Dancing on the golden ashes #Chapter 84: Jackpot! - Read Dancing on the golden ashes Chapter 84: Jackpot! Online - All Page

Chapter 84: Jackpot!

My scythe materialized in my hand without hesitation—I had no time to waste.

KRRRRKSSSHHH!

A guttural roar erupted from the beast's molten jaws, reverberating through the confined space. The sound was deafening in this tiny room, amplified by the narrow walls.

I couldn't help but wonder how it had gotten here. The space was barely large enough to house its massive form. Surely, there must have been some exit beneath the lava pool, a hidden passage through which it had entered. There was no way this towering creature had squeezed through the narrow entrance that only a human could pass through.

"I mean you no harm," I called out, trying to sound as convincing as possible while gripping my scythe tightly. "As long as you follow me, I'll treat you well."

The thought sparked an image in my mind—a vision of me riding this magnificent beast into battle. If I could make this thing my mount... how cool would I look?

The corners of my mouth twitched upward at the thought. And when I summon my fire while riding it... damn... I'd look like a freaking Fire Lord!

The excitement swelled within me, even as the beast's glowing eyes burned with unyielding defiance.

However, no matter how sweet my words, the beast wasn't interested in talking.

In the blink of an eye, its massive claw swung toward me with terrifying speed, the air sizzling from the sheer heat radiating off it.

But who did this thing think I was?

I wasn't just anyone—I was unmatched when it came to the system. My skills, my speed, my reflexes—everything about me screamed elite.

Heck, for my level, nobody could match me. I might just be the fastest in the world.

A grin tugged at my lips as I readied myself. Let's see who's faster—me or this walking volcano.

My speed soared to its maximum as I activated Superior Space Distortion, dashing through the confined space in a blur. In an instant, I was on top of the monster, its glowing eyes darting around in confusion as it tried to track me.

My scythe moved without hesitation, slicing through its molten armor with a sharp clang. The blade dug deep, leaving a gaping, smoldering wound that oozed with glowing magma.

"Let's see how you struggle now!" I roared, a triumphant grin spreading across my face.

Darkness surged through my arm, coiling like living tendrils as I prepared to make another attempt to take control of the beast. The energy pulsed, hungrier and more determined than before. This time, I wouldn't be denied.

But just as victory seemed within my grasp, the beast's entire body began to glow a searing red.

The temperature in the chamber skyrocketed, the heat so intense it melted the surrounding rocks, turning them into pools of bubbling lava. The air itself shimmered, heavy and oppressive.

Yet, was I afraid? Not even for a second.

I smirked, my determination unwavering. I am the new Goddess of Fire.

This beast could rage and burn all it wanted, but in the end, it would bow to me. Whether it likes it or not.

I leapt off the beast just as its body erupted in a blinding explosion of molten fury. The shockwave rocked the cave, leaving me with no choice but to dive straight into the lava pool below.

The molten metal was thick and impossibly dense, something no ordinary person could navigate. But I wasn't ordinary.

With my fire affinity, I commanded the flames to part, carving a path through the lava with sheer will. As I dived deeper, I was met with a sight that defied explanation.

Everything around me glowed with a radiant orange brilliance, an endless sea of molten light. It should have been disorienting, blinding even, but my eyes quickly began to adapt.

It wasn't natural—it was as if something within my soul stirred, granting me the ability to see through the lava as though it were crystal-clear water.

The space below was massive, stretching endlessly in all directions, like an entire hidden world beneath the surface.

And at the bottom, swarms of smaller molten crabs swam, their glowing forms lighting up the depths like tiny, fiery stars. There were hundreds of them, maybe more, their movements synchronized as they darted through the molten sea.

I gulped, a mix of awe and ambition swelling within me.

Should I take them all with me?

The thought of an army of magma crabs marching under my command was tempting—unstoppable, terrifying, incredible. But then another thought struck me. How long would it take for them to grow up?

I couldn't help but smirk at the possibilities. Maybe it's worth the wait...

But my thoughts were cut short as the massive crab came crashing down from above, its immense frame barreling toward me with enough force to crush me entirely.

Oh, hell no!

There was no way I'd let it act so brazenly—not with its future master.

The thought raced through my mind, and determination surged within me. My scythe twirled in my palm, the blade glowing with fiery energy. In an instant, wings of fire erupted from my back, their size even greater than the last time I had summoned them.

With a powerful flap, I propelled myself through the thick magma, moving with an agility that felt almost instinctual. The searing heat of the molten sea embraced me, but it didn't slow me down—it fueled me.

The giant crab slammed into the ground with a deafening crash, the force rippling through the lava. I winced as I realized what had happened—its massive impact had crushed a large number of its own children.

What a pity... I thought, glancing at the glowing remnants of the small magma crabs scattered across the molten floor. I wanted to take them with me. But maybe this is for the best... less is better, at least for now.

Still, my focus snapped back to the towering creature before me. It had made its move, and now it was my turn.

Darkness Slash! Soul Shackle!

No monster on my level could match me, no matter how high their stats were. I was unmatched, my skills far surpassing anything this world could throw at me.

In an instant, the towering beast roared in agony as a deep, searing cut slashed across its molten back. Before it could even react, my Soul Shackle snapped into place, black chains of energy binding its massive form.

It struggled, but the shackle was absolute. The creature was immobilized, its fiery defiance extinguished.

I extended my hand, my eyes cold and unyielding as I stared it down. My darkness surged forward, carrying my unspoken threat: Don't you dare resist again. If you do, my next attack will be your last.

The black vines snaked around its body, sliding into every crack of its molten armor, burrowing deep into its core. The beast trembled, its will bending as the dark energy fused it to me, forever binding it under my command.

[CONGRATULATIONS!]

[You have tamed a new demon beast!]

[Total beast count: 6/400]

The system's notification rang in my mind, a triumphant confirmation of my victory. I smirked as I looked at the subdued beast before me.

I couldn't help but wonder where my Thunder Tempests were right now. The connection I shared with them was faint but unmistakable, a subtle thread of awareness that assured me they were out there, somewhere.

Yet, frustratingly, I hadn't figured out how to communicate with them over such a long distance.

Maybe I need to level up my skill further before I can unlock that ability.

The thought sparked a flicker of determination. The potential to coordinate with my beasts no matter where they were—that would be a game-changer.

For now, I'll trust they're safe and biding their time. But the idea of being able to call on them whenever I needed, no matter the distance, only made me more eager to grow stronger.

Also... where's Malrang?

The thought lingered, a pang of worry settling in my chest. I hope she's okay.

That fluffy fox had given me more trouble than I could count, but she was also my first friend in this world. Our soul link was strong—I could feel it, pulsing faintly, a comforting reassurance that she was still alive.

But even so, I couldn't help the overwhelming concern gnawing at me. I miss her... so much.

Shaking the thought for now, I focused on the massive crab beneath me. It still trembled from the force of our newly formed contract as I climbed onto its molten back.

"So, will you submit to me?" I asked, my voice cutting through the dense lava. Speaking under these conditions was only possible because of my fire affinity, another reminder of how far I'd come.

"I-I su...it!"

The garbled reply was barely understandable, but the intent was clear—it had given me the green flag.

A smirk crossed my lips. "Good. Now take me out of here."

Our connection deepened as the beast acknowledged the command.

"My ch...dren... take," it growled, its voice heavy with lingering emotion.

I blinked, caught off guard. Children?

Turning my gaze, I noticed the smaller molten crabs lining up around me in perfect order. Though many had perished in the earlier chaos, a surprising number still remained.

From above, they had seemed insignificant, mere specks beside their towering mother. But now, standing closer, I realized they were massive in their own right—each the size of a human and radiating molten energy.

Their levels glinted in my vision, all of them at Level 20.

If they grow alongside me... I thought, my heart racing. I'll be unstoppable someday.

Extending my hand, I summoned my power. Over a hundred black vines shot out, writhing disturbingly as they reached for the molten crabs.

The sight was unsettling, but when the next message appeared before me, I couldn't help the wide grin that spread across my face.

[CONGRATULATIONS!]

[You have tamed new demon beasts!]

[Total beast count: 142/400]

[CONGRATULATIONS!]