Chapter 43 - Journey to the Phoenix Empire
The Kingdom of Astravia disappeared behind the horizon as Kai's caravan travelled south.
Snow-covered mountains gradually gave way to rolling green plains.
Weeks passed.
Kai spent every morning training.
The Crimson Flame Fox practiced controlling its newly awakened Primordial Flames.
Ignis struggled to fly in his tiny sealed form.
Each failed attempt ended with him crashing into Kai's backpack.
The fox laughed every single time.
"You call yourself a Divine Dragon?" it teased.
"I am conserving my dignity," Ignis replied.
Kai smiled.
"You mean you're conserving your energy."
Ignis pretended not to hear.
Selene rode beside Kai on the Lunar Frost Wolf.
"You've changed."
Kai looked at her.
"Have I?"
"When we first met, you reacted to every battle."
"Now..."
"You observe first."
Kai nodded.
"That's what Commander Arcturus taught me."
"The strongest hunter isn't the one who attacks first."
"It's the one who understands the battlefield."
Selene smiled.
"You're becoming a true leader."
Three weeks later...
The caravan entered Ashfall Canyon.
Black volcanic rocks stretched for miles.
The air smelled faintly of sulphur.
Ancient statues lined the road.
Every statue depicted a phoenix rising from flames.
The Book of Infinite Beasts appeared.
Region Unlocked
Ashfall Canyon
Gateway to the Phoenix Empire
Danger Level: Moderate
Recommended Level: Sovereign Candidate
As night fell, the caravan camped near an abandoned watchtower.
Merchants lit campfires while guards patrolled the perimeter.
Kai sat quietly polishing his spear.
Suddenly, the Crimson Flame Fox's ears twitched.
"We're not alone."
Ignis opened one eye.
"I sensed them an hour ago."
Kai slowly stood.
"Temple?"
Ignis shook his head.
"No."
"Bandits."
A scream echoed through the camp.
"Help!"
Masked riders burst from the darkness, mounted on giant horned wolves.
Flames engulfed the supply wagons.
Panic spread instantly.
Their leader rode a massive black dire wolf scarred from countless battles.
He pointed his sword toward the merchants.
"Leave your goods!"
"And nobody dies!"
Kai stepped forward.
"No."
The bandit leader laughed.
"And who are you?"
Kai planted his spear in the ground.
"Just a traveller."
The Crimson Flame Fox hopped onto his shoulder.
"And a Beast Tamer."
The bandits burst into laughter.
"A fox?"
"That's your beast?"
"You've got courage, kid."
Before the battle could begin...
A deep roar echoed across the canyon.
The ground shook violently.
Every beast—wolves, horses, even the Lunar Frost Wolf—turned toward the cliffs.
A colossal shadow passed overhead.
Then disappeared into the darkness.
The Book of Infinite Beasts glowed urgently.
Unknown Beast Detected
Classification: Unknown
Rank: Beyond Mythic
Status: Wounded
Direction: South
Ignis stared into the night, unusually serious.
"That..."
"...wasn't a phoenix."
"It was running."
Kai frowned.
"Running from what?"
No one had an answer.
Far beyond the canyon, hidden within a sea of volcanic ash, two immense crimson eyes slowly opened.
A voice echoed through the darkness.
"So..."
"The Beast Sovereign has entered my domain."
The creature smiled.
"Let the trials begin."