Divine Beast Creator-Chapter 2009 - 2010: Choices

Reflecting carefully, Feng Yuan indeed couldn’t think of anything as strange as the Heart of the Volcano existing, as it seemed quite unlikely.

The Heart of Nature is essentially a highly condensed and solidified form of natural energy, typically formed over long periods in places extremely rich in natural energy. In contrast, the energy structure of volcanoes is relatively singular, primarily composed of Fire Energy.

Such an environment naturally makes it improbable for special Environmental Energy crystals to form. However, Feng Yuan was also somewhat intrigued by what kind of treasure might exist within the Lava Region.

According to the academy’s habits, they wouldn’t casually use some random fire-element treasure. However, a treasure related to lava that is on par with the Heart of Nature seems unlikely.

After all, the map shows several such marked points within the Earth Maze, indicating that if the presumption holds true, there would be several of these treasures, which doesn’t add up at all.

Feng Yuan doesn’t believe that the Earth Maze’s secret lies in these treasures. They’re too obvious, especially since finding one would lead to all the others, drastically reducing the difficulty.

Of course, given the time constraints, Feng Yuan understood that without guidance, finding these treasures in just a week would be nearly impossible.

The Earth Maze is too vast, and even with teleportation abilities, traversing all the sections in a short time is tough.

Feng Yuan had no intention of uncovering all the secrets this time. There’s no way they could stay here for a whole week as per the one-week practical arranged by the academy, now being the third day.

So, when Feng Yuan first saw the map, he had little faith in exploring all the Earth Maze’s secrets. Lacking time, he had no strategy unless he and Xiao Ji forcefully breached the area; otherwise, Feng Yuan estimated they could barely cover a few sections.

But this held no meaning for Feng Yuan. If he truly wanted answers, he could ask the academy teachers; if not, Agunas would surely have the relevant information.

While Feng Yuan was pondering these matters, Xiao Ji and the others pressed steadily forward. Although the environment in this lava cave was rather harsh, with several crises of falling off rocky pathways, Feng Yuan and his team’s protection ensured no mishaps occurred.

In such an environment, the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound’s Ultimate Move naturally increased in power. Still, compared to Xiao Ji and the others, its combat contribution in this lava cave was lower. It couldn’t move freely in lava, whereas the Spirit Beasts inhabiting this place possessed a remarkable resistance to flames.

The Fluffy Fire Wolfhound’s Ultimate Moves mainly comprised flame-based attacks. Yet, even though it had close-combat Ultimate Moves, it couldn’t use them, as the Spirit Beasts dwelling in the lava were shielded by intense heat. Not to mention getting into close combat, any Spirit Beast with insufficient fire resistance could get scalded approaching.

After some trials, the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound had to resort to using Ultimate Moves like Wild Howl to enhance Xiao Ji and the others’ Ultimate Move power. As for rushing into battle again?

Looking at the parts of its paw fur burned away, the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound discarded the notion. These burns couldn’t be healed by special Healing Moves like the Bath of Flames.

Even after the Hao Chun Bird assisted with several Healing Moves, the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound’s burnt fur wouldn’t regrow quickly.

"It doesn’t seem too problematic, even the Lava Region isn’t that challenging for them~"

Nearby, Veronia remarked with a peculiar expression. Earlier, it imagined Qi Chen and team might struggle with the combat here, but the results differed from its expectations. Apart from occasional emergencies needing help, Qi Chen and team handled most situations with ease.

Feng Yuan unsurprisingly replied,

"That’s normal. Qi Chen’s combat talent is one thing, but Dou Yanlan’s abilities are also noteworthy. The difficulty of the Lava Region centers around the ever-present risk of unexpected events. Besides that, it’s not particularly harder than before. But if the area requires using the Tinyfolk World entrance, it could be quite dangerous."

The Lava Region is inherently filled with risks, with the flames erupting from the magma being especially perilous. Even Xiao Ji could be severely injured by them, and if using the Tinyfolk World entrance, once minimized, they couldn’t evade the flames and would have to endure the attack.

Then it would be up to Feng Yuan and the others, otherwise Qi Chen and his companions wouldn’t manage. This relates to strength, as Qi Chen and team were a bit lacking in power.

For Xiao Ji and team, it bore little significance. After deliberating, Feng Yuan decided to wait and assess. If it required contributions from himself and Veronia to pass, they could skip the region.

As the group advanced, they faced increasing threats. But as Feng Yuan mentioned, once the major unexpected events among these dangers were neutralized by him and his team, the overall difficulty actually didn’t rise much until they stumbled upon a particular cavern.

"This place might link to this region’s treasure, although...what do you think?"

Gazing at a floating rock platform on the magma, Feng Yuan asked Qi Chen and the others. Compared to the current passage they were on, the rock platform in that area lay near the lava. Feng Yuan suspected it might sink from excessive weight.

It wasn’t overthinking from Feng Yuan, but a speculation based on the rock platform’s displacement. Where Feng Yuan stood was significantly above the lava with no wobbling, while the rock platform swayed as if floating on water, naturally causing suspicion.

Dou Yanlan furrowed her brow, noticing the rock platform’s abnormality. She realized these obvious signs indicated a route. But, should they proceed?

Her analysis suggested this area’s danger was much higher than prior sections. Going there, she and Qi Chen wouldn’t gain much from training. Yet...

Glancing at Feng Yuan, Dou Yanlan recognized that despite appearing indifferent, Feng Yuan likely held curiosity about this place.

Besides, experience beyond combat was not entirely unnecessary.

With this in mind, Dou Yanlan quickly decided, telling Qi Chen,

"Ah Chen, I think we should take a look."

Scratching his head, Qi Chen replied,

"Then...let’s set off? But it seems slightly dangerous. I’m unsure if Ah Mu could...stand firm."

He was uncertain, yet instinctively felt that approaching the area might endanger Ah Mu. However, its exact source of danger eluded him.

Dou Yanlan’s eyes narrowed, deducing the rock platform had a weight limit, although she couldn’t pinpoint it precisely.

Feng Yuan, observing Dou Yanlan, suggested,

"How about letting the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound test it out?"

With natural fire resistance, the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound could probe the rock platform effectively. Feng Yuan reckoned it could react in time were the platform to sink at contact.

Given the creature’s flame resistance, it could endure a potential magma spread over the platform for a while.

Xiao Ji grumbled, dissatisfied that Feng Yuan wasn’t letting it take part; laughing, Feng Yuan shared his reasoning, to which the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound wagged its tail in agreement.

Following Feng Yuan’s explanation, it concurred that testing was best suited for it. Other than Veronia, most Spirit Beasts lacked substantial magma resistance. If the platform suddenly sunk, they could face severe injuries.

Moreover, the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound’s weight was manageable; a person could comfortably stand where it stood.

Veronia, observing the Fluffy Fire Wolfhound leap onto the rock platform close to the lava, quizzically asked,

"Is it really going to be that simple?"