Genetic Ascension novel Chapter 96

Chapter 96 Map and Mastery

Sylas' vision cleared, finding himself standing on cool, grey stone and surrounded by similar walls.",

The region was circular, but there were three exits around him. They were formed by doors or gateways, but were instead just gaps in curved pieces of wall.

Embedded into the cool, grey stone that made up the region, there were green veins that seemed carved of precious gems. These vein patterns seemed to be the only light source and pulsed with a dull light that illuminated the surroundings.

'A maze?'

That was the best description. He seemed to be in a starting area of sorts, or he might even be right in the middle of it, and he had to choose one of the three exits to start his journey out of his Dungeon.

'Then that must be what this is for?'

Sylas took out the Dungeon Map, and for the first time, it didn't resist him opening it up. Although he had some expectations for what he might see, what was actually there stunned him.

It was much more detailed than he thought.

'I think I made an erroneous assumption…'

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[What is a Dungeon Map?]

[A Dungeon Map is a treasure capable of leading one to a nearby Dungeon as well as detailing a comprehensive map of said Dungeon upon entry. The higher the Grade, the larger the range of detection and the stronger Dungeon it can lead you to. Limited use item]

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Sylas understood. It wasn't that this treasure was specific to this Dungeon, but rather that it would have always been able to find an FF+ rank Dungeon so long as one was within its range of detection. In that case, this Dungeon Map was like a consumable, one time use treasure.

'Then… This area is about as good as it's going to get for me. This region is protected by beasts that can't enter this dungeon, so there's no better time than right now to progress my Madness.'

He looked around, and it didn't seem like there were any creatures that were going to suddenly pop out of nowhere. The chance seemed small enough that it was worth it.

[Bronze Mastery Crystal (Treasure)]

[Absorb to instantly raise any Skill or Comprehension to the Bronze Mastery level]

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He held the bronze orb in his hands, rotating it between his fingers for a moment before sitting down in a comfortable position against a curve wall and crushing it.

Sylas moved his intention toward his Madness Comprehension, subconsciously also pulling against the Madness Key as well as he sunk into a state of meditation.

Almost immediately, he felt that it was different from what he was used to.

The first two times his Madness had improved, first when he comprehended it in the first place, and second when he improved it to Common Mastery, he had lost himself to a runaway train of thought. But this time, he was so completely focused that it was the exact opposite of what he experienced during those times.

He felt his mind sharpen, and he began to sense Madness from an objective and scientific lens rather than the usual casual manner.

It felt… uncomfortable.