The group ventured deeper into the ominous gate, the landscape around them becoming increasingly surreal. Twisted trees with glowing veins of energy lined the path, and the air hummed with an unsettling resonance. Chen Lin stayed calm, his sharp eyes scanning for any signs of danger.
"Stay sharp," Liu Yurong commanded, her voice steady but firm.
Chen Lin didn't need the reminder. After the system's permanent awakening, he felt more confident than ever. He could feel it—an unshakable power coursing through him. Whatever came their way, he knew he was ready.
The stillness around them shattered when a chorus of guttural growls erupted from the shadows. From the darkness emerged hulking beasts with molten rock-like bodies, their eyes glowing like embers.
"Lava Golems!" Zhang Wei barked, gripping his war hammer.
Without waiting for instructions, the creatures charged, their claws leaving molten trails in the dirt.
Chen Lin didn't hesitate. A golem lunged at him, claws slashing toward his chest.
[Analyzing Threat: Heat Impact. Ability Gained: Heat Absorption.]
The attack struck his body but dissipated harmlessly. Chen Lin smirked, feeling the molten heat flow into him and enhance his strength. With a swift motion, he drove his knife into the creature's core. It crumbled instantly, reduced to a heap of lifeless stone.
The others were locked in battle, their movements efficient but strained. Liu Yurong's spear glowed faintly as it pierced the thick hide of a golem, while Zhang Wei swung his war hammer with brute force. Lan Xue struggled against a smaller one, her attacks barely scratching its molten exterior.
Chen Lin moved with precision, his body adapting fluidly to the chaos. A second golem attacked, its claws aimed for his head.
[Analyzing Threat: Enhanced Strength. Counter Gained: Reflex Amplification.]
He sidestepped the attack effortlessly, his enhanced speed allowing him to land a devastating counterstrike.
The battle ended quickly, the team regrouping among the shattered remains of their foes. Zhang Wei looked at Chen Lin, a mixture of awe and confusion on his face.
"You're not half bad, rookie," he said, trying to catch his breath.
Chen Lin wiped ash off his knife and gave a small nod. "Just doing what's needed."
Liu Yurong's gaze lingered on him, her sharp eyes studying his every move. But she said nothing and turned to lead the group forward.
The oppressive atmosphere deepened as they approached the gate's core. In the center of a vast clearing stood a massive crystal, pulsating with dark energy. Its light bathed the area in an unnatural glow.
"That's the core," Liu Yurong said, her voice low but resolute. "Destroying it will close the gate."
A low, resonant growl echoed through the clearing. From behind the crystal emerged a towering humanoid figure cloaked in black flames. Its fiery eyes burned with malice, and its every movement radiated power.
"It's a Flame Specter," Lan Xue whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
The creature raised its hand, unleashing a wave of searing fire. The team scattered, narrowly avoiding the deadly flames.
"Don't hold back!" Liu Yurong shouted, charging forward with her spear.
The specter's movements were swift and calculated, its attacks overwhelming. The team's strikes barely made an impact, their weapons glancing off its fiery form.
Chen Lin watched the battle unfold, his confidence unwavering. When the specter's gaze locked onto him, he stepped forward without hesitation.
The creature unleashed another torrent of fire.
[Analyzing Threat: Infernal Blaze. Ability Gained: Fire Immunity.]
The flames engulfed Chen Lin, but he emerged unscathed, his expression calm. The specter faltered for a moment, as if recognizing him as a threat.
"Chen Lin, what are you doing?!" Liu Yurong shouted, her voice filled with urgency.
"Ending this," he replied, his tone steady.
Chen Lin closed the distance between them in a flash, his enhanced speed making him a blur. The specter swung its fiery blade, but Chen Lin dodged effortlessly.
[Analyzing Threat: Spectral Force. Counter Maximized: Strength Enhancement.]
His knife, now glowing with absorbed energy, plunged into the specter's chest. The creature let out a deafening roar, its fiery form flickering violently before collapsing into ash.
The crystal shattered with a resounding crack, its dark energy dissipating.
The gate began to collapse, the surroundings shaking violently.
"Move!" Liu Yurong commanded, leading the group out.
They burst through the collapsing portal just in time, the gate sealing behind them with a final, echoing boom. The team collapsed onto the ground outside, breathing heavily.
"You were incredible in there," Lan Xue said, her eyes wide with admiration as she looked at Chen Lin.
He nodded curtly. "It's over. Let's get back."
Liu Yurong approached him, her expression unreadable. "You're holding back, aren't you?"
"Not sure what you mean," Chen Lin replied evenly.
"You're not a normal rookie," she said, her tone suspicious but controlled. "You fight like someone who's been doing this for years."
Chen Lin met her gaze with unwavering calm. "Believe what you want. I'm just here to do my part."
Liu Yurong stared at him for a moment longer before turning away. "Let's head back to the city. We'll regroup and debrief later."
As the group began their journey back, Chen Lin remained silent. He wasn't worried about their suspicions. The system had made him untouchable, and he knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, he would face them without fear.