Behind the massive tree lay a portal. Cyrus assumed it to be a gateway to the next floor of the dungeon. With a resolute step, he passed through, his eyes alighting on a new screen that materialized before him.
Third Floor: Pyroclastic Prison
Good Luck
The transition was abrupt—a stark contrast from the verdant tranquility of the Thicket. Cyrus found himself within what appeared to be a cell, ensconced in walls ablaze with intense flames. The door, too, seethed with heat, presenting his first challenge in this fiery domain.
He could already feel his resistances working hard, especially his Heat Resistance.
The cell's walls groaned with the burden of molten fury, casting flickering shadows that danced ominously. Every inch of progress demanded vigilance, as the intense heat threatened to overwhelm even his fortified defenses. He was already losing health and leveling up his skills.
Heat Resistance (Common)
The Skill to Be Able to RESIST the Effects of Heat
Based on Skill Level and RESILIENCE
Level 13
Youch! That’s hot
After slamming his shoulder against the door, he escaped his spell and began navigating through winding passages, each twist and turn revealed new perils, caverns brimming with rivers of lava, cascading down rocky chasms.
Amidst the fiery labyrinth of passages, Cyrus encountered his first adversary; a towering lava elemental, its molten form pulsating with fiery fury. The creature roared, its heat billowing forth in waves that threatened to sear the very air around them. With a grim resolve, Cyrus raised his shield and readied himself.
The battle erupted in a flurry of steel and flame. Cyrus weaved through the elemental's relentless assaults, striking back when he could. He was lucky for such a strong sword, or he was sure it would melt in a single strike.
Seconds stretched into minutes as the clash intensified, a symphony of crashing waves of molten rock against tempered steel. Cyrus's Resistant Strike ability delivered devastating blows that chipped away at the elemental's formidable defenses. Yet, with each passing moment, the elemental's rage seemed to grow, its attacks escalating in intensity. He staggered slightly, his foot hitting a rock.
When he glanced up, a massive river of lava was heading his way. Unfortunately for him, he couldn’t dodge it in time. He was hoping his Lava Resistance could help him. He still put up his shield, and readied himself, using Resistor’s Barrier.
The flowing magma crashed into his shield, melting straight through it, and hitting him straight in the chest.
You Have Been Hit With A Stream of Lava
-1750 HP
Restrict Regeneration
Extreme Burn
Lava Resistance (Common)
Level 7
Lava is like a box of chocolates
Lava Resistance (Common)
Level 8
Lava is like a box of chocolates
Lava Resistance (Common)
Level 9
Lava is like a box of chocolates
Lava Resistance (Common)
Level 10
Lava is like a box of chocolates
Heat Resistance (Common)
Level 13
Youch! That’s hot
Heat Resistance (Common)
Level 14
Youch! That’s hot
Slightly Imbued Silver/Tungsten Shield
Has Been Destroyed
Rolling out of the way, Cyrus was concerned. His regen had been more than halved now and his regen skill couldn’t be activated. He couldn’t, no, he wouldn’t be hit again. Without a shield, he had to rely on his sword. Cyrus infused his blade with half of his mana and began to swing more aggressively than he had before, imbuing each strike with searing power that resonated deep within the elemental's core. Sparks flew as the battlefield became a crucible of elemental forces. His sword met molten rock. His sword kept winning. His health trickled down, the burn was immense, yet the the levels kept coming, reducing the damage, and he kept swinging.
Finally, with a resounding clash, Cyrus delivered a decisive blow—a precision strike that shattered the elemental into a cascade of cooling lava. He stood amidst the smoldering remnants, chest heaving with exertion yet heart soaring with triumph. The battle had tested his skill for sure. He would check his resistance levels later.
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He took a quick break, taking the materials dropped by the elemental. He’d look at his loot at the end.
Next, he continued deeper into the Pyroclastic Prison, his steps guided by the flickering light of distant flames.
In the depths of the Pyroclastic Prison, beyond the charred remains of the elemental's lair, he stumbled upon a cavern. The air crackled with intense heat, yet at its heart lay an armory. Weapons lay strewn across the room.
Approaching cautiously, Cyrus surveyed the armory and its surroundings. An array of intricate weapons and armor catch his eye. Glyphs of ancient script adorned the walls, and Cyrus was getting a strange feeling about the room.
He decided to look around, maybe he would find something that caught his eye.
After searching for a few minutes, a few items especially stood out. A pitch-black helmet with spiralling horns. And by pitch black, it is like a void of nothingness, yet the shape of a helmet is still visible. Also, some red boots with trailing flames seemed interesting. He could always use more movement speed and his boots needed a serious upgrade. Lastly, a bracelet made of some sort of ashes was an interesting choice.
Cyrus decided to first grab the helmet. The abyssal helmet felt cold in his hands, yet it was definitely powerful. The cave rumbled ominously, yet nothing more happened yet.
Shadowflame Visage:
RARE
Fire Resistance Required
Mental Protection Needed
-5 Charisma
+10 Resilience
+15 Strength
Defense Rating - +20
Increases Void Resistance
Increases Mental Protection
Ethereal flames now protect you, don’t let them consume you
It watches
While the description creeped out Cyrus, the helmet was a very nice upgrade. He next grabbed the boots. They strummed with power and felt very soft, his feet could use some comfort.
Phoenix Striders:
RARE
Heat Resistance Needed
+5 Resilience
+35 Dexterity
Defense Rating - +5
Comfortable boots carried by feathers of a young Phoenix Baron
Fire sends you flying
Before he could think further, the cave began to fall apart, clearly, he was only meant to get two items. He easily escaped the falling rocks, now aided by his new boots. He jogged through another tunnel.
The tunnel widened into a vast chamber, its walls glowing with the pulsating hues of molten rock. Cyrus stepped cautiously into the heart of the volcanic labyrinth. The air crackled with heat, and the ground beneath his feet radiated a steady warmth that belied the dangers lurking within.
The chamber echoed with distant rumblings, hinting at the presence of formidable adversaries lying in wait. Cyrus's senses were keenly attuned, his Observation skill checking everything . he was alert for any signs of movement amidst the seething landscape.
As he ventured deeper, a sinister presence coalesced—a pair of fiery guardians, born from the molten depths, emerged to challenge his passage. Blocking his way were massive creatures of solid rock. These Pyroclast Defenders, towering constructs wreathed in flames, roared their defiance, their eyes gleaming with elemental malice. Each step closer intensified the heat, threatening to overwhelm even Cyrus's enhanced Heat Resistance.
With a steady resolve, Cyrus raised his sword.
The battle erupted in a cacophony of clashing elements—steel against molten rock, fire against tempered resolve. The Pyroclast Defenders lunged with fiery fists, their attacks crashing against Cyrus's defenses with relentless force. No without a shield, his sword would have to do. Each blow tested his Protective Swordsmanship, demanding flawless timing and unyielding determination. Even a single misstep would lead to his crushing (literally) defeat.
Drawing upon his stamina, Cyrus danced through the battlefield, evading torrents of molten rock and retaliating with precise strikes from his sword. The blade sang as it cleaved through the blazing air, carving deep furrows in the hardened obsidian that comprised the defenders' forms.
Yet, the Pyroclast Defenders were relentless—a testament to the infernal energies that animated them. With each passing moment, Cyrus felt the weight of their onslaught, his defenses straining against the onslaught of heat and fury. Sweat mingled with the ash that swirled around them, a testament to the intensity of their struggle. When he struck, molten magma filled the gaps. Energy from the volcano coalesced above him. After dodging the next attack, it all rushed into him.
New General Skill Acquired:
Volcanic Rebirth (Uncommon)
Volcanic Magic Increases Health Regeneration
Based on Skill Level and Current Temperature
Level 1
Like a rock, your cracks are filled
Channeling his mana skills, Cyrus infused his attacks with all his energy. The battle became a test of endurance and skill— calculated maneuvers and lightning-fast reactions amidst the chaotic backdrop of lava and ash.
As the battle wore on, a breakthrough came, a flaw in the defenders' defenses, a momentary lapse in their relentless assault. seizing the opportunity, Cyrus unleashed a flurry of strikes, each blow guided by instinct and the ferocity of his combat prowess. With a final, resounding blow, his blade pierced through the heart of one defender, shattering its molten core into a rockslide.
The victory was hard-earned, but the battle was far from over. The remaining Pyroclast Defender, enraged by its companion's fall, intensified its attacks with renewed vigor. Cyrus braced himself. With steely determination, he readied himself for the final clash.
The chamber reverberated with the echoes of battle, he truly felt himself a Guardian, forged through the trials of fire and fury within the prison. With a final strike, his enemies were defeated. With the Pyroclast Defenders lying inert amidst the smoldering ruins, he stood amidst the flickering shadows, his gaze fixed on the path that stretched ahead. He first needed a well-earned break.
Lava Resistance (Common)
Level 18
Lava is like a box of chocolates
Heat Resistance (Common)
Level 23
Youch! That’s hot
Earth Resistance (Common)
Level 15
Now you can walk barefoot!
Pain Resistance (Uncommon - Tier 2)
Level 41
Keeping a clear mind even through pain, is the sign of a warrior
Fire Resistance (Uncommon - Tier 2)
The Skill to Be Able to RESIST the Effects of Fire
Fire Weaker Than You Has a Healing Effect
Based on Skill Level and Resilience
Level 30
The finest steel is forged by the hottest fire
Bronze Skin (Class Skill - Rare - Tier 2)
Level 29
To survive is to fight another day
Having vanquished the Pyroclast Defenders, Cyrus pressed onward through the labyrinthine passages of the Prison. The air still crackled with residual heat, and the walls glowed with an ominous crimson glow, a testament to the volcanic energies that permeated this fiery domain. His steps echoed softly against the hardened obsidian floor, each footfall a reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.