The Molten Warlord towered over Xuian, its presence suffocating. The air around it shimmered with intense heat, and the molten minions it summoned hissed as they crawled from the rivers of silver. The Void Wolf Pup growled low, standing protectively by Xuian's side.
Xuian assessed the battlefield quickly. "A frontal assault won't work. I'll need to divide and conquer."
The system chimed softly in his mind.
[System Notification]
Dimensional Guardian Detected: Molten Warlord. Weakness: Vulnerable to spectral attacks on its exposed back. Warning: Its molten minions will continuously regenerate unless the Warlord is weakened.
Xuian smirked. "A challenge, then."
The Warlord raised its massive greatsword, the weapon igniting in a blaze of molten fury. With a roar, it swung the blade downward, sending a fiery shockwave racing toward Xuian.
Dodging the Inferno
"Move!" Xuian barked, diving to the side as the ground where he stood erupted in flames. The Void Wolf Pup leapt nimbly after him, its shadowy body barely avoiding the searing heat.
Xuian summoned his specters once more, six ghostly figures materializing around him.
"Split up! Keep the minions occupied!"
The specters obeyed, their ethereal forms darting toward the molten creatures. The battlefield erupted into chaos as spectral claws clashed with molten bodies.
The Fight Begins
The Warlord stomped forward, each step causing tremors that threatened to throw Xuian off balance. It swung its sword in a wide arc, forcing Xuian to retreat.
"Void Pup, distract it!" Xuian commanded.
The Void Wolf Pup howled, releasing a burst of shadowy energy that momentarily blinded the Warlord. Taking advantage of the distraction, Xuian activated Devourer of Domains.
Dark tendrils erupted from the ground, wrapping around the Warlord's legs and slowing its movements.
"Got you now," Xuian muttered, dashing around to its exposed back.
He plunged his dagger into a weak spot in the Warlord's molten armor. The Spirit Amplification Ring glowed, enhancing the strike as cracks spread from the point of impact.
The Warlord roared in pain, shaking off the tendrils and swinging its sword wildly. Xuian barely managed to dodge, the blade grazing his arm and leaving a searing wound.
[Health -15%]
Xuian hissed in pain, clutching his arm. "This thing's stronger than I thought."
A Tactical Retreat
Xuian retreated, regrouping with the Void Wolf Pup. The molten minions continued to swarm, but his specters held their ground, their attacks relentless.
The system chimed again.
[System Notification]
Dimensional Trait Activated: Spectral Synergy. Effect: Specters gain increased strength and durability when fighting in tandem with their summoner.
Xuian's eyes gleamed. "Perfect timing."
He summoned two additional specters, pushing his limits. The Void Wolf Pup howled again, its shadowy aura expanding and merging with the specters.
"Let's end this," Xuian said, his voice cold.
The Final Strike
Xuian dashed toward the Warlord again, this time with the Void Wolf Pup and all eight specters flanking him.
The Warlord raised its greatsword for another devastating swing, but Xuian anticipated the move.
"Now!" he shouted.
The specters surged forward, grappling with the Warlord's arms and pinning them down. The Void Wolf Pup leapt onto the Warlord's back, biting into the cracks in its armor and releasing bursts of shadow energy.
Xuian activated Devourer of Domains again, the tendrils targeting the Warlord's exposed chest. He leapt forward, his dagger glowing with spectral energy as he drove it into the Warlord's core.
The Warlord let out a deafening roar, its molten body cracking and collapsing in on itself. The minions disintegrated, their forms reduced to pools of molten silver.
The battlefield fell silent.
[System Notification]
Dimensional Guardian Defeated: Molten Warlord. Rewards: +1500 Abyssal Coins. Special Drop: Warlord's Core obtained. Dimensional Rank Up: You have gained influence over this dimension.
Xuian collapsed to one knee, breathing heavily. The Void Wolf Pup padded over to him, its translucent body flickering slightly from exhaustion.
"Good job," Xuian said, patting its head.
Claiming the Dimension
As the Warlord's remains dissolved, the system chimed once more.
[System Notification]
Dimensional Breach Secured. You have the option to claim this dimension as part of your Domain. Do you wish to proceed?
Xuian's eyes narrowed. "Claim it."
A surge of energy flooded through him as the dimension began to change. The molten rivers cooled, solidifying into shimmering silver streams. The obsidian spires grew taller, their surfaces etched with spectral runes.
[System Notification]
Dimension Claimed: Silver Inferno. Description: A Rank C dimension now linked to your Domain. Resources and minions can be drawn from this dimension.
Xuian stood, a satisfied smirk on his face. "One step closer to the top."
The Void Wolf Pup wagged its tail, its strength seemingly restored by the dimension's transformation.
"Come on," Xuian said, turning toward the rift. "This place is ours now. Time to see what's next."
End of Chapter 7