Champion Of Lust: Gods Conquer's Harem Paradise!

Chapter 258 Abominable (Darkness Infernum)

In the vast Mortal Realm, the Argos World which no one knew it's end, beasts roamed freely, their existence an ever-present challenge to mages young and old.

Among them, Normal Beasts and Special Class Beasts were common foes—obstacles to temper strength and prove valor. Every day, hopeful adventurers ventured forth, eager to test their mettle, their magic, and their courage.

To confront such beasts was to embark on a journey of growth, a rite of passage etched into the blood of the mortal realm.

But beyond these lay creatures of greater dread—monstrosities whose presence could reshape the fates of those unfortunate enough to cross their path.

Elite Class Beasts, though rare, were encounters that spelled disaster for the unprepared. It was common knowledge that even five capable and above-average awakened like Seren could struggle to bring down an Elite of the same rank.

The effort was grueling, the risks astronomical, and even the most talented hunters hesitated before facing one. Yet, such beasts could still be conquered with enough strategy, strength, and resolve. Just like how Seren had defeated the Elite flower plant creature with Alera's Elite Class generals.

But Emperor Class? They were a different tale altogether.

This rank of monster almost had transcended mortality's reach. Their power was a force of nature, capable of obliterating those who dared to oppose them.

Rumors had it that... Even those who stood at the peak of awakening—Rank 20 leaders of the great empires—had faced an Emperor Class Beast two decades ago and nearly fallen.

Despite their combined efforts, their unity, and their overwhelming power, it had taken everything they had to survive. To this day, the scars of that encounter rippled through history, a chilling reminder of these beasts' unstoppable might.

The labyrinth's Emperor Class Guardian was one such creature. To challenge it was to embrace despair, to gamble one's life for fleeting glory.

Most awakened dared not enter its domain, choosing instead the safety of the outer layers of the labyrinth. Only the foolhardy, the desperate, or the supremely confident ventured further.

The labyrinth was not for the weak of heart, and even its inner layer, guarded by another Emperor, was known only to a few living souls.

But here they stood, a mismatched group of adventurers before an unyielding shadow of dread.

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The moment they crossed the warped gate, the air shifted. The vibrant hues of the labyrinth gave way to an ominous darkness, a realm of shadows illuminated by rivers of molten lava flowing through jagged chasms. Streaks of green light pulsated through the air, twin moons hanging eerily in a sky that seemed painted in despair. The space felt unreal, like a world torn from the nightmares of a dying god.

The group had froze.

Then their breaths had hitched as the source of the suffocating energy came into view.

Sitting in the heart of the fiery expanse was the Guardian, a massive figure cloaked in darkness, its presence more of a storm than a being.

It sat motionless, yet the waves of its aura battered their senses, every pulse carrying raw, unrelenting power. Its hooded face was hidden beneath shadows that moved like living smoke, but its sword—impossibly large and drenched in malice—rested against the ground, dragging against the stone like it carried the weight of a cursed world.

Alera and Seren instinctively took a step back, their faces pale.

Pyris stepped forward, his voice low yet commanding. "Alera, call your generals."

The words broke through the oppressive silence, but it was clear even Alera's formidable presence wavered in the shadow of the beast. Her generals—the trio of Shadowshed, Dread, and Torment—stirred uneasily, their forms flickering as though the Guardian's aura alone sought to unmake them.

Alera closed her eyes, exhaling slowly, her fingers curling into fists. She would not falter. Not here.

Still, Seren's voice trembled as she whispered to Lyra, "Are they... Are they insane?"

"I know," Lyra hissed back, though her eyes never left the Guardian. "They have to be."

The Guardian's eyes snapped open.

The suffocating aura became a deluge, slamming into the group like a tidal wave. They shielded their faces, their instincts screaming at them to run. But Nysa and Zara stood unbothered, their figures unyielding.

Pyris, too, took a steady step forward, his hand reaching out to Alera's shoulder, gripping it firmly.

Alera's knees nearly buckled under the pressure, her breath coming in shallow gasps.

But Pyris' golden energy surged into her body, a radiant shield forming around her—a buffer against the oppressive weight.

His voice was calm, almost gentle, as he said, "You can do this. Just like we planned."

She looked up at him, the calm in his expression cutting through her fear. "Don't worry," she replied, her voice steadier than she felt. "This was my choice, after all... and I'm confident."

His hand dropped from her shoulder as Zara tossed her a pill. "It'll protect your internals. You'll need it."

Without hesitation, Alera caught the pill and swallowed it. The bitter taste barely registered as her focus turned back to the towering beast. With a small nod of gratitude to both Pyris and Zara, she stepped forward, each step heavier than the last as the oppressive energy pressed down on her.

The Guardian moved.

Its sword scraped against the ground, sending sparks flying into the air. The sound alone was deafening, like the grinding of mountains. Yet when the beast swung the sword, it moved with terrifying grace. What should have been an impossible weight for anyone to lift became an extension of its will, as light as a feather in its hands.

The blade swept through the air with a speed that belied its size, carving arcs of power that sent shockwaves through the ground.

Alera's eyes burned, the pressure almost unbearable as she forced herself to move closer. Her generals, beside her, the trio taking their positions like shadows tethered to her soul.

Each of them stood firm, their ethereal forms rippling with barely restrained power.

Seren and Lyra watched in horror, their breaths caught in their throats. "Are they really doing this?" Seren whispered, her voice barely audible.

Lyra shook her head, her expression torn between disbelief and terror. "It's suicide..." It felt ironic coming from the one who needed the core of the guardian.

The Guardian took a step forward, and the ground quaked beneath its weight. The sheer size of the creature dwarfed even the tallest among them, its presence a monument to hopelessness. Every instinct screamed at them to flee, yet Alera did not stop.

She raised her hand, her smirk bordering on madness as she called out to her generals.

"Let's give it something to remember."

The generals surged forward, their forms splitting into streams of black energy that coiled around Alera like living armor. Shadowshed, the newly ascended Elites with it's fellow generals, roared as it led the charge, its blade-like claws crackling with dark energy.

Dread and Torment followed, their forms merging with the battlefield as they readied their assault.

Pyris watched her carefully, his expression unreadable. Zara folded her arms, her gaze sharp and calculating.

For Seren and Lyra, the sight of Alera walking into the storm was almost too much to bear.

The Guardian's sword rose again, its massive form eclipsing what little confidence remained in the air.

And then, it struck.

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Infernum!