Chapter 138: Descent into Flame Rever stretched his head from side to side. "So, in short, we need to move fast as soon as that gate shows up."
"That’s right," Victor affirmed. "We can’t afford to dally or fight the Magmins."
The eerie red glow of the fountain seemed to beckon to them, promising secrets and passage beyond, but at a steep price.
Rever crackled his fists and stepped forward. "I’ll do it. I’ll donate that blood or whatever it needs."
Yuzuro looked at him, her eyes filled with concern. "Rever, are you sure?"
Rever flashed a reassuring smile. "Don’t worry, Yuzu. I’ll be fine. We need to get to the other side, right?"
Before anyone could respond, Midnight Duchess stepped forward, her voice calm but commanding. "No. I’ll do it."
The group turned their attention to Midnight Duchess, surprised by her offer.
Victor, however, didn’t hesitate for a moment. "Agreed. She’s the fastest among us, and if we want to get out of here intact, it’s the best choice."
Midnight Duchess stared at Victor knowingly while the latter only smirked at her. She knew that he couldn’t wait to get rid of her.
Rever and Yuzuro exchanged concerned glances.
Rever spoke up, "But, Midnight Duchess, we don’t know what will happen. It might be dangerous."
Midnight Duchess turned to face them, her cloak billowing in the dim chamber. Her expression was masked by the shadows, but her voice carried an air of confidence. "Oh, but we do. Drop the blood, and the gate will appear, and everyone will go into it before the enemies can roast you to death. Simple."
Xin and the others exchanged stares. The way she said it was like she was going on a walk in the park.
Yuzuro bit her lip, still unsure. "Are you absolutely sure, Midnight Duchess?"
She nodded. "Yes. I’ll be fine. I’ll catch up quickly. Just be ready to dash into the other side as that gate appears."
The group exchanged one final glance before they got into position. Nobody knew where the gate would appear. It was completely random, so they had to be alert at all times.
As Midnight Duchess prepared to donate the necessary blood, the room held its breath, the outcome uncertain, and they got prepared for what was about to come.
Then, they watched as Midnight Duchess stepped closer to the blood fountain, her gloved hand extended. The eerie red liquid began to ripple as she made her offering, and the fountain’s glow intensified.
When the first drop of blood made contact with the eerie red liquid in the blood fountain, the atmosphere in the chamber seemed to shift. The surface of the fountain rippled, and with a sudden burst of fiery energy, the magmins appeared.
These small elemental creatures materialized in a spectacular display of flame and heat, emerging from the fountain’s depths. They were no larger than a human hand, but their fiery bodies emitted a fierce and unsettling glow.
The magmins were relentless and numerous, numbering in the hundreds. They floated in the air like fiery specters, their tiny wings beating rapidly to keep them afloat.
Each magmin emitted a low, menacing hum as they circled the chamber, their fiery forms leaving streaks of orange and red in their wake.
The danger they posed was evident — upon contact, the magmins would explode in a burst of scorching flames. The prospect of facing hundreds of these explosive creatures was a daunting one.
As if the appearance of the magmins wasn’t enough, a towering azer emerged from the shadows, its form gradually taking shape as it stirred.
Behind the azer, the elusive gate began to materialize, a shimmering portal leading to the unknown.
Standing guard before the open gate, a colossal sentinel adorned in ancient, weathered armor maintained an unwavering vigil, staunchly safeguarding the mysteries concealed beyond.
With caution, the party contemplated the possibility of evading the sentinel’s relentless gaze. They considered a strategy: perhaps they could entice the azer towards the room’s central area, all while exercising utmost vigilance. Any misstep could provoke the sentinel’s unyielding resolve to reclaim its post.
Victor’s voice cut through the tension as he shouted to the team, his tone urgent. "Storm forward! Don’t mind the damage from the magmins. I’ll take care of the azer. Get inside that door! We only have less than a minute."
The seconds were ticking away, and the gate’s existence was temporary, lasting less than a minute at most.
The Azer loomed before the open gate, and Victor knew that their narrow window of opportunity relied on his ability to stall the foe.
The Azer was unkillable so he could only make sure that it wouldn’t get in the way when the others move towards the next area.
The Azer’s blazing eyes locked onto Victor, its massive form wreathed in flames. It emitted a deep, rumbling growl, signifying its readiness for combat. The ancient armor it wore exuded an aura of invincibility.
With swift and calculated movements, Victor engaged the Azer, his own weapons and abilities at the ready. Their clash was a symphony of steel meeting fire.
Meanwhile, Rever carried Yuzuro in his arms. She was the slowest among them, so it was necessary.
Rever’s muscles strained as he sprinted toward the open gate, heedless of the fiery balls exploding around them. He knew that every moment counted, and he had to reach safety as quickly as possible.
The fiery explosions of the magmins served as a deadly obstacle course, and Rever skillfully navigated through them, ensuring Yuzuro’s safety.
On the other side of the chamber, Xin was shielded by a group of sturdy golems. His level was low, and it made him a prime target, and without the protection of the golems, he could easily be overwhelmed and killed.
The golems acted as a buffer, creating a path for Xin amidst the chaos. They absorbed the fiery explosions, taking the brunt of the damage as they shielded him from harm.
Xin carefully moved forward, his gaze fixed on the open gate and the safety it promised.
He was only at level 40+. He definitely couldn’t survived if ever he was hit with multiple explosions.
Looking over at Victor, who was engaging the Azer and luring it away from the portal, Xin hurried. But in his haste, he didn’t notice multiple magmins swarming at him from above.