CHAPTER 506: CHAPTER 252: KILL

The enhancement of power is represented by the increase in the number of Spirals. As total Magic Power increases, its utilization becomes more refined, allowing one to manage greater consumption. This leads to physical enhancement because as the total Magic Power within the body increases, it feeds back into and strengthens the physique. These are the only two aspects enhanced by the increase in power Spirals.

It might not sound that exaggerated, as these aspects can seemingly be compensated for by innate racial traits or other factors. This is also why some special Races are inherently stronger at the same Level.

To bridge the gap between different power Levels, Spells are an excellent option. While some Spells have power requirements, most do not demand significant power. Throughout the entire Second Stage, one can master most Spells; all that’s needed is understanding and proficiency in their use. The combination of Spells is also extremely important.

If Magic Power is regarded as ammunition, then Spells are the weapons that launch this ammunition. One cannot simply possess a large stockpile of ammunition without good weaponry.

There is also a simpler, more direct method to quickly bridge power gaps: Treasures. A single Treasure can achieve effects that would otherwise require a combination of many powerful Spells. Moreover, Treasures typically require low Magic Power, have low consumption, are easy to control, and sometimes possess abilities that defy logic, granting them a higher priority than Spells.

The Investigative Eyeglasses were a Magic Item Alka had obtained from a ruin excavation, capable of detecting precise Circuits within a certain power range. According to Alka and his companions’ experience with it, the Third Stage was far from this item’s limit. Through the eyeglasses’ detection, they already knew that the Pirate Captain plotting against them was only at eleven Spirals of power. Although he was at the Third Stage, he had only just stabilized his power at this level. He hadn’t yet begun to develop his power further within this Stage.

Alka, relying on his full Second Stage power of Nine Spirals combined with two Holy Grail Treasures, could easily close the gap between them.

A black Scythe emerged from a Mirror, its blade edged with white. The sudden attack struck the already unsteady Pirate Captain squarely. The blade’s light streaked past, leaving a black afterimage. A sliver of flesh and a torrent of blood gushed forth. A deep gash appeared on his waist, revealing internal organs. Something resembling intestines looked as if it were about to spill out.

"AH!" A scream tore through the air.

The Pirate Captain clutched his wound and retaliated with a slash of his own. An invisible attack flew out. The Mirror from which Alka had just emerged shattered, but he was already gone. He had once again hidden himself within the Mirror Maze.

Although Treasures could bridge the gap, Alka had no intention of taking an enemy’s attack head-on. The Dream Realm avatar Alka had used during the day wasn’t merely a decoy to stall for time; it was also for gathering more intelligence. When the enemy was exposed and he remained concealed, this was the best approach.

Faced with the enemy’s invisible attacks, Alka never intended to confront them directly. These attacks were formless and colorless, lacking even the wind pressure caused by air displacement—truly invisible. The moment one struck, it was nearly impossible to sense its direction. At least, Alka currently could not sense them at all. To avoid being hit, Alka had directly constructed a Mirror Maze, concealing himself within it.

For a Third Stage opponent who apparently had not engaged in a true battle at this level before, this display was surely not the limit of his power; otherwise, he wouldn’t be fit to be a pirate in the Endless Sea.

"You scum! You’re like a rat!" The Pirate Captain stumbled about, looking around warily, one hand clamped over the massive wound. Blood gushed out continuously; his hand couldn’t staunch the flow. A faint light suffused his left hand as he dragged the wound from his waist down to his thigh and buttock. The wound on his waist and abdomen vanished. It reappeared on his buttock. In this location, such an injury could hardly be considered severe.

Through a Mirror, Alka watched this from afar, his brow furrowed. Indeed, I can’t underestimate him.This ability is practically a life-saving technique!

The Pirate Captain was still in the midst of the maze, cursing loudly, but in his mind, he was already planning his escape. Faced with this situation, he knew he had little chance of winning; the enemy’s methods far exceeded what his current power Stage suggested. He was certain the enemy possessed Treasures. He didn’t believe someone at the Second Stage could use Mirror-creating Spells so fluently, creating such a vast and sturdy scene while also instantly repairing any damage. A true Mirror Maze. This massive consumption of Magic Power was clearly not achievable through Spells, nor was it something a Second Stage individual could possess. Jealousy inevitably crept into his heart.

He had survived until now relying on his Wound Transfer and Invisible Blade Spells. Besides their usefulness, it was also because he had nothing better.

Having decided on an escape route, he fell silent. Then, he lunged resolutely in one direction, his sword slashing furiously. Invisible Blades shot out rapidly, infused with a large amount of Magic Power. Even the sturdy Mirrors couldn’t withstand the continuous assault and kept shattering. Before the Mirrors could repair themselves and seal the breaches, the Pirate Captain had already charged out.

Watching the Pirate Captain’s unstoppable momentum, Alka knew he intended to flee.