CHAPTER 39: DRAGONBLOOD METEORIC CORE (1)

The cave was extremely spacious, to the point that Cassian wondered what kind of beast lived here. Crimson crystals embedded along the walls cast a dim scarlet glow, bathing the cavern in an eerie, otherworldly light far different from any cave he had entered before.

After coming closer to the Legendary-ranked beast that he detected from the outside, Cassian decided to not go sneakily anymore, as he guessed that the beast must have also detected him since he felt that this beast was a strong one.

From the outside, he was pretty sure that the beast was just a weak Legendary-ranked beast, but he noticed that the beast’s aura was getting stronger as he went further.

Soon, he spotted the creature.

A Peak Legendary Rank Fire Python coiled near the back of the cave, its massive body gleaming with dark red scales. Its circumference alone approached two meters, and Cassian estimated its full length to be around forty-five meters.

Beside the massive python lay a much smaller one—a blue-scaled python barely half the size. Judging from the power that emanated from its body, Cassian thought that it hadn’t been long for the blue python to step into the Python-ranked beast.

However, these beasts were not of importance as his gaze landed on a red fist-sized mineral laid at the top of a huge rock. It hummed like a heartbeat as it radiated some kind of power unfamiliar to Cassian.

’What’s that? Interesting...’ Cassian thought to himself and decided that today, its surname would change into Steelhearts.

He immediately sent a message to James, informing him that an unknown treasure was being guarded by a Legendary-ranked beast. He also added that he intended to kill it.

James and Nyxrael rushed inside moments later, understanding that staying outside during such a battle would be far more dangerous. A clash at this level would surely attract other powerful beasts.

The Fire Python hissed sharply the moment it noticed the greed burning in Cassian’s eyes as he eyed its treasure. Flames rippled along its scales like molten waves.

Cassian simply smiled at its hostility. He slowly drew his sword, the blade gleaming under the red crystal light.

"Hand over that red mineral," he said calmly, "and I’ll leave immediately. Otherwise..."

He took a step forward, unleashing his full power. The cave quaked, trembling under the sheer pressure radiating from him. Dust drifted from the ceiling, and small stones cracked loose, yet the cavern held firm despite the terrifying force.

Sigh!

’Thank god...’ He sighed in relief, realizing that the cave should be extremely sturdy and wouldn’t collapse from their fight.

Cassian’s aura surged outward like a rising sun. The Fire Python coiled defensively, flames moved across its scales as it let out a deep, shaking hiss that echoed through the cavern.

Cassian then made the first move. With a powerful stomp, Cassian activated the 5th Move—The King’s Advance.

A thunderous boom erupted beneath his feet as he launched forward. The motion became a blur as every step produced a force that pushed the gigantic python backward.

Cassian swung his sword continuously, each strike was precise and merciless. The python’s fiery aura surged in response as it unleashed its skill (Inferno Maw).

Its jaw opened, spewing a torrent of molten flames that twisted like a burning whirlpool.

Cassian didn’t even flinch as he rotated his body gracefully, his footwork shifting mid-step.

The sword forms changed into the 6th move—Unbroken Circle.

His movement turned seamless as his blade became a continuous silver ring encircling his body. Flames struck him yet failed to reach him, as every attack was redirected or cut apart.

Steel and fire collided, each impact sending ripples of heat smashing into the cavern walls.

The python tried to retaliate with another skill (Magma Veins). Its body glowed a fiery red as molten cracks raced along its scales, boosting its strength and heat. The temperature spiked instantly, causing nearby stones to melt and drip like wax.

Cassian stepped in boldly, slash after slash rained down on the massive beast, forcing it to uncoil as it struggled to withstand the flawless pressure of the Unbroken Circle.

The python whipped its tail around, igniting the air behind it.

BOOM!!

A shockwave blasted apart several stalagmites, yet Cassian slid beneath the sweeping tail, leaving a trail of shimmering light behind him as he used his Flash Step skill.

He reappeared above the python’s head, swinging his sword downward with unstoppable force.

The Fire Python let out a pained roar as fresh gashes opened across its hardened scales.

Cassian landed lightly, not giving it a moment to recover, and continued his attack.

"Nyxrael!" Cassian called sharply without looking back, his strikes forming a deadly storm around him. "Kill the Water Python quickly!"

Nyxrael’s expression sharpened. "Yes, My Lord!"

He directly charged toward the smaller azure python.

The Water Python sensed danger and instantly activated its skill (Aqua Coil). Streams of compressed water spiraled around its body, forming a shield that hissed with dangerous pressure.

Nyxrael charged forward, using the same move Cassian used, the 5th Move—The King’s Advance.

Every thrust of his sword pushed the Water Python back, his strikes carrying a raw authority that made the water shield tremble.

The python retaliated quickly as it used its skill (Geyser Burst). Columns of spiraling water shot up from beneath Nyxrael’s feet like erupting lances.

Nyxrael clicked his tongue, stepping sideways just in time, and vanished into thin air. A trail of faint dark marked his path as he appeared behind the python and swung his sword downward.

Swish!

A deep wound tore across the water python’s back. It shrieked, water pressure exploding outward in a desperate counterattack.

But Nyxrael was already there and pressed forward, his sword swinging in ruthless succession.

The King’s Advance was made for overwhelming momentum, and Nyxrael embodied it perfectly now.

With a final step, he drove his sword straight through the python’s head.

The python convulsed once before stopping moving at once.

A violent roar shook the entire cavern.

The Fire Python’s eyes turned bloodshot as it witnessed the death of the Water Python. Flames erupted from its body in an uncontrolled frenzy.

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