Chapter 136: News About The Flame!

Aside from gaining a new time ability, Kranos’s comprehension of his initial time abilities remained stagnant; they hadn’t broken through to the next level. Kranos sighed and continued his practice, constantly simulating different battles in his mind.

He was also contemplating how to weaponize Rapid Thought. Since he could think so quickly, he had to use it in combat. That way, he could devise counterattacks faster, fight more effectively, and strike before his opponent could react.

Time passed as he focused on increasing his strength. However, after barely a day in the time space, he felt a strange sensation. His consciousness was forcefully pulled out with a sudden tug.

Kranos opened his eyes, and immediately, blood flowed from his seven orifices. A notification also appeared in his line of sight:

[Overuse of mental energy can lead to death. Be careful.]

“Mental energy? That was mental energy?” Kranos was stunned. He calmed himself and began to recover slowly. My decision was impulsive. Fortunately, the system warned me in time and pulled me out forcefully. Kranos couldn’t imagine what would have happened otherwise.

More than a week passed before Kranos fully recovered. He also felt that his thoughts had become clearer. Could it be because I overdrained my mental energy? Did it also increase in strength while recovering? Kranos had a guess, but since he didn’t know if mental energy was useful, he decided not to take the risk.

His thoughts shifted, and he returned to cultivating. In this manner, more than three months passed. Just as Kranos was lost in thought, he heard a knock on the door. Roughly estimating the time, Kranos raised a brow. Has the World Tree healed so soon? Could it be Kathryn?

Kranos was overjoyed. Without hesitation, his figure moved, and he appeared in front of the door. He opened it and saw a figure standing there; however, it wasn’t Kathryn.

It was… the alchemy youth from before.

The youth looked at him with disdain, then sneered, “Master said that he has discovered the flame. You may come to collect the location and go tame it yourself.” After stating that, he paid Kranos no attention and quickly left. If it weren’t for his master, he wouldn’t have wanted to associate with Kranos in the slightest.

Although slightly disappointed that it wasn’t Kathryn, Kranos was still pleasantly surprised that the flame had finally been found. I can finally craft some medicinal pills! Kranos felt his mood lighten. With quick strides, he reached the alchemy hall.

Entering, he saw the young man buried in books. He was reading a thick tome with a frown on his face. After that, he turned to glance at another, as though confirming some information. Kranos watched in silence.

After he felt that the man had finished getting the information he wanted, he coughed lightly to get his attention. The man quickly turned to look at Kranos, then his eyes lit up. “Young man, I apologize for the delay. Here is the information on where the flame is. Go with Farloc; he will help you in the process of taming the flame and also look after your safety.”

After he finished speaking and handing Kranos a map with some writings, he returned his attention to the books and continued studying.

Kranos bowed slightly and thanked the elf before leaving. He saw Farloc, the elder’s disciple, standing at the door with a grin. Kranos couldn’t discern his thoughts, but he knew it wouldn’t be anything good. Should I tie him up while I tame the flame?

At first, he had considered killing Farloc if he planned anything bad, but he knew it would seem suspicious if he were the only one to return. The second-best option was to tie him up, beat him, and obtain all the information he needed before taming the flame. That way, the array master would barely believe him even if he told the truth of what happened.

After coming to this conclusion, Kranos smiled back in return. Looking at this smile, Farloc felt a chill crawl up his spine. However, recalling what that mysterious figure had plotted for Kranos, he smiled, Can you survive, Kranos? If the master has planned for you, you can never escape!

“Let’s go now,” Kranos said as soon as he reached Farloc. He had analyzed the situation, and there were barely two months before he left with Kathryn to get the divine treasure to heal his soul. Almost two years had passed so soon.

Kranos sighed; he was now sixteen in the blink of an eye. He had done his best to increase his strength in this time. Kranos felt he could match a monarch with his strength. “I am confident that we will get this treasure!” Kranos clenched his fist; he had to heal his soul no matter the cost!

“Yes, there’s no need for delay,” Farloc said without hesitation. His voice sounded slightly deeper, and Kranos could feel a hint of suppressed excitement; however, he didn’t mind. With that, the two figures set off with Farloc taking the lead.

Their destination was deep within the lower regions of the World Tree.

Kranos followed closely behind, his boots brushing against a moss-carpeted path that coiled around the vast branch they trod upon. Around them, towering trees twisted slightly, each one so massive they felt like walking through a forest built upon air.

Leaves the size of shields fluttered overhead, casting shadows across the bark that pulsed faintly with life. Kranos was deeply amazed by the sight.

Along the way, he occasionally saw birds with feathers like glass and eyes that shimmered like starlight, and strange vines swayed unnaturally at times. The scent of sap, rich and slightly sweet, mingled with the earthy musk of old wood, intoxicating him slightly.

As they descended deeper into the lower elven territory within the trees, the warmth began to rise. Then they finally reached their destination after a few days of journeying.

It was a volcano. Kranos glanced at it and realized that it wasn’t carved from stone but from living bark charred black. It was as if the World Tree had been wounded by flame, and the wound had festered into this violent, smoldering structure.

He saw magma, and veins of glowing, ember-red light pulsed faintly, illuminating the sky with a dull red hue.

The air grew heavier as they approached. Ash floated slightly in the air, drifting about like snowflakes.

Heat pressed against their skin as they approached. The smell was overwhelming; as soon as they got close, they could faintly feel some burning on their faces. Kranos stared at the volcano beneath him; he could faintly guess that the flame here… was far from ordinary!

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