The trail of burned symbols beckoned us deeper into the Ashgrove, every glyph we encountered pulsed with an internal rhythm that reminded me of a heartbeat.

  The further we ventured, the more hostile our surroundings became. Trees stood eternal in their burning state. A paradox of nature, consumed yet never diminishing. The ground beneath our boots radiated enough heat to make Isolde's leather soles smoke. The edge of my shoulderplate grew warm against my skin, as if it remembered the dragon it came from.

  "Watch your step," I warned Isolde, pointing to a patch of earth that had liquefied into bubbling slag. "The terrain is becoming less predictable."

  She nodded, her blue hair now tied back tightly, face glistening with sweat despite the cooling magic she'd woven into her clothing. "This isn't natural fire," she observed, studying a nearby tree whose flames burned emerald green. "It's being sustained by something powerful."

  I wiped perspiration from my brow, grateful for my Draconis Stormborn resistances. Without them, we'd have been cooked alive within minutes. Especially since I wasn't wearing shoes. And yet, the class coupled with the stupid Valtherian Physique endured it easily.

  As the people of Magmaborn, I'll become a laughing stock if I can't endure a little fire. That, and back in my weaker days, I'd survived Dragon's Breath, even if barely.

  Still, the heat was oppressive, pressing against my skin like a physical weight.

  "These symbols," I mused, crouching to examine another glyph, "they're guiding us somewhere specific."

  "Or herding us," Isolde countered, acting the skeptic part. She then cast an odd spell which created a small mirror shield above us, reflecting the worst of the heat. Why didn't she use that before? "The pattern suggests a controlled environment rather than random corruption."

  A high-pitched chittering sound interrupted our conversation.

  From between burning bushes emerged a swarm of tiny creatures – no larger than my palm, their bodies composed entirely of living flame. Ember sprites, dozens of them, their miniature faces contorted in mischievous delight.

  "Stay behind me," Isolde commanded, her hands already weaving complex patterns. Her mirror shield expanded, splitting into multiple smaller barriers that surrounded us like a crystalline fortress.

  The sprites attacked in unison, hurling themselves against the mirrored surfaces. Each impact caused the barriers to flash brilliantly, absorbing and redirecting the sprites' fiery essence. Isolde's forehead creased with concentration, her fingers continuously adjusting the angles of her mirrors.

  "They're testing our defenses," she said through gritted teeth. "Looking for weaknesses."

  I watched her technique with genuine admiration. The intricacy of her magic – this Mirror Sovereign class – was unlike anything in Valtherian combat traditions. Where my people relied on overwhelming force, Isolde's approach was mathematical, precise, turning an enemy's strength into vulnerability.

  "I can't hold all of them indefinitely," she warned as more sprites joined the assault. "We need to eliminate the source."

  I nodded, scanning our surroundings. My Dragon’s Eye sharpened. About thirty paces ahead, a twisted, blackened tree pulsed with unusual intensity. At its base, a small fissure in the earth spewed forth new sprites at regular intervals.

  "There," I pointed. "That's our target."

  Isolde assessed the distance, her eyes calculating. "I can maintain the barriers for maybe fifteen seconds if you make a run for it."

  "That's all I need."

  She took a deep breath, then closed her eyes briefly. When she opened them again, they shimmered with concentrated mana. "Ready when you are."

  I tensed, feeling the familiar build of energy in my legs. "[Leap]!"

  The newly evolved skill propelled me skyward, higher than before, giving me a momentary bird's-eye view of the battlefield. Below, Isolde's mirrors formed a dazzling dome of light as sprites hammered against it from all sides.

  I descended directly toward the fissure, activating [Elemental Fury] mid-air.

  Ice energy surged through my veins. It took a bit of concentration but I managed. My crystallized axe glowed with frost as I drove it into the heart of the fissure.

  The effect was immediate. Ice crystals exploded outward, sealing the opening with a thick layer of permafrost. The sprites screeched in unified alarm, their attacks on Isolde's barriers suddenly abandoned as they rushed to defend their source.

  "Now, Isolde!" I shouted.

  She didn't hesitate. With a sharp gesture, her mirrors reconfigured, forming a complex array that caught and amplified the ambient light. The focused beam struck the swarm, scattering their tiny bodies in a shower of extinguished embers.

  Then, to my surprise, Isolde actually let out a whistle. “This is awesome.”

  “What is?”

  “[You've killed Ember Sprites (x37) – Average Level 32!] That is what the system notification says. Level 48 now.”

  “Nice.”

  "Hehe," Isolde said, lowering her hands as the last sprite faded, "that was invigorating."

  I laughed at her understated reaction. "Is that princess-speak for 'whoa, that was so so awesome'? Don't act like I didn't hear that whistle. Where is your etiquette, Princess?”

  She arched an eyebrow, though I caught the faintest smile tugging at her lips. "A royal doesn't say 'awesome,' Thorvyn. We say 'most satisfactory.'"

  "Oh, pardon my barbaric vocabulary, Your Highness," I replied with an exaggerated bow.

  Her composure cracked then, a genuine laugh escaping. "You're such a strange man."

  The moment of levity evaporated as a deep, rumbling growl echoed through the burning forest. The ground trembled beneath our feet, cracks spreading outward from where the fissure had been sealed.

  "That doesn't sound 'most satisfactory,'" I muttered, raising my axe again. To be fair, ice would melt against fire sooner or later. I'd hoped it'd hold until we'd escaped.

  Isolde rolled her shoulder and winced then. I saw why a moment later. The left sleeve of her travel coat had burned away past the elbow, exposing pale skin already reddening from the heat.

  "You're hurt," I said, looking at her properly to make sure she wasn’t burned anywhere else.

  "It's a sleeve, not a limb." She caught me looking and raised an eyebrow. "Do you need a moment, Thorvyn of Valteria?"

  "I'm checking for burns."

  "You sure are checking for something." But she was smiling, just a little, and she didn't pull away when I stepped closer to actually look.

  The skin was irritated, not blistered. I let out a breath. "You'll live.”

  "Your concern is touching. Literally. You can let go of my arm now." I hadn't realized I was still holding it. I let go. She didn't comment further, but the smile stayed.

  Our little fun time had to end there.

  A rumble came from the side. From the fracturing earth emerged a beast unlike any I'd encountered before. It resembled a massive hound, but its skin was composed of cooled volcanic rock, with magma flowing through the cracks. Its eyes burned like twin forges, and molten stone dripped from jaws large enough to swallow a man whole.

  “This is not good. That's a Lava Hound.”

  [5th Ascension]

  "Oh, that's just unfair," I said, backing up slowly. “It's 5th Ascension.”

  Isolde was already positioning herself, mirrors forming in a defensive pattern. "Elemental beasts often form hierarchies," she explained, her voice calm despite the danger. "Kill enough minions, and you attract the attention of their superior."

  "You could have mentioned that earlier."

  "Aren't you from a tribe of hunters? I thought it was common knowledge."

  The Lava Hound roared, the sound causing nearby trees to shudder. It charged with surprising speed, its massive paws leaving smoldering footprints in their wake.

  I dodged sideways, feeling the searing heat of its passage as it barely missed me. My axe struck its flank, the ice energy meeting molten rock with a hiss of steam. The creature howled, more in anger than pain, swinging around for another charge.

  "Physical attacks won't be enough," Isolde called, maintaining her distance. "Its core is protected by that outer shell."

  "Fantastic. Physical attacks are my whole niche, unfortunately. Any suggestions?" I asked, narrowly avoiding a spray of lava that the hound spat in my direction.

  "Yes. Don't get eaten!"

  I shot her a look. "Extremely helpful, Princess!"

  The environment itself was becoming a weapon. The hound's presence intensified the ambient heat, causing previously stable ground to soften. Trees creaked and groaned as their perpetual flames grew higher.

  I needed an advantage, something to turn the tables. The beast was powerful but not particularly agile. Its massive bulk made quick turns difficult.

  "Oi, Isolde," I called, formulating a plan, "can you create a reflective surface large enough for it to see itself?"

  She frowned, then understanding dawned. "Yes, but I'll need a few seconds uninterrupted."

  "You'll have them."

  I activated [Storm Call], channeling the energy into ice again. The localized blizzard materialized above the hound, not powerful enough to harm it significantly but certainly enough to draw its attention.

  As I'd hoped, the creature focused on me, rage evident in its molten eyes. It charged again, jaws snapping.

  I waited until the last possible moment before activating [Leap], soaring over the beast as it barreled past. Landing behind it, I struck its haunches with another ice-infused blow, further enraging it.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  "Almost ready!" Isolde called, her hands a blur of motion as she crafted her largest mirror yet – a shimmering wall of reflective energy directly in the hound's path.

  The beast turned for another charge, eyes locked on me with predatory focus. It gathered speed, building momentum for what it clearly intended to be a killing blow.

  "Now, Isolde!"

  The princess completed her spell, the mirror materializing at full size.

  The hound, as I'd hoped, was stupid. In the reflection, it perceived itself as another of its kind and hesitated momentarily. That was just long enough for me to activate [Tempest Strike].

  The elemental energy exploded from my axe, catching the creature in its momentary confusion. Ice spread rapidly across its rocky hide, sealing the cracks where magma flowed.

  The hound howled, thrashing as its internal heat was suddenly contained.

  "Its core!" Isolde shouted, pointing to a spot between its shoulders where the ice hadn't completely formed. "Strike there!"

  I didn't need to be told twice. Leaping high, I brought my axe down with every ounce of strength I possessed, driving it into the exposed weakness.

  The beast shuddered, then went rigid. Cracks spread across its entire body, light spilling from within as its core destabilized.

  With a final, defiant roar, it exploded into fragments of rapidly cooling stone.

  [You've killed a Lava Hound – Level 52!]

  [You've gained experience points!]

  [You've leveled up!]

  [You've reached Level 38!]

  The familiar rush of leveling washed over me, renewing my stamina and healing minor injuries. Finally another level! It wasn't a massive improvement, but every level brought me closer to what we needed. One more level till I received my first Ascension Quest.

  Isolde approached, dispelling her mirror with a casual wave. "That was… impressive improvisation."

  "You can thank the story of Medusa and Perseus," I replied without thinking.

  She tilted her head curiously. "Medusa? Perseus? I'm not familiar with those names. Are they local to your tribe?”

  "Ah… yes, old Valtherian tales. Probably doesn't translate well. Ragna probably doesn't know either, haha.”

  She studied me with those perceptive eyes, clearly not entirely convinced, but mercifully let it drop. "Your combat instincts are exceptional. Most warriors rely on brute force against elemental creatures."

  "I may look like a stupid barbarian, but I'm a bit more than that. Who wouldn't use their ice ability against a fire monster?" I muttered, examining my axe for damage. "Strategy wins more battles than strength alone."

  "A barbarian philosopher," she mused, a hint of teasing in her voice. "What other surprises are you hiding, Thorvyn Valteria?"

  More than you could possibly imagine, I thought but didn't say.

  The ground trembled again, though less violently than before. The symbols we'd been following now burned brighter, their pattern more urgent somehow.

  "We're getting closer to something important," Isolde observed, her expression growing serious again. "The elemental concentration is increasing."

  I nodded, feeling it too – a pressure in the air, a sense of building power.

  "Let's proceed carefully."

  We continued our advance, encountering other fiery aberrations. Wisps that could possess burning trees, turning the forest itself against us, followed by blazing salamanders with blood of liquid fire, and then birds trailing embers as they flew. All of them presented unique challenges, forcing us to refine our teamwork and adapt our strategies.

  After defeating a particularly persistent cluster of fire wisps, I noticed something revealing.

  All of these creatures seemed to be protecting something.

  Their movements formed a defensive patterns around a central point rather than random aggression.

  "They're guardians," I said as realization struck. "Not just corrupted creatures trying to fight by their instincts, they're actively defending territory."

  Isolde wiped sweat from her brow, her breathing slightly labored from our exertions. "Which means whatever they're guarding must be valuable… or dangerous."

  "Often the same thing in this world," I remarked dryly.

  The burned symbols led us to a clearing unlike any other in the Ashgrove.

  Here, the trees formed a perfect circle, their flames burning in synchronized patterns. At the center stood an ancient stone ring – megalithic structures worn by time yet still bearing intricate carvings that pulsed with arcane energy.

  Within this ring hovered a massive crystal, suspended above a pool of bubbling lava. The crystal pulsed with crimson energy, sending waves of heat outward in rhythmic bursts that seemed to match the burning patterns of the surrounding forest.

  "The heart," I whispered, understanding dawning. "Given how the monsters have cores, I'm assuming this crystal is the thing powering the forest. At least this Ashgrove part.”

  Isolde approached cautiously, her eyes narrowed in concentration. "It's a focus crystal – incredibly rare and powerful. One of my favourite professor at Waybound talked about such things, but I've never seen one this size."

  The crystal rotated slowly, revealing what appeared to be a small flaw near its center – a darker inclusion that disrupted its otherwise perfect structure.

  "That's its weakness, according to my eyes,” I said, pointing. "If we target that flaw, we might be able to neutralize it."

  Isolde nodded, already beginning to craft a complex array of mirrors designed to focus our combined attack. "Your ice abilities combined with my reflection magic should create enough concentrated force to crack it."

  I raised my axe, channeling ice energy once more. The crystal's rotation slowed, almost as if sensing our intent.

  Just as I prepared to strike, the air itself seemed to freeze.

  Not with cold, but with something more profound. A sudden cessation of movement, as if reality itself had paused. My muscles seized, locked in place by an inexplicable force.

  “###-” A woman's voice, melodic yet commanding, spoke many words in a language that vibrated through my very bones.

  Words of Power.

  I had read about it in old scrolls. Words that reality itself obeyed without question.

  Even Valtherians knew about it because one of the strongest Words of Power is called Dragon Tongue Magic.

  "Now, now, children," the new voice continued, switching to the common tongue, "let's not be hasty with someone else's property."

  The paralysis preventing me from moving didn't extend to my eyes. I watched as a figure materialized beside the crystal, stepping out of empty air as casually as one might step through a doorway.

  She had long, human legs, but they gave a serpentine vibe for some reason. Dark green hair spilled from beneath a wide witch's hat, golden eyes gleaming with timeless authority. Draped in black robes embroidered with runes that glowed with inner light, she held an ornate pipe in one hand, exhaling smoke with languid grace. A sovereign sorceress.

  [??? Ascension]

  A powerhouse.

  Her presence alone made the surrounding flames calm, as if paying respect to a greater power.

  "Much better," she said, examining us with casual interest. "It's so tedious when visitors attempt to destroy my work before proper introductions."

  With a flick of her wrist, she released us from the binding spell, though I noticed a shimmering barrier now prevented us from approaching the crystal.

  "Who are you?" I demanded, muscles tense despite our obvious disadvantage. "What is this place?"

  She circled us slowly, her movements fluid and predatory.

  Her eyes – I now noticed they had shifted colors with each blink, such as ember red, storm blue, frost white – fixed on me with particular interest.

  "A barbarian from the frozen north?" She paused, reconsidering. "Ah, no...wait." Her eyes narrowed. "Those features. Those ice Skills and that white hair had me slightly confused, but... You're a Valtherian." She pronounced the tribal name with strange familiarity, almost fondness. “You smell like a Dragon Slayer.”

  "...And you are?" I pressed, not lowering my axe despite knowing how futile resistance would be against someone of her obvious power.

  "My name wouldn't mean anything to you," she replied dismissively, exhaling a perfect ring of smoke that transformed into a miniature dragon before dissipating. "I am merely a Sorceress in her journey across magic, using these lands for my work. This forest provides excellent conditions for my elemental studies."

  "Yeah…? Your 'studies' are spreading," I countered. "Endangering nearby villages, corrupting natural resources."

  She shrugged, the gesture elegant despite its callousness. "A minor inconvenience. Who asked them to come here to check? Besides, I'm trying my best not to kill the people who came. The few that died regardless are not my fault. I'll be finished and gone before any real damage occurs."

  Isolde stepped forward, royal indignation evident in her bearing. "Heartless. People are suffering while you conduct experiments without regard for consequences."

  The sorceress's attention shifted to Isolde, her expression changing from dismissive to genuinely interested as she noticed the mirror magic still hovering in the air.

  "A Mirror Mage class?" Her voice held new respect. "How extraordinarily rare." She approached Isolde, who held her ground admirably. "Are you looking for a mentor, child? That talent is wasted without proper guidance."

  Isolde frowned, remaining diplomatically noncommittal, maintaining her composure. "I do see your strength, but I disagree with your methods. How can I accept you as my mentor? Besides, I have responsibilities that require my attention."

  While she was quick to dismiss it, I saw an opportunity in the sorceress's interest.

  Leaning toward Isolde, I whispered, "Maybe you should accept. She's clearly powerful. Not only would accepting mean she won't harm us, she could even help us against what's coming."

  The woman laughed, a sound like crystal bells. "Whispering won't help you, dearest barbarian. My hearing is as enhanced as the rest of my abilities." She turned back to Isolde. "And as for mentorship..." Her eyes locked with the princess's. "To become my student would require abandoning worldly attachments, including whatever quest currently occupies you."

  Isolde straightened, her response firm. "I appreciate the offer, but my kingdom needs me. That responsibility cannot be abandoned."

  "Ah, responsibility." The sorceress sighed dramatically. "The eternal chain. Very well."

  I quickly added, “You interested in a barbarian student?”

  “Somehow you lack more shame than a usual barbarian. No.”

  Well, worth a try.

  I decided to adopt a more diplomatic approach. "We only seek safe passage through your territories. Perhaps we can reach an arrangement that benefits us both."

  I really didn't want to fight her. Since she seemed the chatty type and not the punchy type like that Thragg bastard, I tried to talk to her.

  "Actually," the sorceress interjected, tapping her pipe thoughtfully, "there is something you could assist with. A few of the monsters have surprisingly evolved through my zones, without me wanting them to. Now they disrupt the elemental balance I've cultivated."

  Her expression grew more serious. "My own direct intervention would be like using a tidal wave to extinguish a candle. Effective, yes, but it risks shattering the delicate balance of my entire experiment. These aberrations must be removed with a certain... finesse. A scalpel, not a sledgehammer." She eyed us both, a glint in her golden eyes.

  "So you want us to eliminate them," I concluded.

  "Precisely. Besides, I am curious. It's not every day a Dragon Slayer and a Mirror Sovereign wander into my garden. Consider this an audition. Eliminate these intruders, and I'll grant you safe passage." Her lips curved in a knowing smile. "I might even provide... information that would interest a Thalasson princess, perhaps?"

  She emphasized the royal name, confirming she recognized Isolde's heritage.

  I wasn't surprised that she knew, she had that mysterious charm going on, but Isolde flinched back.

  "Hmm, you asked for a name earlier," the sorceress added casually, "fine, you may call me Lady Nezehra."

  The name meant nothing to me, but Isolde's slight intake of breath suggested otherwise.

  "The aberrations," I prompted, returning to the proposal. "What exactly are we dealing with?"

  Lady Nezehra gestured, and three illusions appeared before us.

  The first showed a massive bird wreathed in flames, its wingspan easily twenty feet across. The second depicted a serpentine creature composed of living lightning. The third revealed a hulking, crystalline giant with frost radiating from its core.

  "Phoenix, Storm Wyrm, and Frost Titan," she explained. "Don't worry, it's not a real Phoenix, you won't die. Each has absorbed enough elemental energy to evolve beyond my control. Each must be eliminated to restore balance."

  I exchanged glances with Isolde. This was exactly what we'd come for – challenging monsters, experience gain, and now potentially valuable information.

  "These creatures," Isolde asked carefully, "what level would you estimate them to be?"

  Lady Nezehra smiled, clearly approving of the practical question. "The Phoenix is Level 72. The Storm Wyrm, 74. And the Frost Titan..." Her smile widened. "A solid 80."

  I frowned. A Level 80 monster would put us directly against a creature of the Sixth Ascension – exactly the challenge we needed to grow stronger.

  "Do we have a deal?" Lady Nezehra asked, extending her hand.

  I reached out to shake it, then hesitated. "First, what information can you offer about Thalassaria?"

  Her eyes glittered with amusement. "Direct, aren't you? Very well. I know what Prince Kaelan plans for the throne. I know who whispers in his ear. And I know why your late mother left Thalassaria all those years ago, Princess Isolde."

  Isolde's face paled. "My mother...?"

  "Do we have a deal?" Lady Nezehra repeated, hand still extended.

  I clasped it firmly. "We have a deal."

  As our hands touched, I felt a surge of power – her magic briefly connecting with mine, sealing our agreement in more than words. When she withdrew, a small mark remained on my palm: three elemental symbols intertwined.

  "A tracking and communication sigil," she explained. "It will guide you to each aberration and allow me to monitor your progress."

  "How convenient," I remarked dryly.

  She laughed again. "Suspicious I know, but practical. I like that." She turned to leave, then paused. "Oh, and Valtherian?"

  I raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"

  "Try not to die. Your tribe’s Pillar might annoy me later if he learns I sent you on a dying quest,” she said.

  With that cryptic comment, she vanished – not in a flash or smoke, but simply ceased to exist between one breath and the next.

  Well, it wasn't cryptic at all.

  It basically meant she knew Gerholt, the Pillar of the Tribe, the Magmaborn. I was unsure if they had a good relationship or not, but… one thing was clear. If she and the Pillar knew each other personally, she was strong.

  Extremely.

  No, I couldn't put it into words just how strong. I'd mostly only heard stories of Gerholt’s feats, but I had the luck to see him in battle once too. In Thorvyn's memory, I mean.

  "Well," I said to the empty air, "that was dramatic."

  Isolde stood silent for a moment, her expression troubled. "Thorvyn, the name Nezehra... It's the name of a family from the southeast continent. Precisely, the Naga Clan. That woman's a dragon in human form.”

  "Oh."

  Oh shit.

  Doesn't that mean she's an enemy?

  We Valtherians were dragon hunters. She was a dragon. She knew the Pillar of the Tribe. That meant he'd either tried hunting her before, or maybe one of her clan members.

  Was she toying with us, sending us to a suicide mission?

  Too bad, we could only figure that out after beating the monsters.

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