Chapter 1700 - WMW 73

It was the early morning and the air was refreshing, a situation that seldom occurred. Even the lava rivers weren't boiling hot right now.

The large black city gates opened slowly, and a small caravan made its way through.

Within the caravan were many black one-horned clansmen. Their mode of transport was a giant creature that looked like a snail. Their shells towered high, a few openings in them made expressly for the easy retrieval of items.

There were no goods in the huge shell of the largest mount, and only a space that was specially cleared for Leylin to sit in, with his legs crossed.

Though this snail's movements weren't especially quick, it was advantageous in that there were practically no jolts from the travel. Even the temperature of this place was different from that of the surroundings, and it left Leylin feeling very satisfied.

At the thought of the unwillingness to part on Uma's face, as well as Wook'e and Wook'bo's stunned expressions, Leylin had the urge to laugh.

He had no plans on interfering with matters relating to other races. That 'Intellectual One' had also known from the aura undulations that Leylin had intentionally emanated, that he was not to be provoked, and did not want to keep a time bomb like Leylin around.

Hence, everything clicked together. The one-horned race immediately agreed to bring Leylin along on their next travel. With the travelling merchants as the guide, they brought Leylin to a bigger city.

In all honesty, compared to the city where many different races lived together in harmony, the black city that the one-horned race had built was like a town in the countryside.

"Woking City! The largest city in the Blazing Thorn Land. I hope it won't let me down!" Leylin's eyes flashed with a glint that nobody could see through, while his hands began to move quickly.

Large amounts of Magus materials were fished out of his spatial ring and arranged to form a small-scale spell formation.

The whole process was covert, and not the slightest sound was made. It was not just the one-horned beings outside. Even the snail that Leylin was sitting on did not feel it.

*Buzz…* An extremely slight undulation that only Morning Star ranked Kemoyin Warlocks could detect was transmitted into the distance.

"Go!" Two dull spiritual flames appeared on Leylin's hands, quickly disappearing into the spell formation.

Following that, Leylin closed his eyes, a thread of soul force linking with the spell formation. His mind seemed to pass through the snail shell and arrive outside, spreading further.

A long while later, Leylin opened his eyes and shook his head.

'It still isn't working! This is the limit of what I can do. I'm afraid the two Dukes aren't in this region…' Leylin sighed, his expression complicated.

A world was much too large. It could be said that the Lava World far surpassed the central continent in terms of surface area. To find two people in such a large area, a needle in a haystack couldn't even begin to describe it.

Though Gilbert and the rest were Morning Star Warlocks and would definitely make a name for themselves wherever they were, one had to remember that Jupiter's Lightning definitely had an organisation here. It was possible that before he could even find Gilbert, the Radiant Moon Magi would be at his doorstep wanting his life.

'But… Morning Star strength is rare even in other worlds. If I was a Magus from Jupiter's Lightning, I would probably scheme to seize control of large-scale organisations and find a way to lure other members to come over as well…'

Leylin began to envisage the plans that Gilbert and the others would make after coming here suddenly, and immediately had several trains of thought.

'I'm afraid I'll have to go to other large cities. Intelligence groups there must have the information I want!' Leylin's eyes shone, and he pointed at the spell formation in mid-air.

A layer of crimson flames immediately started to rage, swallowing the spell formation and the two soul fires within.

In the crimson flames, the spell formation that had originally been large and oversized shrunk down into little droplets that rolled around and disappeared into a soul crystal.

When the crimson flames had died out, all that was left was a red crystal the size of a fist.

At the heart of the crystal were two fine silver-white flames that intertwined, forming the strange shape of the Ouroboros.

'Alright! The sensing technique has been set. I won't need to go through the troublesome task of setting up a spell formation every single time in the future.' Leylin looked relaxed as he kept the crystal properly. Immediately after, he felt the whole group come to a halt.

"What's going on?" Furrowing his brows, Leylin opened the shell of the snail and went outside.

"Mister Ley, there's a battle going on outside. The undulations have already reached the Earth grade, hence I've ordered the group to stop!" A giant one-horned clansman came before Leylin, looking very respectful.

Initially, he had had qualms regarding Intellectual One's plans, but after Leylin had shown some tricks, the other party was immediately taken in. His gaze towards Leylin was full of deference.

"Oh? I didn't notice that just now." Leylin nodded, spreading a pair of large white wings from his back. A powerful strength flowed through them, allowing his body to fly into the air.

This expansive view immediately allowed him to view the scene far away.

Energy undulations were spread recklessly, and two figures moved to and fro in the lava, filling the whole sky with magma droplets.

"Indeed, energy at the Earth grade," Leylin nodded.

This world naturally did not have the same classification system as the Magus World, but several beings with extraordinary strength still existed here, though the differences in ranking were not as distinct.

From what Leylin knew, individuals who had exemplary abilities only had a few divisions. Exemplary, Earth, Sky, Star!

Based on Leylin's understanding, 'Exemplary' referred to knights and acolytes, and they were beings which possessed the slightest bit of extraordinary strength. They were the lowest stratum. Earth referred to the equivalents of official Magi, or perhaps those who could reach rank 2. Similarly, Sky were the strong ones, as strong as rank 3! And those of Star rank were beings who existed in legends and myths, and were on par with the Magus World's Morning Star Magi.

The classification of 'Stars' allowed Leylin to guess that Lava World definitely had been influenced by the Magus World. Or, at least, there had been a few Morning Star Magi that had paid attention to this world.

If not, the classification of Stars would not be so similar.

As for strength, the one-horned race that Leylin had seen up to this point depended completely on their body. Only the Intellectual One he saw that day seemed to have awakened some magical ability, which was rather decent.

The two beings of another race that were fighting in front of Leylin paled in comparison to the Intellectual One from before, whether in terms of the intensity of their energy or undulations.

However, after observing for a long while, Leylin made a discovery, "A summoning ability? And it's the power of a totem?"

These two were obviously not of the one-horned race. One of them was extremely obese, to the point that their waist couldn't even be seen. A long nose hung from its face, making it look like an upright elephant, except that its skin was bright yellow.

The other was green, and from the big-headed race. It had an exceptionally small body and very nimble arms, with many runes and spell patterns rolling from its fingertips and being carved into the ground.

"Ignite!" With its voice, the image on the ground suddenly brightened, a layer of soil solidifying to form a berserk bear-like creature.

A pentagonal spell formation appeared on the elephant clansman, and in the next moment, the space seemed to shatter. A large double-headed cheetah descended from another space.

The two creatures looked each other face to face, and then began to tear at one another viciously, powerful energy undulations sweeping through the region.

'There's a shadow of the Magus World here! It seems that the ancient Magus World once took over many worlds and made use of the strengths of this place, giving rise to many strength-based systems. Looks like the rumours were real!'

Leylin watched on with interest, occasionally finding traces of some systems similar to that in the Magus World from their usage of energy.

However, his attitude of watching leisurely had clearly offended the two of them.

"You damned bird person. What are you looking at?" The elephant man roared, and it summoned a large goshawk, its sharp feathers and claws like steel as they emanated glints that inspired terror.

The goshawk cawed out and pounced towards Leylin, its large talons seemingly able to tear through anything.

The other opponent seemed to have slowed his movements, standing aside and waiting to watch a good show.

"Really…" Leylin couldn't help but shake his head, watching the goshawk that was throwing itself at him speechlessly. Never did he expect that watching such a spectacle could cause trouble.

'Summoning methods can technically be divided into elemental summoning, spatial summoning, bloodline summoning, all the way to the greatest, which is world summoning! The summoning methods here are probably those of the lowest level, spatial summoning. They can only instantly summon contracted beings of this world before the summoner…'

Leylin touched his chin, watching the goshawk that was pouncing over, and suddenly laughed.

For some reason, after seeing that smile, the elephant man on the ground felt a chill, as if he had done something very wrong.

Soul force invaded the insides of the goshawk's mind. Leylin immediately found a spell formation that symbolised a contract. It was twinkling, and as if it had discovered the invasion of another being, it began to retaliate.

However, soul force was far too powerful. With just a sweep, the elephant man's low-grade spiritual force was utterly defeated, and the spiritual branding had also been erased. The large goshawk felt giddy and suddenly found the white-winged person in front of it favourable, circling around Leylin.

"Impossible!" The intense spiritual attack, as well as the erasing of his mark immediately caused the elephant man to be seriously injured.

He involuntarily cried out and spat a mouthful of fresh blood, crumbling down on the spot.

The other opponent seemed to be scared out of its wits and stayed rooted to the spot.

How could this summoning partner of his be defeated in such a straightforward manner? The green-skinned clansman felt like his thoughts came crashing down.

He was beginning to pity his opponent. Just a casual act had provoked such a terrifying existence. They had to be at least of the Sky rank!

-x-X-x-

"Mister Ley!" The rest of the Wooks celebrated upon Leylin's return, worship in their eyes. There was a respect for power that was imprinted into their very bloodlines, and now it had shown itself.

"It's all settled, let's continue!" Leylin returned to the seat in the giant snail shell, looking calm.

Indeed, the two rank 1 Magi did not warrant Leylin's attention. However, it had surprised Leylin how much the A.I. Chip had advanced after deriving the energy transformation formulas of the rank 1 Magi.

[Beep! Decoding of 15 rank 1 Fire element spells, 7 rank 2 spells and 3 rank 3 spells has been completed.]

Leylin's face broke into a smile after hearing the notice from the A. I. Chip.

Due to the difference in the rules of the Lava World, spell models of the Magus world could not directly be used in it, and had to be slightly altered.

For other Magi to do such a thing would require a lot of research; something that was potentially troublesome. The spells had to each be studied and analysed individually.

However, Leylin had the ability to analyse the spells in batches and instantly managed to understand many of the spells.

'In this case, I can recover most of my strength before we reach Woking…' A streak of light flashed and he slowly closed his eyes.

The giant caravan started to move slowly after the short pause, the Wook clansmen at ease.

After all, with the almighty Mister Ley overseeing them, there was not much to worry about during the journey, be it the bandits of the wilderness or disasters of nature and beasts.

As a matter of fact, with Leylin around, they were rarely affected by natural disaster, and even avoided huge crises many times.

After some time, The one-horned race eventually worshipped Leylin like a god. They had never been at such ease before, usually losing more than half their merchants and consuming large amounts of supplies for every trip.

Their parting with Leylin was full of reluctance. The chief of the caravan tried his best to persuade Leylin not to leave, even hinting that he could stay even if the Intellectual One refused.

But how would Leylin agree? He left with a smile.

Woking City, the largest city in the Blazing Thorn Land.

The entire city was built in a huge barren desert, with raging winds roaring every once in a while. The place appeared desolate.

But Leylin knew that such living conditions were considered exemplary in the Lava World. In the Lava World, the intelligent creatures thrived best in the areas where there was no lava flow. Other than the pure fire elemental creatures, few species would enjoy living near the edge of the lava. In here, other than the shortcoming that the temperature was slightly higher, it wasn't very much different from that of the deserts in the Magus World, and hence was considered conditions that were good enough.

"Nevertheless, these non-human species are really..."

The dress code and appearances of the Magi in Woking City differed greatly from what he was used to. Leylin was a little speechless at the unique structure of the buildings and the large crowd of passersby, who were predominantly non-human.

To Leylin's surprise, the one-horned race whom he had encountered early were actually more human than most, at least they looked similar to normal humans.

With non-humans who had numerous eyes and limbs were barely considered normal, Leylin was completely shocked when he saw a humongous green caterpillar, with hat and stick, in a store. It, ignorant of his gaze, was in a heated argument with the store's owner.

Despite his adventure experience in the Magus world, Leylin had mostly only been exposed to humans. Although the central continent held many non-humans, humans were still the majority while the rest eked out an existence in the shadows, even if they were mixed bloods who looked human.

However, in this place, Leylin felt like he was the odd one out. This feeling of isolation was new to him, and interesting.

"No wonder the antique books say that the process of conquering a foreign world is actually a great challenge for Magi. It's extremely difficult to even think of such a thing now, especially the act of going against the whole world by oneself. Truly, insane…"

Flames fumed in Leylin's eyes as he mumbled under his breath, his eyes flashing with excitement. "I really wish to give it a try… The feeling of conquering a world…"

His exclamation was well and good, but time had arrived that he settle serious matters.

Leylin stopped a long-haired, two headed green being that was drooling out some unknown liquid.

"I need to get some information, is there any place can fulfil my needs? If u can bring me there, this will be yours!" Leylin took out a pinkish crystal and tossed it in front of the non-human, making his eyes brighten up.

"I– I'll bring you there!" The sturdy man by the side of the two-headed being hemmed and hawed, as if he had to invest a lot of energy in speaking each and every word.

"Great! After you!" Leylin's eyes flashed with a trace of a smile.

...

Clearly, the two headed being was pretty familiar with streets of Woking, every step of his long legs taking him a few meters ahead. He was originally worried that Leylin could not keep up with him, but after seeing Leylin at ease he sped up.

When they reached a remote alley, the two-headed fellow turned around and stammered, "Right– right here!"

"Is it?" Leylin looked around. The huge shadow of the building covered the region, blotting out the sun and leaving the entire place in darkness.

A tinge of a sombre mood was felt, and there was not a single person around.

"Hehehe, look, what Strap brought us!" A green, multi-limbed being who looked like a grasshopper climbed along the side of the wall. The pair of crimson eyes on top of its triangular head stared at Leylin with a malicious intent.

"Ant Tribe? Or Winged Tribe? Whatever, Old Hawk will surely pay a high price for his meat anyway... "

In concert with his voice, many other non-humans climbed out of the corners, all looking bloodthirsty and ferocious.

"I knew it… I just knew it would turn out this way..." Leylin sighed helplessly, "Why do you want to force me to use violence when we can resolve this peacefully?"

Leylin's puzzled look made the nonhumans tremble, feeling as if they had done something wrong.

"Just as well! In any case, I'm short on quite a few foreign specimens!"

Leylin played with the ring on his finger, gracefully taking out a silver surgical knife. He looked focused and devoted.

...

"Oh no! Please let me go! I don't know anything, they forced me…"

Half an hour later, the alley was filled with the reek of blood. All the non-humans had disappeared, leaving behind only the two headed being kneeling on the ground, begging for mercy.

However, it was a high-pitched female voice this time, coming from the other head.

"Really?" Leylin wiped the silvery surgical knife, mirth in his eyes. It terrified the two-headed being, whose hair stood on ends.

"I can help! I know the best information broker in the city, it's Old Jake. I'm telling the truth! He even knows things about other worlds! I can bring you there right now!" The being revealed its intelligence at the boundary between life and death, finally securing its life from the surgical knife Leylin had placed in front of it.

"Good! Bring me to him now!" The surgical knife stopped right before the being's eyes, only a millimetre away.

"Yes, Master! I will bring you there now..." The creature wept, even wanting to die. If not for the fact that it was in its resting period and if it had let its younger brother go out instead, it would never have come near a malefic like Leylin.

It was useless to say anything now, though. It knew very well that it would end up like the scattered piles of flesh and bones if it did not bring Leylin to his destination and help him get what he wanted.

It was no doubt that he was the local tyrant. In a short while, he had brought Leylin to an extensive basement area.

Leylin got excited upon entering the place. This atmosphere of this place was pervaded with feelings of passion, madness, and death, causing the darkness elemental particles to be very concentrated here.

'It wouldn't take too long for this kind of place to give normal humans a mental disorder…' Leylin stroked his chin, followed after the two-headed being.

"What brings you here Strap? Do you wanna play some games?" A creature with the head of an ox patted the two headed creature's shoulder with great strength. His right leg was missing, instead replaced with a giant metal limb.

Leylin smelled an odour similar to that of marijuana from the ox-head, coming from the crimson drink in his hand. It seemed to be an alcoholic drink of this world.

"No, I'm here for Old Jake! You see..." The two headed being pointed at Leylin and started to whisper to the ox-head with flattery.

"Off you go!" The Ox-head took another look at Leylin, perhaps it was the attractive thin figure of Leylin that set him off guard.

-x-X-x-

Passing through a rusty metal door, Leylin entered a large underground arena.

There were cheers, howls, even berserk roars sounding incessantly. At times one could hear the sound of weapons clashing, at others the sound of a body being pierced.

The atmosphere was insane. The audience, who were composed of multiple races, waved pieces of paper in their hands as they yelled towards the middle of the arena.

"This…" Leylin looked down towards the centre with interest, and immediately made a discovery.

In a large cage made of steel was a were-lion with golden fur. It was matched against several large monsters.

These monsters looked like eight-legged crocodiles with mouths full of sharp teeth.

Their mouths actually looked like saws with all the sharp teeth, boasting a viciousness and frightening power that would cause weaker beings to faint.

Their opponent, the were-lion, was unarmed, and could only fight these monsters with its own fists. Heaps of muscles bulged on its body, holding in store its formidable strength.

Just as Leylin glanced over, it mercilessly grabbed onto one of the crocodiles' tails and ruthlessly flung it onto a metal bad. A large number of metallic thorns stabbed into the creature's body, and blood gushed out. The injury looked fatal.

In exchange, the were-lion's back now had several bloody scratches that were dripping with blood.

"A place for underground wrestling, with bets and alcohol?" Leylin nodded, beginning to have some expectations towards Old Jake.

The heads of such underground organisations were usually the people who acquired intel the most effectively. He would definitely have a huge network.

After all, selling information was very profitable, and he would definitely not let this opportunity go.

"Come with me!" The ox-head limped as he led the way, guiding Leylin through several bar counters where many were raising their wine cups and roaring madly. He then opened a small wooden door.

This door truly was tiny. Leylin's physique would be considered slender among the races of this world, and even he had to lower his head, half bowing before he could enter.

*Boom!* The sturdy wooden door closed, isolating the room from the clamour outside.

The moment before the door closed, Leylin vaguely saw the were-lion successfully taking care of two other monster crocodiles. Though it had paid a large price, it had still managed to keep its life.

Large numbers of bets failed, and those who had lost their money bellowed, the cacophony almost overturning the entire arena.

And still, when the wooden door closed, it was as if everything outside had no relation to this place.

"Serenity and insanity are only separated by a single door. Isn't that feeling amazing, Mister Ley from the one-horned race's territory?"

A dwarf that was around a metre tall walked out. It had on a long silver robe, the bottom dragging on the ground. It held the same wine cup as the rest, an excited blush on its face.

Its eyes, however, were cold. They were like a mass of ice, not a single ripple within them.

'A rational lunatic!' That was Leylin's first impression if this dwarf. For it to be able to take control of such a large organisation, it was evidently not a simple character.

"You know me?" Leylin had arrived at the Lava World a few days ago, and he had only made contact with the one-horned race. The knowledge that the other party had found information on him so quickly caused him to be delighted. In this case, there was a higher chance of his plans being realised.

"Of course! There are few who can defeat the summoner, Klito. A Sky ranked master is definitely worthy of my respect!" The dwarf bowed slightly, and Leylin was moved.

It must have been a member of the ant race with its brown skin and two little antennae. For some reason, it had broken away from its community and formed a large underground organisation in Woking City.

"Was it the merchants of the one-horned city?" Leylin pondered over it for a moment and immediately answered. Pretty much the only ones who knew him in the entirety of Woking City was that lot.

"Indeed, it was them! Since they were escorted by Mister Ley, I've already sent down orders that all their goods will be sold off at 10% higher than the market price!"

The dwarf of the ant race invited Leylin to take a seat, and personally poured a glass of something similar to red wine for him slowly.

The slight smell of alcohol, mixed with all kinds of fermented items that had anaesthetic effects immediately surrounded Leylin's nostrils.

"The alcohol of other races is really terrifying. They aren't even afraid of harming their bodies…"

Leylin shook his head, a little speechless. Though he was not afraid of these with the quality of his body, his tastes were well-developed. Such a crudely-made thing was not worthy of his attention, even if this alcohol was the best out of this dwarf's collection.

"Alright, respected guest! May I know your purpose in seeking out pitiful old Jake?" Seeing Leylin putting the wine cup down without taking a sip, Jake's expression did not change. He'd taken the initiative to bring up the topic, his eyes smiling.

"Everything!" Leylin chuckled lightly.

"Everything?!" Jake cried out involuntarily. "What do you mean by everything?"

"All the intelligence you have. Everything you know. That includes this region, as well as other areas. Whether it's a big or small issue, I want everything as long as it's valuable…" Leylin's voice was low, and had a unique charm to it.

"Hehe… Mr Ley, do you know how much this information will cost?" Jake laughed, but his voice turned cold.

"I know, but I can definitely afford it!" Leylin answered without hesitation.

"What are you going to use to pay for it?" Jake had already assumed he'd met a lunatic, or someone with a screw loose.

"Your life. Is that enough?" Leylin spoke coldly.

"Crap!" Upon hearing Leylin's words, Jake immediately bowed and retreated, throwing himself behind a study table with a jump. With a push of some mechanism, a defensive layer of energy appeared instantly.

Its movements were fluid, as if it had trained for this countless of times.

Only after the layer rose did its expression become calm. A sneer raised on its lips, "Mr Ley, don't you think you're going too far for a mere guest?"

"I've never felt that way towards the weak!" Leylin's voice was dull, and that caused Jake's face to flush.

As if Leylin's words had touched on some nerve, Jake instantly grew furious.

"Get him!" It called out suddenly, and a pink mist filled the room. Two figures rushed out from within, emanating powerful energy undulations.

"The two mice finally dare show themselves. You're only at the Sky rank, is that so amazing?" Leylin laughed slightly, a dark green layer of energy appearing from his body as a large hand grabbed forwards.

*Boom!* Space itself seemed to freeze in place, and the two fierce black figures halted abruptly. Leylin held each of them by the neck.

What appeared in his hands were two other dwarves that looked very similar to Jake. Energy undulations similar to that of a rank 3 Magus were continually emitted from them, but to Leylin this was far too weak. They were like a candle in a hurricane, a random wisp of wind enough to destroy them.

"Is this all you have to depend on? Any others?" Leylin opened his mouth, and a vortex appeared in the air. The pink mist that had pervaded the air was sucked into Leylin's stomach.

One of those that Leylin was holding suddenly seemed to recall something, and even began to stutter, "This powerful? You– You're a Star rank…"

He sent the two flying, and they fell with a thud, fainting from their injuries.

*Swish!* Seeing Leylin unravelling his trap and defeating two Sky ranks so easily, Jake, who was within the defensive layer, could only grit his teeth and remove it, kneeling before him.

"Revered Master Ley, please forgive the petty me for offending you unknowingly. Jake is willing to hand over all power and information to you…"

"You're smart and understand the situation. Good, I like people like you!" A smile appeared on Leylin's face, but to Jake it looked like that of a devil.

"I don't want your organisation or anything like that. I just need some information from you. Because you're tactful, I'll only purge a portion of your memories. Don't worry…"

Hearing Leylin's words, Jake immediately knelt in gratitude, while forcing a laugh inside.

Just a Star rank was enough to destroy Woking City, and he had no means of fighting back.

...

A few hours later, Leylin who had obtained what he wanted, left the Underground Wrestling Arena, satisfied.

The atmosphere in the arena was still very heated. Now, however, there were great battles between various races. Leylin even saw a few one-horned clansmen who were mere cannon fodder.

The soundproofing effects of the wooden door were superb. There seemed to be some spell formation, and even though Leylin had caused a mess inside, nobody outside found out.

Even that ox-headed person would not know that over the course of the past few hours, the leader of their organisation had thoroughly bowed down at the hands of this young being of a different race.

Of course, Leylin spurned the head of an underground organisation. After using methods of psychological hints to confirm that it had handed over all the information, he had immediately modified its memories and even created a fake experience. This completely concealed the happenings of the day.

After leaving the arena, Leylin found a random inn and, after paying with precious gems, received a large house.

Of course, this wealth had been obtained with the generous sponsorship of Old Jake.

-x-X-x-

The Lava World was vast, and a few hundred years would not be enough to traverse the entire world.

Based on the information he obtained from Jake, this continent that Leylin was on was the largest in the Lava World, called 'Blazing Crown'.

Around Blazing Crown, was an ocean formed of lava. Within this lava ocean were all kinds of terrifying high-energy beings, and it was a much more dangerous place than the oceans in the Magus World.

Hence, communication between Blazing Crown and the other continents was minimal. Even the most powerful extraordinary ones rarely left the continent.

To Jake's knowledge, Blazing Crown was the heart of the Lava World. The other 'continents' were merely slightly large islands.

'What an interesting world! An ocean formed of lava? If those fire-elemental Magi were to find out about this place, they would be willing to migrate over even if it cost them a fortune.' Leylin touched his chin, beginning to browse through the intelligence he had obtained from Jake.

Though the information was very complicated, the A.I. Chip had recorded everything and could quickly filter out the wrong and useless information, leaving behind the great amounts of valuable intel. It then combined a few pieces that seemed to be linked.

Soon, Leylin managed to form an image of the true Lava World.

This was a world of flames. Fire elemental beings and lava creatures occupied over 80% of the area here. The one-horned race, as well as the ant race that Jake was a part of, could only somewhat survive at the edges of the continent.

On the complete map of the continent, there were no signs of the single-horned city. Woking City was merely a black dot at the edge, and was basically a remote and desolate place.

Three organisations stood at the apex of Blazing Crown.

There was the Divineflame Empire made entirely of fire elemental beings. The Atlan Union was made up of the Emberwing race, a life form similar to humans, and then the Allied Kingdom was made up of the rest. There weren't any others at the same level as them.

Of these three, the Divineflame Empire was the most powerful. The Atlan Union and Allied Kingdom had to collaborate to stave off their invasions.

Wars were incessantly fought as they tried to seize good territory from the lava and fire elemental beings. It was to the point that huge military campaigns were launched every few years.

As for the divisions in their ranks, it was the same as what he'd already encountered. The weakest was Exemplary, followed by Earth, Sky, and Star.

As for those above the Star rank, beings that possessed the strength of Radiant Moon Magi, he hadn't come across any such thing. Although it could just be that Jake's organisation hadn't acquired that level of information yet.

Even so, Leylin's current strength allowed him to do as he liked in the Lava World as long as the other Star ranks or Jupiter's Lightning didn't set their sights on him.

"If I were Gilbert and the others, I would either find a place and hide myself completely, or build an organisation in secret that would give off a distinct signal to the outside, letting any rescuers know where I am.…"

Leylin's eyes flashed, and the A.I. Chip immediately began to search through the data.

Soon enough, a distinct heading attracted Leylin's attention. "Riot at Eastern City of Atlan Union. Rebel army 'Triserpent Sect' has taken responsibility for the event. There are conjectures that this could be a retaliation in response to the large-scaled attack of the Union…"

"Triserpent Sect?" This phrase that was full of meaning immediately got him to make a mental association.

"Isolate all information about the Triserpent Sect!" Leylin commanded. With the keyword found, the A.I. Chip's search went more quickly. Almost instantly, information relating to the Triserpent Sect was projected in front of him.

Through reading this information, Leylin gained a deeper understanding of this organisation.

The Triserpent Sect, which was also called the Triserpent Resistance Army, was an up-and-coming organisation, and its development was rapid. With the goal of overthrowing the rule of the Atlan Union, their operations were unpredictable and very much supported by the lower class commoners.

It was said that there were three heads of the Triserpent Sect, and they were terribly powerful, the Atlan Union's attempts at cornering and annihilating them were to no avail.

However, days ago, the Atlan Union had suddenly announced that they had achieved victory while trying to eliminate the Triserpent Sect. Not only had they destroyed many of its branches, they had even killed the head.

The news of rebellion that Leylin had seen was retaliation launched by the Triserpent Sect.

"Triserpent Sect? Interesting! Is it really the three dukes, or is this bait?" Leylin touched his chin, but it was obvious that in the Atlan Union, there were clues of the location of the two Morning Star dukes!

For this reason, Leylin had to go there no matter what.

'I keep having this feeling that the Atlan Union is very suspicious.' Leylin touched his chin and sank deep into thought.

The three dukes had no grudge against the Atlan Union. Why would they suddenly attack them? Unless… They had made some astounding discovery in the Atlan Union!

'Come to think of it, Jupiter's Lightning found this world first. It would be strange if they did not painstakingly manage it. Hence, if the ones working behind the scenes in the Atlan Union were Jupiter's Lightning, that would explain everything…'

Leylin wondered as explored different possible solutions.

Compared to the Divineflame Empire that was against all foreigners and full of fire elementals, the Atlan Union formed of the Emberwing race similar to humans were easier to manipulate.

On top of that, their strength was only second to the Divineflame Empire in Blazing Crown, and was more suited to the needs of the Morning Star Magi of Jupiter's Lightning.

However, while this made sense logically, Leylin believed things could not be so simple. The same intuition that had helped him obtain astonishing harvests during dangerous moments was blaring sirens at him.

'No matter what it is, I need to go the Atlan Union! As for the Triserpent Sect, we'll see…' Leylin sighed.

...

Boiling lava and fiery red light formed the only luster of the Lava World. And yet, even under this dazzling redness, life was growing stubbornly.

This was a grassland, and little steel trees similar to the one Leylin had seen before and filled the area, along with vegetation whose leaves had jagged edges. A few slender channels of lava could be seen every once in a while, flowing past like little streams in the grasslands. Yet, they could not harm the area at all.

These plants that were like grass that had their roots firmly and deeply in the ground, even boring into the lava and absorbing its energy for their growth.

The stubborness for life had Leylin feeling surprised.

"Uncle Ley! Why do you like watching this iron-thread grass?" A very fair girl cloaked in red darted over, the sparse red feathers covering her forehead bouncing up and down.

This girl was no different from an ordinary human child, if one disregarded the feathers on her forehead and on the back of her hand.

This was the Emberwing race. In the Lava World, besides fire elemental life forms, they were the largest racial group, and formed the largest group in the Atlan Union.

"I just like them for their resilience!" Leylin chuckled as he handed over a large piece of meat to her. "Take this! I'm afraid we'll have to part here."

"Uncle Ley, are you leaving?" The little girl sucked on her finger, looking reluctant.

Though they had met on the road, the powerful aura of this clansman even had her father in awe. Based on her father's guesses, this Mister Ley must be at least an Earth rank working hard to temper oneself and fervently hoping to advance to a higher realm.

"Brother Ley, are you already leaving?" Not long after, another large man of the Emberwing race rushed over. He had obviously just heard the news, and looked anxious.

Leylin now had a few fine red feathers on his forehead. This was the appearance of the Emberwing race.

In the Atlan Union, it was much too eye-catching if he were to continue pretending to be of the winged race.

"Yes! Working hard in this world can't stimulate my progress anymore. Hence, I've decided to join the army! Perhaps competing against those evil fire elementals of the Divineflame Empire will help me advance to a higher level!"

Leylin's expression was callous, "Besides, I've had a dream since I was young. I wanted to punish those flame bastards with my iron fist… Just in time for me to steel my skills in the upcoming battle at the Death Grand Canyon Battle!"

"D… Death Grand Canyon!" The large man's eyeballs protruded. That was the frontlines of the battle between the Atlan Union and Divineflame Empire. That was also where the most casualties were.

"You…" The large man only moved his lips, but seeing the resolute look on Leylin's face, he did not say more.

"My good brother, help me kill a few more fire elementals!" The large man could only pat Leylin's shoulders as if wishing him luck, and he watched Leylin's figure disappear into the horizon...

"Hah… I've finally arrived…" Leylin saw the outline of the Emberwing race in the distance, and let out a long breath.

The moment he had obtained intel on the Triserpent Sect, he had immediately set off and hurried here in secret.

However, as the Lava World was much too big, and Woking City was located in a very remote area, he had expended much time and effort to reach this place.

As for the large man and family of Emberwing race, they were only a few companions he had joined out of loneliness on the way here.

"Compared to the Magus World, many Exemplary ranks join the army directly in the Lava World and hold high rankings. If I want to obtain any information or intel, that would be the most convenient place."

-x-X-x-

Compared to the Magi of the Magus World who liked to work behind the scenes, the strong in the Lava World were more willing to take the stage and take control of the organisations.

The kingships of large-scaled kingdoms were taken up by Star ranks. In that case, it was understandable for there to be a large number of Exemplaries in the higher ups of the Atlan Union's army.

Furthermore, the army was the quickest place to advance in status, especially during wartime. As long as one was capable, had outstanding results, and nobody obstructed them, people were usually promoted rapidly. This was a method that was much better than others, and also the way that Leylin liked the best.

"But… There's so much hardship in being a soldier. I don't want to be trampled on…" Leylin's eyes swivelled around as he had an idea.

Days later, in a special building within the city.

"Are you here to apply for the Special Task Force? Come with me!" A female Emberwing race member said. She was dressed in a military uniform and was expressionless, yet looked to be formidable. She carried a stack of documents and forms and turned to leave, leaving Leylin and the rest with a view of her elegant back.

"This doll is really…" A burly man beside Leylin began to complain.

"How callous. I like it…" Another pale young man's eyes glowed green, leaving Leylin speechless.

Those with Leylin were all of the Emberwing race. However, what made them distinct from the rest of their clansmen, was the obvious energy undulations from their bodies.

Since this world had Exemplaries, it was obvious that they had special treatment and missions. Things like the Special Task Force were formed for this reason.

With enough strength, Emberwing clansmen were allowed to be selected into the Special Task Force. Not only would their positions be high, they had the best treatment in the army.

Leylin wanted to sneak in, and he obviously formed a fake identity and signed up successfully.

What Leylin cared about was that the Special Task Force often needed to deal with riots that had to do with Exemplaries. As long as he was there, he would definitely bump into the Triserpent Sect.

For this reason, he was in no hurry at all. He would swing in and sneak into the Special Task Force and hide away there while gathering more information.

After all, he was not quite sure about the background of the Triserpent Sect, and he needed to remain cautious.

If this was a trap and he still charged right in, wouldn't he be seeking death?

Leylin and the young male Emberwing looked just as nervous and excited as the rest while they followed the female soldier to a large square.

A middle-aged soldier in silver armour was already waiting there, his expression grim.

"We're beginning the test now! Who's first?" The middle-aged instructor's voice was so loud that everyone's eardrums seemed to have gone numb.

"Me!" That pale young man seemed to be too anxious to show off and darted to the front.

"Fine. Use all your strength and attack the black obelisk ahead!" The military instructor stepped aside and revealed a giant black crystal before everyone.

"Hah!" The young man took a deep breath, and a layer of fire-red light was emitted from his body. Streams of air were dispelled as dust filled the air.

*Rumble!* He threw a punch, and it landed on the black crystal. While it did not budge the slightest, a dim layer of red light appeared on the surface.

Red light filled the obelisk with some difficulty, and fine rings appeared on the surface.

A total of five red rings appeared, before completely disappearing. Upon seeing this, a look of satisfaction flashed by the young man's expression.

"Mm! Fifth level of FIreplume Technique. Exemplary status. Pass!" The officer nodded, with no surprise in his expression.

"Next!" His voice was icy-cold, causing the young man's original complacency to disappear.

"Me!" The one who went up was plump, and similarly used Fireplume Technique. However, only three ringed runes appeared on the obelisk.

"Third level of Fireplume Technique. Fail!"

The officer's voice was callous, and two soldiers immediately went forward and dragged him out.

"Ah… Wait! Give me another chance, I can definitely…" From a distance, the sounds of his wails and pleas could be heard, causing great fear amongst the crowd in the square.

"Next!" The officer's expression remained cold as he continued.

One young man after another went up, and most passed the test, though there were a few who failed. The officer was ruthless as he commanded the soldiers to chase them out.

Leylin watched this scene coolly from below.

Fireplume Technique! He had heard of it before, and knew that it was used by the Emberwing race. It could be said to be found everywhere, and practically everyone knew it.

There was nothing special about levels one to three of Fireplume Technique, and was similar to the breathing techniques of the Magus World. It could increase one's vitality and endurance slightly, with some tolerance towards fire elements.

Once one got to the fourth level of Fireplume Technique, it would be similar to a meditation technique and allow the Emberwing clansmen to have a rapid increase in strength.

The fourth and fifth level was the strength of an Exemplary rank, while six and seven meant Earth rank. Eight and nine were considerably powerful existences and were comparable to the Sky rank. Once one advanced to the tenth level, of which there had been no precedent in history, that was the door to the Star realm!

Though the fundamental parts of Fireplume Technique could be found everywhere, the fourth and fifth levels were kept somewhat secret, and were considered the essence of the race. As for the next few levels, they were kept secure, and could only be passed on in a few places. The reason why so many young people wanted to enter the Special Task Force was probably because they wanted information on the later levels of the technique.

As for the tenth level, that was something only the family of the head of Atlan Union possessed. Most had never even heard of it.

A grave, burly, middle-aged Emberwing clansman went forward. Extending a scarlet palm, six fire rings immediately appeared on the obelisk, and even the officer couldn't help but give the man a second look, "Sixth level of Fireplume Technique. Earth rank. Pass!"

"How amazing! It's someone at level 6, the Earth rank!"

"These sorts of people can survive anywhere. What is he doing here?"

"It must be for the information regarding the eighth and ninth level of the technique! It's only passed on in the army…" The appearance of what was the best results till now immediately gave rise to loud discussions in the queue.

The man from before stood expressionlessly aside in answer to the looks of curiosity or reverence, and the officer couldn't help but have an expression of approval.

"Next!" The officer yelled again, eyes scanning through the crowd that was beginning to thin.

'I'm afraid that this burly man is the one with the best results in this batch. It's not a bad harvest! At least one is passable!' The officer was stuck in this train of thought, but then he saw another slender clansman stand up.

"Hm?" Though this above average looking man seemed frail, the officer's eyes brightened as he lapsed into thought.

'This little guy doesn't seem to be simple!'

Leylin obviously cared little about what the officer thought. In actuality, he was now performing research and gathering information on the path of Fireplume Technique.

'Interesting. Interesting! At the beginning, it's Knight training, and after that, there seems to be content infused with some conscient runes…'

He was interested in such techniques.

"But I need to get through this!" Leylin shook his head at the ruckus in the crowd due to his being in a daze for too long.

A Morning Star Magus' point mass was a minute dot that could contain the terrifying strength of a Morning Star without leaking any energy. With the A.I. Chip's help, there was no issue with simulating the energy belonging to Fireplume technique.

'It's a pity… The strongest person here is only the officer, who is at the Sky rank with the eighth level of Fireplume Technique. The next few levels, as well as that of the Star rank, can't be obtained as of yet!'

Leylin slowly extended his palm. Yet, it seemed like a layer of melting flame came to life, spreading across its surface. This immediately silenced the crowd.

"Hah!" Leylin controlled his strength, looking as if he was attacking with all he had.

*Rumble!* The entire obelisk began to tremble as bright fiery runes appeared one after another.

One, two, three… The light from bright flames were dazzling, and spread till there were seven on the obelisk. There even seemed to be half a ring extra.

The officer's eyes shone and he immediately asked, "Seventh level of Fireplume Technique. Peak Earth rank! Very good. What's your name?"

"My name is 'Ley', my lord!" Leylin performed a military salute, something the officer immediately found pleasing.

At this moment, the silent crowd suddenly became boisterous, hearts filled with jealousy that could not be suppressed while observing Leylin's handsome face.

As long as this young man did not die in battle, he would become the rising star of the Special Task Force, or even the entire union!

"Hm?" At this moment, Leylin acutely felt a gaze land on his back.

"It's the large man from before at the sixth level. This feeling of jealousy and hostility? Though it's normal, why is there killing intent?"

The corner of Leylin's lips rose in a cold smile. An enemy of this level was too boring.

When all those who had failed cleared out, the officer stood before Leylin and the rest, voice booming.

"Welcome to the Special Task Force! I am your officer, Schiker. You'll soon find that the Special Task Force is the best place to be. As long as you complete your missions, we can give you techniques, money, status or land…"

It had to be said that the officer was silver-tongued. In a short amount of time, he had incited the hot-bloodedness of the youths.

Leylin's expression was also one of excitement, though he found this all ridiculous on the inside.

"Now, follow me to participate in your first mission!"

Powerful undulations were emitted from Schiker's body. Only then did the members realise that their officer was actually at the Sky rank!

-x-X-x-

Different from ordinary troops, this elite group formed of Exemplaries needed to start on missions right away.

The Atlan Union had spent much manpower and physical resources on supporting the Special Task Force, and they were naturally not to be underestimated. However, this method of mentoring through fighting had resulted in the dissatisfaction of some members.

Of course, with Sky rank Schiker around suppressing them, it was as if nothing had happened.

"Hi, Ley! I'm Mies. This is our first time on the battlefield, how are you feeling? Nervous?"

The pale young man who had been the first for the testing leaned towards him, looking to fawn on him.

"Alright," Leylin answered indifferently, and then pointed towards the burly man who had mastered the sixth level of Fireplume. "What's his name?"

"Him? He's Loke, and rumours have it that he was an expert at being a mercenary. Look at that pretentious display, as if all eyes are on him…"

Mies played the role of a lackey very well as he immediately stood in line, his instinct now to help his boss beat down the number two.

"Oh!" Leylin said lightly, and did not continue inquiring.

As fresh recruits, they had gotten a set of new clothes that were very pliable, and could even protect against high temperatures and ordinary knife slashes. As far as this world's treasures went, they were alright.

"Look at these clothes, how chic!" Mies looked at the completely black uniform, and could not help but be infatuated with it as he arranged his collar.

Watching him act so foolishly, Leylin had little to say, "We're on a mission. Focus!"

Upon hearing this, Mies froze for a moment as he continued to move quickly. Immediately afterwards, he looked in the direction of Schiker guiltily. Seeing that the officer hadn't been focusing in their direction, he relaxed and heaved a sigh of relief.

After the excitement, Mies calmed down. He looked uneasy, his slight nervousness apparent as he looked towards Leylin, "Ley, what kind of mission do you think we will be assigned to?"

In his eyes, this comrade was exceptionally mysterious, and had a calm that most lacked. Even just staying by his side gave him a feeling of security.

"Whatever it is, it won't be easy," Leylin spoke dully.

In actuality, he was guessing that the mission was a test for the recruits. There was no better proof than real battles. Through intense fights, the weak would fail and be eliminated, while the strong would survive and gain even more resources. This was the ruthless order of nature.

Leylin guessed that this operation might be tailored just for them. Were it not so, the difficulty would be too high. Most of the members, maybe even the entire squad, would be wiped out.

The Atlan had enough strength and backing. That was enough to attract numerous willing participants, and there was no fear of the lack of manpower.

'But… Am I going to bump into the Triserpent Sect on the first mission?' A trace of doubt streaked through Leylin's mind.

He had yet to gain enough information and knew little of how things stood with the Triserpent Sect. It was not a good idea to make contact with them recklessly.

Thankfully, Schiker, who was standing in front, began to speak coldly, and dispelled Leylin's doubts, "Our mission this time is to eliminate an extremely evil, bloody sect, a branch of the Mobius Organisation. Kill all members!"

They were now far away from the barracks and city, and had come to an open, desolate area. Large amounts of red lava reflected an orange splendour that even dyed the horizon crimson.

With the bonus from Fireplume, these Special Task Force members all maintained a vigorous physical strength, and were still in good condition even after running across a long distance.

"Mobius Organisation?" Mies immediately cried out in surprise, "That disgusting sect that likes blood sacrifices and dismemberment?"

"A disgusting sect that likes blood sacrifices and dismemberment?" Leylin's brows furrowed, seeming having heard the large Emberwing man he had befriended previously speak.

The sect seemed to be very secretive, and the higher-ups held enormous strength. There were rumours that it was being spread even in the Divineflame Empire, and could not be destroyed.

Of course, with their extreme methods, they weren't that welcome.

"That Mobius Organisation?" "Heavens! I hear that they're insane. To avenge one of their bishops, they massacred a city…"

The members began to discuss this softly, the sounds of endless whispers mixing together.

Seeing this, red light emitted from Schiker's face. "Silence!" he shouted as tremendous sound waves covered the region. If not for having sensed a sound-proofing barrier being set up just prior, Leylin would have assumed that Schiker was a spy, intentionally notifying the Mobius Organisation.

"We're soldiers. It is our duty to obey orders. Isn't it just a Mobius Organisation? What are you afraid of? Don't forget, you're now Special Task Force members. The moment you disobey an order, I'll immediately execute you. Even if you can escape, you'll have to deal with being the target of a kill order from the union!"

Schiker's words were eerily cold, and with the powerful forcefield undulations of a Sky rank, the original tendency towards disorder was wiped out.

"Do you want to betray the union?" Schiker's dark words immediately had the Special Task Force members grow resolute as they answered in unison, "No, definitely not!"

"Good! These are the warriors our union needs!" Schiker seemed satisfied. "The organisation has only a few Earth ranks in charge. What does that count for? After succeeding, just the rewards alone are enough for you to spend for quite a few months! You might even accumulate points towards becoming nobility… Now, we'll allocate tasks…"

"Hm?!" While Schiker was immersed in his unceasing narrations, he had failed to realise the interesting change in Leylin's expression.

With a sweep of his soul force, the concealed undulations and even a full view of the structure below was presented in front of Leylin, and he laughed.

'Looks like the union received relevant intelligence and know the military strength inside the stronghold like the back of their hands. Based on Schiker's plans, our side should have had a large chance of success, but it's a pity…'

With a scan of his soul force, Leylin found that there were quite a few Earth rank priests in the Mobius Organisations. On top of that, there even a few bishops wearing red religious attire, emitting the terrifying undulations of Sky ranks.

'This is obviously a trap, though I don't know if this is aimed specifically at Schiker. Whatever it is, he's in trouble…'

Leylin's expression held traces of pity.

"Good. This is the overall plan. Move!" Schiker obviously knew nothing of Leylin's thoughts right now. On the contrary, he wanted to watch how Leylin, Loke and the rest performed and grade them.

*Rumble!* Along with a giant explosion, the barren land that was initially empty blew up, revealing a large building with a number of floors.

What first appeared was a glorious distorted black sculpture. The lines were simple and crude, and yet they gave Leylin a demonic impression.

Under the sculpture were many decorative designs that gave it a style similar of that of an altar. There were limbs and livers from living beings on it, and the blood had not dried yet. The fresh blood kept dripping and filling the spell formation.

The process of a sacrifice had obviously been interrupted, and a few low-ranked worshippers let loose roars of ire.

"Leave none alive. Crush them!" Schiker howled.

He didn't actually need to yell. The Special Task Force members had long since seen red and pounced forward, boiling hot rays flickering on their bodies. Fireplume activated, giving them immense support.

*Pu!* A palm filled with flames extracted itself from the body of a worshipper, and the accompanying flames burnt this vicious-looking worshipper to ashes. "You must all die!"

Loke's chilly voice swept through, voice spreading, and Schiker nodded unceasingly while watching in secret.

Meanwhile, Mies might seem cowardly, yet seemed to have had his thirst for blood kindled, especially after seeing his side winning all engagements. Many members were in high spirits as they went deeper in.

"What is this Ley doing?"

Schiker nodded in satisfaction, but when his eyes were on Leylin, his face scrunched up in dissatisfaction.

Leylin, who he'd thought should rush to the frontlines, was wandering around within the group. Even when he did make a move, it looked like he was cowering and seemed listless, falling behind Loke by a large margin in terms of his kill count.

"Hm? That's not right. His way of moving forward implies he's having reservations about something. Has he discovered something?"

Schiker instantly became cool-headed, going through Leylin's actions and the information he had gotten previously. As he saw his troops continuously heading in after their victories, his pupils shrank as he realised that his members had lost their formation.

"Crap. Come back!"

Schiker shouted loudly, but it was much too late.

*Boom! Boom! Boom!* Large amounts of sparks exploded, forming a heat wave that wiped out most of the Special Task Force members. Even with the protection of Fireplume, the high temperature surpassed their limits caused them to turn into charred corpses.

"Keke, Schiker, we meet again!"

A few figures wrapped in light stood before Schiker, accompanied by warriors and worshippers, donning garments of their sect.

"Sky rank! Two Sky ranks!" Mies, who was lucky to have survived, watched the two tall figures in the air and cried out in pain and despair.

"It's you... So it was a trap." Schiker remained collected.

"Yes. This is a trap specifically to deal with you! What happened fifteen years ago can be settled properly now!" The two bishops in red clothing held hatred in their eyes.

-x-X-x-

"All members, break free from the encirclement!"

Schiker's shout after the momentary silence surprised the two bishops. Red flames surged from his body, even forming a giant phantom of a flying beast behind him.

This was a perfect creature like those in legends, bathed in fire like a god born of the flames!

"The eighth level of the Fireplume! Schiker, you've gotten this old, yet you still haven't made any progress!" The two bishops exchanged a glance and took a step forward together, a huge pressure dispersing in all directions and suppressing the phantom of the fire phoenix ahead.

As if night had fallen, great amounts of black mist bound Schiker to them. A great battle was about to happen!

"Kill them!"

Numerous members of Mobius Organisation yelled, and figures in dark robes with daggers or the like in their hands darted out of the shadows.

The sounds of shouts were unceasing. Most of the members of the Special Task Force were new, and the surprise attack resulted in heavy casualties. Their morale immediately fell, and there some members who were outside who roared as they escaped into the distance.

*Thud!* Schiker was ruthlessly smashed to the ground by a fist, patterns that seemed to be multiple curses creeping up his body. Even the horrifying flames of the eighth level of the Fireplume was useless.

The large quantity of flames was even contaminated by the curse runes, and gradually died down.

Over time, even the fire phoenix behind Schiker's back was beginning to whine. Schiker was pale, a few large wounds appeared on his body, countless black runes digging their ways in like earthworms.

"Haha… Schiker, you're going to die today!" One of the bishops in red smiled relaxedly, "Let me…"

"Let the instructor go!"

The sudden yell interrupted the words of the bishop in red, and he furrowed his brows. What saw were two Emberwing clansmen with flames around their bodies charging over as if they had gone mad, looking frightened and worried.

"Keke… What hot-blooded young things! Schiker, you're still as capable at brainwashing as before!" The other bishop laughed coldly, "Let me slaughter them before I take care of you…"

The old man had a drunken look. Merely killing the other party was not enough to satisfy his interest. The hatred that had lasted over a decade gave him the urge to torture him for over a period of time and, just when Schiker had given up all hope, kill him. Such a method of revenge was the sweetest!

"You guys…" Schiker clutched his chest, twisting his head to watch the figures rushing over, touched but also anxious. "Leave! You aren't a match for him! Try your best to break out!"

"Keke… You can't escape!" The old man sneered, and got his partner to watch Schiker while he blocked the path of those two young Emberwing clansman.

"Instructor, hang on!" Leylin's face was flushed as he called out, the Fireplume exhibiting its full strength at his hands. Terrifying flames burned, causing a few Earth rank worshippers to suffer. Expressions of dread appeared on their faces as they kept a distance.

'This display would probably be similar to a hot-blooded lead character in my previous world, the kind who'll have a breakthrough at the most crucial moments…' Leylin made fun of himself while putting on his best act. At the same time, he ran his gaze across the surroundings.

Due to the ambush, the casualties the Special Task Force sustained were very serious and practically all the members had died in battle. That kid Mies, however, had smeared blood on his face and collapsed, using some secret technique to hide his aura. This had allowed him to survive. He was much more fortunate than those who had escaped and been chased after and killed. He hadn't sustained many injuries, and was on a whole other level.

Noticing the look of gratitude on Schiker's face, Leylin grew speechless.

"If you knew that the two who seemed to be risking their lives to save you actually had other intentions, I wonder if you'll start vomiting blood…"

Leylin's shot a glance to the side. The cool burly man at the sixth level of the Fireplume was now fighting with all his might, looking enthusiastic and impulsive and seeming completely loyal.

In actuality, he was also someone harbouring malicious intentions. There was the obvious aura of another race on his body, but that had been concealed very well. If not for Leylin having probed him with his A.I. Chip and soul force, he might have been duped as well.

"Ley, I'll hold them down. You go and save the instructor!" Loke shouted after seeing Leylin looking in his direction. Large amounts of flames shot out of his body and surrounded the few Earth rank worshippers around him. The sounds of explosions could be heard unceasingly, and the battle was obviously fierce.

"Damn it! You found a bunch of low-levelled cannon fodder to protect yourself and gave me two Sky ranks!" Leylin rolled his eyes but still rushed forward with a roar, throwing a fist at the bishop in red who was standing in the middle of the path.

*Bang! Scree—* The ear-piercing sound of an explosion sounded, seeming to be an enthusiastic call from a phoenix. A fire phoenix slightly smaller than that which had appeared behind Schiker emerged on Leylin's back, the bright red flames so splendid that they were like sunlight, giving Leylin a layer of golden armour.

"Hm?! The peak of the seventh level of the Fireplume!" The bishop, who was blocking the way, cried out in astonishment. Though the Fireplume was a compulsory technique for all Emberwing clansmen, with practically every adult having reached between the first to the third level, there were few who reached the fifth level or above that. The peak of the seventh level meant he was just one step away from the Sky rank! With how young this Emberwing clansman appeared to be, he was absolutely a rare talent.

"Little guy, you've got pretty bad luck to have met me." The bishop in red snickered. Wiping talents off the face of his world was his guilty pleasure.

Even if these talents would have a boundless future, a dead talent was not even comparable to a dog.

*Snap!* Turbulent black streams of air surged through the air, forming a giant scorpion that blocked Leylin's path.

"Explode!" With a loud cry, the red force in Leylin's hands became even more vigorous and seemed to turn into a bundle of flames, darting towards the scorpion.

The flames initiated by the Fireplume crackled as they scorched the surface of the scorpion's large black pincers. Parts of the black air dissipated.

However, that was all the flames could do. *Pak!* The black gas scorpion waved its other pincer around, and Leylin was sent flying, fresh blood spilling from the corner of his lips.

"AH! Let the instructor go!" Leylin collapsed and appeared 'gravely injured', but He crawled back up, charging forth again. The giant fire phoenix phantom was less imposing than before, but still let loose a booming cry.

*Crash! Crash! Crash!* Leylin was flung backwards time and time again, and it seemed the bishop in red wanted to make Leylin waste all his energy. This would agitate Schiker even more, which was why he had held back a little every time and allowed Leylin to struggle up again.

"Ley…" Seeing Leylin tenaciously struggling on and not giving up, even if Schiker's heart was as hard and cold as steel, he still felt a warmth boiling up from his chest. Hot air went up to his eye sockets, leaving him on the verge of tears.

"Give up, child. Leave!" Schiker yelled uselessly.

"No, I won't ever give up!" Leylin yelled out words that made himself want to vomit while waving his fists, the fire spilling everywhere burning the ground till it was scarlet.

*Crash!* He was sent flying again, and the bishop in red took several steps forward, "I'm already getting tired of this game. I'll take care of you the next time!"

*Huala!* The large black scorpion dissipated, and the streams of air converged before the bishop, terrifying energy undulations radiating.

"That Ley… Is he really a fool?" Meanwhile, Loke had just 'happened to have' finished dealing with a few of his opponents, and had crept closer.

'Almost there. Once Ley dies, I can save Schiker with that and request a higher position…' A determined look rose in Loke's eyes. His hand already extended into his clothes, touching a round object.

'Ley, you're a good person with astounding talent, but it's a pity. This is a dog eat dog world. Your enthusiasm will not give you anything in return and will only leave you dead. Rest in peace…' Loke spoke in his heart, like a leopard waiting before a hunt as he hid in wait.

All of a sudden, his eyes widened, eyeballs protruding and almost popping out, mouth huge as he bawled in disbelief, "I… Goddamn! Does that even happen?!"

"For love and justice!" Leylin, who was bathed in flames, looked even more saintly. As he saw the bishop closing in, he had a holy look on his face.

Following that, with his yells, great golden flames surged out and healed all his wounds. Even the terrifying phantom of a phoenix that seemed omnipresent formed at his back.

If the phantom that Leylin had summoned before was a mere illusion, each feather of the phoenix floating behind him was undeniably real. It was as if a real ancient fire phoenix had descended.

The powerful undulations of Fireplume broke through the boundaries of the peak of the seventh level, and entered a much more powerful level!

'Shit, he actually broke through!' Loke cursed.

The eighth level of the Fireplume signified the Sky rank. In other words, Ley was now on the same level as the two bishops in red and Schiker!

"This… This actually happens?" Compared to Loke, the bishop who was the main lead felt as if he had received a huge blow.

How could a hot-blooded idiot actually have a breakthrough right before death? And he had even advanced and was on the same level as himself? This did not make sense!

Schiker, on the other side, was filled with elation.

"Die!" Terrifying waves of heat of the eighth level of the Fireplume immediately shrouded Leylin as he charged before the old bishop in red. Boiling hot waves swept through and even broke through his opponent's defence, causing the old man's eyebrows and beard to start to burn.

-x-X-x-

*Thud!* The iron fist wreathed in scarlet flames ruthlessly struck the old bishop clothed in red, causing him to fall back while coughing blood. The large phantom phoenix at Leylin's back let loose a frightening cry. Pressing forward, Leylin immediately charged to the other bishop in red.

"Even if you're also a Sky rank, you've only just advanced. You definitely know too little about battles between Sky ranks. Kid, looks like I'll be the one to have to deal with you!" The bishop who was on his guard against Schiker yelled. The reason for the defeat of his ally before seemed to be an underestimation of his enemy, which was why Leylin's sneak attack had been successful.

"Let instructor Schiker go, and I can pardon you!" With a ferocious roar, Leylin and this bishop collided.

*Rumble!* A red blaze and a black storm intertwined as they engaged in battle. The soil was devastated, opening up to reveal the bedrock.

"Things… should be fine, right? Even if Ley suddenly broke through, those are two Sky ranks!" Loke touched the item in his hands, preparing to dash out.

He had come here with a mission. He was to gain Schiker's trust and successfully sneak into the higher ranks of the Special Task Force. However, with Leylin suddenly interfering, he was obviously annoyed.

*Pu!* A streak of fiery red rays broke through the storm and made a quick stop by the area Schiker was located. The man disappeared.

*Whoosh!* In the next moment, Leylin brought Schiker and appeared before Loke and pushed Schiker into Loke's arms, "Leave with the instructor!"

"…"

Though Leylin did not know what kind of expression Loke had on his face right now, he was sure that he wanted to curse him and his family.

Due to his escape, the storm which had initially lost its target was madly rushing in his direction. The bishop ahead who had been attacked by Leylin had already come rushing over to hunt him down with a grim expression.

'Damn, damn, DAMN! Ley was at the peak of the seventh level, so it made sense that he suddenly broke through, but I only showed power at the sixth level. It's no use breaking through.' Loke watched the two Sky rank red-robed bishops who were dashing over, and began to wail inside.

"I don't care anymore. I have to use this!" Loke gritted his teeth, and a black metal egg flew out.

*Swish!* Black light flashed, and a slender metal egg exploded in the air. Large amounts of smoke flew out and a large construct appeared, blocking the area in front of the two red-robed bishops.

"A binding construct!" The bishops' cries of surprise were transmitted into Leylin's ears, and he grinned inside.

In front of Leylin, Loke's little schemes were like children's pranks that could be seen through by any adult, even forcing him to showcase his talents to this extent.

"This is… a spider model construct! So you're…" Schiker looked weakly at the construct, eyes glinting as they held more kindness towards Loke.

"The family treasure that I inherited can hold them for at least 5 minutes. Let's go!"

Loke displayed a smile that looked even more ugly than a crying face and carried Schiker on his back, a defensive layer from Fireplume emitting from his body.

"Wait- wait for me!"

Hearing they wanted to break out of the encirclement, one of the corpses on the floor leapt up, revealing Mies' bloody face. "Big brother Ley, bring me along!"

"So there's one more!" Loke rolled his eyes powerlessly, feeling that the number of unexpected situations he had met in his life before this could not compare to this day.

"Good. Let's go!" Leylin chuckled, surging flames brimming on his body. He opened up a path of flames through the encirclement by the Mobius cultists.

The two Sky ranks were temporarily out of the way. Leylin used his Fireplume at the eighth level and swept through the area immediately. Whether they were ordinary worshippers or crazed fanatics, none could withstand the attack of the crimson-golden flames. Most of the ordinary followers would begin to burn if even the smallest spark touched them, turning into giant human-shaped torches.

...

"Take a rest here. I need to go out and do something!"

After returning to the camp in the city, Schiker had pretty much recovered and could even move around freely. On the surface, it was hard to tell that he was injured at all, besides his slightly tattered clothing.

"Understood, instructor!" Leylin and the other two immediately puffed their chests out and shouted.

"Mm!" Schiker's gaze now held gratitude towards Leylin and Loke. Before proceeding forward, he patted Leylin and Loke's shoulders.

"Ley, you did well this time and even broke through to the Sky rank! I will recommend you for a promotion. And Loke… I hope to be able to speak with you tonight!"

"That would be my honour!" Loke immediately shouted. From his expression, Leylin guessed that it was anything but bad. It looked like the origins of that spider construct had attracted Schiker's interest.

'The organisation backing Loke has truly put in a lot of effort for him to sneak in…' Leylin sighed inside, but little did he know that Loke was green with envy. If looks could kill, Leylin would probably long since have turned into a human torch.

"As for you…" Schiker's eyes turned to Mies, immediately causing the young man's face to turn as white as snow.

"I'd initially wanted to penalise you for escaping right in the face of battle, but this happened because of a lapse of judgement on my part. I'll let you off."

"Many thanks, instructor!" Mies answered loudly, his apprehension disappearing.

"But if there's another instance of this happening, I'll stuff your head up your arse. Do you hear me?" Schiker shouted, and Mies little face crumpled.

"Alright, you're dismissed." Schiker left in a hurry, and Leylin was stuck deep in thought while watching his back.

Just from the murderous aura he had that was unafraid and not planning on backing down, Leylin knew that some people in this base were in trouble.

Schiker returned very quickly, and there were even some spots of blood on his collar and cuffs.

He swore constantly while throwing a gold badge and a set of new military uniforms in front of Leylin. "You've been promoted to be a captain of the Special Task Force. You've also obtained a second class medal of honour of the union, as well as points for a rank as nobility. You now have enough to pay for the lowest authentication as a knight. Wear the uniform for now. The real documents and procedures will come in a few days later."

"Loke, while you haven't been promoted, you've obtained a medal of honour from the union as well…"

"It is my honour!" Loke's voice was full of spirit, to the point that there were faint tremors in his voice.

Seeing the fake look of excitement on his face, Leylin immediately realised the value of this medal of honour of the union thing.

However, this had little to do with him.

After this matter, Schiker would definitely place him in higher regard, and would allow him to look at some confidential information. That would be helpful.

...

The average temperature of the Lava World was at least 50 degrees and above. Astounding heat waves filled the air.

As a result, most of the outer walls of buildings were very thin and had the function of absorbing heat.

The buildings of the Emberwing race were of a different style than in Woking City. They were more similar to bamboo houses, and Leylin's residence used a rock that constantly emitted cold air, keeping his room always cool and refreshing.

The benefits of being in the Special Task Force were generous. Even normal members had their own residences and allowances of resources for their training. As the captain, Leylin had a villa of his own. This chilly stone was a very precious resource, and those who did not have the captain rank could not enjoy this.

Mies often found excuses to hang around at Leylin's, enjoying the cool air.

Leylin currently held something like a monitor in his hands, skimming over something. With his authority, much of the information of the Special Task Force was open to him, and he had also gathered much information on the Triserpent Sect.

The full view of this organisation appeared before Leylin's eyes.

"The Triserpent Sect! Looks like it really has a connection to the three dukes!" Leylin put down the monitor and rubbed the space between his eyebrows, unconsciously tapping at the table.

"From the intelligence, the Triserpent Sect seems to be trying to overthrow the government of the Atlan Union, allowing other races to have more space to survive. In actuality, they're a bunch of terrorists. They intend to attack the city of every Emberwing clansman and loot them. They don't have any special activity… Hm!"

Using the A.I. Chip, Leylin went through the cities that had been attacked. The data on the losses was arranged in a unique database, and the relationship was quickly found.

"This resource seems to be the favourite of the Triserpent Sect!" Leylin's eyes brightened. He'd found that the Triserpent bandits seemed to have a vested interest in a type of special ore. Perhaps the attacks on other cities were all in order to obtain the ores, but this target had been concealed well and not been discovered.

However, through the comparison of gargantuan amounts of information, the A.I. Chip had managed to accurately pinpoint this common ground from all the data on the destruction caused.

[Firasource Stone: A treasure said to be able to increase progress in Fireplume, and a top-grade ingredient only possessed by the Atlan Union.]

Leylin touched his chin, observing the projected image given by the A.I. Chip as well as the explanation next to it. He sunk into thought.

The reason why the people of the Triserpent Sect liked this firasource stone this much must be because of something unusual.

Anything that would cause these Morning Star Magi to go so frantic had Leylin very interested as well.

"I remember that with my merits and status, I'm able to apply to purchase limited-grade resources. I can use this opportunity and get a sample for research…"

Leylin made his mind and commanded the A.I. Chip to scan and record the other books of the Emberwing race.

It was the accumulation of a civilised society in another world, and definitely held much research value for him.