Chapter 38: The Undying King

That undead stood atop a mound of corpses deep beneath the earth, channeling powerful magic into the ground—pulsing it through the entire dungeon.

It looked like a skeletal mage, holding a fine staff in one hand, adorned with ancient gems around its neck and fingers.

"You the boss here?"

The monster just stared at me, motionless. I activate my鉴定—

Undying King

Great Mage Lv 3121

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Whoa... this guy’s bad. Way above my level. Even my鉴定 couldn’t read his stats or anything.

"Can my power even work on this guy!? Eh, well, worth a shot..."

"Fire Dragon!!"

A massive dragon made of flame lunged toward the monster!! Normally, that’d burn it to ash... but the second I thought that—

The fire bounced off right in front of the creature. Like it hit an invisible sphere barrier. That’s...

"Barrier Defense!?!"

That’s one of my unique skills. Does it have that too? As I’m thinking that, the monster speaks in a low, rumbling voice, chanting like a spell.

『Breath of Decay』

Purple-black smoke surged toward me at terrifying speed. But I’ve got “Barrier Defense” and “All Status Effect Immunity”—completely useless against it.

No expression on its face. Can’t tell what it’s thinking. But it’s probably surprised too... right?

Still, I can understand its words. Is it speaking Japanese? Or is it... more like thoughts just... transferring directly?

Wait! Is this a “Telepathy” effect!? That’s when I first realized telepathy could actually let you talk to intelligent monsters.

"Thunderflame!!"

『Black Lightning!!』

"Shatter Blast!!!"

『Hellfire!!』

Our spells collide—right in the face! But my magic’s getting pushed back!! So it’s true—this guy’s definitely better at magic than me.

I thought about freezing time and attacking, but stopping time means I can’t use magic or gravity control. If I move even a little bit away from my body, everything—matter, power—just stops.

Worst case, I could stop time and beat him to a pulp with my bare fists… but my fists don’t have mana in them. I remember hearing somewhere that attacks with weapons lacking mana don’t really affect monsters much.

Honestly, I’m not even sure I can beat someone that high-level.

Just then, the situation started shifting...

『Hellfire!!』

“Hellfire!!”

『Black Lightning!!』

“Black Lightning!!”

I could use the same spells as my opponent. Power increased. No more getting outmatched… Is this the effect of the “Mimic” skill!?

My opponent seemed to grow frustrated—our magic duel had reached a stalemate.

『Who the hell are you!? Why can you use my magic!?』

“Huh. Decided to talk to me, huh?”

I landed near the “Immortal King,” observing his form as I kept speaking.

“You’re the reason I’ve been through hell. I’d really prefer you just stopped…”

『Impossible… This is my duty. I must do this here.』

“Is someone forcing you to do this?”

『……』

The monster said nothing. Raised both hands to the sky…

『It’s over!!』

A pitch-black aura erupted around the Immortal King. Above us, a massive energy form materialized. Something far beyond my level—something I couldn’t even *mimic*…

"Land of the Unpure Dead—Helheim!!"