Frostfire Legacy

Aster's roar was powerful, and his display intimidating. However, Lorelai merely closed her eyes and sighed. "I see... too bad, then."

Her words acted like a signal, marking the start of the battle.

Of the sixteen members of Dragon's Roar, five were mages. Each used different elements, launching a complex mix of projectiles toward Aster. Some came directly from the front, while others swerved, following intricate paths before reaching him. Aster watched all of it, gritting his teeth.

"NAIVE!" he roared, swinging his blade. "ELEMENTAL SWORD—SPACE!"

Without holding back, he unleashed his most powerful attack. He slashed horizontally, aiming for the enemies before him. Though they were just brainwashed fools, Aster didn't hesitate to kill them. It was either his life or theirs. Showing mercy would only give the enemy an opening.

*CRACK!*

But then, his skill was interrupted midway. A crack appeared in the space itself before vanishing, as if nothing had happened.

"...!"

It was that same skill again—the one that had stopped Crysta's freezing wave! Aster felt a surge of worry, but he had no time to dwell on it. He leaped into action, dodging incoming projectiles while batting others away with his sword. It was a deadly dance, one wrong move and he would be finished.

After clearing the attacks, Aster prepared to launch another strike. However, something flickered in the corner of his eye.

*BANG!*

Bullets.

Half-panicked, Aster rolled forward, dodging attacks while closing in on the enemies. But he couldn't outrun bullets, especially ones from his blind spot.

"Ugh!"

Three shots hit him—his right thigh, his left shoulder, and his liver, all from behind. Each one was perfectly timed, as if predicting his every movement.

"AREA HEAL!"

But Aster wasn't alone. Despite her limited vision from the ice goggles, Cassy's senses were sharp. She could feel Aster's presence, his distance, and his need for healing. Even without seeing, she was able to cast a pinpoint heal, restoring Aster's injuries!

"Kaha! Did you think I'd let you heal?!"

Someone suddenly appeared in front of Aster, closing the distance in an instant. It was the red-haired man from the Aracelli Race—the one who had blocked Aster's attacks twice before.

"I'm Lionel! It'll be a short acquaintance, though, so no need to remember my name!"

*BAM!*

It was a fast, powerful kick—simple, yet devastating. Even though Aster managed to block it, the sheer force sent him tumbling across the ground, outside of the Area Heal's range.

'This strength...!'

Aster couldn't be mistaken. His might was already equivalent to someone around level 75, yet he was overpowered! "Over 100!" he guessed the enemy's level instantly.

"Ohh? Close! I'm level 99, you brat!"

Back on the 14th floor, the "illegal" entrance they used had a limit of level 100 or lower. That made Lionel the strongest person in their team. Worse yet, his unique skill was the perfect counter to Aster's, who relied heavily on magic to fight against stronger opponents—a specialist in taking down mages.

Aster was on the defensive. His STR was low, so he couldn't win in a contest of brute force. All he could rely on was his DEX and WIS, but agility only helped him move faster, and wisdom just boosted his magic.

"HAP!"

He coated his sword in flames and swung it at Lionel. But the man caught the blade with his bare hand. The flames vanished on contact, as if being devoured by something.

"Is this the best you can do? Entertain me more, you brat!!!"

*CRACK!*

With him putting a bit more force into his grip, Aster's sword snapped in half!

But despite his weapon breaking, Aster didn't hesitate. He used the moment of surprise and thrust the broken blade toward Lionel's face. The unexpected attack delayed Lionel's reaction for a split second.

*SLASH!*

"..."

A few strands of red hair fell. Lionel barely dodged but didn't come out unscathed. He touched his forehead, feeling a wet sensation. His fingers came away stained with his own blood.

"Bastard..." Lionel growled, his voice cold and emotionless, soul-freezing like something coming from the deepest depths of hell. "I'll kill you."

It wasn't a threat. It was a simple declaration of Aster's fate.

Lionel extended his hand as if to grab Aster, but he jumped back to dodge. It was weird, however, as he felt something tightening around his throat, choking him, as soon as he landed.

Aster's eyes widened as he grabbed at his neck. Nothing was there—no one close enough to touch him, let alone strangle him!

'Another weird skill?!' he thought in panic.

As he was held in place, the others took advantage, launching another volley of spells and bullets. If Aster didn't act, he would meet his end!

'Flame Circle...!'

In a last-ditch effort, he called upon Pyra, creating a firewall around him, which exploded outward, catching everyone within its range.

"I told you, it's useless...!"

But once again, as soon as Lionel "touched" the flames, they disappeared, dissolving into small spheres of pure mana.

"...!"

Aster was freed from the invisible hand choking him. Seizing the chance, he retreated to put distance between them, catching his breath. The enemy had let go of his hold, giving Aster a crucial realization—'He can't use both skills at once!'

With that information, Aster's despair lessened slightly.

"Lionel, stop playing around! I want to get back to the surface already, you know?" Your journey continues on empire

A mysterious feminine voice echoed behind Aster. He whirled around, raising what was left of his sword in defense. It was an instinctive reaction—and the right one.

Behind him stood a girl with fluffy pink hair, her twin tails fluttering as she lunged at him with twin daggers that glinted menacingly.

*CLANG!* *CRACK!*

The force of her stab shattered the remains of Aster's sword! The pink-haired girl clicked her tongue in annoyance.

"Tsk! Don't bother blocking, you're going to die anyway!"

She thrust her dagger again, aiming for his chest. Aster had no sword left to defend himself, and the blade was inches away when—

*CRACKLE!* *BOOM!*

A bolt of white lightning suddenly struck, engulfing the pink-haired girl.