Death Guns in the Higher World-Chapter 20: Fastest Dungeon Raid 2

As anticipated, the third floor presented a drastically different environment. Alex found himself surrounded by rivers of molten magma, the heat radiating so intensely that he had to envelop himself in a protective layer of magic to withstand it. The air shimmered with the oppressive warmth, and he remained ever vigilant, using his Divine Sense to scan for any lurking monsters. However, the swirling magma interfered with his ability to accurately assess what lay beneath its surface, complicating his efforts.

Suddenly, driven by instinct, he pivoted sharply, leaping from one rocky outcrop to another just in time to evade a massive crocodile that erupted from the lava. Its gaping maw opened wide in an attempt to swallow him whole, but its speed was astonishing; before Alex could react, the beast plunged back into the molten depths, leaving only ripples in its wake. The close call heightened his senses, reminding him that danger lurked everywhere in this treacherous realm.

He steadied his racing heart; while this situation was undoubtedly challenging, it was far from impossible. Armed with his magic gun, Alex focused intently on his surroundings and heightened his Divine Sense. Just as a two-meter-long crocodile surged from the lava to his left, he fired a powerful ice bullet, channeling additional magical energy into it. The enhanced projectile struck the lava monster with remarkable speed, instantly encasing it in ice.

Before he could take a moment to celebrate his success, two more magma crocodiles lunged at him from either side. His reflexes kicked in, and he fired in rapid succession, sending ice bullets flying left and right. Each shot found its target, freezing the creatures before they could retreat back into the lava. Their bodies shattered into pieces as they hit the molten surface, sending splashes of lava erupting around him.

A moment of silence followed as the remaining monsters lurking beneath the lava sensed something amiss. They hesitated, wary of this unusual enemy who had so easily dispatched their kin. Instead of rushing in blindly, they bided their time, strategizing and waiting for the perfect opportunity to confront Alex.

Then, the largest magma crocodile emerged, easily measuring five meters in length. It could be considered the leader of the monsters in this realm, moving with surprising agility despite its massive size. Its skin glimmered like red crystal as it navigated swiftly beneath the surface of the magma.

The colossal crocodile approached stealthily, masking its presence until it positioned itself directly beneath the stone where Alex stood. Its eyes glowed ominously as it surged upward, mouth wide open. Normally, Alex would have been caught off guard and swallowed whole, but somehow he sensed the impending attack, albeit a moment too late. He narrowly avoided being consumed by executing a split with his legs, just as the jaws snapped shut.

As he prepared to unleash a barrage of ice bullets into the creature's gaping maw, the crocodile unleashed a torrent of flame to incinerate him. Reacting instinctively, he fired an ice bullet while leaping out of the monster's reach. The collision of the ice bullet and the crocodile's fiery breath resulted in a powerful explosion, sending a shockwave through the air. Using the recoil, he propelled himself backward.

Before he landed, he fired another special bullet, this one infused with lightning. The yellow projectile tore through the air with a crackling sound, striking the giant magma crocodile just as it attempted to dive back into the lava. The creature spasmed violently as the lightning coursed through its body, freezing it in place.

Recognizing the fleeting opportunity, Alex quickly followed up with an Earth bullet. The earth-colored projectile struck the convulsing monster, feeling as though it had been hit by a mountain. Its tough skin fractured under the impact, creating a gaping hole and launching its body upward due to the shockwave. Alex grinned, having anticipated this moment.

"Checkmate!" he declared, firing a powerful ice bullet that passed through the hole left by the Earth bullet, freezing the giant magma crocodile from the inside out. The creature succumbed in an instant.

Silence enveloped the area as the remaining magma crocodiles retreated deeper into the lava, fearful of the threat he posed. Alex wiped the sweat from his brow, his breathing a bit ragged from the exertion. He searched for the door leading to the next floor and soon found it. Without hesitation, he stepped through, transitioning to the fourth floor.

Meanwhile, Edna's familiar, who had been observing the entire battle, transmitted the events back to her. She was astonished, pondering how many elements this young man could control. Ice, Fire, Lightning, and now Earth? It was an extraordinary feat, albeit not entirely unheard of. This young man was becoming increasingly intriguing.

She was grateful that he hadn't gone to Avila, the headquarters of the Mercenary Guild. This young man needed to remain where he was; he was a diamond poised to shine brilliantly, destined to elevate the guild to new heights. Perhaps soon, the rise of another S-rank adventurer would occur, shattering the current stalemate among the competing forces.