Just Extra

Chapter 22: Central Volcano



The tunnel was shrouded in darkness, as if it were perpetual night, with the air thick and oppressive from the intense heat radiating around them. Its smooth, structured walls suggested it was human-made, reinforcing their suspicion that it might have been crafted by the researcher or another group of humans.

Naviga and Minerva proceeded cautiously, fully aware of the potential dangers that could lurk in the dark—whether deadly traps or small, yet lethal, monsters.

Each step echoed faintly, the sound absorbed by the heat and the pressing silence of the long, winding passage.

As they walked, they spoke about the next volcano mountain—the largest and most dangerous of the three volcanic peaks.

Minerva explained, "This fire elemental better area is where the Violet Inferno Flower grows, and it's said to this volcano home to the deadliest monsters."

"It's not like the first two mountains. This one could challenge even our full strength."

Naviga nodded, adding, "Flying to the mountain is too risky. Every monster would notice us entering their territory."

"The tunnel is dangerous, but it gives us stealth. If we approach unnoticed, we can avoid being swarmed or ambushed."

Despite the long journey, they pressed forward, their resolve strengthened by the need to avoid detection.

The oppressive heat seemed to grow, and the faint smell of sulfur hinted that they were drawing closer to the heart of the volcanic range.

After more than four hours of walking, they reached the tunnel's end. The path was blocked, much like the entrance they had encountered earlier.

Minerva spoke with a firm tone, "Navi, get ready. I'll place some fire talismans here. Be alert for any traps or enemies; they might hear the blast."

Naviga nodded in acknowledgment, preparing herself. Minerva placed several fire talismans on the barrier, and with a resounding boom, the obstruction was obliterated.

Dust and scorching air rushed through the tunnel, forcing them to shield themselves briefly. As the dust cleared, an intense wave of heat engulfed them, and a bright light illuminated the area beyond.

They stepped out of the tunnel and were greeted by a massive lava fire crater. The sight was both mesmerizing and daunting—the lava here was more powerful and volatile than that of the previous volcano in the range.

Even standing at a distance of about 5 kilometers from the crater, they could feel the suffocating heat, as if their bodies were on the verge of combustion.

There also explosions sound.Despite the heat's intensity, it wasn't immediately life-threatening.

Naviga assessed the situation, glancing back at the now-destroyed tunnel. "Miss, it seems we don't have to worry about enemies coming after us.

The lava's explosions are so loud that monsters inside the volcano likely didn't hear the blast."

Minerva nodded. "Indeed. But we can't let our guard down. We still need to be careful."

Naviga agreed, and they proceeded cautiously along the volcano's edge. The edge was wide—about 1 kilometer in width—but its blackened surface was unstable and uneven, a stark reminder of the volcano's raw power.

They walked slowly, aware that danger could still lurk nearby.

Naviga broke the silence. "Miss, do you know where the Violet Inferno Flower might be?"

Minerva glanced at the fiery landscape ahead. "It's said to grow near the inner edges of the lava crater, where the heat is at its peak".

"But we must stay alert. Monsters are likely guarding it—or worse, anothe rhumans here."

With that, they continued their journey, their senses sharp as they approached the heart of the volcano's perilous domain.

They walked along the edge inside the volcano mountain, carefully observing their surroundings.

As they circled the edge, they reached a significantly hotter area. Minerva turned to Naviga and said, "It seems the heat is stronger here than anywhere else. If we follow this intense heat, we might find the Violet Inferno Flower."

Naviga nodded in agreement. The two began walking toward the source of the stronger heat.

As they approached the volcano's crater, the boiling sound of lava reached their ears, occasionally interrupted by explosive bursts. Minerva felt the abundance of fire elements in the air, their energy naturally gathering around her body.

However, the heat had the opposite effect on Naviga, whose Yin element made her sensitive to such conditions.

Naviga felt a burning sensation as her white dress clung to her body from sweat, outlining her curves.

Her sweat-soaked body exuded a faint, intoxicating fragrance in the heat-filled air. Minerva noticed but maintained her focus on the dangerous terrain, knowing the risks of distraction.

As they neared the lava, Naviga avoided getting too close to the lava.Minerva said to Naviga, "Navi, I can see that the fire makes you uncomfortable."

"I will look for the Violet Inferno Flower and come back soon." Naviga nodded. "Be careful, Miss," Minerva nodded ,then walked toward to lava crater.

Minerva adavanced to lava, the fire elemental energy seemingly welcoming her presence. She moved toward the lava crater while Minasa, who remained in the shadows, cast her ice energy toward Naviga to alleviate her discomfort.

When Minerva neared the edge of the crater, she began to feel a burning sensation. Noticing this,

Minasa extended her ice element toward Minerva as well, cooling her and allowing her to advance further.

Minerva reached a point about 100 meters from the lava and scanned the area. Her sharp senses detected a large cave on the crater's edge.

The fire elemental energy around the cave was stronger than anywhere else in the volcano, and she could feel a subtle pull of universal essence being drawn toward it.

Understanding what this meant, Minerva concluded that the cave was most likely where the Violet Inferno Flower born.

The Violet Inferno Flower is a rare and extraordinary bloom that thrives only under specific conditions.

Its birth requires not just a high concentration of fire elemental energy but also an abundance of universal essence in the environment.

Moreover, it can only grow in Voidpetal Soil, a unique and prized soil formed in areas once affected by space rifts or space destruction. This soil, enriched by space elements, fire elements, and universal energy, is essential for cultivating space-related flora and is considered a treasure in itself.

The flower takes 50 years to reach full maturity, and once it blooms in a location, it never grows there again.

This rarity, combined with the potential presence of dangerous guardians protecting the flower, makes it an incredibly coveted and valuable resource.

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