Parallel Vol. 4 [LEGACY EDITION]

Chapter 81.2: Nornesh

Kashi swallowed hard as he examined the contingent of dragons spanning the lengthy ravine. However, suffused within his obvious discomfort, was curiosity and wonder in a pair of shining eyes. He could not understand how so many dragons existed in a world which thought them near extinct—especially when one considered dragons' massive appetites. Serisis' current ecosystem certainly could not contain these species in large numbers.

But the dragons' numbers were not even the most shocking fact. That honor went to the intelligence in their gazes. Intelligence separated Common dragons from True Dragons. Common Dragons were like the one Kashi battled in Merriheim. Simple creatures with the body of dragons, but beholden to basic instincts. Although Common Dragons were still powerful creatures in their own right, comparing them to a True Dragon was like comparing an ape to a human.

As a result, while most humes considered them all as dragons, to the proud beasts, any dragon without intelligence was nothing but a drake. A pale imitation of the real thing.

Glancing into the dragons' thoughtful, and sometimes mocking expressions, Kashi was certain they were at least Elder Dragon. But even that was impossible! Elder Dragons were extremely rare, even among True Dragons. Razznik, in his entire lifetime, only came across a few dozen Elder Dragons scattered across several dimensions. But here, dozens of them were standing guard!? How could Kashi not question this nonsensical occurrence!?

Despite his unease, Kashi buried his questions in his heart as he and Syèl walked down the ravine. Interestingly, the surrounding mountain walls gradually grew taller as they advanced. By the time the reached the end of the path, neither could make out the height of these mountain walls as they had pierced through the clouds.

The ravine path opened up to a massive crater, several dozen meters deep. Syèl and Kashi grimaced, sweat pooling on their brows as a burning heat instantly enveloped them, making it seem like they had just crossed into a furnace. Doubting himself, Kashi looked back, but then noticed a thin, translucent mana wall blocking the entrance. This wall prevented mana and heat from escaping the enclosure, which was why neither had felt it until now.

Kashi examined the surrounding walls, which appeared to be red hot, and if one looked at the mouth above, it seemed like they were within a volcano. The daeben was just about to remark about the lack of volcanoes in Serisis, when the ground suddenly erupted before them.

Kashi and Syèl jumped back, both taking defensive measures as hot air burst out from the increasingly cracked earth. Their brows creased with worry as the earth's cracks grew worse alongside the progressively louder rumblings.

Eventually, the crater's ground could no longer resist the pressure.

BOOM!

Syèl and Kashi's mouth went agape with shock as the ground splintered into several rocks that were then shot upward. Surprisingly, however, rather than lava, a dense, blue liquid spewed out into the air, and then began filling the crater. The duo instantly recognized blue substance to be liquified mana when the crater's mana density suddenly skyrocketed.

Kashi did not know why, but he suddenly felt an urge to dive into the mana pool. It seemed to be a desire from the depth of his soul. Even Yggdrasil within his inner world, rustled violently, as if worried that the daeben would pass this up. Kashi, however, viewed the mana pool with a cautious gaze, choosing not to venture anywhere near it.

Luckily, Syèl promptly provided an apt description as he shouted, "Hey! Kashi! Check this out! The walls are glowing!"

Kashi shook his head, and then looked in the direction Syèl pointed at. Sure enough, the walls were indeed glowing red hot. But that was not all. As if buoyed by the glow, the canyon's temperature suddenly skyrocketed. Kashi and Syèl, who both had incredible resistance to fire, and in turn, heat, sweated but remained fine, until their clothes suddenly combusted into flames.