Chapter 535 120.1 - Infernal Nexus

Chapter 535 120.1 - Infernal Nexus

We moved swiftly to the armory, where our gear had been prepped and laid out. The room was spacious, with rows of lockers and racks filled with weapons and armor. Each member of the team went to their designated locker, the mood shifting to one of quiet focus.

I approached my locker, which had been specially prepared for me, and found the Bloodthirsty Serpent Fangs and Starpiercer Arc neatly placed inside.

The daggers gleamed under the artificial lighting, their edges sharp and ready. The bow, with its shimmering wood and taut string, radiated a subtle power that I could feel even before touching it.

As I donned my gear, I felt a sense of familiarity and new energy from the artifacts. The daggers fit perfectly in my hands, their weight balanced just right for quick, fluid movements.

'Not bad.' The bow's string hummed slightly as I tested its tension, promising precision.

The rest of the team was similarly focused, each member adjusting their armor, checking their weapons, and preparing mentally for the mission.

Kurt, in his heavy armor, looked every bit the formidable tank, while Gareth's barrier gear was a blend of light armor with arcane symbols etched into the material.

'An enchanting material. Most likely, adding the attribute that increases the wearer's barrier capabilities.' Dorian's dual swords were strapped securely to his back, and Elena's battle mage attire was both protective and flexible, allowing her to switch between magic and close combat. n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Lila, with her summoning gear, had a simple yet effective setup, with various small pouches likely containing her summoning materials.

Once we were fully geared up, Liana led us to the transportation area, where a sleek, armored vehicle awaited.

'This is.....' The transport was quite something—a cross between a military tank and a high-speed train.

It was built for both protection and rapid deployment, with reinforced sides and a powerful engine that could handle any terrain.

We climbed inside, the interior surprisingly spacious and lined with seats equipped with harnesses. Once we were all strapped in, the vehicle hummed to life, and we began our journey to the gate.

The interior lighting was dim, creating an atmosphere of quiet anticipation. The hum of the engine was steady, and a low vibration resonated through the seats. The vehicle moved smoothly despite the rugged terrain we were likely crossing.

Kurt broke the silence, glancing around at the team. "Any guesses on the dungeon type?"

Gareth, still sipping from his travel mug, shrugged. "Could be anything, but given the recent activity, I'm betting it's something involving elemental monsters. We've had reports of increased mana fluctuations in the area."

She explained, looking at me.

"I have no problem with that," I replied, keeping my tone neutral.

Liana gave a knowing smile, one that hinted at the experience behind her words. "You won't be saying that when you actually do it."

The others in the team nodded in agreement. Kurt leaned back slightly, his expression thoughtful. "It's true. We've all been there. It sounds straightforward, but it takes a toll, especially when you know you could just end it clean."

Elena added, "It's not just about the fight—it's about holding back when every instinct tells you to finish the job. That's where the challenge really lies."

Dorian chuckled, though there was no humor in it. "And that's not even mentioning the environmental hazards. Navigating lava flows and dealing with fire elementals while trying not to kill the spirit? It's like walking a tightrope over a pit of spikes."

As the conversation died down, the transport began to slow, signaling that we were nearing our destination. The tension in the vehicle shifted from discussion to preparation. Everyone was mentally gearing up for what was to come.

The transport came to a halt, and the doors slid open with a hiss, revealing the site where the gate was located. The area was cordoned off, with various pieces of equipment and personnel already in place. The gate itself was a swirling mass of red and orange energy, crackling with the heat and power of the Infernal Nexus beyond it.

The personnel on-site were low-rank Awakened, their gear practical and suited for the task at hand. They were here to mine the valuable materials that could be found within the dungeon, and they would follow us after we secured the initial area.

Kurt took the lead, his voice firm as he addressed the team. "Alright, we've already discussed the formation. Astron, you'll start as our rearguard and ranger. Keep an eye out for any elementals trying to flank us. If the situation calls for it, you'll shift to scouting."

I nodded, falling into place at the back of the formation. The others moved into their positions with practiced ease—Kurt and Gareth at the front, forming the defensive line, with Dorian and Elena ready to strike from the sides. Lila stayed close to the center, her golem already summoned and standing ready.

With the formation set, we moved toward the gate. The air grew hotter with each step, the ground beneath our feet already warm from the ambient heat seeping through the portal. The personnel waited just behind us, prepared to enter once we had secured the immediate area.

As we passed through the gate, the world around us shifted. The cool air of the outside world was replaced by the stifling heat of the Infernal Nexus. The ground was a mix of solid rock and flowing lava, with the occasional spurt of fire bursting from cracks in the earth. The sky above was a swirling mass of dark clouds, lit from below by the fiery landscape.

We moved quickly, taking up positions to ensure the area was clear before the mining teams could move in.

The environment was as hostile as expected, with the heat pressing down on us like a physical weight. But we were prepared, and the barriers Gareth deployed kept the worst of it at bay.

Kurt's voice came through our comms, calm and steady. "Let's keep it tight, everyone. Stay focused, and remember the plan. We cripple the spirit, secure the area, and get out. No heroics—just clean execution."

"Yeah, yeah."

Just like that, the team's first dungeon exploration with me has started.