Chapter 152: Chapter 152: Changbai Mountain Heavenly Lake Volcano
Chapter 152: Changbai Mountain Heavenly Lake Volcano
Alexander searched through records of volcanoes within Base Country 3 and its border areas while researching their details.
Volcanic eruptions vary in intensity, and if he wanted to create a Volcano Spirit, he needed to select the strongest one. Naturally, the location also had to be as close to South Sea City as possible.
Alexander was intrigued by the Yellowstone supervolcano, but it was too far away, and he wasn't sure what dangers might await on the journey. After all, other places weren't like the Four Seas City.
These four cities, surrounded by the vast Western Sea, suffered less from the attacks of magical creatures due to the protection of the ocean. Even though the Four Seas City had experienced sieges by magical creatures, the scale and intensity were much smaller compared to other cities.
The largest siege on South Sea City was the Scourge of the Skeleton King. Even with Welma, a top-tier A-rank guardian, South Sea City still suffered heavy losses.
Alexander gazed longingly at the map marked with the Yellowstone supervolcano.
"I'm not worried about whether the volcano will erupt—my Heavenly Flame of Creation has the power to trigger it. It's just that the journey is too far and dangerous. If Jack had more spiritual capabilities, he could take me to another country. Unfortunately, Jack isn't strong enough for such a long-distance journey."
After much deliberation over a stack of world maps, Alexander finally settled on two volcanoes he considered ideal candidates: the Changbai Mountain Heavenly Lake Volcano in White Mountain City and Mount Vesuvius in the Country of Invaders.
Both were renowned worldwide for their destructive power, with catastrophic consequences when they erupted. Mount Vesuvius in the Country of Invaders had been active for a long time and would have erupted long ago if not for the suppression efforts of the awakened ones there. Perhaps due to the magical invasion, recent news reports mentioned signs of revival in the Changbai Mountain Heavenly Lake Volcano.
After a long period of contemplation, Alexander made up his mind and tossed the Country of Invaders' map into the trash can.
He chose the Changbai Mountain Heavenly Lake Volcano for three reasons:
First, the explosive power of the Changbai Mountain Heavenly Lake Volcano surpassed that of Mount Vesuvius. Many years ago, it had erupted once, and the resulting calamity was nothing short of apocalyptic. The volcanic column from the eruption reached 25 kilometers high, and its effects extended to two neighboring countries of Base Country 3. It was rightfully called the King of Base Country 3's Volcanoes.
Second, the Country of Invaders was an enemy nation, and venturing there carried certain risks—especially since Alexander had learned it had become a breeding ground for magical creatures.
Third, subduing the volcano would effectively put Mount Vesuvius into permanent dormancy. There was no harm in letting the natural forces of the magical territory be destroyed.
The next morning.
Yvette dressed in her custom-made black pinstripe professional suit, applied her makeup, and slipped into high heels, preparing for work.
Though she was merely a spokesperson for the Mercenary Guild and had no power to make significant decisions, she understood her role as a puppet placed in the public eye to allow Alexander to operate better in the shadows.
Her main focus was the Restart Biotechnology Company, where she served as general manager, a position that kept her busy every day. Being able to re-enter high society brought her joy, as it aligned with her vision of personal fulfillment.
As she walked into the living room, she saw Alexander already awake, sitting by the coffee table and reading the newspaper. She instinctively tightened her posture, bowing respectfully as she greeted him.
"Good morning, sir."
She couldn't help but feel puzzled. Why wasn't he at the café today? Alexander loved the ambiance of the Old Oak Café. Could something unusual be happening?
Without lifting his eyes from the newspaper, Alexander said, "I'll be leaving South Sea City for a while. I've granted you management permissions on the Mercenary Guild app. Handle some of South Sea City's Mercenary Guild affairs in my absence."
Yvette's eyes lit up with excitement. While she held the title of acting guild leader, she had never had the authority to command the mercenaries, understanding it was a sensitive boundary for Alexander. But now, he was entrusting her with power!
Suppressing her joy, Yvette replied, "Understood."
Alexander continued, "While I'm gone, strengthen the city's defenses and be cautious of a magical creature capable of transforming into a dark cloud. You've met the succubus Yuna before—if you spot her, report to me immediately."
In a quiet voice, Yvette asked, "Where are you going?"
Alexander raised his eyes and looked at Yvette with an expressionless face.
Yvette's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly explained,
"I didn't mean to pry into your whereabouts. I just hoped to understand your future situation. If the South Sea Mercenary Guild can be of assistance, I can prepare in advance."
Alexander lowered his gaze back to the newspaper.
"White Mountain City."
If he recklessly triggered the eruption of the Changbai Mountain Heavenly Lake Volcano without restoring his spiritual energy in time to control it, the result would be catastrophic, leaving countless lives in ruins.
Moreover, exhausting too much of his spiritual energy at Changbai Mountain was extremely risky. Changbai Mountain was far more formidable than North Blind Mountain.
Thus, Alexander decided to use White Mountain City as his base to observe the Heavenly Lake Volcano. If he needed help, he could issue a mandatory demon-slaying task to the mercenaries.
Yvette's pupils contracted slightly.
"White Mountain City?"
Apart from the Four Seas City, all other cities were ravaged by demonic beasts, and White Mountain City suffered the worst. Being near Changbai Mountain only made it more dangerous.
Changbai Mountain, an ancient, expansive forest, had existed for an indeterminate time and was many times larger than North Blind Mountain. Even before the arrival of demonic beasts, legends of demons and monsters surrounding Changbai Mountain were common. Now, it had become a haven for demonic beasts.
"White Mountain City is incredibly dangerous," she thought to herself. After a moment's contemplation, she nodded.
"I understand. Please take care of yourself."
Alexander didn't respond.
Yvette bowed again, then swayed her hips gracefully as she left the loft.
Not long after, Jack entered through the front door.
"Guild Master, are we leaving now?"
Alexander folded the newspaper neatly, threw on a coat, and picked up a black backpack.
"Let's go."
Jack escorted Alexander to White Mountain City before heading back. He had other matters to attend to.
Alexander wandered alone through White Mountain City, a stark contrast to the lively South Sea City.
The streets were desolate.
Hardly anyone was outside. The occasional passerby moved hurriedly, not sparing Alexander a glance.
Homes had their doors tightly shut, while residential areas were surrounded by metal sheets and barbed wire.
Only a few shops were open, and many restaurant signs were old and worn.
The walls were covered with graffiti, mostly slogans like "Death to Demonic Beasts" and "Give Us Peace."
Some graffiti had bold red banners pasted over them with phrases like "United We Stand, Together We Triumph."
The cold wind howled, bringing with it a bleak and desolate atmosphere.
"Compared to South Sea City, this feels like a true apocalypse," Alexander thought to himself.
The civilians of Four Seas City lived far more comfortably in comparison. Being an economically significant city with fewer demonic beast invasions, it even had Welma, an A-rank guardian, stationed there.
Ironically, the safest cities were prioritized for powerful defenders.
Alexander roamed the city for a long time before finding an open inn in a narrow alley.
The entrance to the small inn was decorated with red lanterns. A few heavily made-up women in revealing outfits stood at the door, shivering in the cold wind as they welcomed guests.
This was a brothel.
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