The Inner Odyssey-Chapter 193: Molten Seal

At the same time...

Somewhere within the vast lands surrounding the Pyre Peaks, an endless plain stretched as far as the eye could see. It appeared to possess no end, its molten surface glowing with a disturbing, angry light. The air here seemed to shimmer, the promise of an impending explosion flowing beneath one’s feet.

Craters littered the plain here and there, releasing occasional bursts of hot, scorching air.

Alden surveyed his new surroundings with a measure of grim apprehension.

’Perfect. Just what we needed...’

The Forest of Ash had been dreadful enough...

Now, he and his squad had to traverse through another equally dire zone.

Biting back a tired curse, Alden glanced towards the others, taking note of their slightly haggard figures and the numerous scratches marring their armour like symbols of honour - Conrad, Steel and Sybil seemed especially worse for wear.

Alden thought about trying to motivate them, perhaps even say something meaningful, but even he struggled to find the energy to do just that. Eventually, the Keeper’s Apprentice decided against it. He settled for stroking the soft plumage of his avian familiar.

Ignia ruffled her feathers softly, crying blissfully through their bond.

Then, she surveyed the molten landscape warily, the bright orange glow of Inferno’s Plain reflected in her amber eyes.

’Beautiful, isn’t it?’

Ignia suddenly jabbed him with her beak.

’...I was being sarcastic.’

Suppressing the aggrieved twitch of his lips, the Keeper’s Apprentice formed a stygian blade, watching as his decay fought its customary war with the hot, scorching air. Beside him, Marion tightened his grip on his spear, wearing an expression of deep reluctance as his thrall zipped up ahead.

Devin, meanwhile, remained uncharacteristically silent, gazing at the fiery plain with a distinct lack of emotion in his grey eyes. Alden was a little worried - the poet had been forced to draw on his Magic Class a lot more as of late.

Patting him softly on the shoulder, the Keeper’s Apprentice shifted his gaze towards Yuki, Isolde and the Expert Stonewardens.

"How much longer do we have until we reach the mine?"

"We’re about halfway there."

"...There’s still a couple more regions we need to go through in order to reach the mine."

Which... probably meant at least another week or two of travelling while trying to survive in the wild, untamed expanse of the world outside the Barrier.

Alden inwardly groaned.

’...Can’t be helped.’

He sighed.

Even though Alden longed for the simple luxuries of the Sanctuary - a warm bath, a soft, clean bed, and hot food - this was something he needed. Not only was he currently experiencing an increase in control and mastery over his Magic Class, but he was also steadily trying to change his ways and remove the deep-seated inclination that prevented him from being able to rely on others.

It was grueling, and often times, Alden found it more difficult than the strenous task of fighting each day... but it was just something that had to be done. In addition, as a result of the Runic Items the Stonewardens possessed, Alden received the perfect opportunity to refine his core at night.

On some nights, to quell the boredom, the Keeper’s Apprentice even joked around with Devin and Marion, rediscovering his playful side which he seemed to have lost. Certainly, Alden enjoyed pranking the puppeteer and poet greatly.

Ignia and the little sparrow seemed to have grown closer, as well, spending most of their time in each other’s company. Recently, the avian duo had even resorted to a hunting game, searching for the most unique item or creature to bring back.

Alden was happy that Ignia had finally found someone to play with, but he was also a little worried - often, Ignia travelled outside the range of his mana sense, where he had no way of ensuring her safety.

So far, nothing bad had happened.

But, still...

A spike of fear and anxiety lodged themselves in Alden’s stomach every time Ignia and the little sparrow went a little too long without coming back. Thankfully, the bond between him and Ignia still worked, so he knew that she was still alive and could communicate with her, if the need ever arose.

As the little sparrow returned to the puppeteer’s side, Alden placed a stop to his thoughts. Marion gave him a small nod, indicating that the terrain up ahead was relatively safe, at least in terms of the immediate future.

Alden was a little mindful of the craters which released bursts of hot steam, but that could be easily remedied by spending a bit of time studying their patterns and the interval between each burst.

Forcing his battered body to move, the Keeper’s Apprentice inhaled a deep, tired breath.

"Break’s over. Let’s go."

***

The Provisional Paladin Squad marched forward, their feet wrapped in a thick layer of mana. As they stepped forward, heat shrouded them in its hazy, shimmering mantle. A snapping sound followed their advance, the thin layer of volcanic rock which had naturally formed over time, slowly breaking apart.

Yuki and Isolde occupied the front of the formation, their figures glowing with a soft, icy hue. Wherever they passed, the molten plain hissed, visibly protesting the duo’s advance. Thanks to the effort of the two frosty women, though, the rest of the squad had a much easier time traversing this treacherous plain.

Alden extended his mana sense, every single muscle in his body primed and ready for combat. His sole crimson eye devoured the igneous landscape, countless golden threads consuming his vision like a vast, mystical web.

Ignia hovered above, her piercing, amber gaze peering far and wide.

Under its intense scrutiny, the molten plain remained unchanged.

However...

Just then, one of the craters released a violent hiss, steam exploding out of its mouth. Alden flinched, his expression taut. He controlled his nerves, his mind likening the sound to that of an ancient, primordial beast escaping its molten seal.

Shaking off the strange thought, Alden continued his tense march. A sense of deja-vu slowly welled up within him, reminding him of time the Provisional Paladin Squad had been ambushed by the unruly horde of Force-Devouring Leopards.

’Don’t tell me...’

Suddenly, unease coiled like a dreadful snake in the young man’s gut.

Less than a heartbeat later, every single thread in Alden’s vision trembled violently, a tempest of furious motion shaking the vast, golden web.

...Alden’s face swiftly turned white with fear.