Chapter 390: Inferno Canyon

Chapter 390: Inferno Canyon

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

"Most of the wizards from our school, including Senior Trevor, have been killed or injured. Only a few managed to escape. The Inferno Canyon suddenly spawned multiple Inferno Rock Golems."

The Tier 3 Wizard Apprentice calmed himself and explained.

"Inferno Rock Golems? Usually, it's just a few Malevolent Flame Elementals that appear. Why did so many Inferno Rock Golems appear suddenly?" Alicia's face was filled with shock, and her previous charm was gone.

"I'm not sure about the specific reason, Lady Alicia. The school should be sending out an investigation team soon," the wizard apprentice, shaking his head.

Alicia and Joseph then asked several more questions.

Since Ren was unfamiliar with the situation, he listened quietly without speaking or asking any questions.

However, when he heard the term 'Inferno Rock Golem,' Ren's eyes lit up slightly.

He suddenly remembered the Hellfire Crystal that Master Mogaro had mentioned, which seemed to be incubating within the creature.

According to the master, these Inferno Rock Golems were extremely rare, as they were not native to this world. Therefore, obtaining Hellfire Crystals naturally was incredibly challenging.

This was why the Black Flame Cult had to use a large energy device to replace the Hellfire Crystal when replicating the Great Axe Guardian Golem, resulting in a significant decrease in power and the inability to use any witchcraft attacks.

"What about the master? Does Master Mogaro know about this?" Audrey asked.

"The master just found out, but he's probably already been summoned by Lord Bradley for a meeting."

One day ago.

Inside Inferno Canyon.

The once smooth ground was now covered with traces of battle—long and short trenches, and large and small pits scattered everywhere.

Smoke was still rising from many of the pits, and if one looked closely, they could see fist-sized stones like burning coals, emitting high temperatures and smoke.

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

Following the winding canyon 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 of them the size of millstones, and some even as big as water tanks.

Next to each pile of scattered stones were corpses in wizard robes, and from the color of their outer robes, they appeared to be wizards from the Bius Armory School.

Additionally, there were more puppet fragments and damaged puppet bodies near the corpses, seemingly testifying to the intensity of the battle.

This also indicated that the battle scene involved several wizards fighting against a single Inferno Rock Golem.

At that moment, a group of people in black robes suddenly appeared in Inferno Canyon.

They quickly approached the piles of green stones and started searching.

"Master, the Abyss Fire Crystal is very useful. This time, we attracted six Inferno Rock Golems. With the Hellfire Crystal, we can directly create Golem Guardians," a black-robed acolyte said with joy.

Ever since they discovered an Abyss Fire Crystal in a ruin some time ago, someone in the cult had the idea to use higher-tier Abyss Fire Crystals to lure Inferno Rock Golems and obtain Hellfire Crystals for golem creation.

However, this plan faced many challenges, the most difficult being the creation of a passageway.

Unexpectedly, they had found a rift leading to the Batto Inferno.

"Yes, and we don't even have to kill the Inferno Rock Golems ourselves. Those wizard school people are so foolish, fighting with all their might against the Inferno Rock Golems, only for us to reap the benefits," another person laughed.

"Indeed, hurry and gather them. I estimate it won't be long before someone comes to check on the situation," said Gregory, the head priest, unable to hide his smile.

This time, they had finally found a passage to the Batto Inferno and traced the Inferno Rock Golems.

Their actions were very discreet, and they didn't directly intervene.

Even if the wizard schools guarding the area sent people to investigate, they would likely attribute it to a passageway riot.

"You... were the ones... causing trouble..."

A male wizard lying on the ground nearby, with most of his body charred, seemed to have woken up upon hearing the voices. He struggled to lift his head and spoke.

"Huh? There's still a survivor here," a black-robed acolyte said, approaching with a hint of ridicule.

"Sorry, goodbye!"

"Boom!" With a Black Flame Ball, the barely conscious wizard from the school perished in the flames.

"Alright, Head Priest Gregory, we've collected five Hellfire Crystals, and one Inferno Rock Golem hasn't fully incubated yet," a Black Flame acolyte reported.

High Priest Gregory glanced at the specially crafted stone box. Inside, five irregularly-shaped oval crystals were housed, each containing a flowing green flame that resembled water, a truly divine sight.

Gregory couldn't help but smile in satisfaction, nodding, "Not bad! After some time, when this matter settles down, we can do it again."

As Gregory turned to leave, he suddenly remembered something and added, "Oh, and check the bodies. If there are any still alive, remember to finish them off."

"Yes, High Priest Gregory," came the obedient reply.

---

Bius Armory School Outpost.

After the meeting, Master Mogaro returned to his office.

A few minutes later, Ren entered his office.

"Ren, I need your help," Master Mogaro said gravely, his brows furrowed as he looked at Ren.

"Mentor, is it about Inferno Canyon?" Ren asked.

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

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

"With the head of the school absent, Deputy Head Lord Bradley will lead the investigation team, and I will join as well."

"As for the garrison team, the other departments in the school don't have enough personnel to fill in. So, Ren, I'd like to ask you to take Alicia and Audrey with you."

Master Mogaro looked at Ren, a hint of expectation in his eyes.

"If the situation stabilizes, you can return at any time. And Alicia and Audrey together are as powerful as a peak Tier 1 Wizard."

"Mentor, I'm available. Just let me know when we're departing, and I'll prepare accordingly," Ren agreed after a moment's thought.

Recently, the Swordbearer Headquarters has been dealing with internal threats, so he didn't have any missions at the moment.

Additionally, Master Mogaro had always treated him well, and with the Metal Affinity facing difficulties, Ren felt that he should lend a hand if he could.

"We're set to depart tomorrow morning, so you have half a day to prepare," Master Mogaro said, relieved that Ren had agreed.

He knew the combat power of his disciple.

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

"Yes, we have enough time," Ren nodded.

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

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

"Oh? That's great news," Ren's eyes lit up with a smile.

It seemed that if he was lucky enough, he might earn the Contribution Points needed for the third layer of the Advanced Steel Heart Meditation.

Half an hour later.

When Ren heard that Master Mogaro was going to investigate Inferno Canyon, Audrey and the others weren't surprised.

Since Trevor, one of Master Mogaro's favorite disciples, had suddenly encountered trouble, it was highly likely that the mentor would personally make the trip.

"For the garrison, Alicia and Audrey, you two will go together. And Ren, you'll join us as well."

"Huh?" Joseph's expression darkened upon hearing this.

Why wasn't his name mentioned?

Had the mentor heard about how Ren had defeated him in puppet control a couple of days ago?

Why was Ren chosen to gain experience while he was left behind?

The teacher's favoritism was so obvious!

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

Had the mentor's favoritism become so blatant?

Audrey, on the other hand, knew exactly what was going on.

When she heard that Ren was coming along, her first reaction was a sense of security.

"Joseph, I'll leave some school matters to you," Master Mogaro turned and said seriously to Joseph.

"Yes, mentor, don't worry," Joseph quickly assured him.

The next morning, after briefly discussing with Anna and his family, Ren arrived at the school's outpost.

Soon, Master Mogaro led Ren to the school's airship dock.

It was a region similar to an underground silo, and in the center, a large airship was docked.

"Wow, this is impressive!" Alicia exclaimed.

Although she had been at the Bius Armory School for five or six years, this was her first time entering a Mystic Realm.

Previously, she had accompanied Master Mogaro and seen some of the world, but never with such a large group.

Due to the unique nature of the Bius Armory School, each wizard had one or more special puppets behind them, including unique rock puppets and metal puppets, many of which were quite massive.

The scene was truly spectacular.

The spacious airship deck was now packed with these puppets.

"Spectacular, right? Some of the Clay School's puppets and even larger golems are in the cargo hold below," Alicia interjected as she noticed Ren's curious gaze.

"Yes, it's indeed a rare sight."

A

"Indeed, this is the first time I've seen so many members of the school out together," Audrey said, her eyes wide with wonder, nodding in agreement.

"Oh, it seems like our Metal Affinity group is the weakest," Alicia said quietly to Audrey after surveying the group.

"Oh, it's not that bad," Audrey said, glancing at Ryan beside her.

Although she said this, Audrey secretly believed that with Ryan's presence, their Metal Affinity group was undoubtedly the best.

However, judging by the deputy head's reaction, it seemed he was unaware of Ryan's true identity.

Could it be that only the mentor and the head knew?

"Audrey, look! That's Paul Nixon, the direct descendant of the Nixon Duke family!" Alicia exclaimed, suddenly grabbing Audrey's sleeve with excitement.

Ryan looked up and saw a handsome young man wearing an earth-yellow mage robe, with a slightly slender build. Aside from his appearance, he was undoubtedly top-notch.

"Oh, what should I do to strike up a conversation with him? But being too forward might not be a good idea," Alicia said.

"Alicia, don't you think Ryan is just as handsome?" Audrey replied.

"Well, Ryan is indeed handsome, but I'm looking for someone with strength and background. You're still young, Audrey, you don't understand," Alicia said.

Alicia and Audrey continued their quiet conversation, but Ryan's perception was too keen to miss it. He couldn't help but chuckle.

As the team assembled, the launch pad's gears began to turn, and the top slowly opened, allowing the airship to rise gracefully.

After half a day, the airship arrived above the Inferno Canyon.

However, from mid-air, they saw a lush green forest ahead instead of the expected canyon landscape.

"Huh? Where's the Inferno Canyon?"

"Hehe, there's a massive illusion set up by an ancient wizard here. You must be from the Metal Affinity, right? I think I've seen you a few times at the school," said a young man with noble demeanor as he stepped out of the cabin, smiling.

"Oh, it's Paul! Hello, I'm Alicia," Alicia replied, more excited than Audrey, the person directly involved.

Compared to Audrey's calm demeanor, Alicia was more enthusiastic.

There were already few female wizards, and both Audrey and Alicia were among the most beautiful in the entire Pyroarmored School.

Especially Audrey, with her pure and innocent looks, had caught Paul's attention even before boarding the airship.

As for Ryan, Paul glanced at him and then ignored him.

After all, Ryan was only a first-rank wizard based on his perception, and he seemed to be a newcomer to the school, probably brought along by his mentor to gain some experience.

However, in the next few minutes, Paul, the talented Clay School wizard, faced a different situation than he had hoped for.

Instead of conversing with Audrey, he found himself constantly interrupted by Alicia.

Ryan, however, didn't mind Paul's attitude; he was just a kid.

At that moment, Ryan was pondering Paul's earlier words.

An illusion? Could a canyon landscape be completely hidden?

Indeed, as a faint wave of witchcraft energy rippled, the massive airship seemed to enter an invisible bubble, and the scenery before them changed dramatically.

The lush green forest transformed into a long, dark red canyon.

At the canyon's depths, wisps of black smoke and a faint sulfuric smell filled the air.

Ryan estimated the canyon's length to be over ten kilometers, but to conceal it entirely with a witchcraft array would require an immense effort, perhaps beyond the capabilities of even a fourth-rank Dawn Wizard.

As the airship slowly descended, the signs of battle on the ground gradually came into view.

Many young wizards exclaimed in surprise, as the intensity of the battle exceeded their expectations.

Alicia and Audrey's conversation abruptly ended.

As soon as they disembarked from the airship, a wave of heat washed over them.

The Inferno Canyon's depths were perpetually ablaze with flames, and even though they were still some distance from the core area, the temperature was already scorching.

In the Inferno Canyon, the defense of the southern exit was the responsibility of the Bius Armory School, while the northern exit was guarded by the Sandale Academy.

Ren showed great interest in the remains of the Inferno Rock Golems, observing alongside Master Mogaro and other high-ranking members of the school.

"The fallen wizards show no signs of other witchcraft. They either perished from the inferno's scorching or suffered fatal blows to vital areas!"

"The battle traces support this conclusion," another wizard added.

"This situation seems to be an isolated incident," a Second Rank Liquidation Wizard commented.

Ren wandered around, and at a certain spot, he frowned slightly, sensing a familiar aura, faint but unmistakably present.

It seemed that this matter was not as simple as some in the school believed.

When Ren returned to Master Mogaro, the investigation team was still discussing.

"There's something strange. According to ancient records, Inferno Rock Golems typically nurture Inferno Crystal Cores within their bodies," Mogaro said.

"But none of these golems have their crystal cores."

"Not every Inferno Rock Golem has a crystal core, but with at least six remains here, it's odd that none of them have one."

"Could the ancient records be wrong?" another Second Rank Wizard pondered aloud.

"After all, these Inferno Rock Golems are foreign creatures, and ancient wizards might not have fully understood their nature. Some details could be mere speculation."

"Is it possible that other Inferno Rock Golems took the crystal cores when they returned?" someone suggested.

"That..."

Mogaro was about to refute the first idea, but hesitated when he heard the second suggestion.

He wasn't very familiar with Inferno Rock Golems either.

His knowledge came from ancient records, and he wasn't sure if other golems of the same type would take their kin's crystal cores.

"We'll stay here for two days to observe the deeper parts of Inferno Canyon."

"I'll discuss with Sandale Academy to increase personnel and raise everyone's vigilance!" Deputy Head Bradley declared.

The investigation team and the relief personnel settled in the outpost, but for three days, all was peaceful.

As usual, very rarely, a Malicious Flame Elemental would rush out from the depths of the canyon.

With so many high-ranking wizards present, it seemed a waste to just wait around for such minor threats.

Soon, Master Mogaro and others began to leave, but Deputy Head Bradley stayed behind.

Due to the canyon's unique environment, it was home to various heat-loving herbs, like the rare Inferno Mushroom and Flame Flower.

Many wizards on guard 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 School found several Inferno Mushrooms in a row." Recently, Clay School's Paul had been making moves on Audrey.

He often invited her to do things together.

Audrey usually declined, but Alicia was more proactive.

"Sure, Lord Paul, Audrey, let's go take a look." Alicia's eyes lit up.

These herbs were valuable, and submitting them to the school could earn a substantial number of Contribution Points.

At that moment, Audrey's beautiful eyes glanced at Ren, as if seeking his opinion.

Ren thought for a moment and nodded slightly.

"Okay, let's go. Ren, you're coming too," Audrey said.

Although the number of people differed from Paul's expectations, he thought that since Audrey had agreed, it was a step forward.

Soon, the four of them headed deeper into Inferno Canyon.

Along the way, they didn't find the Inferno Mushroom, but they discovered two Flame Flowers, delighting Alicia.

Suddenly, as they rounded a corner in the canyon, a wave of heat washed over them.

A two-and-a-half-meter-tall element, burning with pale green flames and resembling a giant green balloon, appeared dozens of meters away.

"It's a Malicious Flame Elemental, be careful!" Alicia exclaimed.

"Don't worry, leave it to me!" Paul smiled confidently.

He had been looking for an opportunity to showcase his abilities, and now a Malicious Flame Elemental had conveniently appeared.

Paul quickly reached into his robe and pulled out a crystal emitting a yellowish-brown magical aura. He began chanting a spell.

The crystal glowed, projecting an inverted pentagram array of pale green light onto the ground.

"Summon! Clay Monster!"

Suddenly, the ground where the array landed began to shimmer with yellow light, shaking and bulging.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end