Akin to what had happened in the previous layer, Thorian materialized amidst the great plains, a realm where the climactic battle against the final boss raged on. However, unlike his team engrossed in combat, Thorian's focus lay not on the fray but on the treasures that were within his grasp. Swiftly tearing through the parchments, he was inundated with a cascade of notifications.

  Looking at the array of new skills at his disposal, Thorian smiled in contentment. Eager to try them out, he imagined the skill he wanted to conjure in his mind, and a miniature fireball, no bigger than a pebble, appeared on his finger. With a flick of his finger, the fireball disappeared, and instead a trail of water appeared in the trajectory of his finger. He then opened his palm, and a ball of whirling wind materialized, before he allowed it to disappear in a puff. Then, with a step of his foot, the earth parted and danced around him.

  Thorian's teeth clenched in exhilaration at the early onset of these extraordinary abilities. And this is merely the beginning, he mused, his excitement palpable. I can increase the proficiency of each skill and upgrade their current form to reach even higher strength.

  While Fire Manipulation was a familiar skill from his past life, the unrestricted command over all four elements was a revelation even to him. In a sense, he had surpassed his former self in this realm.

  A deafening crack of thunder shattered Thorian's reverie, instantly followed by a seismic shockwave. His gaze snapped to the origin of the sound, revealing a billowing cloud of dust where the guardian once stood. From the haze, the imposing figure of Harald emerged, walking proudly after his decisive victory.

  Level up!

  Level up!

  "Congratulations, adventurers," the dungeon lady’s ethereal voice echoed throughout the plains gathering both magi’s attention. "You have vanquished the Guardian of the Second Layer, the Lightning King. You've shown strength, courage, and exceptional teamwork. The treasure of this layer is yours to claim."

  However, those words were but a white noise to Thorian, who was instead focused on the notification that appeared in front of him.

  Examining his options, the path ahead became unequivocally clear to Thorian. A grin spread across his face as he confidently selected the third option. At last, I will claim the fruits of my early labor.

  The instant Thorian committed to his evolution, a brilliant white light enveloped him, surging energy emanating from his very core. Sensations coursed through him as his bones, muscles, and tendons underwent a rapid transformation. His entire being underwent a metamorphosis in the blink of an eye. He grew taller, his strength magnified, muscles honed to an explosive potential. Most significantly, an air of majesty enveloped him, as if he held dominion over the entire world.

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  Surveying his surroundings, it took a moment for Thorian to acclimate to his altered perspective. Gradually, he inspected the profound changes that had taken place across his entire physique.

  His once familiar red fur now boasted interwoven streaks of vibrant orange cascading across his chest and flanks. Examining his hands and feet, the charcoal hue had seamlessly shifted to a radiant, golden yellow. A smoldering crimson engulfed his neck, radiating an intense heat.

  Towering in stature and bolstered by newfound strength, an inexplicable regal aura emanated from him, an undeniable command over elemental forces.

  Observing his transformed state, Thorian couldn't help but chuckle softly. "I do look rather absurd now." Despite his reservations about his altered appearance, he recognized the immense power this evolution had bestowed upon him. Without delay, he accessed his status window to appraise his newfound skills.

  What a grandiose name... 'Lord's Boon,' Thorian remarked with a faint smile as he surveyed his skills. His curiosity piqued, he promptly opted to delve deeper, opening the comprehensive windows to explore the full capabilities of each skill.

  Some of these seem rather self-explanatory, but Allegiance Empowerment and Elemental Embodiment remain rather enigmatic, Thorian mused. Empowerment's true effects are challenging to test at the moment. However, I can certainly explore Elemental Embodiment.

  Surveying his surroundings, Thorian scanned for suitable targets nearby. After a moment's search, his eyes settled on a sizable rock—standing five meters tall and ten meters wide—an ideal test subject.

  Bracing himself, Thorian initiated his new skill. Elemental Embodiment: Flame.

  A torrent of flames erupted from every inch of his being, and an instinctual understanding led him to the appropriate name for the skill he intended to employ. Fire Stream.

  The flames enveloping him intensified in both mass and heat, transforming him into an embodiment of fire. Extending both hands, he concentrated the fiery energy into a focal point in front of him.

  Boom!

  The fire stream surged from Thorian's outstretched hands toward the rock with blinding speed, piercing its target with roaring flames. As the skill gradually dissipated, Thorian observed its aftermath. The flames had seared a path through the grass and soil before reaching the rock, leaving behind a gaping hole in the melted stone. The devastation extended further; the ground beyond the rock now blazed uncontrollably.

  Determined to continue his experiments, Thorian smiled before activating another skill. Elemental Embodiment: Water.

  Just as before, the name of the skill came instinctively to him. Water Pillar.

  A vertical jet of water surged from the ground where the fire had raged, swiftly dousing the flames. The colossal water pillar, immense in size and width, surged forward with relentless force before gradually dispersing into a cascade of droplets.

  Elemental Embodiment: Wind.

  Green mana enveloped Thorian as gusts of wind coalesced around him, eventually forming a small, localized tornado. Greater Gale Slash.

  With a swift movement of his staff, Thorian cast his next spell. A vertical wind slash erupted from the tip of his emberstrike cane, drawing in air from the surroundings. The force nearly caused Thorian to lose control of the spell. When he regained his bearings and assessed the aftermath, he witnessed the giant rock cleaved in half, sundered as if by the sharpest blade.

  "Target down, I presume," Thorian chuckled to himself, pleased with the display of his newfound abilities.

  Eager to explore the final aspect of his skill, Thorian activated it once more. Elemental Embodiment: Earth.

  Lifting his staff, he intoned the skill's true name. Stonewhirl Assault.

  Five jagged rock cones materialized above Thorian, swiftly spinning with tremendous force. With a deft flick of his staff, each cone struck the ground in succession before unleashing a powerful shockwave. The spinning projectiles tore through the earth, leaving behind small craters in their wake.

  A smile crept across Thorian's face as he contemplated, This would be an incredible skill to overwhelm an enemy. Its spinning motion offers impressive armor-piercing properties.

  Lost in his thoughts, Thorian was suddenly jolted by a whooshing sound to his right. Swiveling around, he caught sight of Ventus, who regarded him with raised eyebrows and a bewildered expression.

  "King?"