Chapter 20: The Blazing Depths

Qin Sheng stood at the entrance of the C-Rank Dungeon: Blazing Depths, a cavernous pit exhaling waves of intense heat. His minions, Ravok and Gorath, flanked him, their forms tense and ready. The fiery glow illuminated the jagged rocks as he took a step inside, the air thick with ash and smoke.

"Let's clear this," Qin Sheng muttered, leading the way.

The initial path was littered with Flame Crawlers, spider-like creatures with ember-coated shells. With a nod, he commanded, "Gorath, take the front. Ravok, support from the rear."

Gorath charged forward, his massive club crushing the first Flame Crawler with ease. Ravok weaved through the fray, slashing at vulnerable spots. Qin Sheng moved fluidly, his Eclipse Reaver blades glowing with a dark aura, slicing through enemies.

After clearing the initial swarm, Qin Sheng advanced deeper. The heat intensified, and the walls glowed faintly. In a vast chamber, a towering figure emerged—the dungeon's minion boss.

Minion Boss: Inferno Hound (C-Rank)

The Inferno Hound snarled, lava-like drool dripping from its fangs. Its molten eyes locked onto Qin Sheng.

"This one's strong," Qin Sheng murmured.

The battle commenced. Ravok dashed forward but was swatted away by the hound's fiery tail. Gorath intercepted, slamming his club into the hound's side, but the beast barely flinched. Flames erupted around them.

Qin Sheng leapt into the fray, his blades meeting the hound's heated hide. Using Eclipse Slash, he left deep gashes along its side, dark energy seeping into the wounds. The Inferno Hound retaliated with a burst of flames, forcing Qin Sheng to roll aside.

"Ravok, Gorath, pin its legs!" he commanded.

The minions obeyed, grabbing the hound's limbs and restricting its movement. Seizing the chance, Qin Sheng thrust both blades into the hound's chest, dark energy surging.

The Inferno Hound let out a final, agonized howl before collapsing.

Ding!

System Announcement: Qin Sheng has defeated the Minion Boss - Inferno Hound (C-Rank).

Achievement Unlocked: First Conqueror of Blazing Depths.

EXP Gained: 4,500

Level Up! Qin Sheng has reached Level 16.

A wave of strength surged through him as the level-up notification appeared. He smirked, satisfied.

Approaching the fallen hound, Qin Sheng extended his hand. "Wakey Wakey," he whispered.

Dark energy swirled, and the Inferno Hound's body convulsed before its eyes reignited, now glowing with a dark hue.

Minion Acquired: Inferno Hound (C-Rank)

With three powerful minions under his command, Qin Sheng felt his strength growing exponentially.

At the heart of the chamber, a chest materialized. Inside, he found a Blazing Core Blade—a sword radiating intense heat—and a Molten Scale Armor.

As he stepped out of the dungeon, Qin Sheng glanced at his minions. "This is only the beginning."

The sky overhead darkened slightly, signaling the world's ever-growing chaos. He knew stronger foes awaited, but with his growing army, he was ready.