Chapter 32: Infernal Gate

Emerging from the swirling vortex of the Infernal Gate, Jace found himself standing on a narrow ledge overlooking a vast expanse of fire and darkness. The air was thick with the acrid stench of sulfur, and the sound of distant roars echoed ominously across the desolate landscape.

Below him, rivers of molten lava snaked through jagged chasms, their glow casting flickering shadows on the cavern walls. This new area was more volatile than anything he had encountered so far—a place where the very ground seemed alive with rage and hunger.

The System's voice cut through the oppressive atmosphere.

"New Zone: Infernal Depths. Difficulty Level: Catastrophic. Primary Threats: Infernal Predators, Elemental Aberrations. Key Objectives: Hunt and Harvest Rare Elemental Cores. Secondary Objective: Locate and Secure the Emberheart Relic."

Jace cracked his knuckles, feeling a surge of anticipation. "Hunting, huh? Now we're talking."

He surveyed the terrain below, his sharp eyes catching movement among the glowing rivers. A pack of creatures prowled the edges of the molten streams. They resembled massive hounds, their bodies composed of molten rock and blazing flames. Lava Hounds, the System identified them, their stats flashing briefly in his vision.

"Lava Hounds: Tier 4 Predators. Primary Ability: Lava Surge. Weakness: Core Cooling."

Jace descended from the ledge, his boots crunching on the brittle, charred rock. The hounds turned their glowing eyes toward him, their molten bodies crackling with heat as they moved with predatory grace.

The first hound lunged, a trail of molten rock left in its wake. Jace reacted instantly, summoning a barrier of frost that met the creature mid-leap. The icy shield absorbed the impact, steam hissing as it clashed against the hound's fiery body.

Jace countered with a blast of frost energy, targeting the hound's molten core. The freezing attack struck true, causing the creature to howl in pain as its fiery body began to harden. Seizing the opportunity, Jace leapt forward, his claws slicing through the now-brittle rock of the hound's torso. It collapsed into a pile of cooling rubble, its molten essence extinguished.

The remaining hounds circled him, their bodies glowing brighter as they prepared to attack in unison. Jace smirked, summoning a wave of frost energy that rippled across the ground. The icy wave collided with the hounds, slowing their movements as frost crept up their limbs.

Two hounds broke free from the ice, their molten bodies surging with renewed heat. One charged straight at Jace, its jaws snapping with fiery intensity. Jace sidestepped the attack, using his momentum to deliver a devastating kick to the hound's side. The creature skidded across the ground, its molten body cracking under the force.

The second hound attempted to flank him, but Jace was ready. He spun, unleashing a concentrated frost beam that pierced through the hound's core. The creature let out a final, echoing howl before collapsing into a smoldering heap.

With only one hound remaining, Jace decided to test his newly acquired ability. Summoning the Magma Nexus essence he had absorbed from the Core Guardian, he formed a molten warhammer in his hands. The weapon radiated intense heat, its surface glowing with fiery energy.

The final hound charged, its molten body glowing with a desperate intensity. Jace met its charge head-on, swinging the warhammer with all his might. The impact was catastrophic, the fiery weapon shattering the hound's core and sending molten fragments scattering across the battlefield.

The System chimed as the last of the hounds fell.

"Lava Hound Pack Neutralized. Core Fragments Acquired: Tier 4 Infernal Essence."

Jace inspected the fragments left behind by the creatures. The glowing shards pulsed with fiery energy, their heat radiating through his gloves.

"Core Fragments Identified. Use: Crafting or Energy Augmentation. System Recommendation: Enhance Current Frost Core with Elemental Balance."

"Elemental balance, huh?" Jace muttered, pocketing the shards for later use. He scanned the area, his eyes narrowing as he spotted something in the distance—a faint glow emanating from a cavern across the lava rivers.

The System chimed again.

"Detected Anomaly: Emberheart Relic Site. Path Obstructed by Volcanic Aberration."

Jace sighed, stretching his arms. "Figures it wouldn't be that easy."

He began to make his way toward the glowing cavern, navigating the treacherous terrain with practiced ease. The ground beneath him rumbled occasionally, molten cracks spreading like veins across the surface. As he approached the cavern, the rumbling grew stronger, and a massive figure emerged from the molten rivers.

The Volcanic Aberration was a terrifying sight—a towering creature of magma and rock, its molten veins glowing with fiery energy. Its jagged body radiated heat, and its eyes burned with a primal fury.

"Volcanic Aberration: Elite-Class Entity. Threat Level: Extreme. Primary Abilities: Magma Surge, Volcanic Eruption. Weakness: Frost Concentration on Core Structure."

Jace grinned, gripping the magma warhammer tightly. "Finally, a real challenge."

The Aberration roared, spewing molten lava in every direction as it stomped toward him. Jace charged to meet it, his frost energy surging as he prepared for the battle ahead.

The heat from the Volcanic Aberration was suffocating, waves of intense pressure rolling off its molten form. Each of its movements sent tremors through the ground, the cracks beneath Jace's feet glowing with fiery veins. The creature raised a massive arm, lava dripping from its jagged claws, and brought it down in a devastating arc.

Jace darted to the side, his reflexes razor-sharp. The impact of the creature's strike sent molten debris flying, the heat singing his skin despite the frost energy encircling him. He countered with a sweeping slash of his magma warhammer, its fiery surface clashing against the Aberration's molten body. Sparks and embers exploded at the point of contact, but the creature remained unfazed.

"Volcanic Aberration's Armor Integrity: High. Strategic Weakness Located: Upper Core Node. Recommendation: Target Frost Energy Precisely."

"Got it," Jace muttered, focusing his frost energy into a pinpointed strike.

The Aberration roared, magma coursing more violently through its veins as it prepared to unleash its first major attack. Its molten core glowed brighter, the heat around it distorting the air. Suddenly, the creature spewed a massive wave of lava from its gaping maw, the liquid fire rushing toward Jace in a deadly cascade.

Jace slammed the warhammer into the ground, releasing a shockwave of frost energy. The ice collided with the lava, creating a massive cloud of steam that engulfed the battlefield. Through the haze, Jace dashed forward, using the distraction to close the gap.

The Aberration sensed him coming, swinging one massive arm to intercept. Jace slid under the swipe, the ground beneath him hot enough to sear his boots. Rising to his feet, he leapt onto the creature's arm, using the jagged ridges of its molten armor as footholds. The Aberration roared in frustration, shaking violently to throw him off, but Jace held firm.

Reaching its upper back, Jace summoned a concentrated blast of frost energy and slammed it directly into the creature's core node. The impact caused the Aberration to convulse, its molten veins dimming momentarily before reigniting with even greater intensity.

"Not enough," Jace muttered, jumping clear of the creature as it swung wildly, its movements becoming more erratic.

The Aberration's core glowed brighter, signaling an impending eruption. The System issued a warning.

"Critical Warning: Volcanic Core Overload Imminent. Recommended Action: Neutralize Before Eruption."

Jace didn't need the reminder. He gritted his teeth, calling upon every ounce of frost energy he had left. His body radiated an icy aura as he combined it with the magma warhammer's molten energy, creating a weapon infused with opposing elements. The warhammer now crackled with volatile power, frost and fire swirling together in a dangerous equilibrium.

The Aberration reared back, its massive frame towering over Jace as it prepared to unleash its final attack. Lava bubbled around its feet, the ground trembling violently under the sheer force of its energy.

"Time to finish this," Jace growled, charging forward.

The Aberration brought both of its massive arms down in an earth-shattering strike, but Jace leapt over the attack, using the shockwave to propel himself higher. As he soared through the air, he raised the empowered warhammer above his head, the combined frost and magma energy coalescing into a blinding burst of light.

With a primal roar, Jace brought the hammer down directly onto the Aberration's core. The impact was cataclysmic, a wave of frost and fire energy erupting outward and engulfing the battlefield. The Aberration let out a final, deafening roar as its molten body began to crack and shatter, the fiery glow in its core extinguishing.

When the dust settled, Jace stood amidst the remains of the Volcanic Aberration. The creature's once-molten body was now a field of hardened rock, its core reduced to a glowing shard embedded in the ground.

"Volcanic Aberration Neutralized. Elite Core Acquired: Volcanic Nexus Shard. Additional Rewards Unlocked: Emberheart Relic Key Fragment."

Jace bent down, retrieving the glowing shard and the key fragment from the remains. The shard pulsed with a searing heat, but it felt manageable in his frost-infused hands.

"Not bad," he said, pocketing the items as he turned toward the glowing cavern ahead. The path to the Emberheart Relic was now clear, but the System chimed with a new update.

"Secondary Threat Detected: Infernal Swarm Incoming. Prepare for Defensive Action."

Jace frowned, glancing over his shoulder as a distant rumbling reached his ears. The faint glow of the molten rivers grew brighter as dozens of smaller figures emerged from the shadows. An entire swarm of Infernal Predators was heading straight for him.

"Guess I don't get a break," Jace muttered, gripping the magma warhammer tightly.

The first wave of creatures—a mix of Lava Hounds and smaller Aberrations—charged at him, their molten bodies glowing with fiery intensity. Jace summoned a frost barrier to block their advance, the icy wall holding firm against their combined assault.

But the swarm was relentless. As the first wave crashed against his defenses, more predators emerged from the shadows, their roars echoing through the cavern. Jace could feel the heat rising, his frost energy straining to keep the barrier intact.

"I'll need something bigger," he muttered, releasing the barrier and stepping into the open.

Summoning his frost energy, Jace formed a massive ice blade in his left hand, balancing the magma warhammer in his right. With a weapon in each hand, he charged into the swarm, his movements a blur of frost and fire.

The battlefield erupted into chaos as Jace tore through the Infernal Predators, each swing of his weapons leaving a trail of destruction. Frost energy froze the molten cores of his enemies, while the warhammer's fiery strikes shattered their brittle remains.

Despite the overwhelming numbers, Jace fought with relentless determination. Each predator that fell added to the growing pile of glowing core fragments at his feet, their fiery energy dimming as they were extinguished.

The System chimed repeatedly, updating his progress as he carved through the swarm.

"Infernal Predator Count: 20… 35… 50 Neutralized. Core Fragments Acquired."

When the final predator fell, Jace stood amidst the smoldering remains of the swarm, his breathing heavy but steady. The cavern was silent once more, save for the faint crackling of cooling rock.

The System's voice broke the silence.

"Secondary Objective Complete. Infernal Swarm Neutralized. Path to Emberheart Relic Fully Cleared."

Jace glanced at the glowing cavern ahead, the promise of the Emberheart Relic drawing him forward. He wiped the sweat from his brow, adjusted his weapons, and took a step toward the next challenge.

The cavern opened into a massive chamber, its size almost unfathomable. The heat here was oppressive, with rivers of molten lava snaking along the walls and a giant pool of magma bubbling at the center. Suspended above the pool was the Emberheart Relic, its fiery glow pulsing with a rhythm that seemed almost alive.

Jace felt the raw energy emanating from the relic, a power so intense it made the air around it shimmer. The System chimed immediately.

"Primary Objective Located: Emberheart Relic. Warning: Apex Predator Detected. Level 65 Infernal Behemoth Approaching."

A low, guttural growl echoed through the chamber, reverberating in Jace's chest. From the far side of the magma pool, a massive shape began to emerge. The Infernal Behemoth was a towering monstrosity, its body formed of molten rock and magma, with glowing cracks running along its hulking frame. Its eyes burned like twin suns, and its jagged maw dripped with molten fire.

"Figures it wouldn't be that easy," Jace muttered, gripping his weapons tightly.

The Behemoth roared, the sound like an earthquake given voice, and charged with surprising speed for a creature of its size. Each step sent shockwaves through the ground, molten debris flying in all directions.

Jace didn't hesitate. He surged forward, meeting the beast's charge head-on. His frost blade clashed against the Behemoth's molten claws, the opposing forces creating an explosive burst of steam and sparks. The sheer force of the impact sent Jace skidding backward, his boots digging into the heated ground to halt his momentum.

The Behemoth didn't relent, swiping at him with its massive claws. Jace ducked under the attack, countering with a slash of his frost blade aimed at the creature's leg. The blade struck true, freezing a portion of its molten armor and causing the Behemoth to stumble slightly.

Seizing the opening, Jace followed up with a powerful swing of the magma warhammer, striking the frozen section with a thunderous impact. The frost-infused blow shattered the Behemoth's armor, exposing the molten core beneath.

The creature roared in pain, lashing out with a fiery tail that caught Jace off guard. The tail slammed into him, sending him crashing into the ground. The heat from the attack seared his armor, but he rolled to his feet, ignoring the pain.

"Infernal Behemoth Armor Integrity: Moderate. Core Vulnerability Increased by 15%. Strategic Recommendations: Continue Targeting Exposed Core."

Jace smirked despite himself. "You don't have to tell me twice."

The Behemoth reared back, its molten core glowing brighter as it prepared a devastating attack. Jace could feel the heat intensify as the creature unleashed a massive wave of molten fire, the lava cascading toward him like a tidal wave.

Jace raised his frost blade and plunged it into the ground, releasing a surge of ice energy that formed a massive wall of frost in front of him. The lava collided with the barrier, the intense heat causing it to crack and splinter, but it held long enough for Jace to escape the attack's radius.

Emerging from the other side of the barrier, Jace sprinted toward the Behemoth, dodging chunks of molten rock that it hurled at him. He leapt onto its back, using the jagged ridges of its molten armor as handholds to climb toward its core.

The Behemoth thrashed violently, trying to shake him off, but Jace held firm. Reaching the exposed section of its core, he channeled all of his frost energy into his blade and drove it deep into the glowing magma. The core hissed and cracked as the frost energy began to spread, its glow dimming slightly.

Enraged, the Behemoth let out a deafening roar and threw itself backward, slamming Jace into the ground. The impact knocked the wind out of him, and he barely managed to roll away as the creature's massive claws came crashing down where he had been.

"I've got to end this now," Jace muttered, struggling to his feet.

Summoning the last reserves of his frost energy, Jace combined it with the magma warhammer once more, creating a weapon infused with both fire and ice. The volatile energy crackled dangerously, the weapon barely holding itself together.

The Behemoth charged again, its molten body glowing brighter as it prepared one final, catastrophic attack. Jace met its charge head-on, leaping into the air as the creature lunged at him. With a roar of his own, Jace brought the warhammer down onto the Behemoth's exposed core with all his strength.

The impact was cataclysmic. Frost and fire energy exploded outward, engulfing the Behemoth in a violent burst of opposing forces. The creature let out a final, earth-shaking roar before collapsing into a heap of molten rock and shattered core fragments.

When the dust settled, Jace stood amidst the remains of the Infernal Behemoth, his breathing heavy but victorious. The magma pool at the center of the chamber began to cool, its fiery glow dimming as the energy of the Emberheart Relic stabilized.

The System chimed, its voice calm and triumphant.

"Infernal Behemoth Neutralized. Primary Objective Achieved: Emberheart Relic Secured. Additional Rewards Unlocked: Infernal Core Shard, Frostfire Catalyst, and Apex Predator Skill Module."

Jace approached the now-stable relic, its fiery glow softening as he reached out and claimed it. The moment his hand touched the relic, a surge of power coursed through him, the System immediately integrating the new energy.

"Emberheart Relic Absorbed. Core Attributes Enhanced: Fire Resistance +50%, Energy Efficiency +30%. New Ability Unlocked: Pyroclasm Surge."

Jace allowed himself a small smile. The battle had been brutal, but the rewards were worth it. Adjusting his weapons, he turned toward the chamber's exit.