Kai's fist slammed into Pyrothane's chest, the surge of chi erupting like a compressed explosion.
The elemental beast bellowed in pain as its molten body cracked where the energy struck, fractures glowing like dying embers. The force launched it backward into a wall of obsidian, lava splashing around its frame.
But still... it rose.
"Still standing, huh?" Kai muttered, landing lightly on his feet.
Pyrothane's form shimmered. Its molten chest began to reforge itself, glowing brighter—hotter. The creature was regenerating, and fast.
Kai's mind raced. I can't outlast it here… the longer I stay, the more this realm empowers it.
He glanced at his Monarch Token—it pulsed once. A signal. He didn't need to kill it.
He needed to conquer the core.
"System, scan for Trial Core."
> Locating… Trial Core detected: 734 miles southeast.
Terrain: unstable lava flow, rock bridges.
Hostility: Extreme.
Kai exhaled. Then I'll have to move fast.
