The Molten Colossus, Garl, gave one final, unwilling convulsion before falling still.
His massive form solidified, then shattered into countless dark-red fragments of data, scattering like a fleeting meteor shower before vanishing into the scorching air.
Immediately after, several radiant golden beams of light descended from the heavens, enveloping the four players, while a heavy system prompt resounded in their minds:
[System Notice: Your party has successfully slain the Elite Boss [Molten Colossus · Garl Lv 35]. You have gained 5800 EXP and +350 Reputation. (Party Shared)]
[System Notice: Congratulations! You have earned the achievement [Conqueror of the Molten Heart]! (Stamina +10, Fire Resistance +15)]
[System Notice: First-clear record of the party dungeon [Path of Molten Fire] has been updated. Record holders: Kiriya, Lina, Mira, Violet. First-clear rewards will be delivered to the mailbox after settlement.]
With the massive influx of experience, twin beams of golden light flared around each of them in rapid succession.
Kiriya has leveled up to Lv.26!
Lina has leveled up to Lv.27!
Mira has leveled up to Lv.28!
Violet has leveled up to Lv.21!
The simultaneous glow of level-ups lit their figures—proof of the immense experience from defeating an elite boss far above their level, raising them each by one level.
At the platform's center, several radiant pieces of equipment and piles of gold and materials floated quietly, awaiting the victors' claim.
Yet in this moment, no one cared for the tempting spoils.
The taut strings of their nerves suddenly loosened. The strength that had carried Kiriya through his astonishing reversal finally collapsed.
Waves of searing pain, dizziness from critical MP exhaustion, and the weakness of a near-death body surged over him like a flood. His vision went black, and his body crumpled helplessly backward.
"Kiriya!"
Lina, who had been keeping a constant eye on him, let out a cry. Almost by instinct, she threw aside her shield, leaping forward in a single stride. Just before his back struck the burning-hot ground, she caught him firmly.
What met her hands was his scorched, battered chest plate, still radiating intense heat, and beneath it, skin feverish to the touch, with a pulse so faint it was barely there.
The game system's realistic pain simulation allowed Lina to feel every tremor in his body. She looked down—Kiriya's face was pale as paper, fine beads of cold sweat dotted his forehead, his eyes shut tight, his breathing faint and ragged.
His HP had been reduced to a precarious [1%], like a candle in the wind, ready to be snuffed out at any moment.
The thought of his reckless maneuver earlier—taking the great fireball head-on, dancing on the knife's edge of death—clenched Lina's heart like an icy hand. Fear and an indescribable surge of emotion overwhelmed her.
"Do you have a death wish?!" Her voice trembled, betraying the fear and anxiety she herself had not realized.
She carefully rested him against her arm, while her other hand hurriedly pulled the highest-grade health potion from her pack, gently pressing it to his lips.
Mira and Violet rushed over as well. Mira gazed at Kiriya's battered state, recalling the phantom-like elegance with which he had cut through their foes and felled Rok.
Her eyes grew complicated, a mix of admiration and deep unease. Silently, she produced a high-grade spring water from her pack—restoring both HP and MP slowly—and handed it over.
Violet's eyes were rimmed red. She said nothing, only lifted her staff and began chanting [Light of Healing].
Warm white light enveloped Kiriya, unable to immediately fill his HP bar, but stabilizing that perilous sliver of health and slowly restoring it.
Her passive [Prayer] faintly triggered with the spell, restoring a trace of her own MP as well.
Under the combined effect of potion and healing, Kiriya's eyelashes fluttered before he slowly opened his eyes.
The first thing he saw was three beautiful faces etched with worry. He tried to smile, but the motion tugged at his wounds, escaping as a faint hiss of pain instead.
"…As long as we won." His voice was hoarse and weak, yet filled with a calm relief.
Yes—they had won. Not only had they brought down a Boss far beyond their level, but they had turned the tables on a vile ambush, securing both victory and dignity.
Lina looked at his frail state, her words of rebuke dying on her lips. Instead, she pressed her lips together tightly and held him steadier. Mira exhaled softly. Violet let out a tearful smile.
The molten platform still radiated blistering heat. The stench of sulfur and scorched earth lingered, battle scars etched across every surface.
And yet, amidst the survivors, something unspoken had formed—trust and bonds born of shared trial.
The warmth of it swept away the lingering dread, soothing the heartbeats that had pounded through the brush with death.
They supported one another, sharing in the quiet joy and serenity of survival.
Meanwhile, at the platform's center, where Garl had dissolved, the drops finally solidified: a cluster of gold coins, materials, and equipment radiating light, floating patiently for their claimants.
Most eye-catching of all was a sword—its form pitch-black, devouring the surrounding light, its blade etched with dark-red patterns like molten veins flowing faintly within, exuding a pulse of dreadful power.
Lina gently set Kiriya against a slightly cooler rock to rest. Then she walked forward, publicizing the loot to the party channel:
[Party Loot: Silver x85]
[Party Loot: Material: [Molten Heart] x1, [Sturdy Obsidian Core] x3, [Condensed Magma] x5]
[Party Loot: Equipment: [Molten Greaves] (Uncommon – Heavy Armor)]
[Party Loot: Equipment: [Garl's Sigil of Endless Fury] (Rare – Accessory)]
[Party Loot: Equipment: [Obsidian Dagger] (Uncommon – Dagger)]
And lastly, the uniquely radiant weapon:
[Obsidian Sword]
Rarity: Rare
Type: One-Handed Sword
Physical Attack: 78 – 85
Attributes: Strength +12, Agility +8Special
Effect: Molten Rend: Attacks have a chance to ignore 15% of the target's Physical Armor.
Equip Requirement: Level 25
For any physical DPS class, the weapon was exceptional—especially its [Molten Rend] effect, devastating against high-armor foes.
Lina lifted the weighty black blade, then walked to Kiriya and held it out. "Looks like this one's yours. Just in time to replace that bronze sword of yours on its last legs."
Kiriya raised his head. His gaze lingered on the restrained power within the Obsidian Sword, then fell on his battered [Reinforced Bronze Sword], its durability completely gone. He did not refuse.
Reaching out, he gripped the hilt. A wave of warmth and strength instantly coursed up his arm, as though resonating with the battle he had just survived.
...
Yet, unbeknownst to them, their fragile tranquility was not unobserved.
At the edge of the platform, in the unstable shadows of the passageway they had entered from—distorted further by Garl's death—a faint ripple of magic flickered… and then vanished.
Nothing remained.
But far away, in a lavish chamber within the main city, a figure in a dark green robe slowly set down a [Scrying Crystal]. The image of the molten platform faded from its surface.
The room was dim, lit faintly enough only to show the cold curve tugging at the woman's lips. Her fingertips tapped the table in a steady, rhythmic beat.
"A spectacular performance, wouldn't you agree?" she murmured, perhaps to herself, perhaps to someone hidden in the room's shadows. "Especially that Phantom Swordsman, Kiriya… tsk, tsk. His timing, his skill usage, and that ruthless resolve… A hidden class truly is intriguing."
Another voice broke in, laced with scorn and mockery.
"The Flame Wing lot… Rok, that idiot—strutting about with some money and a few men, thinking they ruled the field. Couldn't even pull off something as simple as snatching loot. Instead, they handed their lives over to be the stepping stone for another's glory. Dying without the slightest value."
In the shadows, a vague figure inclined slightly, silent. Rising, he walked to the window, gazing down at the bustling streets and streams of players. Calculation glimmered in his eyes.
"Still, perhaps it saves us effort. At least now we've glimpsed the measure of that little party—especially where Kiriya's limits lie." He turned back, shadows casting half his face into sinister relief.
"Record their data. Pay special attention to Kiriya's skill effects, his cooldowns, and his combat style. As for that Frost Knight's defenses, and the cleric's healing output… With a 'wild party' this promising, if they can be recruited into the guild…"
He gave a soft laugh—but his tone turned suddenly cold.
"If not… then we'd best uncover every card they hold, before they grow into a threat."
Silence reclaimed the room. Only the lingering glow of the scrying crystal lit the depths of his eyes—cold, fathomless, and merciless.