Chapter 390: Fury Gorge

Chapter 390: Fury Gorge

"What exactly happened?" Audrey was the first to regain her composure and asked.

"Senior Trevor and the other wizards stationed here from our academy suffered heavy casualties. Only a few managed to escape. The reason is that multiple Hellfire Stone Giants suddenly appeared in Fury Gorge."

The Third Rank Wizard Apprentice calmed himself and began to explain.

"Hellfire Stone Giants? Aren't they usually solitary creatures? How did multiple Hellfire Stone Giants appear all of a sudden?" Alicia's face was filled with shock, and her previous flirtatiousness was gone.

"I'm not sure about the specifics, Miss Alicia, but the academy should send out an investigation team soon," the Wizard Apprentice shook his head.

Alicia and Joseph then asked several questions in quick succession.

As Rain was unfamiliar with the situation, he remained quiet and listened without speaking or asking any questions.

However, when he heard the mention of Hellfire Stone Giants, Rain's eyes lit up slightly.

He suddenly recalled the Hellfire Crystal Shard that Mentor Mogaro had mentioned, which seemed to be incubating within the giant's body.

According to the mentor's explanation, Hellfire Stone Giants were extremely rare because they were not native to this world. Consequently, obtaining Hellfire Crystal Shards naturally became an arduous task.

This was why the Dark Flame Cult, when creating the Great Axe Guardian Statue, had to use a large energy core as a substitute for the Hellfire Crystal Shard, resulting in a significant decrease in the replica's power and the inability to use any sorcery attacks.

"What about Mentor Mogaro? Does he know about this?" Audrey asked.

"Mentor Mogaro already knows, but he's probably in a meeting with Dean Bradley now," the Wizard Apprentice replied.

One day earlier.

Inside Fury Gorge, the once smooth surface now marred by battle scars. Long and short trenches and pits of various sizes were scattered across the landscape.

Thin wisps of black smoke rose from some of the pits, and upon closer inspection, one could see fist-sized stones resembling burning coals, emitting high temperatures and black smoke.

However, unlike the color of coal, these stones had an eerie pale green hue.

Following the winding gorge towards the entrance, one could see several piles of the same green stones along the way, but they were much larger than those in the pits, most being the size of millstones, and some even rivaling water wheels in size.

Next to each pile of scattered stones were several corpses in wizard robes, their outer cloaks indicating that they were wizards from the Bius Armament Academy.

Additionally, there were more puppet parts and broken puppet torsos scattered around the corpses, seemingly telling the tale of the intense battle that had taken place.

The scene also indicated that multiple wizards had fought against a single one of these fiery rock creatures—the Hellfire Stone Giants.

At that moment, a group of black-robed figures suddenly appeared in Fury Gorge and quickly made their way to the piles of green stones, bending down to search for something.

"The Hellfire Crystal Shards are truly useful. This time, we attracted six Hellfire Stone Giants. With these shards, we can directly create Guardian Statues," a Dark Flame Cultist said with delight.

Ever since the discovery of a Hellfire Crystal Shard in a ruin some time ago, the cult had devised this plan.

By using higher-tier Hellfire Crystal Shards to lure Hellfire Stone Giants, they could obtain a more stable supply of shards for creating statues.

However, the plan's success hinged on overcoming numerous challenges, the most difficult being the issue of the passageway.

Unexpectedly, they had found a crack leading to the Hellfire Realm.

"Indeed, and we don't even need to kill the Hellfire Stone Giants ourselves. Those wizards from the academy are fools, fighting with all their might against the giants, only for us to reap the benefits," another cultist laughed.

"Yes, and it won't be long before someone comes to investigate the situation," Gregory, the High Priest, said with a smile.

This time, they had finally found a passage to the Hellfire Realm and tracked down the Hellfire Stone Giants.

Their actions were stealthy, and even if the wizard academies sent people to investigate, it was highly likely they would attribute the incident to the passageway's instability.

"You... it was you... all along."

At that moment, a male wizard lying on the ground, his body half-scorched, seemed to have woken up upon hearing the conversation. He struggled to lift his head and take a look.

"There's still a survivor here?" a Dark Flame Cultist expressed surprise, with a hint of mockery, as he stepped forward.

"My apologies, farewell!"

"Boom!" With a black flame fireball, the barely conscious wizard from the academy was engulfed by the flames.

"Alright, High Priest Gregory, we've collected five Hellfire Crystal Shards, and one Hellfire Stone Giant still has an unformed shard within it," a Dark Flame Cultist reported.

Grandmaster Mage Gregory examined the specially-made stone box. Inside, five irregularly-shaped oval crystals were nestled, each with a peculiar flowing green flame resembling a stream.

Gregory couldn't help but smile in satisfaction, nodding his head as he said, "Excellent! After some time, once this matter settles down, we can do it again."

As Gregory turned to leave, he suddenly remembered something and stopped to add, "Oh, and check the bodies. If there are any survivors, make sure to finish them off."

"Yes, Grandmaster Gregory," came the reply.

---

Bius Armament Academy Headquarters.

Magaro returned to his office after a meeting.

Minutes later, Rain entered his office.

"Rain, I need your help," Magaro said, his brows furrowed as he looked at Rain.

"Is it about Fury Gorge?" Rain asked.

"Yes, it seems you've heard. Trevor is dead, and I have to go there. This time, the Academy has decided to send both an investigation team and a garrison team simultaneously," Magaro explained.

"Although the surviving mages reported that the situation was an accident, similar to an elemental creature riot, I personally think it might not be that simple," Rain added.

"Since the Dean is not here, the investigation team will be led by Vice Dean Bradley, and I will also join," Magaro continued.

"As for the garrison team, currently, the other departments in the Academy don't have enough personnel to spare. So, Rain, I'd like to ask for your help. I want you to go with Alicia and Audrey," Magaro said.

Magaro looked at Rain, a hint of expectation in his eyes.

"If the situation stabilizes, you can come back anytime. As for Alicia and Audrey, they can handle the combat strength of a Tier 2 Liquidization Wizard," Magaro assured.

"Mentor, I'm available. Just tell me when we're leaving, and I'll prepare accordingly," Rain agreed after a moment's thought.

Rain was unoccupied as the Sword Holder Headquarters was currently dealing with internal spies, and he had no active missions.

Additionally, Mentor Magaro had always treated him well, and since the Metal Department was facing challenges, Rain felt it was only natural to lend a hand.

"The departure is set for tomorrow morning, so you have half a day to prepare," Magaro said, relieved that Rain had agreed.

He was well aware of his disciple's combat capabilities.

With Rain accompanying them, the entire journey would be much safer.

"Yes, that's enough time," Rain nodded.

"By the way, regarding the mission rewards, the Academy has decided to double them. The original reward of 1,000 contribution points per garrison member has been increased to 2,000 points," Magaro informed.

"If there are any additional discoveries or situations during the garrison period, there will be further rewards," he added.

Rain's eyes lit up at this news.

If luck was on his side, he might quickly accumulate the contribution points needed for the third layer of the Steel Heart Advanced Meditation Technique.

Half an hour later, when Magaro announced that they were going to Fury Gorge for an investigation, Audrey and the others were not surprised.

Trevor, as one of Mentor Magaro's most outstanding disciples, had suddenly encountered trouble, and it was highly likely that the mentor would personally go there.

"For the garrison, Alicia and Audrey, you two will go together. Also, Rain, you'll come with us," Magaro said.

"Huh?" Joseph's expression darkened.

Why wasn't his name mentioned?

Could it be because Rain had recently defeated him in a puppet control competition?

Why was Rain chosen to gain experience, but not him?

As expected, the teacher favored his favorite student!

Alicia's beautiful eyes also glanced at Rain, her face filled with surprise.

Was the teacher's favoritism so blatant?

Audrey, of course, understood the situation.

Upon hearing that Rain was coming along, her first reaction was a sense of security.

"Joseph, I'll leave some department matters in your hands," Magaro said, turning to Joseph with a serious expression.

"Don't worry, Mentor," Joseph quickly nodded.

The next morning, after a brief conversation with Anna and his family, Rain arrived at the Academy headquarters.

Soon, Magaro led Rain and the other two to the Academy's airship launch shaft.

The area resembled an underground launch shaft, and Alicia couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow, this is impressive!"

Although Alicia had seen many things while accompanying Mentor Magaro, this was the first time she had seen so many people gathered.

Due to the unique nature of the Bius Armament Academy, each mage had one or more puppets, including special rock puppets and metal puppets, some of which were quite massive.

The scene was truly spectacular.

The spacious airship deck was filled with these mages and their puppets.

"Impressive, right? Some clay puppets and even larger golems are in the cargo hold below," Alicia said, noticing Rain's keen interest in their surroundings.

"Hmm, it is indeed rare to see so many people from the school out on a mission." Rain smiled and nodded.

Most of the people present were Peak Tier 1 Wizards, with four Tier 2 Liquidization Wizards, each specializing in Clay, Rock, and Flesh, and their respective leaders.

In comparison, Rain's Metal Element seemed to be the 'weakest' among them. There were either female Wizards or newcomers like Rain.

As for Magaro, although he had seniority, his strength was stuck at the Peak of Tier 1. Compared to the leaders of other Elements, he fell short.

The leader of this operation, positioned at the forefront of the team, was the Gray-Robed Wizard—Vice Dean Bradley, a Tier 3 early-stage Crystallization Wizard.

"Yes, it's the first time I've seen so many people from the school on a mission." Audrey couldn't take her eyes off them, nodding.

"Oh, it seems our Metal Element is the weakest." Alicia looked around and whispered to Audrey.

"It's not that bad." Audrey glanced at Rain beside her.

Although she said this, Audrey secretly believed that with Rain's presence, there was no doubt that he was the best in their Element.

However, judging by Vice Dean Bradley's reaction, it seemed he didn't know Rain's specific identity? Could it be that only the Mentor and the Dean knew?

"Audrey, look! That's Paul Erickson, the direct descendant of the Erickson Duke Family!" Alicia's beautiful eyes lit up, and she suddenly excitedly pulled Audrey's sleeve.

Rain looked up and saw a young man wearing a clay-yellow Wizard's robe, slightly slender and handsome. Aside from his good looks, he had an impeccable appearance.

"Oh, what should I do to strike up a conversation with him? Is it inappropriate to be too forward?"

"Hmm, Alicia, don't you think he's quite handsome?"

"Well, Rain is also good-looking, but I'm getting married. Handsomeness can't be eaten, and it's better to have someone with strength and background, oh, Audrey, you're still young and might not understand this."

Alicia and Audrey whispered to each other.

But how could they hide this from Rain's perception? Rain couldn't help but chuckle.

As the team assembled, the gears above the launch well started turning, and the ceiling slowly opened, causing the flying ship to rise.

After half a day, the flying ship arrived above Fury Gorge.

However, from mid-air, they could see a vast lush forest ahead, not resembling the gorge's terrain at all.

"Huh? Where's Fury Gorge?"

"Hehe, there's a massive Illusion Array set up by an ancient Wizard here. You're probably from the Metal Element, right? I've seen you a few times within the school."

At this moment, a young man with noble demeanor walked out from the cabin and smiled.

"Ah, it's Paul! Greetings, I'm Alicia."

Compared to the calm-faced Audrey, Alicia was even more excited than Audrey herself, the person involved, and she eagerly spoke up.

"Greetings, Paul. I'm Audrey." Audrey slightly bowed and calmly replied.

The number of female Wizards was originally small, and whether it was Audrey or Alicia, their beauty could rank among the top in the entire Bius Armament Academy.

Especially the pure-looking Audrey, she had already caught Paul's attention when they boarded the flying ship.

As for Rain beside them, Paul glanced at her and then directly ignored her.

After all, judging by his perception, she was only at the early stage of Tier 1, seemingly a newcomer Wizard who had just joined the school, probably with a good relationship with her Mentor, brought here to see the world.

However, in the next few minutes, the genius Clay Wizard Paul, things didn't go as planned.

He didn't get to chat with Audrey, but was constantly interrupted by Alicia.

Rain didn't mind Paul's attitude; he was just a little brat.

At this time, he thought about Paul's previous words, pondering.

An Illusion Array? Could it completely conceal a canyon's terrain?

Indeed, with a faint Wizardry wave, the giant flying ship seemed to fly into an invisible bubble, and the scenery before them changed.

The vast lush forest directly transformed into a long, dark red gorge.

At the depths of the gorge, strands of black smoke and a slightly unpleasant sulfur smell emanated.

Rain estimated that although the gorge's length was about ten-plus miles, to completely conceal it with a Wizard Array, such a grand feat might even be beyond the capability of a Tier 4 Dawn Wizard.

As the flying ship slowly descended, the traces of battle on the ground gradually came into view.

Many young Wizards exclaimed, evidently, the intensity of the scene far exceeded their expectations.

Alicia and Audrey's conversation abruptly stopped.

As they disembarked, everyone felt a wave of heat wash over them.

The depths of Fury Gorge constantly burned with flames, and even though this place was still quite far from the true core region, the temperature was already scorching.

The defense of the canyon was a joint effort between the Bius Armament Academy, responsible for the southern exit, and the Sunder Academy, guarding the northern end.

Rain was intrigued by the remains of the Hellfire Boulder Giants, and he observed with keen interest as Mentor Magaro and other high-ranking members of the Academy inspected the site.

"The fallen wizards show no signs of other sorcery. They either perished from the hellfire's scorching or suffered fatal blows to vital body parts!"

"The battle traces support this conclusion."

"This situation seems to be an isolated incident," commented a Tier 2 Liquidization Wizard.

Rain circled the area, and as he stopped at a certain spot, his eyebrows furrowed slightly.

He sensed a familiar aura, faint but undeniably real.

It seemed that this matter was not as simple as many in the Academy believed.

When Rain returned to Mentor Magaro's side, the investigation team's discussion was still ongoing.

"There's something strange," Magaro said. "According to ancient records, Hellfire Boulder Giants typically nurture Hellfire Cores within their bodies."

"But the Hellfire Cores are missing from these giants."

"While not every Hellfire Boulder Giant develops a core, it's odd that none of the at least six remains here have them. It's highly unusual."

"Could the ancient records be incorrect?" another Tier 2 wizard pondered aloud.

"After all, these Hellfire Boulder Giants are foreign creatures, and ancient wizards might not have had a complete understanding of their nature. Some details could be mere speculation."

"Is it possible that other Hellfire Boulder Giants took the Hellfire Cores with them when they returned?" someone else suggested.

"Well..."

Magaro was about to refute the idea but hesitated upon hearing the second opinion.

After all, his knowledge of Hellfire Boulder Giants was limited to ancient records, and he genuinely didn't know if other giants would take their kin's cores.

"We'll stay for two days to observe the situation deeper in Fury Gorge."

"I'll discuss with the Sunder Academy to increase personnel. Everyone, stay vigilant!" Deputy Brigade Leader Bradley declared.

Soon, the investigation team and the relief team settled in the camp. For three consecutive days, nothing unusual occurred.

As usual, a few sporadic Evil Fire Elementals would emerge from the canyon's depths.

With so many high-ranking wizards present, capable of handling these level 1 beings, it seemed like a waste of resources.

Mentor Magaro and his team soon began their return, but Deputy Brigade Leader Bradley remained behind.

Due to the unique environment of Fury Canyon, the canyon's interior hosted a rich variety of heat-loving herbs, including rare ones like the Flame Mushroom and Fire Flower.

Many wizards on duty would search for these herbs during their breaks, either in teams or individually.

"Audrey, why don't we explore the surroundings together? I heard the Flesh-Blood group found several Flame Mushrooms recently." Lately, Paul of the Clay Element had been making advances towards Audrey.

He frequently invited Audrey to join him in various activities.

Audrey often declined, but Alicia was more proactive.

"Sure, Paul, Audrey, let's go!" Alicia's eyes lit up.

These herbs were valuable, and submitting them to the Academy could earn a significant number of contribution points.

At that moment, Audrey glanced at Rain, seemingly seeking his opinion.

Rain thought for a moment and nodded slightly.

"Okay, let's go together, Rain," Audrey said.

Although the number of people differed from Paul's expectations, he was pleased that Audrey had agreed to join him.

Soon, the four of them headed deeper into Fury Gorge.

As they traversed the canyon, a wave of heat suddenly washed over them at a corner.

A two-meter-tall elemental creature resembling a large green orb enveloped in pale green flames appeared abruptly several dozen meters away.

"It's an Evil Fire Elemental! Be careful, everyone!" Alicia exclaimed.

"Don't worry, leave it to me!" Paul confidently reached into his pocket, retrieving a crystal emitting earthen sorcery light, and swiftly began chanting.

The crystal soon glowed, projecting a pale green inverted pentagram onto the ground.

"Summon! Clay Monster!"

The area illuminated by the projection began to shimmer with large patches of green light, shaking violently and bulging.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end