In the previous chapter, the expedition team faced a gruelling battle against the relentless golems in the ancient hall. The air was thick with tension, and the clash of blades and magic reverberated throughout the chamber. Now, the fight had reached its climax, with Solomon and his team locked in a desperate struggle to overcome the seemingly invincible constructs.
"These things don't have much variety in their attacks, but their strength is no joke! Ordinary strikes barely scratch them!" shouted a young warrior from the Victoria family, swinging his longsword furiously to fend off the advancing golems.
Solomon, amidst the chaos of battle, observed the golems' movements closely. His voice rang out above the fray: "Stay sharp! They may be strong, but they're not invincible. Watch this!" He took a deep breath, and an aura of radiant energy surged around him. With a commanding shout, he unleashed his power: "Sanctified Skybreaker!"
A wave of blinding energy burst forth like a tidal wave, crashing into the golem horde. The dazzling light illuminated the entire hall, and several golems were flung backwards, their hulking forms momentarily incapacitated.
"Well done, Lord Solomon!" cried one of the mages from the Holy Light Temple, excitement gleaming in his eyes. With renewed vigour, he conjured streaks of magic, launching them at the golems to support his comrades.
Yet the golems seemed tireless, their lifeless forms immune to exhaustion. They quickly recovered and advanced once more, their blades glinting ominously as they resumed their merciless assault.
"Don't let up! Keep fighting! Mages, focus your attacks on their joints—find their weak points! Warriors, hold the line and draw their attention!" Solomon barked out his orders with unwavering resolve.
"Understood!" the team responded in unison, their morale bolstered by his steady leadership. The mages muttered incantations, precision spells targeting the golems' joints in an attempt to hinder their movements, while the warriors held their ground, clashing weapons against the golems' relentless strikes.
After a prolonged and arduous battle, Solomon's keen eyes caught something critical: the faint, rhythmic glow of an energy core embedded in the back of each golem. A spark of understanding lit up his expression.
"Everyone, listen carefully!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the din of battle. "The golems' energy cores are on their backs! Focus all attacks there!"
"Got it!" The team rallied, shifting their attacks to target the energy cores. Magic and weapons alike rained down on the golems with renewed precision and ferocity.
"Now! Strike with everything you've got!" Solomon commanded, gathering his energy for one final, decisive blow. His attack combined with the team's efforts, and with a deafening crash, the energy cores shattered. The golems, robbed of their life force, collapsed in heaps of metal and stone, motionless at last.
"Finally… it's over," sighed one adventurer, wiping the sweat from his brow. Despite the exhaustion etched on their faces, the team shared triumphant smiles.
"Good work, everyone," Solomon said, his tone steady yet cautious. "But don't lower your guard just yet. We're not out of danger."
He turned his attention back to the central stone platform, resuming his study of the ancient carvings. As he deciphered the inscriptions, his expression grew increasingly serious—yet tinged with excitement.
"These texts describe an ancient cultivation technique," he explained, gesturing to the intricate runes. "It speaks of a method to merge one's life energy with the forces of nature, unlocking unprecedented power."
"Really? This could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Lord Solomon!" exclaimed a young scion of the Victoria family, his eyes alight with excitement.
Solomon nodded thoughtfully. "It's rare indeed. If we can master this technique, it could give us the edge we need to protect the Continent of Glory. I've decided—I will attempt to cultivate this method."
"Lord Solomon, this technique sounds profound but also incredibly dangerous. You must be careful—there's no telling what risks might arise," cautioned an experienced mage from the Holy Light Temple, concern etched into his voice.
"He's right," another teammate added. "This place is steeped in mystery. Proceed with caution, my lord."
Solomon gave a reassuring smile, his gaze firm and resolute. "I appreciate your concern, but fortune favours the bold. I'll tread carefully, but this is a risk worth taking. I believe in my ability to control the process."
Just as Solomon prepared to begin his cultivation, a sudden, low rumbling echoed from the depths of the ruins. The sound was deep and ominous, reverberating through the hall like a warning. It was as though some ancient force was stirring, awakening from a long slumber.
The unexpected noise set everyone on edge, their victory celebrations cut short. What could this foreboding sound signify? Was it the harbinger of an even greater challenge—or the gateway to unimaginable opportunity?
The air grew thick with tension as uncertainty loomed. Whatever awaited them in the depths, it would test the courage and determination of the expedition team like never before.