Sanctuary: Safe Haven

On the eleventh floor, things got a bit harder, but they still succeeded because of their great teamwork. Even though they were low-level, Mortem and Vorgrim were so skilled that even the toughest dungeon creatures couldn't stop them. Mortem's skeletons were very effective, and Vorgrim's presence made enemies hesitate, giving the skeletons a chance to defeat them.

Together, Mortem and Vorgrim were an unbeatable mage-warrior duo. Mortem's skills in dark magic matched perfectly with Vorgrim's strong defense and powerful attacks. As they went further into the dungeon, they faced more and more challenges, yet none could withstand the relentless assault led by Canna's two subordinates.

As Mortem and Vorgrim descended deeper into the dungeon, the air grew heavy with dust, and the torchlight flickered ominously against the cavernous walls. The first few levels had been relatively straightforward, with wide corridors and simple traps easily avoided. However, as they ventured further, the dungeon's true challenge became apparent.

Navigating the dungeon passages proved more difficult than defeating its inhabitants. The layout seemed to shift and change, leading them in circles and dead ends. What appeared to be a short corridor would suddenly stretch into a long, winding path, while staircases seemed to lead downwards endlessly.

Despite Mortem's prowess and Vorgrim's formidable strength, the ever-changing nature of the dungeon tested their patience and perseverance. They encountered puzzles that required both wit and brawn to solve and traps that even their keen senses struggled to detect.

As they walked, Mortem recounted stories from Canna's past life on Earth, specifically his time working at the Sanctuary. Having read Canna's memories, Mortem shared tales of his past adventures and accomplishments. Vorgrim listened attentively, fascinated by these glimpses into his liege's previous life.

Despite the nostalgia, their primary goal remained to find the exit to proceed to the next floor. They searched every nook and cranny, following winding passages and climbing steep staircases. The dungeon seemed to stretch on endlessly, its layout as confusing as ever.

Just like that, Mortem and Vorgrim both did their very best to map the dungeon. Three days had already passed, yet they had only reached the 17th floor. The sheer size of the dungeon was daunting; knowing it descended further, possibly up to the 100th floor, added to the challenge. Despite the slow progress, they were making the most of their time.

Their goal of leveling up was partly achieved, as they were now in their mid-30s, a significant improvement from when they first entered the dungeon. The lower-grade mana cores they collected were safely stored in their rings, ready to be presented to their master upon their return.

Once they returned with the help of Tonitrum, Mortem, and Vorgrim were eager to show their treasures to Canna. However, upon finding him, they discovered that their master was fast asleep. Rather than disturb him, they decided to let him rest and present their gifts when he woke up.

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Mortem proudly looked at the rare spellbook he had obtained, containing a unique spell known as "Cleanse Body," which not only removes dirt from the body but also serves as a form of self-cleaning. Meanwhile, Vorgrim presented a finely crafted sword imbued with magical energy, a weapon suitable for a skilled magic swordsman.

As they waited for Canna to awaken, they sat in respectful silence, occasionally glancing at their sleeping master. They knew that when he finally woke up, their gifts would be a testament to their dedication and loyalty.

After what seemed like an eternity, Canna stirred awake, blinking in the dim light of the dungeon. Mortem and Vorgrim eagerly approached him, presenting their gifts with pride and excitement. Canna, still groggy from sleep, listened to their explanations with a smile, appreciating the thought and effort they had put into their presents.

He thanked them warmly, praising their skill and determination.

Canna gazed at the small hill of mana cores before him, a smile spreading across his face. He couldn't explain why, but the sight of so many mana cores filled him with a sense of happiness, even though he had no immediate need for them.

After a quick inspection, he kept the low-rated mana cores, knowing they wouldn't benefit him or his subordinates much. Turning to Mortem and Vorgrim, he advised them to absorb the low-calamity cores, as their growth would ultimately help him as well.

With a reassuring nod, Canna promised to join them on their next day off to explore the dungeon together. He knew that their combined strength would make them an unstoppable force, and he looked forward to facing whatever challenges awaited them as a team.

After the exchange with his subordinates, Canna's heart was filled with gratitude. The spellbook from Mortem was a thoughtful gift, providing him with the means to clean himself before turning for the night, a simple luxury that brought a smile to his face as someone back on Earth who would shower at least twice a day. Vorgrim's gift of the sword was just as valuable.

Its improved mana conduction made casting spells through the blade much easier.

Getting ready for their magic training, Canna felt energized. Mortem said they'd learn new spells beyond water and wind, which excited Canna and made him curious and eager.

The new lesson focused entirely on lightning, an advanced affinity in magic. Mortem explained that while lightning was incredibly powerful, it also consumed a lot of mana. Unlike wind and water spells, which require only a small amount of mana, prolonged usage of lightning spells could quickly deplete one's mana reserves.

Mortem added that he had delayed teaching this earlier because his mana pool was too low. Just one lightning spell would completely deplete his reserves.

Canna listened intently, eager to learn more about this powerful element. He understood the importance of managing his mana carefully, especially when using such a potent form of magic. As Mortem demonstrated various lightning spells, Canna marveled at their sheer power and destructive potential.

During the lesson, Mortem stressed the importance of precision and control when wielding lightning. A single misstep could lead to disastrous outcomes. Canna absorbed every detail, driven to master this demanding yet fulfilling form of magic.