The Emberwild's oppressive heat and jagged terrain had only grown more treacherous as the group ventured deeper into its heart. The glowing fissures in the ground, the acrid scent of burning rock, and the unnatural hum in the air all pointed to one thing: they were nearing the nexus.
Kael led the group to the crest of a ridge overlooking the massive crater where the nexus stood. The pillar of crimson crystal at its center pulsed with violent energy, its tendrils lashing the air like a living thing. They had known it would be dangerous, but the raw intensity of the energy swirling before them was overwhelming.
Marra pulled an arrow from her quiver, scanning the crater below. "We're definitely not alone. Something's guarding that thing. You don't leave a power source like this unprotected."
Kael nodded, gripping his spear tightly. "We'll handle it. Just stay sharp."
Thane stepped forward, his staff glowing faintly as he examined the scene. "The instability of this place... it's worse than I imagined. If the Master taps into this, he'll have the power to destabilize the entire region—possibly farther."
Leena unsheathed her sword, its faint glow contrasting with the fiery landscape. "Then we make sure he doesn't get the chance."
A low rumble shook the ground beneath them, cutting the conversation short. The tremors grew stronger, accompanied by a guttural roar that echoed through the crater. The group's attention snapped to the base of the nexus, where a massive form began to emerge.
The creature was monstrous, its molten body glowing like a forge. Jagged obsidian spikes jutted from its back, and its fiery core shone through cracks in its rock-like armor. Each step left pools of molten lava in its wake, and its burning red eyes radiated a searing hatred.
Infernal Guardian (Level 12)
HP: 400/400
"Well," Corin muttered, his voice tight. "That's not just bad—that's apocalyptic."
Kael's expression hardened. "We've handled worse. Spread out! Don't let it focus on any one of us!"
---
The Guardian roared, the force of its voice shaking the ridge and sending rocks tumbling down the crater. Without hesitation, it charged at the group, its massive claws tearing through the ground like it was paper.
Kael activated Evasive Step, darting to the side just in time to avoid being crushed by the beast's initial strike. The enhanced reflexes allowed him to position himself on the Guardian's flank, where he delivered a quick thrust of his spear to test its defenses.
Evasive Step Activated
-5 MP
The strike glanced off the creature's molten armor, leaving little more than a shallow scratch. Kael gritted his teeth, retreating as the Guardian swung its massive tail toward him. The force of the attack cracked the ground, sending shockwaves rippling through the battlefield.
"Focus on its weak points!" Kael shouted. "Aim for the joints and cracks!"
Marra climbed to higher ground, her bowstring taut as she loosed an arrow. The projectile struck the Guardian's shoulder, creating a small crack in its armor. The beast let out a roar, turning its glowing eyes toward her. Lava spewed from its maw, igniting the ledge where she stood.
"Too close!" Marra yelled, jumping down as molten rock sprayed around her. She rolled to safety, her bowstring sizzling from the heat.
Corin darted in from the side, his daggers flashing as he targeted the cracks left by Marra's arrow. He delivered a series of rapid strikes, chipping away at the Guardian's molten armor. Lava oozed from the wounds, but the creature retaliated with a massive swing of its claws.
Corin barely managed to dive out of the way, the claws tearing through the rock where he had been standing. "Okay, bad idea! Let's not do that again!"
Thane planted his staff firmly into the ground, his voice steady as he began to chant. "Kael, buy me time! I can weaken its defenses!"
Kael nodded, pulling the Medium Mana Crystal from his pouch. The hum of energy within the crystal was reassuring, a lifeline in the chaos of the fight. He crushed it in his hand, feeling its power flow into him.
Mana Crystal Consumed
+20 MP
With his mana restored, Kael activated Evasive Step again, darting toward the Guardian. He struck at the cracks in its leg armor, his spear glowing with molten energy from the skill he had replicated earlier.
Evasive Step Activated
-5 MP
Skill Replication Activated
Skill Replicated: Molten Slash (Basic)
-10 MP
The enhanced strike sent a burst of lava spraying from the wound, causing the creature to stumble. The Guardian roared in fury, turning its attention to Kael as molten embers rained down around him.
Thane's spell reached its climax, and a burst of icy energy erupted from his staff, striking the Guardian's chest. The intense cold hardened the molten armor, causing it to crack and revealing the glowing core beneath.
"There's its weak spot!" Thane shouted. "Aim for the core!"
Leena surged forward, her sword glowing with radiant energy as she charged the exposed core. She delivered a powerful strike, the blade cutting deep into the Guardian's chest. The creature reeled, its movements growing erratic as molten lava poured from its wounds.
The Guardian slammed its massive claws into the ground, sending a wave of molten energy racing toward the group. Kael activated Evasive Step again, barely avoiding the deadly surge as it rushed past him.
Evasive Step Activated
-5 MP
"Keep pushing!" Kael yelled. "It's slowing down!"
Marra fired another arrow, this one striking the core directly. The impact caused a fissure to spread across the creature's chest, its molten body beginning to crack apart. Corin climbed onto the beast's back, driving his daggers into the cracks along its shoulders. Lava sprayed from the wounds, but Corin held firm, his strikes relentless.
Leena struck the core again, her blade glowing brighter as she delivered another heavy blow. The Guardian let out a deafening roar, its molten form collapsing as the core shattered in a burst of fiery light.
The air fell silent as the massive creature disintegrated into molten ash and shards of glowing crystal, leaving only faint wisps of smoke in its wake.
Victory!
You have defeated Infernal Guardian (Level 12)
+100 XP
Item Acquired: Large Mana Crystal.
Kael bent down, retrieving the Large Mana Crystal from the remains. Its crimson glow pulsed with a searing light, the energy within almost overwhelming.
Thane approached, his face pale from exertion. "The Guardian's death means the energy here is even more unstable. The nexus is vulnerable, but so are we."
Kael pocketed the crystal, his gaze fixed on the pulsating pillar of crimson light. "We don't have much time. If the Master gets here while the nexus is like this..."
Leena wiped sweat from her brow, her voice firm despite the fatigue in her eyes. "Then we stop him. Whatever it takes."
Kael nodded, gripping his spear tightly. "Let's finish this."