Transmigrating to Modern Earth from the Future-Chapter 79: Heart of the Mountain

As Lumen continued his ascent up the colossal mountain, his mind raced with anticipation. He had overcome the formidable guardian of the mountain and unlocked the full potential of his Fire Infusion and Fire Bolt skills. With each step, the summit drew closer, and the mysteries of the tutorial seemed within reach.

However, the notification that had slipped his attention now flashed before his eyes:

[Ding! Warning: Tutorial time limit approaching. Participants have 72 hours remaining to exit the tutorial.]

Lumen’s heart sank as he read the message. The rush of victory and newfound power now gave way to a desperate realisation. The tutorial was coming to an end, and he had only 72 hours left to complete whatever lay at the summit.

With determination renewed, Lumen quickened his pace. He couldn’t afford to waste a moment. The mountain’s terrain grew harsher, and the air grew thinner as he climbed higher. His muscles ached, and his breath came in laboured gasps, but he pushed onward.

Hours turned into days once more as he made his way up the treacherous slopes. He encountered more challenges along the way - rockslides, frigid winds, and sudden storms - but his will remained unbroken.

As he reached a particularly steep section of the mountain, Lumen noticed something peculiar. The rocks and cliffs bore markings, symbols etched into the stone, like a trail leading upwards. It was as if someone or something had marked this path.

Curiosity piqued, Lumen followed the trail of symbols, hoping it would lead him closer to the summit and the answers he sought. The markings became more intricate and mysterious, hinting at a deeper purpose.

Finally, after days of relentless climbing, Lumen reached a plateau. Before him stood an enormous stone archway, adorned with ancient symbols and carvings. It was the gateway to the mountain’s inner sanctum.

Taking a deep breath, Lumen stepped through the archway, leaving the outside world behind. Inside, the heart of the mountain revealed itself—a vast cavern stretching high into the rock, adorned with luminescent crystals that cast an ethereal light.

Within the cavern’s depths, Lumen’s footsteps echoed, reverberating through the ancient stone. The walls glistened with the soft, otherworldly glow of the crystals, creating an ethereal atmosphere that surrounded him.

He continued to follow the markings and symbols etched into the cavern’s walls. They seemed to guide him deeper into the heart of the mountain, leading him to an area where the crystals grew denser and more vibrant.

As he ventured further, Lumen’s senses sharpened. The air grew colder, and an eerie silence hung in the cavern, broken only by the faint echo of his own breathing. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he was drawing closer to a significant revelation, something hidden within the mountain’s depths.

Suddenly, the ground trembled beneath his feet, and a deep, guttural growl filled the air. Lumen’s instincts kicked in, and he spun around to face the source of the disturbance.

[Crystal Core Serpent - Level 49]

Emerging from the shadows was a colossal beast, unlike anything he had encountered before. It was a level 49 E-tier creature, a Crystal Core Serpent. The serpent’s body was encased in glistening, crystalline scales that refracted the light from the cavern’s crystals, creating a mesmerising display of colours.

The Crystal Core Serpent’s eyes locked onto Lumen, radiating intelligence and malevolence. It coiled its immense body, preparing to strike. Lumen knew he was facing an opponent unlike any other, a creature of extraordinary power.

With a swift and fluid motion, the serpent lunged at Lumen, its jaws lined with razor-sharp crystal fangs. Lumen reacted with lightning speed, narrowly avoiding the snapping jaws that closed in where he had stood moments before.

He retreated, putting distance between himself and the serpent. It pursued, slithering with remarkable speed across the cavern floor, its body moving sinuously through the air. It was a relentless predator, and Lumen was its prey.

Lumen knew he had to be cautious. The Crystal Core Serpent’s crystalline scales were impervious to ordinary weapons, and its speed and agility made it a formidable adversary. He needed a strategy, a way to penetrate its defences.

Drawing his Arcane Spear, he channelled his Fire Infusion skill once more. With a precise aim, he launched a fiery spear towards the serpent’s head. The flaming projectile struck its mark, causing the serpent to hiss in pain as the crystal scales cracked and sizzled.

But the Crystal Core Serpent was far from defeated. It retaliated with a dazzling display of power, sending shards of crystal projectiles hurtling towards Lumen. He dodged and weaved through the air, narrowly avoiding the deadly rain of crystal shards.

Lumen knew he couldn’t rely solely on his Fire Infusion. He needed to exploit the serpent’s weaknesses. As he continued to evade its attacks, he observed the creature’s movements and behaviour, searching for an opening.

With calculated precision, Lumen manoeuvred himself beneath the serpent, where it was less protected by its crystal armour. He thrust his Arcane Spear upward, aiming for a vulnerable spot. The flaming spear pierced through the crack in the scales, sinking into the serpent’s flesh.

The Crystal Core Serpent howled in agony, thrashing and writhing in pain. Lumen clung to his spear, maintaining his position within the serpent’s coils as it attempted to dislodge him. He knew he had to finish the fight quickly before the serpent’s strength overwhelmed him.

Drawing upon his Fire Infusion skill, he intensified the flames within the serpent’s wound. The crystal scales around the injury began to melt and shatter, causing the serpent to convulse in agony.

With a final surge of effort, Lumen directed all of his energy into one decisive strike. He summoned the power of his Fire Bolt skill, infusing it into his Arcane Spear. The spear erupted in a blaze of fiery energy as he drove it deeper into the serpent’s core.

The explosion that followed was cataclysmic, shaking the very foundations of the cavern. Lumen was sent tumbling through the air, his ears ringing from the blast. When the smoke and dust settled, he saw the Crystal Core Serpent lying still, its once-magnificent form reduced to shards of crystal.

Lumen’s victory over the powerful beast had come at a cost. He was battered and bruised, his energy drained from the intense battle. But he had triumphed, proving once again that he was a survivor, a hunter, and a seeker of knowledge.

As he caught his breath, Lumen couldn’t help but wonder what other challenges lay ahead in the heart of the mountain. The countdown to the tutorial’s end continued, a constant reminder that time was running out. He knew he had to press on, for the summit and its secrets awaited him.