Dimension System: SSS Rank Talent Awakening

Chapter 196: Barley made it Alive.

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The Hunters faltered, their leader glancing toward the Core with a frown. "Fall back!" she commanded, her voice cutting through the chaos.

"We are at the disadvantage here now. Don’t engage in battle anymore."

Her subordinates retreated into the trees, their movements swift and silent. The leader lingered for a moment, her silver eyes meeting Dabi’s.

"This isn’t over," she said, her tone icy. Then she turned and disappeared into the mist.

Dabi lowered his sword, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath.

"We need to move," Loira said, her voice trembling with exhaustion. "The Core is stable for now, but it won’t last."

Jeni and Zen nodded, their faces pale but determined. The group gathered themselves, their movements slow and weary, and continued their journey.

As they left the forest behind, the sky darkened, heavy clouds rolling in from the horizon. The oppressive weight of the Core’s presence still clung to them, even as its pulsing energy had been temporarily subdued by Loira’s spell.

The group reached the edge of a wide plateau overlooking a barren wasteland. The sight was foreboding— twisted, scorched earth stretched as far as the eye could see.

Sparse vegetation dotted the land, and jagged rock formations cast long shadows under the gloomy sky.

"This is the only path to the city," Dabi said, his voice grim. The geographic of the land change. I think it’s because of the core.

Because we took out the core. It’s very different from when we came in earlier. Everything changed very drastically.

Loira nodded, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "We’ll find a place to rest there, but we’ll need to move quickly now.

The Core’s energy is still seeping out, even if it’s slowed. The longer we stay in one place, the more danger we’ll attract."

Zen adjusted his swords on his back, the strain of his injuries evident in his stiff movements. "We need to be ready for another attack. That leader of theirs she’s not going to let this go."

Jeni frowned, her eyes scanning the wasteland below. "It’s not just her we have to worry about. If someone from the Council of Saints sent them, they’ll have more reinforcements waiting."

Loira’s expression darkened. "They want the Core at any cost. And I don’t think we’ve seen the worst of what they’re willing to do."

Dabi said. Headmaster Raghnall Ferrin tolde they will send some team’s to get the core. He didn’t mention how many.

I thought the saint wanted to stop the invasion. But some of them have other plans for the core. Damn those selfish old people.

Unbeknownst to the group, the Council of Saints’ second team of Hunters lay in wait at the far edge of the wasteland.

Unlike the ambush in the forest, this group was larger and better equipped, their armor glinting with enchanted runes.

At their center stood a man clad in black and gold robes, a staff topped with a glowing crystal in his hand. His expression was calm, but his presence radiated power and authority.

"Dabi and his group are heading directly into our trap," the robed man said, his voice measured. "The first team has weakened them significantly. They won’t be able to resist us now."

A scout approached, bowing deeply. "They’re crossing the plateau. They’ll be within range of our barrier spells in less than an hour."

The man nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "Good. Prepare the containment field. Once they enter, there will be no escape."

Around him, the Hunters moved with precision, setting up magical sigils on the ground. The symbols glowed faintly, forming an intricate pattern that stretched across the wasteland.

"The Core is unstable," the man continued. "If we push them hard enough, they’ll lose control. Then we’ll seize it for the reward from council."

A soldier hesitated, his brow furrowing. "And if the Core reacts violently, sir? The reports we received suggest it could caused a catastrophic event."

The robed man’s eyes narrowed, his tone icy. "Do you question the will of the Council?"

The soldier stiffened. "No, sir."

"Good. Then carry out your orders. We move as soon as they step into the trap."

Dabi’s team advanced cautiously across the plateau, their eyes constantly scanning for threats. The vast emptiness of the wasteland offered little cover, and every sound carried ominously through the air.

"This place gives me the creeps," Jeni muttered, her dagger spinning nervously in her hand.

Zen smirked, though his face was pale. "You’re not the only one."

Loira paused, her staff glowing faintly as she extended her senses. "Something’s wrong. The energy here feels…unnatural."

Dabi tightened his grip on his sword. "Stay alert. They’re out there."

The group moved in silence, the tension thickening with each step.

It wasn’t long before the ground beneath them began to shimmer faintly, faint lines of glowing light appearing in the dirt.

"Stop!" Loira shouted, her voice cutting through the quiet.

The group froze as a massive barrier sprang up around them, its walls glowing with an eerie blue light. The air crackled with energy, and the faint hum of magic filled their ears.

"They’ve trapped us," Dabi growled, his eyes scanning the glowing walls.

From the far side of the barrier, the second team of Hunters appeared, their movements slow and deliberate. At their center was the robed man, his staff crackling with power.

"You’ve made this far too easy," he called out, his voice calm but carrying a chilling authority. "Give me the Core now, and I promise your deaths will be quick."

Dabi stepped forward, his sword raised. "You’ll have to take it from us."

The man smiled faintly. "As you wish."

The Hunters attacked with ruthless efficiency, their spells and weapons coordinated to overwhelm Dabi’s group.

The robed man stayed at the rear, his staff glowing as he chanted incantations that sent waves of energy crashing toward them.

Dabi charged forward, his sword cutting through the first wave of enemies. His movements were swift and precise, but the sheer number of Hunters forced him back.

Zen and Jeni fought side by side, their injuries slowing them but not stopping them.

Zen’s twin swords clashed against the enchanted weapons of the Hunters, sparks flying with every strike.

Jeni darted around their opponents, her dagger finding weak points in their armor.

Loira stood at the center, her staff glowing brightly as she cast defensive wards and healing spells.

Her magic shielded the group from the worst of the attacks, but each spell drained her energy further.

"We can’t keep this up!" Jeni shouted, deflecting a blow that nearly caught her off guard.

Dabi glanced toward the Core, its energy thrumming violently within the barrier Loira had created.

"We have no choice!" he shouted back.

The robed man raised his staff, his voice echoing across the battlefield. "Enough of this. Witness the power of the Council!"

He slammed his staff into the ground, sending a shockwave of energy through the barrier. The ground beneath Dabi’s group cracked, and the Core pulsed violently in response.

Loira staggered, her barrier around the Core flickering. "I can’t hold it much longer!" she said.

Dabi’s mind raced. They were outnumbered and outmatched, and the Core was on the verge of destabilizing again. If they didn’t act quickly, the entire plateau could be destroyed.

"We need to break the barrier!" he shouted.

Loira nodded, her hands trembling as she poured the last of her energy into a concentrated spell. "Get ready!"

She slammed her staff into the ground, and a burst of light erupted from its tip. The barrier around them shattered, the energy dispersing into the air.

The robed man stumbled, his concentration broken. "Now!" Dabi roared, leading the charge toward the Hunters.

The group fought with renewed determination, their attacks coordinated and precise. The robed man tried to regain control, but before he could, Dabi closed the distance between them.

Their swords clashed, the impact sending a shockwave through the air. The man’s calm demeanor cracked as he realized he was losing ground.

"You’ll regret this," he snarled, as Dabi pressed the attack.

The remaining Hunters faltered, their formation breaking as Jeni and Zen cut through their ranks.

With one final strike, Dabi disarmed the robed man, his sword pointed at his throat.

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"Leave," Dabi said, his voice cold. "And tell the Council we’re not their pawns."

The man hesitated, then nodded. He raised his hand, and the remaining Hunters retreated into the shadows.

The group stood in the aftermath of the battle, their bodies battered but victorious.

Loira collapsed to her knees, her staff clattering to the ground. "That…was too close."

Dabi sheathed his sword, his gaze lingering on the Core. Its energy had stabilized slightly, but the danger was far from over.

"We’re not safe yet," he said. "Let’s move."

As they continued their journey, the faint outline of the city appeared on the horizon. Their destination was close, but so was the next challenge.

The figure watched from the shadows, their eyes glowing faintly in the dark. A new enemy was waiting— and this time, the stakes would be even higher.

But before they could act. A voice come. Dabi you have made it. He looked back sees principal Raghnall Ferrin and Oracle Calvin was there. (Both saints)

Dabi gives a sigh of relief seeing them. Zen and Jeni just collapsed from exhaustion. They let their guard down seeing Raghnall and Calvin....

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