The booming voice reverberated through the chamber, its sheer power causing the glowing crystals to flicker and hum like a broken symphony. Chen steadied himself, gripping the Growth Sword tightly. Fenrir stood firm at his side, its golden eyes narrowing as it surveyed the shadows."Can't we skip the theatrics?" Chen called out. "You're big, loud, and probably stronger than me. Let's just get to the part where I punch above my weight class."A deep chuckle rumbled through the chamber, shaking loose shards of crystal from the walls. The voice carried a sinister edge, like laughter mixed with grinding stone."SO QUICK TO JUMP INTO THE FIRE. PERHAPS YOU WILL BURN BRIGHTER THAN THE OTHERS... OR BE REDUCED TO ASHES LIKE THEM."The ground beneath Chen glowed crimson, intricate runes spreading outward in a spiral pattern. The air thickened, and the heat rose sharply, beads of sweat forming on Chen's brow."Fenrir," Chen muttered, "any brilliant ideas?"The wolf tilted its head, then barked sharply, leaping forward. Its claws scraped against the runes, triggering a cascade of sparks. A massive ripple of energy surged through the room, and from the shadows emerged a hulking figure.It was a behemoth of blackened steel and molten veins, its body resembling a twisted amalgamation of metal and magma. Two glowing eyes stared down at Chen, brimming with fiery intensity."PROVE YOURSELF, MORTAL. THE FLAME OF YOUR WILL MUST MATCH THE FURY OF THE ABYSS."Chen groaned. "Why is everything here always yelling at me?"Fenrir growled, stepping in front of Chen and baring its fangs."Alright, big guy," Chen said, raising his sword. "Let's dance."---The behemoth roared, swinging one massive arm down in a fiery arc. Chen leaped to the side, the heat from the strike scorching the air where he had stood. Fenrir darted around the creature, snapping at its heels to distract it.Chen dashed forward, slashing at the behemoth's leg. The Growth Sword bit into the molten metal, but the creature barely flinched. Instead, it swung its other arm, forcing Chen to roll away to avoid being flattened."This thing's tougher than it looks," Chen muttered.Fenrir lunged at the behemoth's back, sinking its teeth into one of the molten veins. The creature let out a guttural roar, twisting to swat the wolf away. Fenrir narrowly avoided the strike, landing gracefully and snarling in defiance.Chen took advantage of the distraction, activating the Infernal Lantern ability. A burst of golden fire erupted from his palm, engulfing the behemoth's chest. The flames licked at the molten veins, causing them to glow brighter."Gotcha!" Chen grinned.But his triumph was short-lived. The behemoth absorbed the flames, its molten veins pulsing with renewed energy. It turned to Chen, its eyes blazing with even greater fury."YOUR FLAME IS WEAK. LET ME SHOW YOU TRUE FIRE."The behemoth unleashed a torrent of molten energy from its chest, the heat so intense that the crystals along the walls began to melt. Chen threw up his arms, the Growth Sword glowing faintly as it absorbed some of the energy, but the sheer force of the attack sent him flying.He hit the ground hard, skidding to a stop. Fenrir rushed to his side, nudging him urgently."I'm fine," Chen groaned, pushing himself up. "I think. Mostly."The behemoth began to advance, each step causing the ground to quake."Alright, new plan," Chen said, wiping sweat from his brow. "We need to hit it where it hurts. But first…"He turned to Fenrir. "Distract it again. And try not to get squashed this time."The wolf barked sharply, dashing toward the behemoth. It zigzagged around the creature, snapping and snarling to keep its attention.Chen closed his eyes, focusing on the power of the lantern within him. He felt the golden flame stir, hesitant but eager, like a spark waiting to ignite."Come on," he whispered. "Work with me here."The flame flared in response, filling him with a surge of heat and energy. He opened his eyes, and the world seemed to slow.---[New Technique Awakened: Blazing Veil]Shroud yourself in an infernal flame, burning away all that stands in your path. Allies remain unharmed, but foes will be consumed.---Chen's body was suddenly engulfed in golden fire, the flames dancing harmlessly over his skin. He grinned, the pain and exhaustion from the battle fading away.The behemoth turned to face him, its molten eyes narrowing."Let's see how you like this," Chen said, charging forward.The behemoth swung its arm again, but this time, Chen didn't dodge. Instead, he raised the Growth Sword, the golden flames coating the blade. When the two collided, the flames surged, overwhelming the behemoth's molten energy.The creature let out a deafening roar, stumbling back as cracks appeared along its molten veins. Fenrir seized the opportunity, leaping onto the behemoth's back and tearing at the weakened veins.Chen pressed the attack, slashing at the creature's legs and unleashing bursts of flame with every strike. The behemoth's movements grew sluggish, its molten veins dimming.Finally, with a final, desperate roar, the creature collapsed. Its body disintegrated into a shower of molten shards, leaving behind only a faint glow where it had stood.Chen dropped to one knee, panting heavily as the flames around him flickered and died.Fenrir trotted over, its fur singed but otherwise unharmed. The wolf nudged him with its nose, its golden eyes filled with approval."Not bad, huh?" Chen said, managing a weak smile.Fenrir huffed, as if to say, I carried you.The faint glow left behind by the behemoth coalesced into a small, molten core. Chen reached out and picked it up, feeling a surge of warmth as the core dissolved into his hand.---[New Talent Gained: Core of the Inferno]Enhances fire-based abilities, increasing their power and range.---Chen stood, the weight of the battle beginning to fade. He glanced at Fenrir, who wagged its tail slightly."Looks like we're still in one piece," Chen said. "Barely."Fenrir barked softly, and the two turned to face the far end of the chamber, where a new path had opened."Onward, then," Chen said, stepping forward. "No rest for the wicked—or the stupid."Fenrir barked again, and together, they walked into the unknown.