The moment the threat subsided, Archelius's subordinates swarmed him, not with fear, but with a new, fierce loyalty.
"You took out Level 35s!" Theodore exclaimed, looking at the dust of the Golems in utter disbelief. "That was... terrifyingly effective."
"We need to consolidate resources," Archelius said, ignoring the praise. "Theodore, retrieve the cores. Raji, clear the debris. Lisa, stay with Bethany and track any immediate retaliatory movement."
He focused on the new, powerful loot.
[Sentinel Golem Core (Superior Grade) x 4 Acquired.]
[Divine Blood Shard (Minor) x 3 Acquired.]
The cores were massive, pulsing with stable energy. He was now Level 12 and had four Superior Grade cores. He was rocketing through the power hierarchy.
He immediately spent his Skill Point to enhance his primary defense again.
[Iron Skin (Rank E) Upgraded to Rank E+. Cost: 1 Skill Point.]
[Physical Resistance +35%. Defense +15.]
He was now virtually invulnerable to attacks below Level 30.
Next, the cores.
[Available Crafting Options (Rank E+):]
[War God's Edge (Rank E+): Requires 2 Superior Cores, 5 Divine Blood Shards. Success: 60%. - NEW!]
[War God's Boots (Rank E): Requires 1 Superior Core, 5 Obsidian Scale Plates. Success: 75%.]
[Major Core Power Restoration: Consumes 1 Core. Restores 100 Core Power. Success: 100%.]
He decided on the War God's Boots for mobility and defense.
[Crafting War God's Boots (Rank E). Success Chance: 75%.]
He confirmed the craft, consuming one core and some remaining scales. The light flashed, and a pair of sleek, black boots materialized.
[War God's Boots (Rank E) Acquired. Dexterity +10. Reduced Stamina Drain.]
He equipped the boots instantly, feeling a lightness and speed he hadn't experienced before. His raw stats were soaring past those of a typical Level 12 fighter.
"Archelius," Bethany interrupted, pointing toward the fractured stairway. "The energy flow is intense down there. It's like a massive well. That must be the source of the Imposters."
Archelius looked at the remaining three cores and the Divine Blood Shards. He needed five to craft the War God's Edge. He was two short.
"We move down," Archelius announced. "The Imposters are coming from the source. We must destroy the source, or we will be overwhelmed."
He looked at his team. "Bethany, lead the way with your sight. Raji, you're the vanguard for traps. Theodore, stay by my back. Lisa, your illusion skills are still useless, so focus only on the floor. Spot any instability."
They were a Level 12 War God and his terrified, but rapidly disciplined, Level 2 squad. They descended into the darkness, ready to face the core of the Citadel's shadow.