Far from the Hero Association's tall towers, the land changed.
Smoke rose from black rocks. The ground cracked with heat. Magma boiled deep under the crust.
This was one of the volcanic zones at the edge of the A-Zone.
Ashblade and the other four stood on a sharp cliff, overlooking the fiery land below.
Ashblade stepped forward. His eyes scanned the distance.
"Intel says Flame God Cult moved here. Stay alert."
He looked at the others.
"I caught Izzo. That makes me leader now. We move how I say."
Ember Striker grinned. "Heh, fine by me. Just don't slow us down."
Volt Stride crossed her arms. "Orders?"
Ashblade pointed to the right slope.
"You and Ember. Scout that side. Check for signs of cult members. Hidden paths. Secret doors."
Volt nodded and turned. Ember cracked his knuckles. "Time to sweat."
The two ran down the slope.
Volt dashed like lightning, Ember spinning once into a [Scorchwheel Dash] that lit a trail behind him.
Ashblade turned to Sightpiercer.
