Lord Ilya's expression didn't change as the group moved deeper into the Ashen Plains. His pendant pulsed faintly, reacting to a stronger source of fire essence somewhere ahead.

He slowed his pace and raised his hand to halt the expedition.

"Everyone, we are nearing the territory of the Ember King. Be alert." He muttered.

The mercenaries stiffened, and even the Master‑Class Alchemists exchanged uneasy glances. The Ember King was no ordinary threat.

It was a creature born from the very heart of the Pyromancer's ancient battle… It could be said to be a sovereign flame that was given with sentience and fury.

Ilya's eyes turned to a certain direction as he recalled the surrounding area during his previous failed expeditions…

Soon, he found an area where the smoke thickened unnaturally.

Apparently, he had already attempted to defeat the Ember King three times before. Each time, he failed. Even with years of preparation, his chances right now remain low. But this time, he brought several rare treasures. He had Talismans, Artifacts, and even Formation Core ready to activate...

He brought whatever he might need.

Furthermore, with the combined strength of the Master Alchemists, and with Vale's presence, he believed that he had a higher chance of succeeding today.

'Since you joined us for free… You have to sacrifice a bit…' Ilya thought.

Soon, the group felt a bit uneasy since they didn't know where the Ember King was. They were only aware that this mystical entity was something that they could never defeat without everyone's help.

They all have to work together in order to defeat it.

"Don't worry, everyone… The Origin Fire Stone is definitely being guarded by the Ember King. If we claim it, our path as Alchemists will change forever, and you will all benefit from it…" Ilya muttered.

This was actually one of his promises to these Arcanists helping him.

Aside from monetary reward, getting an exclusive Alchemist who could create potions, pills, and whatever they needed was one of the best rewards they could obtain.

Then, Ilya turned to Vale.

"The path ahead is swarming with fast-moving Ember Wraiths. They strike like lightning, and they can overwhelm even seasoned Arcanists. As a Sword Expert, your reaction speed is definitely unmatched. I want you to lead us forward. With your blade, you can block their sudden attacks before they reach the rest of us."

Vale found that reasonable…

"You want me to be the shield."

"Exactly…" Ilya replied without hesitation.

"But I will not ask you to fight alone. We will support you, and the revolvers will cover the flanks. But you must be the point of the spear. Without someone to cut through their speed, we will be torn apart before we even reach the Ember King."

Vale considered for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. I will lead."

Ilya exhaled as he felt relieved.

He reached into his robes and produced a necklace. It was a chain of blackened steel, set with a crimson gem.

"Take this. It provides Fire Element Resistance. It will strengthen your defenses against fire and heat."

Vale accepted the necklace, slipping it around his neck. He already appraised it and confirmed its effect.

Though he didn't need it, it was better to accept it.

Just like that, he felt the gem's energy settle into his body. There was even a faint barrier forming against the heat.

The group then reorganized, following Vale as he stepped forward.

The mercenaries and other Arcanists spread out behind him with their revolvers ready. The Alchemists, on the other hand, had their vials of special potions prepared.

Suddenly, the smoke thickened even more while they advanced.

It was getting harder and harder to see the path ahead…

However, everyone here had their own tricks to see through their path.

Vale's Divine Sense stretched outward, expecting the swift movements of Ember Wraiths. His grip tightened slightly on his cane, ready to draw the hidden blade.

But what greeted him was not the shriek of Wraiths.

The ground trembled…

Suddenly, he felt an extreme heat welcoming his presence.

From the haze ahead, a colossal figure emerged…

It was a towering inferno shaped like a humanoid beast!

'Ember King?' Vale frowned after seeing the entity…

It felt like it was an entity that shouldn't exist in this realm…

Its body seemed to be made of lava and every step it took scorched the land beneath it.

The Ember King had come!

The mercenaries faltered as they raised their revolvers instinctively.

The Master Alchemists turned serious as they hoped that Vale could buy them some time, even if he sacrifices his life...

Soon, Ilya's pendant flared violently, confirming that it was the Ember King and not some sort of illusion or clone…

The Ember King's roar and the mercenaries trembled in fear… They could already tell that they weren't its match…

Ilya's gaze, however, was cold and calculating. He had placed Vale at the front for this very moment. 'Good… let the King strike him first. If he survives, we can send our familiars to look for that Fire Stone. If he falls, we lose nothing.'

"Forward! Vale, hold the line!"

The Ember King did not hesitate as soon as it sensed the presence of an enemy barging into its territory...

Its hand that was formed of molten fire and ash swung downward!

The attack was aimed directly at Vale, as if the creature sensed the strongest aura among them.

Vale wryly smiled as he lifted his cane, and in a single wave, the hidden blade was finally revealed. Furthermore, Vale's Sword Aura erupted as he sliced upward to meet the hand!

Bang!

Sparks of fire and Sword Aura collided, and the impact shook the ground

The mercenaries gasped. "He blocked it!"

But the Ember King was just starting…

Its other arm swung like a whip that struck toward Vale's side…

Ilya's lips curled faintly… It was not in fear, but in satisfaction.

'Yes… I knew it… You're a Grandmaster Swordsman… Just keep him busy. Let the King test his strength. We will strike when needed…' Ilya thought as he sent his familiars to search for the Fire Stone!

However, during all this time, none of them were aware that another figure made of darkness was watching them closely!

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