Chapter 385: Into the lava
The demon-winged soul flashed through Karman Country at an astounding speed, carrying Vlad, Jormungandr, and Freya on its back. The wind whipped around them, but Freya focused on her companions. Vlad and Jormungandr were in deep meditation; their eyes closed, faces serene yet intense. She could clearly feel their energies fluctuating, waves of strange soul force emanating from them in rhythmic pulses.
It became apparent to Freya that this sudden change was the reason behind their decision to end the ambushes and return so abruptly. Although curiosity burned within her, she knew this was not the time for questions. It took all the young man and small yellow cat had to control their energy and spirit. The aura surrounding them was volatile, a mix of power and something else she couldn’t quite place.
After fifteen grueling hours of flying at full speed, the demonic soul approached Kuro Mountain. The landscape below shifted from rolling plains to jagged foothills and finally to the towering presence of the mountain itself. The place had changed drastically; just a few months ago, it was an inactive volcano, silent and unremarkable. Now, it had transformed into something awe-inspiring and formidable.
The volcano had reawakened, its summit spewing smoke and ash that spiraled into the sky. The heat radiating from the mountain was so intense that the very air around it shimmered and warped. The sky above twisted into swirling patterns of crimson and gold as if the heavens themselves were reacting to the searing temperatures. These were not ordinary flames but infused with the myriad of energies unleashed upon the world after the apocalypse. The atmosphere crackled with raw power, and lightning danced erratically among the darkened clouds, illuminating the landscape in brief, fiery flashes.
Freya’s eyes narrowed as she took in the sight. She immediately understood that Kuro Mountain was situated at a nexus point where powerful energy flows intersected beneath the ground. That must be the reason why Overlord placed such importance on it. The volcano was a strategic location and a source of immense elemental power that could be harnessed.
As they drew closer, her focus shifted from the volcano’s summit to its surroundings. A massive military camp bustling with activity was spread out around the base of the mountain. Thousands upon thousands of soldiers moved with purpose.
At the forefront were fifty thousand men with rugged appearances and powerful builds—the Turkin Soldiers. Clad in sturdy armor and wielding weapons that had seen countless battles, they moved like a well-oiled machine. The soldiers were constantly on the move around the base of the mountain, fortifying defenses and constructing barriers. Using their combined strength, they hauled massive stones into place while others inscribed runes into the ground, channeling magic to enhance the terrain. The earth responded to their efforts, forming walls and trenches that would serve as the first line of defense against any assault.
Higher up the slopes were over seven thousand men clad in resplendent golden armor—the Golden Wave Legion. Led by towering golden giants who stood head and shoulders above even the tallest of men, their presence was both intimidating and inspiring. Each soldier radiated a golden energy that shimmered around them like a halo.
Overlord had clearly diverted the full power of the Golden Legion to Kuro Mountain. While this could leave the narrow passage unguarded, it was a calculated risk. Thanks to Vlad, Jormungandr, and Freya destroying the Karman Bridge, the Leviathans would now be forced to pass through this mountain if they hoped to mount an effective offensive on the northern part of the country.
Freya’s eyes scanned the Golden Wave Legion, noting the enhancements in their equipment. She felt their heightened power and understood it stemmed from their new armaments. It was evident that more powerful armor and weapons had been forged in Xaos City, and the new equipment had finally reached the front lines. This was excellent news for the soldiers, as it would enable them to engage the enemy with greater strength and resilience.