NOVEL WEB Chapter 118: Extreme
[ Name: Ryuzen De Manus ]
[ Bloodlines: Solarfrost Imperial Dragon (S), Abyssal Cursed Serpent (B) ]
[ Age: 6 Years ]
[ Lifespan: 700 Years ]
[ Level: 24 ] ↑1
[ Strength: 445 ] ↑25
[ Agility: 448 ] ↑25
[ Vitality: 470 ] ↑30
[ Mana: 3307 ] ↑200
[ Nether: 180 ] ↑50
[ Skills: Eclipse Cataclysmic Roar (D), Ice Guardian Armour (D), Solar Cryo Lance (D), Mist Phantom Steps (D), Crimson Apex Frenzy (D), Abyssal Grasp (D), Sun Dragon's Gaze (E), Half Dragonification (E) ]
[ Skill Tree: Manus (D) ]
[ Dark Abilities: Abyssal Cursed Serpent Transformation, Cursed Tongue, Petrification Eyes ]
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After emerging from the dungeon, Ryuzen's golden eyes swept over his status screen. His level had risen by one after clearing Hard mode, and though it was a small gain, he knew it was only the beginning of his climb.
The group rested beneath the shade of a towering oak, the cool breeze carrying the earthy scent of moss and soil. Venus leaned back with her gloves resting on her knees, exhaling slowly. Rudos stretched his arms with a grin, while Irina quietly brushed dust from her robes, her eyes still darting toward Ryuzen every so often.
They had already decided. Their next dive would be into Extreme mode.
From the dungeon's entrance, streams of Evolvers and Hunters staggered out, some battered, others triumphant, their packs bulging with monster cores, skill books, and rare materials. The air around the dungeon pulsed faintly, as though it were breathing.
Watching them, Ryuzen narrowed his eyes.
How do these dungeons generate so much energy?
The thought lingered in his mind like a whisper. If he could uncover the truth behind it, perhaps he would never have to worry about energy depletion again. A faint smirk tugged at his lips. The deeper the mystery, the greater the reward.
The decision was made. Extreme Mode.
Standing before the looming gate, the carved stone pulsed faintly with crimson veins. A chilling pressure rolled outward, heavier than before, as if the dungeon itself recognized their intent. Ordinary Hunters who had just exited cast wary glances at Ryuzen's group, some even whispering, their expressions pale. Few dared to attempt Extreme, and fewer still returned.
Ryuzen stepped forward without hesitation. His draconic aura flared for a moment, pressing against the dungeon's energy, before he pushed the gate open.
Flash.
The world shifted again, but this time the air was sharper, heavier, and smelled faintly of iron and acid.
Once again, they emerged into the Chrysalis Forest, and the air instantly grew heavier. Towering trees with obsidian bark stretched overhead, their branches twisted and unnatural, reaching out like skeletal hands. From every branch hung enormous pale-green cocoons that pulsed faintly with life, their surfaces glowing as though something inside was struggling to break free.
The ground was coated with a carpet of moss that shimmered faintly in hues of crimson and violet, soft underfoot but reeking of decay. Thick fog rolled between the trees, distorting sight, while the sound of rustling wings and clicking mandibles echoed from all directions.
Venus clenched her gloved fists, bouncing lightly on her heels. "I can already feel it. They're stronger."
Rudos lifted his staff, eyes glinting with excitement. "Good. Let's see how much punishment they can take."
The first screech tore through the tunnels.
[ Elite Ant - level 26 ]
A Giant Ant emerged, its obsidian carapace thicker than the ones they had fought earlier. Its mandibles dripped with venom, each click of its jaws releasing sparks against the stone floor. This one was faster, its movements sharper, as though it had evolved purely to kill intruders.
Ryuzen's Sun Dragon's Gaze lit up, locking onto it. The Ant froze for a fraction of a second, just enough for Venus to launch forward with a heavy straight punch. Her blow dented its armor, but instead of shattering, the Ant reeled back, enraged.
Dozens of antennae flickered from the shadows.
The swarm came.
The cavern erupted with sound, mandibles clacking like war drums. Ants crawled over the trees and barks, pouring down in a tide of armored bodies. Each one was larger, tougher, and far more coordinated than before, their compound eyes glowing faintly red.
Irina's face paled as she Produced one of her clones. "They're moving like a single mind."
Ryuzen's aura flared. Ice Guardian Armour shimmered over his frame, crystalline frost wrapping around his human body.
"Don't be scared. I am with you."
Irina blushed at warm words, but the swarm rushed forward.
The swarm surged like a black wave. Every step rattled the forest floor as ants poured from the cocoons above, breaking free in a frenzy. Thick fog swirled between the twisted trees, making visibility poor and every movement a potential ambush.
Ryuzen took the lead, sword in hand. "Formation! Venus, flank left and disrupt! Felix, take the rear with ranged support! Irina, create openings for attacks. Rudos, cast buffs and support spells!"
"Yes, Captain!" the others shouted in unison.
The first cluster of ants lunged. Venus spun her fists, gloves glowing faintly with impact energy. She struck the lead ant with a crushing blow, sending it skidding backward, but the swarm pressed forward relentlessly. Each strike was met with counterattacks, and some of the smaller ants lunged for her legs.
Ryuzen activated Mist Phantom Steps. His body blurred, leaving afterimages as he darted between clusters, slicing and piercing through armor with Crimson Apex Frenzy. A wave of frost followed each strike, slowing multiple ants at once. Yet, the swarm adapted, their movements more coordinated than before.
Felix loosed volley after volley of blood arrows from a distance. Each arrow struck with precision, but even as dozens fell, more poured from the foggy shadows. Irina's clones diverted several swarms, drawing their attention away from the group.
The forest itself seemed alive. Cocoons split mid-battle, releasing newly hatched ants, their mandibles sharper, venom thicker. Some ants clung to tree trunks, dropping onto the group from above, forcing Ryuzen to leap and spin midair.
"Stay focused!" Ryuzen bellowed, activating Solar Cryo Lance. A beam of supercooled sunlight pierced through the swarm, scattering ants and freezing some mid-motion. He followed with inferior version of Eclipse Cataclysmic Roar, the shockwave slamming into the nearest trees, cracking trunks and throwing dozens of ants backward.
Although shocked by Ryu's improvement, Venus capitalized on the opening, punching and elbowing through multiple enemies, the force of each strike amplified by her draconic strength. Rudos cast Battle Boost, enhancing the party's speed and strength, allowing Felix to shoot more accurately even amidst the chaos.
Irina formed multiple clones to control choke points, pulling ants away and buying the group precious seconds. Each time a cocoon exploded open, Ryuzen's Abyssal Grasp lashed out like shadowy serpents, dragging ants into immobilizing holds.
Thirty minutes passed in a whirlwind of coordinated strikes, dodges, and controlled chaos. Sweat dripped from everyone's brows, exhaustion evident, but slowly the swarm thinned. The forest floor became littered with shattered cocoons and slain ants, while fog mixed with the acrid scent of venom.
Ryuzen's Ice Guardian Armour shimmered faintly, sustaining his body despite the relentless barrage. Breathing heavily, he glanced at the team. "Good. They were probably Extreme Mode's scout. The Queen is still out there. Rest briefly, then we would hunt her, just like before."
But would everything go as smoothly?