The fire golem’s molten form shudders, its eyes blazing brighter as it summons its ultimate power. The temperature in the chamber skyrockets, and the air ripples with intense heat. With a guttural roar, the golem unleashes its Tier 5 skill: [Inferno Cataclysm].
A massive wave of searing flames erupts from the golem, expanding rapidly in all directions. The very stone beneath their feet begins to crack and sizzle under the onslaught.
Grixx’s eyes widen as he recognizes the imminent danger. Without hesitation, he steps in front of Berko, planting his feet firmly. Drawing upon his inner reserves, Grixx activates his sole Tier 5 skill: [Ironclad Barrier]. An immense, translucent shield materializes before them, anchoring into the ground and curving protectively around their forms.
The inferno crashes against Grixx’s shield, flames licking and swirling around its edges. Behind him, Berko watches in awe and terror, the heat palpable even through the protective shield.
Meanwhile, Alix stands his ground, eyes narrowing as the fiery wave approaches. He raises his sword, channeling his energy into two defensive Tier 4 skills. "[Infernal Barrier]" he commands, and a shimmering barrier of golden flames envelops him, countering the oncoming heat with its own purifying fire.
Simultaneously, Alix stomps the ground, invoking "[Earth’s Embrace]!" The earth responds, forming a protective cocoon of stone around him. The inferno crashes over this dual-layered defense, the outer flames warring against each other while the stone absorbs the residual heat.
After what feels like an eternity, the [Inferno Cataclysm] subsides. The chamber is left scorched and smoldering, the air thick with heat and ash. Grixx’s shield dissipates.
The stone encasing Alix crumbles away, revealing him unscathed. He steps forward, eyes locked onto the now-weakened golem.
"Impressive display," Alix remarks, his tone calm yet firm. "But it’s time to end this."
Channeling his remaining strength, Alix dashes toward the golem, his sword gleaming with accumulated power. With a swift, decisive strike, he cleaves through the golem’s core. The creature shudders, its molten form destabilizing before collapsing into a pool of inert lava.
As the remnants of the fire golem dissipate, the chamber’s oppressive heat begins to wane. Berko stands in stunned silence, his mind racing. The sheer number of Tier 4 skills His Majesty just employed... he muses, Could it be that His Majesty possesses more Tier 4 skills than any of the the three kingdoms?
A chilling thought crosses Berko’s mind. If the extent of His Majesty’s prowess becomes known, the three kingdoms might set aside their differences, forming a temporary alliance to challenge him.
Berko steps forward, his voice filled with awe. "Your Majesty, you’re truly remarkable. Defeating a Tier 5 golem while at Tier 4 strength is nothing short of extraordinary."
Alix chuckles softly, sheathing his sword. "That golem was already losing energy and not at its full strength. Its power had waned over time."
Grixx approaches, his expression a blend of respect and curiosity. "Even so, Your Majesty, your mastery and the seamless execution of multiple Tier 4 skills are unparalleled. Few could replicate such a feat."
As the fire golem collapses into a pool of molten rock, the chamber begins to tremble violently. Dust and debris fall from the ceiling, and the walls crack ominously.
"Your Majesty, the structure is collapsing!" Grixx shouts, urgency in his voice.
Alix’s gaze shifts to the golem’s remains. Amidst the cooling lava, he spots a faint glimmer. Quickly, he retrieves a scorched tome—a skill book—and the golem’s core, still pulsing with residual heat.
"These might be of use," Alix mutters, securing the items.
"Your Majesty, we must leave now!" Berko exclaims, eyes wide with alarm.
Alix nods, his expression calm yet determined. "Agreed. Let’s move."
The trio dashes toward the exit, navigating falling stones and widening fissures. The ground shakes beneath them, each tremor more violent than the last.
As the trio emerges from the collapsing chamber, the ground beneath them quakes violently. They turn to witness the War God’s altar sinking into the earth, swallowed whole until it vanishes without a trace, as if it never existed.
Alix retrieves the scorched tome he had secured earlier. Flipping through its charred pages, he recognizes it as a Tier 5 skill book. A sigh escapes his lips. "It’s a tier 5 skill book," he mutters, his tone tinged with mild disappointment.
Berko notices Alix’s reaction and inquires, "Your Majesty, is something amiss?"
Alix extends the book toward Berko. "Here, take it. It’s a Tier 5 skill book."
Berko’s eyes widen in shock. He instinctively steps back, shaking his head. "Your Majesty, I can’t accept this. It’s too valuable, and I contributed nothing to this battle."
Alix’s gaze is steady, his voice firm yet understanding. "Nonsense. Take it. I suspect this skill aligns with the Tier 4 one you acquired earlier. It will complement your abilities."
Berko hesitates, but seeing the resolve in Alix’s eyes, he reluctantly accepts the tome. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I am deeply grateful."
Alix offers a dismissive wave. "Think nothing of it. It’s merely a Tier 5 skill book."
Berko forces a smile, though internally he grapples with the weight of the gift. In the three kingdoms, such a skill book is a priceless treasure, unobtainable even, how much gold coins you have. Yet, to His Majesty, it appears as a trivial item.
Reflecting on his own stagnation in recent times, Berko feels a surge of hope. With this skill book, he envisions breaking through his current limits, advancing his prowess to new heights.
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In this world, natives like Berko must diligently study skill books to ascend in power. Mere physical training isn’t sufficient; a profound comprehension of the skill’s elemental nature is essential.
For instance, a mage specializing in fire magic must deeply understand the fire element to truly master their craft. Each skill book embodies a specific element, guiding the practitioner’s focus. Consequently, most individuals dedicate themselves to a singular specialty.
Alix, however, is an anomaly. As a player, he possesses the unique ability to wield any skill or spell, unrestricted by elemental constraints. This versatility is largely attributed to his unconventional build.