SSS Awakening: I Can Class Change at will

Chapter 164: That’s Not a Magma King!

It didn’t take the group long to complete their ascent up the volcanic mountain once Yara and Gratis were properly protected by the enchanted garments. They moved at a faster pace, and the summit crater was just within reach now, only a few final meters remained before they could peer down into what lay deep within the mountain’s molten core. Rivers of glowing lava flowed beside their narrow path, forcing Moon and the others to take slow and careful steps, avoiding any contact with the burning hot liquid rock.

[Elemental Body]

[Rank: Epic]

[Proficiency: 44%]

[Details: Your body has been tempered by the four elements: water, fire, earth, and wind. You gain exceptionally strong affinity with all four elements, granting significantly superior control and power. +40% Elemental Control. +40% Resistance to the four elements.]

’Already at forty-four percent proficiency,’ Moon thought with satisfaction as he deliberately stepped over a section of path where molten rock had recently flowed, the residual heat still intense enough to ignite organic material on contact. ’This extreme environment is absolutely perfect for accelerating the skill’s development.’

During their challenging ascent, Moon had also given his protective boots to Gratis when it became clear the Savi warrior’s feet were being badly scorched despite the cloak’s protection. Similarly, Selene had provided a spare enchanted pair from her apparently well-stocked spatial storage to Yara.

Their unprotected feet simply could no longer handle the burning surfaces beneath them, the skin had been slowly blistering and charring before Moon called a halt to address the problem.

Selene had also tried to offer one to Moon, but he shook his head, rejecting the offer. Moon was now the only person in their group walking completely barefoot across superheated volcanic rock.

Initially, he could sense their shocked glances in his direction, but Moon didn’t particularly mind the attention. He could easily attribute his heat resistance to his fire affinity and related skills if questioned directly. After all, Selene knew perfectly well that his fire element manipulation was extraordinarily powerful—it wasn’t unreasonable that heat resistance also came as a package with one of his skills.

“Moon… look at this,” Selene said suddenly, her voice slightly quivering with something between awe and worry.

She’d reached the crater’s edge first and was now gazing down into the mountain’s open volcanic core, her mouth hanging open in obvious shock at whatever she was witnessing below.

Moon arrived at her position shortly after, genuinely curious about what could possibly make the normally composed Selene react so dramatically.

’What did she see that’s affecting her this much?’

Moon stepped to the crater’s edge and looked down.

Once he got a good look, he immediately understood her reaction completely.

The volcanic crater was absolutely massive, easily a few hundred meters across at its widest point, creating a colossal bowl-shaped depression that descended deep into the mountain’s heart. The walls were black obsidian mixed with crimson veins of lava, creating a beauty worth fearing.

But the crater itself wasn’t what had stunned Selene into shocked silence.

At the very bottom of the crater, perhaps a hundred meters below their current elevated position, was a lake of pure molten lava that churned and bubbled constantly. The liquid rock glowed with intense orange-red luminescence, its light ricocheting between the obsidian crater walls, creating an almost hypnotic illusion.

In the center of that lava lake, partially submerged like a massive whale breaching the ocean surface, was the Magma King. The creature was absolutely colossal in scale.

Its body appeared to be made entirely from living magma and protective obsidian plates that formed natural armor across its vital areas. Molten liquid dripped continuously from its body in glowing rivulets, flowing back into the surrounding lake. At the center of the beast’s massive chest lay a brilliant crimson core that glowed brightly.

Both Moon and Selene’s eyes narrowed simultaneously at the core in the middle of the Magma King’s chest.

Even from this considerable distance, Moon could feel the devastating heat emanating from the S-rank creature in waves that distorted the air itself.

The Magma King’s physical size rivaled the Crab King’s impressive dimensions, but its presence felt more oppressive and dangerous.

Yara and Gratis arrived at the crater’s edge moments later, and both warriors almost stumbled backward from the sight that greeted them.

Gratis whispered something in their native language. Whilst, Yara’s face had hardened. “The ancient legends were accurate. It’s not merely a beast that chose to live inside a volcano but the mountain’s living heart.”

Moon stared down at the Magma King with calculating eyes, his mind already assessing the monumental challenge despite the obviously overwhelming disadvantages.

What happened next surprised them all completely.

In the molten lava surrounding the massive central figure, dozens of smaller shapes that had initially appeared to be simple volcanic rocks or debris suddenly started moving, shocking everyone observing from above.

Moon’s eyes immediately sharpened and narrowed with intensity. Selene’s expression mirrored his reaction perfectly.

“Those are… baby magma creatures?” Selene asked in genuine shock, staring at the rock-like forms that began jumping and swimming playfully through the lava as if enjoying recreational time in their natural element.

The first swimming baby magma seemed to set off a chain reaction, like dominoes, the others began to follow suit in the movement.

The enormous Magma King’s eyes remained peacefully closed, its massive body resting in apparent slumber despite the activity of the smaller creatures around it.

But then, quite suddenly, the beast’s entire body convulsed slightly. Its mouth bulged outward, and a new rock-like object was expelled from within it.

Birthed directly from the creature’s body and deposited gently into the surrounding lava.

The newly emerged rock lay completely still for several tense seconds. Then, it began moving, joining the playful swarm, albeit at a slower speed befitting its new birth.

“A Magma King capable of natural asexual reproduction?” Selene’s mouth twitched with disbelief at the scene she was witnessing. “That doesn’t sound right, this is a Magma Queen.”