Amarok's body returned to normal, covered in the First Order mode. He pushed forward with Wisdom.
Soon, they reached the top. He was unsure of how much time had passed but was glad it was finally there.
A huge open plain sprang into view. The trees here were almost nonexistent. Huge boulders spread throughout, resembling an ancient ruin. The boulders were intentionally spread, forming a hexagon.
The ground was marked by carvings around the center.
His eyes instantly darted to the center. A sparkling ruby floated, radiating with a red luster. It had intricate engravings coursing through its edges. Around the ruby was the only place where fire had not touched. Its light looked like it connected the earth and the clouds above.
Casting his gaze upward, he could see clouds of ash circling.
Amarok could see a series of figures near the ruby. They all looked different. He couldn't recognize most of them. He only remembered that the Aetherial Midrel had said they weren't the only ones on the mountain.
What was strange, though, was no one was moving. The ruby was just there, but none seemed eager to take it. He was even more confused.
He saw the celestial guardian too. They looked tired and exhausted. The fire was taking a heavy toll on them.
Over, he quickly spotted Silvia and Kinty. Silvia looked tired and exhausted, but her robe was still there. Kinty had several burn marks but still stood straight. His robe, on the other hand, had burned completely, but golden lightning would flash from time to time, protecting him against the flames. Lyra was with two other figures.
A woman and a chubby figure. He couldn't see his face due to his robe. His shoes looked like socks but strangely had not burned despite the heat.
The other figure was a woman who looked in a very sorry state.
"I'm glad you're all here," he said with a genuine smile. "I am sorry," he added. He knew it was the dragon will's influence, but that didn't excuse his words. His words for all of them but staring at a particular person.
Silvia stared at him. "Let's find a way to get the dragon breath and leave; that's the most important thing now," she said.
"It's not as easy as it seems. The first person to rush will lose," Kinty added. With everyone here, it was very tactical; they had all come to a silent agreement. If they hurried, the others would strike and snatch it away.
"The others are thinking the same way; we are in a deadlock," Lyra said with a sigh. She glanced at Amarok, relieved he had nothing. She didn't see Mist, which was strange; did something happen to her?
"The fire mountain is turning unstable; we can't wait for too long," Louan said, holding Mia.
Everyone turned to him. Who was he? A question popped into their minds. They had seen him arrive with Lyra, but she didn't say anything, so they didn't ask. But now Amarok was here; it was different.
"Excuse my manners; I am Louan," he said with a smile. His eyes darted towards Silvia. He didn't expect the world to be so beautiful. He smiled inwardly.
"I met Lyra with Mia climbing here. She was fighting..." Louan spoke but was abruptly interrupted. "The fire guardian, we fought the fire guardian. Louan helped me chase the dragon will," she said.
Louan's eyes flickered but didn't say anything. This woman was interesting.
They all looked at her with different thoughts crossing their minds.
"I haven't seen Mist; where is she?" he questioned. It was strange if they could all reach her; there was no way she wouldn't have followed.
"No idea. We have tried searching here, but we couldn't find her," Silvia said. She was worried.
"She can't be far. We need to look for her," Amarok exclaimed. How could they be so calm? Lyra had a strange look, observing his reaction. She couldn't help but wonder what was their relationship.
"Mist!!" he shouted out, but no one came out; she was nowhere to be found. "Shouting out loud is not the best way to find her. Let's think of a plan first," Kinty advised.
"The mountain is huge; we can't find her this way," Lyra said. Louan just observed silently with Mia.
Could it be another beautiful girl? What an interesting group. He was curious. "I can offer my help if you want. We can't let her on the mountain all by herself," he said righteously.
Lyra lifted an eyebrow. Was this really the person who prevented her from committing the unforgivable?
"You are annoying. If your friend is not here, then it simply means she couldn't climb the fire mountain. Simply stop disturbing our ears," a voice broke out. Another youthful figure. He had delicate features and sharp eyes. He was the only one who wasn't hooded. His robe was completely different. The runes were bright and had intricate markings. It still shone vigorously.
He wasn't sweating nor looked exhausted. It looked like mountain ascension had been child's play. The celestial guard were standing not far from him but not at the same level.
"It's none of your business," Amarok frowned. What was he supposed to do? Stay here and do nothing? That was inconceivable. He couldn't stay quiet. In his place, she wouldn't have thought twice, just like when she had beaten those people who were spreading rumors about him at the academy. What if something happened; his heart was beating.
"You look tired; was the mountain ascension that difficult?" he couldn't help but ask in curiosity, staring at Amarok and his group.
The crowd turned to them. Looking closely, Amarok and his group were indeed the most wounded, as if they had gone through hell. The fire guardians were strong but not invincible; only the fire waves had been challenging for most. Those who had come here were the top of their cities.
"I don't have time to waste on this nonsense," Amarok turned about to leave.
Suddenly, the crowd tensed; a figure was approaching from the other side. Would it finally start? Everyone was getting ready. The figure wore a robe and a sword. He walked slowly amidst the flames burning around him. He didn't seem to care. He was dragging someone by the hairs with his free hand. The figure's forehead covered in blood. Amarok froze.