The construct's blow matched his sword swing, momentarily stopping his momentum.
Ross was of course surprised by the construct's ability to stop his attack even though it was a purely physical one with no mana infusion.
The constructs he faced prior to the one before him did not have that capability and this was why he was slightly taken aback.
"Let's take it up a notch!"
He bellowed and then channelled his mana through the weapon as the great sword blazed in a fiery brilliance that instantly increased the temperature to absurd levels.
Ross pressed on with his great sword as the intense flames burned through the body of the lightning construct.
Finally exploding the first construct in a rain of rocks, fire and lightning, he turned his gaze to the other constructs that were already on him.
Ross snorted as he swung his great sword in a sweeping arc and the blazing flames spread out in a wide arc that launched towards the constructs speedily.
However, the constructs may not be living beings, but they weren't dumb. As soon as Ross's flame arc rushed at them, they all assumed a defensive post as they bent slightly and crossed their arms before them.
And the moment the flames reached them, they swept the constructs at the forefront backwards as they slammed into the others in the back. The unfortunate ones were sent flying off the bridge.
Even worse, the constructs that took the brunt of Ross's attack had cracks in their arms and chest that burned hot like molten lava.
The damage was extensive, yet they felt no pain. The only way to kill them was to cut them in half or completely destroy their bodies, and Ross knew that very well.
'I don't have time to waste on them when the actual trials await!'
Without a moment's rest, Ross shoulder charged at the constructs that were now getting back on their feet.
They only had one mission, to stall and exhaust the participants as long as possible. Yet, their simple task was proving to be much more challenging, and they weren't the only ones facing such an issue!
The constructs quickly got back up as the two in front unleashed the fury of their attributes at Ross. One shot multiple shards of pointy rocks and the other a blazing hot molten lava that would have melted the bridge if it wasn't for its quality build.
Ross saw the incoming attack and quickly responded with a bastion block. He flicked his weapon with ease as he brought it forward and positioned it vertically in from of him with his right hand on the hilt while the left hand supported the blade.
The stone bullets collided with the blade as sparks flew everywhere and the force behind their assault pushed Ross back slightly. The flaming lava arrived moments later, but Ross considered that as a minor disturbance.
With his somewhat immunity to fire, the flame property of the lava was pointless. The lava splashed against the blade and the ones his blade couldn't block splashed on his body.
His armour sizzled from the intense heat but just as he guessed did nothing to him. Dealing with the attacks the constructs threw at him gave the others ample time to prepare for their own attacks.
The constructs now dashed towards him, not wanting to give Ross the opportunity to gather momentum again.
Ross scoffed watching the constructs approach him. Their tactics were the obvious thing to do. If they kept him from gathering momentum, his attacks wouldn't have as much power as it did in the beginning.
However, the constructs failed to consider something. Ross, just like the other participants, could for a brief moment, explosively increase their charge speed. It was a move designed to take the opponent off guard.
But in this case, all Ross wanted was to quickly close in on them and smash them to smithereens. Instantly appearing before the constructs could reach him, he lunged his sword forward as it pierced right through the construct in front, shattering it a moment later.
Following through with that attack, he zoomed through the more than a dozen constructs as he cleaved them in half or exploded them into showers of rocks.
With every attack, he moved closer and closer to the end of the one hundred steps. And because the bridge was not too wide, the constructs could gang up on him and overwhelm him with their numbers.
As such, some of the constructs leapt into the air as they aimed their abilities at Ross. While he admired their intellect, it wasn't enough to stop him.
He easily evaded the ones he could and blocked the rest with his weapon. He was a blur of movements as he swooshed here and there cleaving the constructs with no mercy.
A minute later, Ross appeared on the other side of the constructs leaving behind a sea of rocks that burned and turned molten from the intense heat of his flames.
A deep sigh exposed his hips as he turned back slightly to look at his handy work.
'They might have not been enough to stop me, but they did succeed in draining a bit of stamina and mana from me.'
His armour was still in good condition besides the small scratches here and there. He took deep breaths to regain his composure.
His gaze returned to the path before him where the first mark showed the firsts of the trials he must face to advance to the summit. He observed the mark as many thoughts went through his head.
His heart rate increased slightly as he wondered what kind of trial he was going to face. The pair of red eyes he saw earlier flashed through his mind as his body trembled involuntarily.
'Hopefully, it wouldn't be too difficult.' He swallowed nervously.
Holding the great sword with a firm grip, he confidently stepped forward; a move to overcome his rising fear as he crossed the first mark.