Chapter 72: The Existence of Knossos
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As mentioned before, mental power was converted into magic through formulas, and when magic dissipated, it became Magicules. Lucian, however, could collect those Magicules and use formulas to convert them back into mental power.
Ordinary people might not care about the existence of Magicules, but Lucian knew that Magicules could be converted into magic through formulas. Mental power merely acted as a blueprint to construct and guide the formula, allowing the ambient magic of the Greater Source to directly fuel the spell.
Every large-scale ritual Lucian performed—creating Balor, unsealing Ais, healing Alfia and Meteria—was all conducted through this exact method.
It was just that absorbing magic from the Greater Source wasn't as fast as absorbing from the Spring of Life. Therefore, he generally relied on the power of the water veins rather than the celestial veins.
Whether it was mental power or life power, both were components of individual strength. Only the Magicules present within nature itself represented the grand, awe-inspiring might of the natural world.
Right now, Lucian possessed both life power and mental power. The two energies were distinctly separated. However, absorbing Magicules might shatter that balance.
Thus, Lucian needed to conceptualize a new balance to prevent them from interfering with one another, all while keeping his future progression in mind.
I'll think about it later.
Deciding to shelve the issue for now, Lucian dispelled the compressed life energy in his palm.
The energy automatically returned to Lucian's body, seamlessly reabsorbed.
"How was it? Did you get another burst of creative inspiration?"
Seeing the energy dissipate from Lucian's hand, the Empress asked with eager eyes.
"It was alright."
Lucian smiled. "By using magic formulas, I can compress my Life Sage Art. Combining the two energies can unleash even greater power."
As for his ideas regarding a third energy source like Magicules, there was no need to voice them aloud.
"Ooooh~" The Empress stared at Lucian with a blazing gaze.
"I need some time to organize the system."
"Judging the intensity of ki, the flow of life energy, ripples, external emission and attacking, disruption and transference, consumption and replenishment, and the combination of magic formulas and Life Sage Art..."
"This is the key to our secret base. Once I have everything sorted out, I can teach you."
As Lucian spoke, he condensed his mental power and tapped the space between the Empress's eyebrows, engraving the mark directly into her soul.
"That's amazing!"
The Empress shouted excitedly before hugging Lucian once again.
Since they were relaxing within the Familia's compound, she was dressed quite scantily. The moment she hugged him, Lucian was immediately met with a massive, overwhelming sense of 'oppressive softness' pressing against him.
Stare...
Hera narrowed her eyes, looking visibly displeased.
She was the Goddess of Marriage, for crying out loud. Yet, several of her Familia's "children" were being snatched up by Lucian right under her nose, and she couldn't even stop it.
Especially considering their very first meeting, where Lucian had completely shut her down due to her old speaking habits. It was only now that they had finally reconciled.
So frustrating.
"By the way, I won't be participating in the subsequent exploration of the Insect Nest," Lucian suddenly announced.
"Eh?" The Empress asked, confused. "Why so suddenly?"
"If I go, even with sufficient logistics, the cost of exploration will increase significantly."
"Aside from being the key to our secret base, this mark also serves as a localization and transmission beacon."
Lucian explained, "Even though it can't be broadcasted for the entire team to benefit, you can still use functions like the map."
"I see..." The Empress sounded a bit disappointed.
Didn't that mean they would have less time to spend together?
What a shame.
"Are you also sitting out of the Juggernaut subjugation?" Alfia spoke up.
"I actually really want to gather materials from the Juggernaut..."
Lucian pondered for a moment before saying, "Set a date. I'll join in and influence the Juggernaut's drop rate."
"Five days from now, then." After a moment's thought, the Empress set the schedule.
Five days would be enough for them to somewhat explore the 71st floor, and it would give everyone enough time to return to the surface for a status update.
After subjugating the Juggernaut, the Excellia gathered by Alfia and Zald should be sufficient. For the remaining ten days, they would explore as much as they could, primarily focusing on mapping out the terrain.
After those ten days, they would return and commence the Leviathan Subjugation Quest.
"Oh, right. When you all return, make some preparations. There's another battle that needs to be fought."
Lucian said, recalling something.
"A battle? Did you discover a resource point?" the Empress asked curiously.
The Dungeon didn't just contain various materials and rare ores; it also housed special, high-tier resources.
These resources were guarded by monsters whose levels were generally on par with Floor Bosses. They were known as Treasure Guardians.
Between the 19th and 24th floors, in the Great Tree Labyrinth region, there was the [Jewel Tree]. Its guardian was the Tree Dragon, a monster classified as a potential Level 4 threat.
On the 51st floor, in the Dragon's Pot region, there was the [Cadmus Spring]. Its guardian was the Cadmus Dragon, classified as a potential Level 6 threat.
If they were dealing with a resource point like the Insect Nest, the Treasure Guardian's potential threat level would be on par with the Floor Boss—meaning Level 9.
"No. It's the subjugation of the Evils."
Lucian's casual words caused the others' expressions to shift slightly.
"Tch. Those rats. I don't know where they're hiding, but they still aren't extinct?"
The Empress clicked her tongue.
"Cockroaches are very good at hiding. Their vitality is quite tenacious as well."
Lucian said nonchalantly, "The remnants of the Osiris Familia are waiting in the dark corners for their revenge. They've even captured lesser Spirits to attempt to recreate the Spirit Blessings bestowed upon ancient heroes. They're quite desperate."
It just so happened that he needed a batch of Ignis Stones to pair with his Freezing Spring of Life.
Even though he didn't actually need Ignis Stones to create it, he was mainly going for a sense of symmetry.
"Osiris... Those pieces of trash who ambushed us. So they really were part of the Evils."
Hera couldn't help but speak up. "The first-tier adventurers of the Osiris Familia were completely wiped out. The few that are left shouldn't pose a threat."
The Osiris Familia had a Level 7 and multiple Level 6s. In Orario, they were considered a top-tier Familia, second only to the two great Familias.
Similar to the Ishtar Familia, they had initially colluded with the Evils with the goal of overthrowing the Zeus and Hera Familias to become the kings of Orario, rather than actively operating as the Evils right from the start.
After their main vanguard was annihilated, the second-tier adventurers making up their reserve units joined the Evils to seek revenge.
Utilizing forbidden methods taught by the Evil Gods, they forcefully weaponized the Spirits to create the Spirit Soldiers.
Although they couldn't compare to the heroes of the past, their magic was explosively augmented. Certain individuals even gained regenerative abilities.
"I'm genuinely puzzled. Where exactly are they hiding?"
Alfia couldn't help but ask. "Even though we theorized that there might be a secret tunnel connecting Orario to the outside world, it's impossible for them to leave absolutely no trace, right?"
"The place they are hiding is quite simple—Knossos, the Artificial Dungeon."
Lucian declared, "Using precious metals like Orichalcum, they built an artificial labyrinth adjacent to the Dungeon, connecting it to the various floors."
"Its roots trace back to the artisan who originally constructed Orario: Daedalus. After witnessing the sheer majesty of the Dungeon, he delusionally attempted to create an artificial construct that could rival it—a laughable, arrogant fantasy."
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