Iron Body Evolution
Although he had not leveled up, the challenge bonus had pushed his experience considerably forward.
Then, the ground trembled. A familiar wooden chest slowly rose from the stone floor.
"The reward chest."
Ironwall immediately walked over and opened it. A soft golden light spilled from within.
---
Dungeon Reward Chest
Granite Bulwark Shield (Uncommon)
* Defense +22
* Vitality +12
* 8% chance to reduce incoming physical damage by 10%
---
Guardian's Iron Boots (Uncommon)
* Defense +14
* Vitality +10
* Reduces knockback effects by 15%
---
Skill Book
Shadow Pursuit (Rare)
Assassin Skill
Description:
Instantly dash into the target's shadow within a short distance. The next attack within three seconds deals 180% damage and ignores 20% of the target's defense. If the attack lands from behind, its critical chance is greatly increased.
---
Silver Coins ×160
Ashen Guardian Fragments ×24
---
Everyone stared at the loot.
Ironwall blinked twice.
"...Both equipment pieces are for tanks?"
Aster picked up the shield and boots before tossing them toward the tank. He smiled faintly.
"Looks like Lady Luck is on your side today."
Ironwall caught them instinctively. His expression became complicated.
"...Thank you."
He immediately equipped both items. His already solid defense noticeably increased.
Starveil laughed.
"Our tank just became even harder to kill."
Lifebloom nodded.
"That'll make healing much easier."
Then, everyone's gaze landed on the remaining item.
The Rare Assassin Skill Book.
Cole looked toward Aster.
"This is for you. You should keep it."
The other three nodded without hesitation.
"We don't mind."
"You've contributed the most."
"If anyone deserves it, it's you."
Aster quietly shook his head.
"No."
The four looked puzzled. He calmly explained,
"We already agreed on the loot distribution before entering the dungeon. Class-specific equipment belongs to the appropriate class."
"Rare items without a predetermined owner are evaluated fairly."
"If I simply take it, it would violate the rules we established."
The atmosphere became quiet. None of them had expected Aster to be so strict about something that clearly benefited him.
Cole smiled helplessly.
"So what do you suggest?"
"I'll buy it."
Everyone froze.
"...Buy it?"
Aster nodded.
"I'll compensate the team with silver. That way everyone benefits. And our agreement remains intact."
Starveil scratched his head.
"...That's unnecessary."
Ironwall laughed.
"We're willing to give it to you."
"You practically carried us."
Lifebloom nodded in agreement.
"We all think the same."
Aster remained firm.
"If I accept it for free today, the next valuable item may create hesitation. A party only survives if everyone trusts the rules. I won't be the first to break them."
Silence followed.
Cole slowly smiled.
For the first time, she truly understood why Aster insisted on leading. His decisions weren't based on personal gain. They were based on fairness.
She looked at the others.
"I agree."
"If Aster wants to purchase it, we'll follow the agreement."
The remaining three exchanged glances before sighing.
"...Fine."
"You're too honest."
Aster opened his inventory.
He transferred 120 silver coins, dividing the payment equally among his four teammates. The Rare Skill Book quietly entered his inventory.
No one felt cheated. Instead, they felt even greater respect for the mysterious swordsman.
The distribution ended without a single complaint. Only then did Aster look around the chamber.
"We rest. The final guardian won't be easier."
No one argued. The fierce battle against Baldric had exhausted them.
Everyone found a place to sit. Health and mana potions were uncorked one after another as the party recovered their strength.
Meanwhile...
Aster quietly walked toward a secluded corner of the chamber. After confirming that no one was paying attention, he opened his status panel.
A golden notification blinked beside one of his skill.
---
Iron Body Foundation
Evolution Available
---
Aster gently pressed the icon.
The Primal Codex shimmered once again golden runes floated through the air. The Codex turned page after page before stopping on a blank sheet. Ancient words slowly engraved themselves across the parchment.
---
Skill Evolution
Iron Body Foundation
Current Rank:
Uncommon
Comprehension:
100%
Select one Evolution Path.
---
Option I
Living Sanctuary ★ (Rare)
"Life flows endlessly through those who understand its rhythm."
Effects:
• When HP falls to 30% or lower, the body automatically enters a recovery state.
• HP regenerates continuously until reaching 70%.
• When MP falls to 30% or lower, mana regeneration is also greatly accelerated until reaching 70%.
• Effect activates automatically.
• Cannot trigger again for 30 minutes after completing its recovery cycle.
A passive survival skill that rewards endurance during prolonged battles.
---
Option II
Titan's Foundation ★ (Rare)
"A body that continuously tempers itself becomes an unshakable fortress."
Effects:
• Every successful block, parry, or direct hit grants a temporary stack of Fortitude during combat.
• Each stack increases Defense and Vitality by 2%.
• Maximum: 10 Stacks.
• All stacks disappear when combat ends.
A skill specialized for extended frontline engagements.
---
Aster quietly read both descriptions. Neither evolution was weak.
The second path would make him increasingly difficult to kill during long battles.
It suited tanks, or warriors who preferred direct confrontations.
But, that wasn't his path. He relied on movement.
Precision.
Comprehension.
And surviving impossible situations. The first option, would greatly reduce the risk of being overwhelmed in long battles, especially when fighting alone.
Without hesitation, he reached toward the first page.
"I choose, Living Sanctuary."
The Primal Codex shone brilliantly. Ancient golden light flowed into Aster's body. His breathing instinctively became calmer. Every heartbeat resonated with a warm current spreading throughout his limbs.
Unlike before, his body now seemed capable of protecting itself even at the brink of collapse.
---
Evolution Successful
Iron Body Foundation (Uncommon)
↓
Living Sanctuary (Rare)
Passive Skill Acquired
---
Living Sanctuary (Rare)
"The body remembers how to survive."
Effects:
• Automatically activates when HP or MP falls to 30% or lower.
• Continuously regenerates HP and MP until each reaches 70%.
• Recovery stops immediately upon reaching 70%.
• Cooldown: 30 minutes after activation.
• Passive effect. No mana cost.
---
The Codex slowly closed. Aster smiled faintly. Another Rare skill had joined his arsenal.
He closed the panel, stood up, and walked back toward his waiting teammates.
The time to face the final Ashen Warden was drawing near.