Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 537

Chapter 537 120.3 - Infernal Nexus

The team moved forward with a quiet, deliberate precision. The narrow path twisted and turned, leading us deeper into the heart of the Infernal Nexus. The oppressive heat and the occasional rumble of the unstable terrain were constant reminders of the environment's hostility, but we remained focused.

As we approached the entrance to the wider chamber, the intensity of the heat increased, and the glow of molten rock illuminated the way. The chamber was vast, its walls shimmering with the heat of the magma that flowed beneath the surface. In the center stood the Magma Golems, six towering figures of molten rock and elemental energy, their presence imposing and unyielding.

Kurt signaled the team to halt just before the entrance to the chamber. "Alright, remember the plan," he said, his voice low but firm. "We'll test their resilience first. Gareth, prepare the barriers. Dorian, Elena—get ready to strike once we gauge their strength. Lila, deploy your golem as soon as we engage."

"Understood," Gareth replied, already beginning to weave the protective barriers around us.

Dorian and Elena readied their weapons, their focus entirely on the looming figures ahead. Lila took a deep breath, her hands already glowing with the energy needed to summon her golem.

With a final nod from Kurt, we moved into the chamber.

The Magma Golems didn't move at first, their massive forms appearing almost statuesque. But as we approached, their eyes—glowing like hot coals—lit up, and they began to stir. The ground beneath us trembled slightly as they shifted, the heat radiating from them intensifying.

Gareth's barriers flared to life, creating a protective dome around us as the first of the golems lumbered forward. Its movements were slow but deliberate, each step causing the ground to shudder.

"Lila, now," Kurt commanded.

As Kurt gave the command, Lila's hands moved with practiced precision, summoning her golem. The air around her shimmered as the earth responded to her call, and in moments, a towering figure of solid rock and stone materialized before us.

TAK! TAK! The golem was massive, nearly as large as the Magma Golems themselves, and its presence immediately altered the dynamics of the battlefield.

"Here we go, baby!"

CRACK! The first Magma Golem lumbered forward, its molten body radiating an intense heat that made the air around it shimmer. Its movements were slow but deliberate, each step causing the ground beneath it to tremble.

RUMBLE!

Gareth's barriers held firm, absorbing the heat and force of the golem's advance, but the strain was visible.

"I am here."

Dorian was the first to engage, his dual swords flashing as he darted toward the golem. He aimed for the joints, targeting the weak points in its stone exterior. His movements were fluid and precise, but as his blades struck the golem, it became clear that these creatures were far tougher than the elementals we had faced before.

The golem's stone body absorbed the impact, and while cracks formed at the points of contact, it barely slowed down.

Elena followed closely behind, her hands glowing with elemental energy. She unleashed a blast of ice magic at the golem, targeting the same area that Dorian had struck. The freezing energy clashed with the heat of the golem's body, causing a burst of steam to rise into the air. The ice managed to cool and crack the outer layer of the golem, but it was still far from enough to bring it down.

Lila's golem moved in to intercept the Magma Golem, raising its massive arms to block the next attack. The impact was immense, the two titans clashing with a force that shook the chamber. Lila's golem managed to hold its ground, but the strain was evident in the way it staggered slightly under the weight of the blow.

As the battle raged on, I stayed at the rear, my bow ready to provide support. I watched the team closely, observing their habits and noting how they adapted to the challenges of the fight.

Dorian's speed and precision were impressive, but I noticed that he tended to focus on direct attacks, relying on his agility to avoid damage rather than seeking alternative angles or approaches.

His movements were efficient, but there was room for improvement in terms of strategy—particularly in finding ways to exploit the environment.

Elena's magic was powerful and versatile, but I observed that she had a habit of relying heavily on her elemental spells. While this made her a formidable force, it also meant that she was more vulnerable when her mana reserves were taxed. She was focused, but there was tension in her movements, suggesting that she was aware of her own limits and the pressure to maintain her effectiveness.

Gareth's barriers were well-timed and strong, but I could see the toll it was taking on him. His focus was unwavering, but the intensity of the golems' attacks was beginning to wear him down. He was managing the energy expenditure carefully, but I noted that his barriers might falter if the battle dragged on for too long.

Lila's golem was powerful, but I noticed that she was constantly adjusting its position, trying to balance between defense and offense. Her focus was split between controlling the golem and casting supportive spells, which meant that her attention was divided. It was a testament to her skill that she managed it so well, but I could see that it was a challenging task.

Meanwhile, I continued to provide support from the rear. Each arrow I fired was aimed with precision, targeting the weak points in the golems' joints and cores.

The Starpiercer Arc proved its worth, the arrows striking true and disrupting the golems' movements, allowing the team to exploit openings.