heat.

Recognizing the danger of the spell—"Solar Burst," another powerful Tier 3 attack—Orion prepared his decisive response.

"Skybreaker Lance," Orion intoned calmly yet rapidly, focusing his mana through complex pathways in mere moments.

Within less than a second, a brilliant bolt surged forward, precisely piercing through the forming sphere of fire mana. An intense explosion resulted, the contained flames erupting violently outward.

Caught within the backlash, the Fire Mage Echo staggered back, his defensive spells shattering instantly under the overwhelming internal detonation caused by the Skybreaker Lance.

With one final crackling pulse of electricity, the Echo vanished, leaving only dissipating sparks behind.

Orion exhaled slowly, calming his breathing amidst the fading heat. His Thunder spells had made short work of the Fire Mage.

[That was soooo impressive, Master! Grandpa Eldric really taught you well regarding the use of Thunder spells as well as timing.]

He chuckled and nodded. ’From the looks of it, I would need to put Wood at the back for battles and use Fire or Thunder elements.’

[Righttt, your Thunder spells really suit you perfectly. It seems your talent for combat gets better each fight!]

Lumi excitedly chimed in.

Orion chuckled softly, acknowledging her compliment. ’Well, Grandpa Eldric was certainly thorough with his lessons. But from here on out, I’ll need to focus more on efficiency. As the floors rise, the enemies will only get stronger, and I’ll need every ounce of mana and stamina available.’

[That’s wise, Master. Conserving your strength for the tougher opponents ahead is important. So, are you planning to use your sword and spells together from now on?]

Lumi asked curiously.

’Yes,’ Orion affirmed confidently, unsheathing and gripping his obsidian longsword firmly again. ’Using them in combination will let me swiftly end fights while preserving mana. And I’ll start using my Dragon’s Instinct more actively now—further sharpening my reaction speed. I should be able to learn equal to what I learn without them as well.’

[Ooh, that’s exciting! With your instincts guiding your swordsmanship and magic, these Echoes won’t stand a chance at all!]

Lumi cheered, bubbling with anticipation.

Orion laughed lightly, appreciating Lumi’s constant enthusiasm. ’Let’s hope so, Lumi. But these Echoes are becoming considerably stronger, especially now that they are on the same level as me. We need to stay cautious.’

As if responding to his determination, the Tower began to teleport him upwards once more. The brief sensation of displacement soon faded, leaving Orion on a higher floor.

Here, a powerful Echo wielding a massive battle-axe awaited him, exuding immense physical strength and presence.

Instantly, Orion’s Dragon Instinct flared vividly in his mind, sharpening every sense. He moved fluidly, his body and sword working in perfect harmony, spells seamlessly integrated into each strike and parry.

He deflected powerful blows with subtle yet precise movements, conserving mana by using well-timed Tier 1 Thunder spells to disrupt his opponent’s footing and attacks.

Floor after floor, Orion advanced steadily. His opponents now ranged widely, each significantly more formidable—some robust warriors whose physical prowess matched Orion’s own powerful physique, and formidable mages whose complex chants gave him trouble.

On higher floors, Orion faced dual-element mages who skillfully intertwined Fire and Wind spells to amplify their destructiveness, or cunning adversaries who combined Earth and Water to form defensive barriers nearly impenetrable to conventional attacks.

’Damn, this is getting exciting!’ Orion said with an excited smile as the 50th floor came closer and closer.