The looming silhouette of Teide Volcano dominated the horizon. Its towering peak pierced the clouds, vanishing into the sky like a gateway to another realm. Rivers of smoke and ash curled around its flanks, and the ground beneath the team's feet vibrated with the heartbeat of molten fury below.
Ilargia stepped forward, eyes narrowing as she scanned the obsidian slopes.
"So this is Teide Volcano… It's even more massive than I imagined."
Nika nodded beside her, gaze sharp.
"At least twice the height of Slash Mountain."
Thomas approached, his voice grave.
"We're deep in enemy territory now. The Volcanic Alliance won't take chances. The Magma Race is vital to their war effort."
Penelope's tone was calm but firm as she addressed the full group of thirty elite cultivators.
"Our objective is to reach the volcano's mouth undetected. Once inside, Thomas and I will attempt to negotiate with the Magma Race leaders. If we can convince them to rebel, we may turn the tide of this war."
Nods of agreement passed through the group. Everyone understood the risk—but also the reward.
Their ascent began under a blanket of caution.
Rocks crumbled beneath their boots, and the scent of sulfur and scorched earth thickened the air. An hour into the climb, they stumbled upon a heavily fortified settlement, carved directly into the lower slopes.
Ilargia whispered, "There's a Peak Brain Training Stage cultivator inside. I can feel their aura."
Penelope nodded, her expression unreadable.
"This entire volcano is a strategic asset. Our intel says a Semi Elemental Realm master is stationed nearby."
Viktor's brow creased.
"If they find us, we won't stand a chance."
Thomas placed a reassuring hand on Viktor's shoulder.
"We've prepared a countermeasure."
Silently, the team slipped past the settlement like ghosts. Once clear, they pressed on—the air growing heavier with heat and tension.
At last, they reached the edge.
The volcano's mouth yawned before them, a massive chasm radiating waves of blistering heat. Flames flickered from deep within, casting strange shadows on the jagged rock walls.
Penelope knelt, retrieving a small butterfly-shaped scouting artifact from her storage ring. She infused it with energy and sent it fluttering into the darkness.
The group waited in tense silence. Minutes crawled by.
At last, the butterfly returned, and Penelope's eyes fluttered open.
"There are five floors within the volcano. Each floor increases in temperature and danger. The Magma Race leaders reside on the fifth floor. I sensed two Semi Elemental Realm auras—but the one from the Magma side is weak."
Thomas frowned.
"Then our real obstacle is the Volcanic Alliance's Semi Elemental expert."
Penelope turned to Dragaris and Drogaris.
"Did your clan prepare the Heart United Formation as requested?"
Dragaris nodded, though tension lingered in her jaw.
"We did. But even with the formation, trapping a Semi Elemental master is a gamble."
Asier stepped forward, voice steady.
"The formation draws strength from our emotional bonds. The stronger our connection, the stronger the seal."
Dragaris hesitated.
"Even with our Mirror Physique, we'll need more than just the two of us…"
Nika stepped in, smiling with confidence.
"You have us."
Drogaris's eyes lit up, her hesitation fading.
"If the five of us unite our strength… maybe we can do it."
Thomas nodded.
"Then it's settled. We'll lure the Semi Elemental master away from the volcano using a diversion. Once he's isolated, you five activate the formation and trap him. The rest of us will proceed inside to negotiate with the Magma Race."
Ilargia looked back toward the fortified settlement.
"We attack there?"
Asier's eyes glinted.
"Exactly. The moment they sense an assault, they'll deploy their strongest defender. That gives us our opening."
Thomas cracked a rare smile.
"A bold strategy. I like it."