Lucy and Lucas continued their journey toward the Death Volcano, the oppressive heat becoming more intense with every step. The air shimmered with the rising temperature, making the landscape appear distorted and alien.
The ground beneath them became more barren, jagged rocks jutting out from the cracked earth, and occasional plumes of steam hissed up from the volcanic fissures.
Lucas, still perched on Lucy's shoulder, gazed ahead with his usual calm demeanor, but something was tugging at the edges of his memory.
The closer they came to the volcano, the more uneasy he felt. His eyes began to narrow, scanning the area around them more carefully now, his instincts sharp.
"Wait a minute..." Lucas muttered to himself, his brow furrowing as recognition dawned on him. "Isn't this area near the village and the lab of Thalnor Vesperin?"
