The heat in the prison gradually increased after Naviga took the ice orb, dispelling the cold that once filled the space. Now, the oppressive heat of the volcano began seeping into the chamber.
As Minerva and Naviga examined the runes, Minerva spoke, "It seems these runes were designed for imprisonment. They not only blocked Universal Essence but also sealed anyone trapped here. However, rune with the walls destroyed, the runes were also damaged, rendering them ineffective."
Naviga nodded, recalling some basic rune knowledge from her Akerman family training, though her understanding wasn't very deep.
Minerva continued, "I suspect this prison was created by the Fire Giants in the past, possibly during the reign of the 4th Core Essence Fire Giant. Back then, it ruled these volcanic mountains. The trap above must have been its creation to catch intruders off guard, locking them here and sealing their essence. But something feels off. Fire Giants aren't known for being this clever. I believe someone else—likely a human—was behind the rune's design. Whoever they were, they might have controlled the Fire Giant as well. There's more to these mountains than we realize."
Naviga listened carefully, nodding in agreement. Minerva added, "When my ancestor defeated the 4th Core Essence Fire Giant and destroyed its dominion, the aftermath of their battle must have caused the cracks in the walls in volcano, weakening this entire structure."
After discussing their findings, they turned their attention to the hole through which they had entered the prison. The hole had already sealed itself due to the unstable terrain, but they remembered its location. Minerva retrieved a high-level micro-talisman, infused it with Universal Essence, and hurled it toward the spot where the hole had been.
"Let's move!" Minerva instructed.
They both channeled Universal Essence into their legs, sprinting to a corner of the prison for cover.
Boom!!!
The explosion echoed throughout the prison, shaking the ground and sending vibrations through the walls. Dust and debris filled the air, scattering bones and collapsing parts of the weakened structure. Smoke billowed into the space, but Minerva and Naviga were unharmed, protected by their swift reaction and position.
As the dust began to settle, the newly created hole became visible above them. Naviga and Minerva quickly dusted themselves off and approached the hole. Activating their flying talismans, they soared upward and emerged from the prison into the open air.
What greeted them above was an alarming sight—nearly 100 Fire Giants, including two towering figures, stood waiting.
The regular Fire Giants were imposing, standing over 250 cm tall with fiery red skin. The two larger ones were even more intimidating, over 300 cm in height, with darker crimson skin and an aura of dominance. Their muscular builds hinted at immense strength, and their powerful arms gripped massive stone maces, their eyes blazing with fury.
Minerva and Naviga exchanged tense glances. This was going to be a tough fight.
Minerva saw the angry Fire Giants ahead and quickly assessed the situation. She pointed to the two bigger ones. "Those two are the strongest, at the peak of 1st Core Essence. The other ten are weaker, and the rest are likely even less powerful. We can deal with them.
Naviga nodded tightly, gripping her sword. "Got it, Miss. I'll keep them busy." She focused her mind.
"Chip, stay alert and watch the enemy movements," she ordered.
The AI chip responded right away, "Understood, Host. Analyzing threat levels and movements."
Minerva and Naviga prepared themselves, their weapons shining in the hot glow of the volcano. The Fire Giants roared, their battle cries ringing out, starting the fight.
The two large fire giants stared at the intruders in their home, letting out a furious roar as they aimed their stone maces at Naviga and Minerva, commanding a hundred fire giants to engage them with their powerful shouts.
The battlefield was hot as Minerva and Naviga got ready to face the Fire Giants. Their loud roars created chaos. The heat from the volcano fought with Naviga's calm light and Minerva's fiery glow.
Minerva moved forward, her red dress swirling in the wind. She raised her hand and took a deep breath to summon fire energy. Flames wrapped around her like snakes and charged her sword. "Blazing Sun Slash!" she shouted. She swung her sword, sending a wave of fire that burned three Fire Giants.
Naviga, in her white dress, quickly moved to the side like a ghost. Her Al chip buzzed with a message, "Host, the enemy's left side is open. She turned sharply, her silver blade making a crescent shape in the air. "Lunar Edge Sword Arts: Crescent Moon!" The glowing arc hit a Fire Giant's arm. It screamed in pain, blood pouring from the wound.
Minerva moved with Naviga, dodging a heavy swing from a stone mace. She struck back with Inferno Steps, leaving trails of fire that slowed the giant. "Naviga, keep them busy while I find a way through!" she shouted.
.BOOM! A Fire Giant crashed down in
front of Naviga, its mace swinging wildly, She backflipped gracefully. The glowing embers illuminated her body. Then she launched "Eclipse Slash Sword Art: Eclipse Thrust!" Her sword pierced the Fire Giant's thigh. The beast stumbled and blood pooled beneath it, but it roared loudly.
Minerva seized her chance. She drew a talisman from her space ring. "Detonate!" she shouted, throwing a Fire Bomb Talisman at the advancing giants. The explosion sent volcanic rock and flames into the air. Several giants were knocked down, their skin blistered and blackened.
Naviga's dress was already torn from earlier fights and now clung to her bloody body. A Fire Giant hit her shoulder with its mace, tearing through her skin and fabric. She winced but kept going. "Moonlit Shield Defensive Art!" she shouted, creating a glowing shield of moonlight that blocked the next attack.
Her AI said, "Host's left arm is hurt. Use Universal Essence Potion."
With clenched teeth, Naviga opened a healing potion from her ring and drank it during the fight. The cool healing feeling spread through her, closing the wound enough for her to keep fighting.
Minerva faced three Fire Giants. She activated Phoenix Guard, forming a protective shell. Their maces hit her barrier, but she fought back with a glowing sword. "Flame Vortex Slash!" she shouted. She spun around, sending a fire whirlwind that burned two giants. Their cries echoed in the cavern.
Naviga jumped towards her next target, avoiding their strikes with quick steps. Her AI guided her, saying, "Host, the enemy is about to strike down.
She heard the sound of the chip. Her blade shone as she used "Lunar Edge Sword Arts: Moon Fang!" The curved slash cut through the Fire Giant's belly, spilling hot blood on the volcanic ground. Another giant charged at her from behind. She turned and used "Eclipse Slash Sword Art: Lunar Pierce!" The thrust pierced the giant's chest, leaving it gasping.
The battle was tough despite their success. Minerva's red dress was now torn, showing bruises on her arms and legs. A hit from a Fire Giant made her fall, and she coughed up blood when she hit the ground.
She took a Universal Essence Potion from her storage ring and drank it. The healing energy helped her stand up again.
"Damn them," she said, gripping her sword. "Naviga, cover me while I heal!"
Naviga moved fast, blocking a blow aimed at Minerva with the Moonlit Shield. A Fire Giant's mace hit the shield, making a shockwave that shook her. Naviga responded with "Lunar Edge Sword Arts: Astral Step!" Her body flickered like a ghost as her blade hit the giant's weak points.
Minerva drank from a healing potion again, and her burns slowly healed. She wiped sweat from her forehead and attacked with Infernal Burst Slash, her sword bursting into flames and hitting two more giants.
Naviga was in trouble. A Fire Giant's mace hit her side, slamming her into a sharp rock wall. Her Al chip buzzed urgently, "Host must retreat and heal immediately." She groaned, took out another Universal Essence Potion, and forced herself to drink it.
With new strength, Naviga activated "Eclipse Slash Sword Art: Eclipse Crescent!" Her blade sent out a crescent-shaped energy slash that hit several giants. Their roars echoed in the cavern.
The Fire Giants started to work together, making their attacks more organized. Naviga was surrounded, her moonlight shield barely holding up against the strikes.
Minerva saw her trouble and yelled, "Hold on, Navi!" She threw a Fire Seal Talisman. The talisman froze several giants, giving Naviga space to move.
Minerva felt pain all over, and her Universal Essence was running low. She grabbed another Universal Essence Potion, which sparkled as it recharged her energy. She used Blazing Phoenix Reversal, a move that turned a Fire Giant's attack against it, setting it on fire.
The battle was intense. Both women fought hard. Blood dripped from their wounds. Their dresses were torn, revealing bruises. Naviga's Al warned her about attacks, helping her dodge.
Minerva used her quick footwork and magic against the giants.
Minerva threw another Fire Bomb Talisman. The explosion shook the cave. "Naviga, we can't hold on much longer!"
Naviga gritted her teeth and swung her blade. She used "Lunar Edge Sword Arts: Midnight Veil!" Her strikes hit the giants hard. But she felt pain and exhaustion. Both warriors breathed heavily.
There are more than 50 fire giants left, including two big ones. They were tired and hurt. Still, they wanted to fight as they prepared for the next wave of fire giants. It was no longer about winning or losing; it was about survival.
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