Chapter 9: The Dragon Ruins and the Awakened Clones

As Aric Valen stood at the edge of the clearing, the ruins before him seemed to whisper of ancient power—long forgotten, but still lingering in the air. The air was thick with the scent of decay and dust, yet there was a strange, palpable energy that pulsed beneath the earth. His clones stood ready, each anticipating the next challenge, their expressions set in determination.

Aric's gaze swept over the ruins, his mind calculating and strategizing. Infinite Creation was still at the peak of his abilities, and he had summoned every single clone at his disposal. His tactical mind, honed through countless battles and experiences, was now a force to be reckoned with.

With his Strategist clone analyzing the surroundings and the rest of the group on high alert, Aric couldn't help but feel the intensity of the moment. This was a place of power. The Dragon Ruins had a long, mysterious history, and though the dragon that once inhabited these lands was no more, the remnants of its might still lingered.

The ruins were not merely ruins—they were a testament to the terrifying power once wielded by a creature that could level cities with a single breath. The dragon had long since passed, but the sub-species created by its energy still roamed this forsaken place, twisted echoes of a creature that had once been a god among monsters.

The Dragonspawn, as they were known, were not true dragons. Their forms were sleek and serpentine, with jagged spines running down their backs and wings reminiscent of their draconic ancestors. These creatures were much weaker than their forebear, but they retained a fraction of the dragon's incredible strength. Their scales shimmered with an ethereal glow, almost as if they were born from the very ruins themselves. They were far from invincible, but they were formidable enough to strike fear into those who dared approach.

For Aric, these monsters posed a challenge—one that he was more than prepared for. The others, however, would not fare so well.

Aric Valen's Status at Level 9

Level: 9 (XP: 2000/4000)

HP: 1,200 / 1,200

MP: 800 / 800

SP: 900 / 900

Attributes:

Atk: 250

Def: 170

Agi: 140

Luck: 60

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. 2): Increases damage against large enemies by 10%. S

trategist's Edge (Lv. 2): Enhances tactical skills and critical thinking during battles. 

Adaptive Tactics (Lv. 2): Increases efficiency against unknown enemies.

Crimson Slash (Lv. 4): Unleashes a powerful slash with a chance to cause bleeding.

Phantom Dash (Lv. 3): Dashes instantly to a target location, evading attacks

. Iron Aegis (Lv. 3): Forms a temporary shield that absorbs damage.

Blade Storm (Lv. 3): Unleashes a flurry of rapid strikes to surrounding enemies.

Frost Ward (Lv. 2): 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)

His clones were ready for the upcoming battle, each equipped with unique skills that complimented their roles perfectly. The Warlord clone, as always, took the lead, his mind working in sync with Aric's as they formulated a battle plan. The Defender clone formed the front line, while the Warrior and Blade Storm clones prepared for a direct assault.

Clone Roster:

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.

"Proceed cautiously," Aric ordered, his voice commanding. "These ruins may hold more than just the Dragonspawn. There's something else here."

The Strategist clone nodded, its glowing eyes scanning the terrain ahead. "I sense a faint magical energy coming from deep within the ruins. It's ancient… and potent."

Aric clenched his fists, the thrill of battle coursing through his veins. He was no stranger to the intense battles the Tower had thrown at him, but something about this place felt different. There was a weight in the air, a history that pressed upon him from all sides. The remnants of the dragon's power still lingered here, and it was only a matter of time before they would awaken.

As they advanced into the heart of the ruins, the ground trembled, and a low, resonating growl echoed through the halls. The Dragonspawn appeared, their eyes glowing with a primal hunger. They had sensed the intrusion and were coming to eliminate the trespassers.

The first group of Dragonspawn emerged from the shadows, their reptilian eyes narrowing as they fixated on the clones. Their bodies were sleek, almost serpentine, with scales that glimmered in the dim light. Their wings fluttered with an eerie, unnatural grace, and they were ready to strike.

Without hesitation, Aric activated Blade Storm, his weapon becoming a blur of lethal slashes. His Warlord clone moved forward, coordinating the clones with expert precision. The Defender clone absorbed the brunt of the Dragonspawn's attack, while the Warrior clone surged forward, smashing through the enemies with his powerful strikes.

Despite their weakened state, the Dragonspawn were relentless. Their strength and speed made them formidable opponents, and Aric was forced to fight with everything he had. He commanded his clones with precision, each one reacting to the flow of battle with remarkable synchronization.

The Mage clone summoned powerful blasts of fire and ice, striking at the Dragonspawn from a distance. The Scout clone flanked the enemies, moving in and out of sight with swift, silent movements. And the Artisan clone worked tirelessly to craft additional weapons and resources, ensuring that Aric and his clones remained well-equipped throughout the battle.

As the battle raged on, Aric's tactical mind worked in overdrive, analyzing every movement, every attack, and every weakness. He had learned from every fight, his combat experience sharpening with each passing moment. His Strategist's Edge and Adaptive Tactics skills had evolved, allowing him to respond to threats more efficiently and accurately.

After a grueling series of exchanges, the last of the Dragonspawn was defeated, its body crumpling to the ground in a heap. Aric took a deep breath, feeling the exhaustion settle into his muscles. This battle had tested him, but he had emerged victorious.

Rewards:

Dragon's Scales (x50) – A rare material used for crafting armor and weapons.

Dragon's Fang (x5) – A powerful crafting material with enhanced magical properties.

Ancient Dragon Rune (x1) – A mysterious rune said to hold the power of a long-dead dragon.

The battle had been fierce, but Aric knew this was only the beginning. The ruins held more secrets, more challenges, and perhaps even greater rewards. With his clones by his side, he was ready to continue exploring and uncover the truth of the Dragon Ruins.

End of Chapter 9