Chapter 12: Hidden Danger

Iz said, "When exploring a dungeon, mastering a means of illumination is essential."

"Repeat after me."

"Light that illuminates the world, grant all things their own colors."

He was not speaking in the common tongue.

It was the language of magic.

On the way, Iz had supplemented Lu Cang’s knowledge regarding magic significantly.

Only then did Lu Cang learn that the language used for chanting spells was an entirely different, exclusive set.

[The Root Language]

Only by chanting spells through this language could one communicate with magic power and resonate with the elements to complete a spell’s release.

Only a very small number of people could achieve non-chanting casting.

These people were either gifted with innate talent for a certain type of spell, or they had practiced that specific spell tens of thousands of times, refining it to the absolute limit.

Lu Cang chanted according to his words.

Lu Cang: "Light that illuminates the world, grant all things their own colors."

Iz: "I beseech Jua for a glimmer of light to illuminate the path before me."

Lu Cang: "I beseech Jua for a glimmer of light to illuminate the path before me."

Eh...

I get the feeling that this chant is different from the chants of other spells.

Beseeching Jua?

[Light Spell]

*Ding—*

A bright point of light hovered above Lu Cang’s head.

「Light Spell (LV: 5) — Chant Shortened」

"Iz, in the chant for this spell..."

*Bang!*

However, before Lu Cang could finish his question, a ball of flame exploded right beside his ear!

The scorching temperature made Lu Cang subconsciously condense ice elements around himself to defend.

Neutralizing the heatwave.

He turned his head abruptly.

Only to see a bat turned into charcoal, falling to the ground.

Iz’s expression was somewhat serious: "Lu Cang, we have already entered the dungeon."

"Dungeons are places where monsters gather."

"Letting your guard down in a dangerous place is an act that could cost you your life."

Lu Cang swallowed hard and nodded: "I’ll remember that, Master Iz."

This world had no interface, nor any concrete values like "HP" or "Constitution" for Lu Cang to check.

Lu Cang didn't know how strong his body was, but for now, aside from a massive increase in magic power, his physique didn't seem much different from when he first transmigrated.

A normal human body would truly die if pierced by a sharp blade.

His mindset had to change...

This was no longer a peaceful zone without monsters; if he were killed, he would really die.

Lu Cang took a deep breath.

He observed the front once more.

He suddenly realized that the countless black shadows reflected on the rock walls were not shadows formed by the light hitting the stone.

They were one black bat after another.

And feeling Lu Cang’s gaze fixed upon them, they spread their wings one by one, revealing blood-red eyes.

"Shadow Bats, dwelling in dark caves, they blend completely into the shadows when motionless."

"One of the weakest Tier 1 monsters; you can see them in the vast majority of cave-type dungeons."

"Their method of attack is biting with sharp teeth and draining blood."

"They carry weak pathogens, but this disease can be easily cured by priests of the Life Church, so their pathogenicity is usually not considered in combat."

Iz explained beside Lu Cang.

"Elite-level Shadow Bats can attack with sonic waves, and King-level Shadow Bat Kings often exist as dungeon lords."

While explaining, Iz tossed a staff over.

Lu Cang caught the staff in his hand.

It was the small staff used for the Lightning Strike spell yesterday.

Bats, huh?

I'll use fire-type attacks.

「Fireball (LV: 80)」

*Whoosh!*

Lu Cang lightly waved the staff, and 5 scorching fireballs formed around him!

*Boom!*

*Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom!*

Almost instantly, the fireballs slammed into the rock wall.

One by one, the bats were reduced to charcoal and fell before they could even take flight.

「Fireball Proficiency EXP +1.2W」

「Fireball Proficiency EXP +1.2W」

「Fireball Proficiency EXP +1.5W」

...

Fireballs erupted!

Flames splashed!

Explosions!

The flames exploded in a chain, and the Shadow Bats along this path were swept away before they could even launch an attack.

None of the bats could withstand a single explosion of a fireball.

Killing these monsters with spells also grants proficiency!

And it seems this acquisition of proficiency isn't a one-time thing.

Clearing this area of bats actually added 680,000 Fireball proficiency to Lu Cang, raising the Fireball spell from level 80 to 82.

However, a sigh came from Iz beside him.

"What a pity..."

"These bats were burned to charcoal by you."

"Otherwise, their corpses could have sold for quite a bit of money."

So that's how it is.

"But it is normal for monster corpses to be damaged in the process of killing them."

"Aside from being a Level 5 Warrior, Chi Cheng is also a Level 3 Gatherer."

"Usually, he is the one who collects our supplies. If there is no gatherer following during a dungeon exploration, the harvest of spoils will be greatly discounted."

So there are such job classifications.

Looking at it this way, a gathering profession is indeed very necessary.

"However, this time it was mainly to help you break through your magic power limit."

"It doesn't matter if there are fewer spoils."

Lu Cang nodded.

He continued to move deeper with Iz.

At the same time, Lu Cang practiced the [Light Spell] along the way.

「Light Spell (LV: 30) — Shortened chant, longer duration, softer light source, illuminates more shadows, dispels darkness.」

The Light Spell is different from other spells.

Even after reaching proficiency level 30, it still requires a chant.

However, one only needs to silently recite "Light."

And it can be released.

I always feel that the Light Spell is more special compared to other spells.

The LV: 30 Light Spell is like a shadowless lamp; within the range it covers, there are absolutely no shadows at all.

In the process of exploring inward, they only encountered a few dozen scattered bats.

After killing them all, he gained another 500,000+ in proficiency experience.

But this time, Lu Cang used Wind Blade to kill them.

This way, he could leave the corpses behind.

Although they were cut to pieces, at least they weren't charcoal.

The value probably went from 0 to 1.

Iz stored these monster corpses into his own storage space.

They continued to move deeper.

The space suddenly opened up, and the cave became much higher. Lu Cang could also see many protruding rocks on the walls.

It was as if many barbs had grown inside an overturned bowl.

If the level of the Light Spell were still low, the light hitting these protruding rocks would form deep, dark shadows.

And at this very moment, behind these protruding rocks, stood deep black panthers.

"Black panthers hiding in the shadows, huh."

It wasn't hard for Lu Cang to imagine what his fate would be if he didn't have a high-level Light Spell.

He would most likely have been ambushed by these guys.

Lu Cang raised his staff.

He lifted his hand and swung!

「Ice Spike (LV: 90)」

*Bang!*

The black panther’s eyes widened, revealing an expression of disbelief.

And its abdomen had already been pierced by a sharp, rotating ice spike.

After the ice spike penetrated its body, it hit the rock wall, bringing with it blood and frost.

Seven ice spikes pierced seven different black panthers respectively.

*Swish~!*

Almost the next instant, these black panthers hiding on the rock walls lunged down suddenly.

However, their numbers were now severely insufficient.

Between the first move and the second, the roles of attacker and defender had long since reversed.

They were fast, but not so fast that the eye couldn't keep up.

Moreover, in mid-air.

Lu Cang raised his hand again.

Ice spikes condensed in an instant... In mid-air, with no leverage, they were pure, living targets.

*Bang!*

In mid-air, five ice spikes instantly pierced their chests, abdomens, and skulls.