Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 535

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.

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."

Elena nodded, her tablet now displaying maps and charts. "I agree. The mana readings suggest a strong elemental presence, likely something related to fire or earth. We should be prepared for environmental hazards as well."

Dorian grinned, his fingers tapping a rhythm on the hilt of his swords. "As long as there's something to cut down, I'm ready for it. Elemental monsters tend to have weak spots—just need to find them and strike."

Lila, who had been quietly observing, added her thoughts. "If it's elemental, my golem will be particularly useful. It can absorb a certain amount of elemental energy and convert it into defensive strength. We'll need to be strategic about how we use it."

I listened, processing their insights. The discussion was practical and focused on preparing for whatever we might face.

'It seems this is somehow a way for them to keep themselves creative. A routine of sorts.' Liana, seated at the front of the vehicle, turned slightly to address us. "You're all on the right track. The dungeon is indeed related to elemental forces, specifically a fire-type dungeon. The gate has been fluctuating between Rank 6 and Rank 5, so we're expecting a tough fight but nothing beyond your capabilities."

She tapped a button on her tablet, and a holographic display appeared in the center of the cabin, showing a detailed map of the dungeon's layout. "This is the intel we have so far. The dungeon is known as the Infernal Nexus, and it's a complex network of lava flows, molten rock, and fire elementals. The core of the dungeon is a powerful fire spirit that we'll need to neutralize to stabilize the gate."

The holographic map highlighted several key areas within the dungeon, showing possible routes and choke points. "Your objective is to clear the dungeon of threats and ensure the fire spirit is contained but not killed."

"Again?" Dorian muttered under his breath, his tone tinged with frustration.

I could understand the sentiment. For guilds that were business-oriented, dungeons weren't just obstacles to be cleared; they were valuable resources.