The Vulcan Core Golem's heavy steps echoed through the chamber, sending shockwaves rattling the walls. Its molten core pulsed like a heartbeat inside its armored chest.
Jin gripped the Embersteel Edge, feeling the heat radiate through his palm.
The moment he stepped forward, the blade flared bright, the flames licking hungrily along its edge.
"Stay back!" Jin warned his teammates. "This thing's weak to fire — but the sword might get unstable."
They nodded nervously, stepping aside.
The golem charged, steam hissing from its joints.
Jin dodged the first shockwave slam, then slashed. Flames erupted on contact, scorching the beast's plating.
Overheat Drive Activated
The sword's power surged. Jin's vision blurred as heat waves radiated.
A second slash ignited a burst of fire, but the sword's flames grew wild, licking beyond control.
Suddenly, the fire spiraled out, scorching the floor and walls.
"Watch out!" one teammate shouted, diving away from the expanding blaze.
Jin's breath came fast.
He struggled to steady the sword's power, but it pulsed like a living thing—refusing to be tamed.
The golem roared, shaking off the flames and countered with a mana beam.
Jin barely blocked, stepping back hard.
The sword's heat burned his hand, and his vision blurred again.
"Too much power," he muttered.
Just then—
Warning: Mana Overload Imminent
Jin clenched his teeth.
With a fierce yell, he plunged the Embersteel Edge into the ground.
Flames exploded outward—then, as suddenly as they erupted, they dimmed.
The golem staggered, heavily damaged, but not defeated.
Jin fell to one knee, panting, sweat dripping.
His team rushed over.
"Are you okay?" the shield user asked, eyes wide.
Jin nodded slowly.
"This sword… I'm still learning to control it."
He looked up at the wounded golem, a spark of determination lighting his eyes.
"This fight isn't over."