The Protagonist's Sister Is Actually The Strongest

Gram had finally returned to his usual talkative self. 

[“I have already analyzed this place, picking up bits of info from the souls of the monsters you’ve fed me. This entire Dragon Lair consists of four layers. You’re in the First Layer, followed by the Second, Third, and Fourth. You could call the First Layer the ‘Outer Layer,’ which sometimes doesn’t even count as one. The others have unique maps and features, and likely more monsters.”] 

“What’s the difference, though?” 

[“Each layer has a different density of Draconic Mana and other energies! The deeper you go, the stronger and denser Vulcanus’ Draconic Mana becomes. In the Inner Layer, or the Fourth Layer, it’ll be so oppressive that most of your Magic and Skills could be suppressed. Your Mana Pool might clog, and you could weaken rapidly.”] 

“What?!” 

[“You thought Dragons made Dragon Lairs just for fun? For shits and giggles? Of course not, Anna! They design them to lure fools inside, those seeking treasure, and then gradually weaken them. Even the most renowned heroes could fall this way, worn down over time. Dragons are patient beings. Above all, they love watching their foes, especially mortals, struggle. They create challenges for them, and the longer they survive, the tastier and more worthy they are as a meal.”] 

“Huh. I’ve been countering this oppressive power with my Aura. I think I can mitigate it significantly, even in the Inner Layer.” 

[“That’s good, but you’ll need more than that. Your idea at the start was solid! Letting them absorb those Draconic Monster Cores will help them gain Draconic Mana, which should level the playing field and reduce the oppression. I’d also recommend feeding them the meat and blood of those monsters. You should eat too.”] 

“I guess we can take a lunch break later. We should at least advance to the next layer. And damn, this place has turned into quite a labyrinth, hasn’t it?” 

[“Yeah, you made that promise to Hilda half-heartedly, and now you’ve got a big responsibility to fulfill! Several Constellations are even watching. You better not fuck this up, Anna.”] 

“Nah, this is a welcome challenge. I’ve grown plenty strong in Bestia, so I wanted something to test my limits and see how far I can go.” 

[“Hmph, aren’t you getting a bit too cocky now?”] 

“You weren’t there most of the time! But you’ll see. I’m not acting cocky. I’m just being honest.” 

[“…”] 

Gram fell silent after that, seemingly realizing the truth in my words, which left him more surprised than anything. 

Once I regrouped with the others, I shared the cores, explaining that I had combined them using my Skills. 

“You can combine monster cores?!” Henrietta asked. “Well, that’s incredible, Anna…” 

“I had no idea that was even a thing,” Kevin said. “Well damn.” 

“Yeah, my skills have grown stronger the more I use them, that’s all,” I said with a smile. “Anyway, how should I distribute them?” 

There’s Jack, Henrietta, Kevin, Annabelle, Dan Baihe, and Hilda here. That’s six, not counting myself. 

Giving everyone four high-quality monster cores and two higher-quality ones should suffice, right? 

“There!” 

I quickly distributed them, offering Dan Baihe the boss monster core since she had slain it and earned it. 

“Wait, what?! The boss core? Are you sure, Anna?” She was flabbergasted that I offered her the better option. 

“Of course, it’s yours!” I nodded. “You killed it, right, everyone?” 

“Yeah, the victor takes the spoils,” Jack said with a nod. “You’ve earned it.” 

“Don’t hesitate!” Henrietta winked at her. 

“Go for it!” Annabelle said. 

“I’m a little jealous, but I mean, what can we even say? It’s yours obviously,” Kevin said. “I’ll slay the next boss myself…!” 

“I feel that Monster Core could make a terrific weapon instead, but I guess it wouldn’t be compatible with you, girl, so go for it,” Hilda said. 

“Well… A-Alright then,” Dan Baihe nodded. “Thank you…” 

Baihe closed her eyes and began absorbing the core, while everyone else did the same with theirs. Naturally, I included mine. 

I managed to snag a few myself, even after distributing them nearly evenly. 

I might already have plenty of Skills, but you can never have too many, right? 

At the very least, some bonus stats would be nice. 

Let’s see. 

I have six [Monster Cores (High Quality)] and two [Monster Cores (Excellent Quality)]. 

I began absorbing the six High Quality ones in quick succession, feeling Draconic Mana course through my body for the first time. 

“Ooh?!” 

A strange tingling sensation coursed through my body, particularly along my spine. A moment later, a fiery aura flowed through my veins, reaching my heart and causing my body temperature to rise sharply. 

“Ahh… Haaa…” 

I gasped for air, feeling exhausted yet brimming with new strength. 

[You have absorbed [Monster Cores (High Quality)] x6!] 

[You have absorbed traces of {Draconic Mana} from within the Monster Cores!] 

[You have begun to accumulate {Draconic Mana} in your body, letting it flow through your veins.] 

[However, the traces of {Draconic Mana} are still too faint. You need to absorb more for further development.] 

[All your Physical Stats have increased by +2,000!] 

[All your Magical Stats have increased by +1,000!] 

[You learned the Skill: [Volcanic Draconic Beast’s Claw (B): Lv1]!] 

Hmm, not bad. Let’s absorb the other two now. 

Holding an Excellent Quality Monster Core in each hand, I absorbed them simultaneously. 

FLUOSH! 

“Oooh, much better this time!” 

[You have absorbed [Monster Cores (Excellent Quality)] x2!] 

[You have absorbed traces of {Draconic Mana} from within the Monster Cores!] 

[The {Draconic Mana} absorbed is richer and of higher quality, accumulating in large quantities within your Heart.] 

[If you absorb more, this energy may crystallize into a powerful new Spiritual and Physical Body Organ.] 

[All your Physical Stats have increased by +3,000!] 

[All your Magical Stats have increased by +3,000!] 

[You learned the Skill: [Volcanic Draconic Beast’s Breath (B): Lv1]!] 

“Not bad, two new Skills!” 

They could serve as materials for creating stronger Fusion Skills. If I have too many, I can use them as permanent materials for Skill Fusion, boosting the resulting Skill and reducing Skill Point cost. 

“Phew, I’m done~ How about everyone else?” I glanced back, seeing everyone radiating blazing red draconic mana auras. It worked! They were channeling Draconic Mana into their bodies. 

“Wow, this is crazy! What is this feeling of power?!” Hilda asked. “It feels so nice and warm…” 

“It’s annoying to an extent, but strong,” Jack said. “Anna, you felt it too?” 

“I did!” I nodded. “That’s Draconic Mana. We’ll need it to keep moving deeper into the Dragon Lair.” 

“Huh, so everyone got a fiery aura? Mine is… blazing, but the flame is cold,” Dan Baihe said, stepping forward. “Anna, I think I can conjure Blue Flames of Frost now, or something like that…” 

“Really?” I said, intrigued, realizing everyone could develop unique variations of their learned skills if the timing was right. “That’s pretty interesting!” 

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