Its golden flames raged with great power, scorching the land and heating up the nearby lava. John's excitement rose as he prepared to retrieve the lotus, when the other Heavenly Lightning Sect youths suddenly rushed up to him.
"That was awesome!" one of the youths, a boy also in his second year exclaimed. Despite being older than John by a year, he and the others acted like children swarming around an adult.
"Thank you for the help, General!" the girl said, a smile of gratitude on her weary face. The others expressed their gratitude as well, while John raised his hand dismissively at their words.
"It's only natural that I help out my fellow sect members," John said to them, not feeling like he deserved any particular praise for his actions. He had come mostly for the Golden-Flame Lotus anyways, and so his actions were not completely selfless.
The others noticed John's gaze, their expressions turning more serious.
