Chapter 8: The Unstoppable Force

The forest stretched on, dark and unyielding, as Aric Valen advanced deeper into the unknown. The battle with the Venom Wolves had been a mere taste of what this floor had in store. He could feel the weight of the Tower pressing down on him, the oppressive atmosphere that seemed to throb with an ancient, unseen presence.

His clones flanked him, each positioned to maximize their utility. The group was more cohesive than ever before, operating like a well-oiled machine. Aric had come to trust them completely—after all, they were a direct reflection of his power and strategic genius.

He couldn't afford to waste time.

"Strategist," Aric ordered, his tone firm. "Scan for any upcoming threats. We need to know what we're dealing with before it gets too close."

The Strategist clone's voice came through the communicator. "Understood, Master. Scanning ahead now."

Aric had long since learned that raw strength was important, but knowledge and preparation were what won battles. He activated his Infinite Creation ability, summoning every possible resource, item, and clone he could at his current level. As he focused, the air seemed to crackle with energy, the land itself responding to his summons.

Clones Available: 9

Aric's maximum number of clones was directly tied to his level, and he was now able to summon up to 9 clones. Each clone represented a unique extension of himself, created to serve a specific role on the battlefield. With his level at 9, the clones were becoming more than mere copies—they were full-fledged warriors, each possessing distinct abilities, personalities, and skills. His Infinite Creation had already allowed him to create powerful warriors, but now, with every additional clone, he was able to forge new capabilities and optimize his strategy.

Roles Assigned:

Defender: Shield bearer, frontline tank. Warrior: Melee expert, damage dealer. Strategist: Master tactician, battle analyst. Scout: Stealth expert, long-range support. Artisan: Crafter, resource manager. Mage: Elemental magic user, spell caster. Rogue: Stealth and trickery, special operations. Explorer: Mapper, terrain expert. Warlord: Leader of armies, enhanced tactics and combat coordination.

Each clone's strength had surpassed the baseline. The Warlord clone, in particular, was an incredible asset. He had the highest tactical intelligence and battle coordination, a strategic mind that even rivaled Aric's. This was a clone that would not only follow orders but anticipate his moves, filling in gaps and setting traps for enemies that might be lurking unseen.

With all 9 clones summoned, Aric was ready. He could feel the energy surging through him as he accessed the potential of his skills.

Aric Valen's Refined Status at Level 9

Level: 9 (XP: 1200/4000) HP: 1,100 / 1,100 MP: 750 / 750 SP: 850 / 850

Attributes:

Atk: 210 Def: 140 Agi: 110 Luck: 45

Titles:

Guardian Slayer (Increases damage against large enemies by 10%) Strategist's Edge (Enhances tactical skills and critical thinking during battles)

Skills:

Infinite Creation: Allows the creation of abilities, items, and clones. Guardian Slayer (Lv. 1): Increases damage against large enemies by 10%. Strategist's Edge (Lv. 1): Enhances tactical skills and critical thinking during battles. Adaptive Tactics (Lv. 1): Increases efficiency against unknown enemies. Crimson Slash (Lv. 3): Unleashes a powerful slash with a chance to cause bleeding. Phantom Dash (Lv. 2): Dashes instantly to a target location, evading attacks. Iron Aegis (Lv. 2): Forms a temporary shield that absorbs damage. Blade Storm (Lv. 2): Unleashes a flurry of rapid strikes to surrounding enemies. Frost Ward (Lv. 1): Creates a barrier of ice that reduces enemy attack speed.

System: Nexus System (Mythical)

Rank: Irregular (Mythical)

Abilities: Capable of absorbing other systems (Unlocked at Level 10)

Maximum Creatable Skills: 9

Maximum Creatable Items: 9

Maximum Summonable Clones: 9

Maximum Summoned Clones: 9 (One clone will be exceptionally powerful every 10 summons)

Aric took a moment to open his inventory, organizing his tools and resources. He had gathered enough materials from the previous battles to craft some potent items that would help him on this floor. His Artisan clone was working diligently, combining Venom Wolf fangs and pelts to craft armor resistant to poison. These would prove invaluable in a world full of deadly creatures and hostile terrain.

His Strategist clone analyzed the surroundings, providing a detailed report on the next steps.

"We're nearing the center of the forest," the Strategist reported. "There's a large clearing ahead. I'm detecting heavy concentrations of magical energy."

"Good," Aric replied. "Everyone, stay alert. We move in formation."

He called on his Warlord clone to enhance his tactics, ensuring that every clone understood their role perfectly. The battlefield was about to get even more dangerous, and Aric wasn't going to let himself be caught off guard.

As the team pressed forward, the forest was opening up into a massive clearing, and from far away he could see a place where an imposing structure rose from the earth. It was an ancient temple, covered in vines and moss, its entrance guarded by eerie statues.

Aric's senses tingled.

"This is no ordinary temple," he muttered, stepping cautiously toward the entrance. "Prepare for anything."

With his clones at the ready and all resources activated, Aric was prepared to face whatever lay inside. His growing strength and tactical mind had been honed to perfection, and he felt ready to take on the next challenge.

End of Chapter 8