Black Domain Hideout Launches an Invasion, a Wonder Is Built, and the Natural Enemy Effect Unlocks

This was a volcanic world, a world of nothing but black, red, and gray.

The ground heaved. Cracks split the black-gray earth, and rivers of lava flowed slowly through them.

Hot air surged up from underground, carrying wisps of black ash into the air.

The air reeked of sulfur and the distinctive dust of molten minerals.

Every breath seemed to draw ash and dust into the nose, each grain painfully distinct.

Charred trees like sticks of charcoal stood rooted in this world of death and destruction, the remains of a forest.

On their branches, several Red-Eyed Crows groomed their scale-covered wings.

Caw—

Sparks sprayed from their beaks as they cried.

A low howl sounded...

"Woof, woof, woof... Pups, assemble!"

A booming voice rang out.

Sturdy, stocky Kobolds about five feet tall emerged from the lava mines one after another.

These ordinary Kobolds were charred black all over, their skin covered in fine cracks like cooling lava.

A closer look revealed tiny capillaries beneath the cracks.

Glossy black, sintered armor plates covered their elbows, knees, backs, chests, and heads, offering protection and storing heat.

The Kobolds gathered quickly beneath the charred trees.

There were more than two hundred Lava Kobolds in all. The seven at the front stood nearly five feet seven inches tall.

Their bodies were completely covered in red-black scales, and their eyes glowed red.

The scales brightened and dimmed with each breath.

Ordinary or special, every Kobold wore black armor forged from slag for a little extra protection.

The weapons in their hands resembled firearms but bore mechanical gears and various connecting Metal Hoses.

They were Steam-Powered Shotguns.

Special-vine tactical bandoliers crossed the Kobolds' chests.

Each held red capsules the size of shotgun shells, with a plump bug slowly wriggling inside.

Every Kobold also carried seven or eight