Chapter 648 - Armoured Kong (Patreon)

The various Strata of the Dungeon are as different from one another as can be, each holding unique characteristics that can only be found in those places. There is some discussion around whether the environment of that Strata in the cause of the predominant mana attributes in those places, or is it the mana that gives shape to the environment?

Since no scholar was present as the various layers of the Dungeon took shape, it's impossible for us to know for certain. What we can do, as researchers, delvers and academics, is to study the current state of the various layers and hypothesise as to their formation. In the following pages I will provide a detailed breakdown of the layers known to the Magio Scholars of the Imperial College and give my own thoughts as to their purpose and origins.

(Inquisitor Note: Details of the lower strata are NOT for distribution on pain of death. Do not disseminate, discuss or pass on this information without the express clearance of the Inquisitorium.)

First Strata: The Layer of Beasts, as it is commonly referred is the weakest and least dangerous. The mana here is of a low concentration and is unable to support the more advanced monster types that can be found deeper.

Second Strata: The Shadow Sea, due to its nature, is far more threatening than the first layer, despite being only slightly deeper into the Dungeon. The darkness, cold and high concentration of death mana can create many unique monster types that can prove fatal to the unprepared. It has been noted by many that this layer holds special affinity to stealth Skills and types, proving the perfect hunting and training ground for those who specialise in such builds.

Third Strata: The Red Plateau. The world of the Demons and the playground of Arconidem'ssubjects. The mana here behaves in such peculiar ways that it isn't easy to assign a single affinity to the entire layer, but fire is certainly a persistent, and violent affinity that is found here. The Demon society, such that it is, is one that has adapted to this is environment (or perhaps created it?) and certainly those monsters themselves are by far the greatest danger. Those that rule over that place are worse tyrants than any that has sat on a throne on the surface.

Fourth Strata: Mythic Realm. It is in the fourth layer that what mages like to class as the 'higher mana' affinities begin to appear, those that are beyond the basic elemental types. The monsters here draw power from many sources and are as varied as the environments that can be found. It is certainly worth noting that this layer is home to the highest concentration of many rare minerals that are prized highly by the Sapient races, making territory here among the most fiercely sought after.

Fifth Strata: Fields of Decay. A troublesome place to say the least, the fifth strata is almost inhospitable to life. Filled with mana of decay, decomposition and rot, few powers seek to fight for control over these lands and contest against the almost indestructible monsters that roam through it. According to the earliest records the Tower has access to, the first Delvers to reach this place found remnants of a different environment and traces of mana with attributes that no longer exist there. It is theorized by mana that Theorazzn somehow tainted this entire layer upon his ascent, changing it into what it has now become.

(Inquisitor Note: Information of the lower strata is strictly forbidden. The remaining pages are sealed to the scroll.)

Gaining Invidia helped Tiny tremendously in terms of his survivability in combat. The numerous shields, which only get stronger as the little demon improved his Skills, with the constant flowing of sweet, sweet healing mana had done wonders in allowing the big ape to unleash his inner glass cannon. When I'd heard there was an opportunity to kit him out in some hacked together Legion armour… I have to say, I'd been a bit sceptical it would make much of a difference. However, after watching the ape nearly get himself killed diving headlong into the Legion, I knew that something had to be done. To be honest, I took is a chance just to get Tiny away from the front for a few days in order to prevent him diving into bristling Legion formations for a bit. Perhaps that would be enough to cool him off.

Turns out I was wrong on many fronts. Not only did the slight visit not calm Tiny down, they appear to have bottled his rage even further, compressing it into a neutron star of fury that has apparently exploded. The moment he saw the Legion gathering to assault our position he began to roar and bellow non-stop, slamming his fists into his shiny new armoured chest and throwing punches at the distant foe. To be fair to him, the Legion didn't seem all that happy to see him, either. Once they were able to see him, I saw a crack in their usual caste-iron discipline. A visible ripple moved through the ranks and it became immediately clear that Tiny had their primary target once they drew closer. The amount of firepower directed his way was extraordinary! Sword light, spells and a few kitchen sinks flew up at him well before the distance had closed to the point that such things could hurt him.

When the battle lines closed, that was when all hell broke loose. I'd forced Tiny to remain on the wall by giving a strict, clear order using only small words which I'd repeated fourteen times. That didn't stop him from bathing the approaching Legion with Lightning the moment he could. If I hadn't ordered him to stop, he might have run out of juice before he even got to throw a punch!

When the fighting started in earnest as the Legionaries battered out walls and the ants started to apply the mandibles, that's when Tiny's new outfit got its first real test. Holy moly did they want to make him holy. That they failed is a testimonial about the effective of their own craftsmanship, I suppose. With Invidia helping to blunt the damage and the armour in place to protect his vitals, the giant ape was gleefully throwing fists well past the point I thought he would need to retire from the fight. Eventually I had to dive in front of him and nearly get killed in order to force him to retreat, but even after all that, the armour held up fine. If he were to repeat his action from earlier and dive into the middle of the Legion assault, he'd fare way better than before, but I'm sure as heck not going to let him do that until we have to go for broke out the front of the gates of the nest.

It's too risky now anyway. After the last time Tiny was on the field and he broke through the enemy shield wall, the Legion has thickened their numbers and beefed up their defences when they advance on us. Not even super-mad Tiny would break through that nonsense now. I can't be mad though, having to commit greater numbers to each push means they've had to slow down a bit, and every hour gained helps.

It certainly helps me. Being in combat with these high level opponents is doing wonders for my Skills! I've got some nice improvements that I need to examine, as well as spend some time perusing the System menu for new unlocks. My biggest achievement over the last few days though has to be my stabilisation of the omni-elemental array! Now I'll be able to use the thing in battle and start levelling that Skill! Very excited.

As we retreat from the ruins of our last defensive outpost, I share a few words with Tiny.

[How did you find the new armour?] I ask.

The big ape looks at me for a moment before shrugging as we run side by side.

[Really?] I'm surprised by his lack of enthusiasm. [You've held up well under the barrage in that battle. You'd have been shredded to bits before!]

He shrugs again and waves his fist vaguely in the air before returning to running.

[You don't really care because it doesn't help you hit harder?]

He nods and grins.

THIS IDIOT.