Transmigrated with my corruption system-Chapter 28: The Next Hunt

Had he dual-awakened a forge class that allowed him to upgrade items? But even then, such upgrades required processes, materials, not simply touching and observing it.

Before she could delve deeper, his figure flickered. He appeared behind her, his hand coming down to swat her ass.

"You ask too many questions," Ulric breathed into her ear, his hand lingering there. Forcing the yelp down her throat, her already flushed face deepened in color, the blush spreading down to her neck as she felt his touch.

And the staff now clutched tightly in her arms. Not even questioning how it had gotten there, she exhaled a frosty breath, feeling the magical energy raging within her.

Just when she thought she was close to uncovering his secrets, he revealed yet another surprise.

What else didn’t she know about him?

The mystery gnawed at her. But she suppressed it, his words echoing in her mind.

She would uncover it eventually. Nodding slightly, she responded softly.

"Un."

"Good," Ulric muttered, grabbing her waist, just about to plunge deeper into the maze of dungeon tunnels. When a voice echoed softly behind him, drawing his attention

"T-thank you," Lena muttered, appreciation burning in her eyes. Still reeling from the awe, just moments ago, death had been imminent. Now it had been averted.

Even if only temporarily, this was the least she could do. Turning to stare at the girl, Ulric nodded in recognition.

He had barely noticed them before. He hadn’t slain the beasts out of some sudden heroic flare. He had seen beasts and needed experience. Simple, just as he liked most things.

Just as he was about to leave, her voice echoed again, fully drawing his attention.

"W-wait... are you lost?" Lena mumbled, her fists clenching nervously as her gaze dropped to the ground, unsure of her next words.

"How did you know that?" Ulric muttered, his voice tightening, eyes narrowing at her.

Feeling the full weight of his attention, her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her robe.

"Uh... I awakened the F-rank talent Eco Location. Plus, the direction you’re heading is toward the entrance of the dungeon... I figured you’d want to go deeper... so I asked,"

she rasped, her throat drying out.

Speaking to an S-rank talent was far more stressful than she had imagined. The passive aura he emitted only made it harder.

"Hm." Ulric hummed, his eyes lingering on her for a few seconds longer.

She seemed a bit smart. Observing all that in a glance.

"Can you point me to the depths of the dungeon?" He was getting irritated navigating through this freaking maze.

"I can try... I feel a monstrous energy leaking from the depths. I can use that as a guide. Yes... I can take you there... anything."

She slipped into a ramble before embarrassedly covering her mouth, realizing she was talking too much.

Before he could respond, Lyra, who had been quiet, suddenly stepped forward.

"Anything?" she muttered slowly, blue eyes trailing over Lena’s curves.

Talented figures usually amassed multiple wives and concubines. Looking at Lena now, Lyra couldn’t help but think she could make a fine addition to the latter.

Remembering Ulric’s insatiable desire.

Understanding the implication, Lena’s face reddened, her head dropping even lower.

Seeing the scene, Ulric sighed under his breath. It seemed part of his shamelessness was rubbing off on Lyra.

Grabbing Lyra by the waist, he pulled her back and flicked her forehead before turning to Lena.

"What is your name?" he asked.

"L-Lena," she muttered shakily.

"Good. Take me to the depths of the dungeon."

"B-but..." she hesitated, turning to look at her team behind her.

Anyone else would have leapt at the opportunity.

But leaving with him would condemn the rest of her team to certain death. She would be no better than the talented figures who had discarded them.

Seeing through part of her thought process, Ulric smiled faintly. She seemed genuine enough.

But he couldn’t afford to bring a group of F-ranks with him. That would only slow him down. Still, it didn’t feel right to repay goodwill with nothing.

Taking a moment to consider, the furrow in his brows eased as he extended his hand.

The air shimmered violently before darkness began to ooze out. With his other hand, he compressed the darkness into a sphere, forcing all its destructive properties inward.

When he finished, he stared down at it in satisfaction. Compressed destruction. A miniature explosive formed from condensed darkness.

With the amount of energy he had poured into it, the damage it would cause upon detonation would be... just enough to slay a Level 5 beast. And if timed right, maybe a few.

After explaining its effects, color flooded Lena’s face as she stared blankly at it. Extending her hand to take it, she felt it ripple under her touch, causing her breath to hitch.

But she steadied herself.

Walking back to her group, she handed it over, her voice carrying softly as she explained.

From a distance, Ulric heard cheers of exhilaration followed by mutters of gratitude.

What he considered trivial was unimaginable to them.

And as he continued to grow, he felt that gap would only widen. Watching her rush back, he sighed and gestured forward.

A flicker of doubt lingered in his eyes, unsure about her strange ability. But as time passed, that doubt slowly faded. He watched as she placed her hands against the dungeon walls, faint vibrations emitting as she navigated.

Repeating the process at every intersection.

Until finally, they encountered their first beasts.

Hastily activating his Appraisal, a slow chuckle escaped his throat as he saw their levels.

[Dire Wolf] 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

[Level 10]

"Finally," he muttered, a grin spreading across his lips.

"Something to ramp up the fun."