Total chaos reigned.
Towering over the battlefield, the Nagash Shar volcano spewed thick plumes of black smoke, hurling molten stones and streams of lava that flooded the immense cracks of the parched earth. A river of magma wound through the shattered canyons of the wasteland, ending in a wide waterfall that hissed like molten metal as it plunged into the abyss.
The air was unbearably hot. Knights sweltered in their armor, dizziness washing over them, as if they had plunged between the scorching tits of Inferna, goddess of fire and war. Every breath drew pyroclastic fumes into their lungs, scraping their airways and forcing a relentless, suffocating cough.
The ancient fortress of Azur Mir, carved into the rocky mountains and long abandoned by a forgotten deity, radiated an unsettling energy. Its dark, ethereal tendrils gnawed at the sources of magic and the cores of life, sapping strength and sowing uncertainty among the armies below.
Flames cast flickering shadows across the blood-soaked battleground. Burning war machines and charred bodies emitted acrid smoke, a mix of sulfur, scorched flesh, and melting muscles carried by the hot wind.
At the heart of the chaos, a teenager faced the vile creatures emerging from the deepest layers of Zzyx.
Sharp, black claws flashed before Max's eyes, forcing him back a few steps. Another beast loomed behind, its deformed goat-like head sprouting twisted horns, drops of blood dripping onto the jagged rocks. It charged, aiming to impale him.
Max caught the creature with his steel gauntlets in an iron grip. He felt the bony horns push against his hold, but he did not attempt to break them—damaging them could make the weapon even deadlier. The demon's strength shoved him across the rocky ground, his metal soles screeching against razor-edged stones.
Roaring in frustration, Max slammed the goat's head into the earth. The skull shattered, purple blood sizzling on the rocks like acid. Through the cracks, a horrifying spongy, corrugated brain oozed out. Max gagged as the stench of decay mingled with demon sweat, invading his nostrils.
A robotic female voice echoed in his mind:
– Legionnaire of Demogorg eliminated. Points earned: 500. Remaining: 2373.
He gasped, surveying the three opponents before him. Exhaustion clawed at his muscles, every fiber screaming for rest. He drew a deep, shuddering breath.
A reptilian creature lunged, gurgling as it swung a rusty weapon toward the exposed side of his neck. A bull-headed demon charged from the front, war hammer raised. The third, sitting calmly nearby, smiled wickedly, sharpening its blade against the helmet of a fallen comrade while studying Max's movements with cold precision.
Max quickly blocked the lizard's strike, feeling its slimy scales cling to his gauntlets. He shuddered and sprang back with a backward flip to narrowly evade the bull-headed demon's swing. Landing gracefully, he cast the Acceleration Spell, surging toward his opponent.
– Acceleration Spell (A+) activated. Speed increased tenfold, agility +50%. Duration: 10 minutes – the System announced.
The Chosen surged forward, striking the hairy thigh with his sword, leaving a long gash. Black ichor poured out, spraying a few drops onto his armor and cheek. Pain shot through him as the demon's blood began to sear his body, but he gritted his teeth, holding back a scream.
The minotaur bellowed in pain. Fury burned in his bead-like eyes, and saliva sprayed from his muzzle, dripping down his black fur. From his bovine nose hung a silver septum ring, swinging with every movement.
The beast roared, eyes burning with fury. Saliva sprayed from its muzzle as it struck its comrade with the hammer. The force drove the body deep into the rocks, shattering the skeleton and crushing the internal organs. Bodily fluids spilled from the numerous wounds, feeding the scorched earth and the subterranean monsters, while the leg twitched, moved by the last desperate impulses of the dying nervous system.
The bull-headed demon ignored what he had just done. Fury clouded his mind. In front of him there was only one task – to crush the tiny, damn worm that dared to wound him.
He swung his weapon chaotically in every direction, smashing rocks and roaring in a vibrating, bestial voice. Max danced around with nimble steps, conserving his strength for later. When an opening appeared, he shot a bolt of electricity at the creature. The attack ran across its body, tensing muscles and raising fur, forcing it to its knees, paralyzed for several seconds.
– Thunder of Retribution Spell (C-) activated. Opponent immobilized for 30 seconds – Max heard in his mind.
The hero struck the humanoid beast. With a sweeping motion, he severed its head from its neck, stepping back to avoid the spraying excrement. The head hit the ground several meters away with a dull thud, rolling under the feet of the third beast. The demon, wielding a massive, four-clawed foot, stomped down on the dead creature's head, fixing his cruel grin on the remaining opponent as the sound of crushing bones echoed. He wanted to intimidate, to display his dominance.
– Legionnaire of Demogorg eliminated. Points earned: 500. Remaining to complete the mission: 2372 – the System interjected.