BXBX NOVEL Chapter 46 - 46.
Chapter 46:.
"Yeah, I can feel my clothes sticking to me," Layla complained, adjusting her attire.
"The heat doesn\'t bother me," Sky said, smirking.
"Of course not," Layla said, rolling her eyes at Sky\'s attempt to show off to Yumeko, who noted he was sweating the most. "You\'re sweating like a pig."
"Hey, it\'s hot," Sky protested, his face turning red.
"So it is hot, Sky, it\'s okay," Yumeko teased, earning her a glare.
"Haha, very funny," Sky muttered.
"Just admit it, you\'re just as hot as us," Layla teased.
"Fine, it\'s hot, but you have to admit it\'s kinda nice," Sky admitted.
"I guess," Yumeko agreed.
"Yeah, it is," Layla said, looking out the window at the extraordinary kingdom of Ignarok. Her eyes traced the winding rivers of molten lava that snaked through the landscape, their fiery glow casting a surreal light on the imposing structures around her. The castles and buildings, masterpieces of heat-resistant architecture, stood tall and unyielding amidst the relentless streams of lava. Layla marveled at how these structures blended strength with an almost ethereal elegance, embodying the resilience of the people who called this fiery enclave home. As she looked at the Lava she was amazed.
Imagine a single droplet of lava, glowing with an inner fire. Within this tiny sphere lies an endless cascade of dimensions, each one unfolding into the next in a natural, seamless progression. These dimensions form a hierarchy, where every level descends into another, deeper and more complex. Within each layer of this hierarchy, there exists an infinite array of dimensions, each one a universe unto itself, endlessly varied and boundlessly intricate.
As we delve into one dimension, we find it contains its own hierarchy, mirroring the structure of the droplet itself. This fractal-like pattern repeats infinitely, a never-ending descent into more profound and elaborate realms. Each dimension within these hierarchies is a world of possibilities, a unique landscape molded by the fiery essence of the lava.
This droplet of lava, therefore, is not just a simple physical entity. It is a gateway to an infinity of infinities, where the very concept of scale and limit is rendered meaningless. Every point within the lava holds within it a boundless multiverse, each dimension a thread in the vast tapestry of existence that this droplet encapsulates. The hierarchies themselves, with their infinite dimensions, represent a cosmic dance of creation and complexity, forever unfolding in the heart of this tiny, glowing speck of lava.
The warmth from the ever-present flames tingled on her skin, a constant reminder of the fierce and untamed nature of Ignarok. She watched as the sky, lit by the natural inferno below, shifted in hues of orange and red, painting a picture of a kingdom not just surviving, but thriving in the embrace of the Infinity Pyroclastic Lattice.
"It\'s beautiful," Layla murmured, entranced by the majestic view.
"It is," Yumeko agreed, admiring the breathtaking scenery.
"I know right," Sky said, his voice filled with awe.
"Wow, I don\'t think I\'ll ever get tired of this view," Layla remarked, drinking in the scenery.
"Me either," Yumeko agreed, a note of wonder in her tone.
"Yeah, this place is amazing," Sky said, his gaze drifting from the horizon to the castle ahead of them.
The massive structure, the palace of Ignis Blazeheart, loomed above the surrounding landscape, a testament to the power and resilience of the Ignarokians.
"Well, we\'re here," Layla said, snapping out of her reverie.
"Yeah, this is it," Sky said, a nervous excitement building within him.
"You okay?" Yumeko asked, sensing his unease.
"I\'m fine, just a bit nervous," Sky admitted, offering her a small smile.
"Don\'t worry, we\'ve got your back," Yumeko said, returning his smile.
"Okay, prepare yourselves, we are landing," Kaze announced, making the trio ready themselves.
The carriage began to descend, the ground growing closer. As the wheels touched the earth, the group could feel the heat from the lava beneath them.
"Wow, it\'s hot," Sky remarked, fanning himself.
"I\'ll say," Layla agreed, wiping sweat from her forehead.
"I hope the fire god has something cool to drink," Yumeko said, taking a deep breath.
"I\'m sure he does," Sky said, patting her back.
"Thanks," Yumeko said, appreciating his gesture.
"No problem," Sky said, smiling.
"We\'ve arrived, Wind God Kaze Hayashi," a coachman announced, opening the door.
"Thank you. I will exit first; you three follow behind," Kaze instructed.
"Yes, sir," the trio responded, following his orders.
As Kaze stepped out, he was greeted by a wave of heat, the air crackling with the intensity of the inferno surrounding him.
"It\'s good to see you again, Kaze," a booming voice called out.
"And it is good to see you too, Ignis," Kaze replied, turning to face the Fire God.
"You said you have information on why the Void\'s been acting up and you\'re going to tell me?" Ignis asked.
"Yes, I have. I also brought my sentinels who sought a few of the cult causing this in Aeritha," Kaze said.
"Well then, let\'s go inside and discuss this in a cooler area," Ignis suggested, noticing Kaze, Yumeko, Layla, and Sky sweating.
"Yes, let\'s," Kaze agreed, grateful for the reprieve from the sweltering heat.
The group followed Ignis inside the castle, the cool air providing a welcome relief from the stifling heat. As they walked down the ornately decorated halls, Sky couldn\'t help but admire the artwork adorning the walls.
"This is amazing," Sky said, admiring the intricate carvings.
"Yeah, I never knew the Ignarokians had such a talent for art," Layla remarked, equally impressed.
"They certainly have a unique style," Yumeko said, her gaze drifting across the paintings.
"I have to agree," Kaze said, his voice carrying a hint of appreciation.
"You know, the people of Ignarok are known for their fiery passion and creativity. They are a very passionate and creative people," Ignis explained as they reached the war room, which had three people sitting.
"Oh, you\'re here, finally," the man in the middle said, standing up.
"Fire General Kai, these are the people I was telling you about: The Wind God Kaze, his daughter Sentinel Yumeko, and her friends, the descendant of the wind god Sentinel Layla and the commoner son of powerless, Sky," Ignis said.
"A powerless? Ah, no matter. You must be a strong knight if you have been brought here," Fire General Kai said.
"Um, sir, despite being the son of two powerless, I somehow was born with Aura," Sky said, shocking them.
"A born with Aura from two powerless? That\'s unheard of; you must truly be blessed by the gods," Fire General Kai said.
"Well, anyway, you\'re here for the Void issue. Let\'s sit down and talk about this," Ignis said.
"Thank you," Kaze replied, taking a seat.
"So, what information do you have on the void issue?" Ignis asked.
"From the data gathered and the investigation, a group called Disciples of Darkness, capable of harnessing void energy thanks to their prayers, are able to create crystallized Void Energy. This works by creating crystals or other weapons that can use higher void energy. The cultists had the goal to release the goddess Yami," Kaze explained.
"So, the Void is being manipulated," Ignis said. "Do you know how? What is it they are after that will allow them to release the Void Queen?" Fire General Kai asked.
"The four relics, used by the founding gods of each kingdom, are the key to releasing her," Kaze said.
"What?" Ignis exclaimed, angered at the thought that someone would steal the Braveheart, a shield. Unlike the Wind God, where people fought for the title, the Fire God title was passed down his family line. It was inherited. The fact that a terrorist organization wanted to steal his family\'s prized possession, the Braveheart, which had been forged and made in the flames of the Lavaratos, the part of the Kingdom where fire aura was the strongest, angered him.
"I understand. If what you say is true, then we need to be extra careful. The Disciples of Darkness are not to be underestimated. We must stay vigilant," Ignis declared, his expression serious. "But I must ask you, Kaze, what do you hope to achieve by coming here?" Ignis asked.
"It\'s simple. We are seeking an alliance between the kingdoms. If we want to stop the Disciples of Darkness and prevent them from releasing the Void Queen, then we must stand united. The fate of the world is at stake," Kaze said.
"That\'s not an easy thing to do," Fire General Kai said. "You know, after the War between Aeritha and Ignarok, relations have been strained, and it would be difficult to get an alliance between the kingdoms," Fire General Kai said.
"If this goes any further, we will all die, including our loved ones," Kaze said.
"You\'re right," Ignis conceded. "Very well. I will help you with this quest, but allying with Aquora or Terravale will be harder and will require more persuasion."
"I understand, thank you, Ignis. We are grateful for your help," Kaze said, his voice laced with gratitude.
"Don\'t mention it; we are in this together," Ignis said, giving Kaze a small smile. Suddenly both Ignis and Kaze sensed something as they created a barrier, Kaze\'s wind powering up Ignis\'s fire, as a boom was heard, and the castle and everything outside the barrier were blown up.
"What happened?" Fire General Kai yelled. A few minutes later, they heard a voice.
"So you survived, father," the voice said, making Ignis\'s eyes widen.
"Kaen, what are you doing?" Ignis demanded angrily.
"What am I doing? What are you doing, making alliances with these weaklings who lost the war?" Kaen said.
"What\'s going on?" Yumeko asked.
"This is my eldest son, Kaen," Ignis explained. "He has always had a rebellious streak and hated those of Aeritha, seeing them as lower because it\'s a lower realm compared to us."
"That\'s not the only reason," Kaen said.
"What do you mean?" Ignis demanded.
"You didn\'t think I didn\'t know you were planning to pass down the title of Fire God to my little brother," Kaen said.
"You\'re crazy if you think I will let a madman like you have the title," Ignis said.
"So what if I kill the weaklings. Aeritha doesn\'t deserve to live, and I have amassed a group of people with similar beliefs. We call ourselves the Rising Flames."
"You fool," Fire General Kai said.
"What are you going to do?" Kaen said.
"We\'ll beat you and put a stop to your plans," Ignis declared, his voice resolute.
"Good luck trying," Kaen laughed. "As we speak, I\'m taking down your armies."
"How dare you!" Ignis said.
"Ignis, what are we going to do?" Kai asked.
"The best thing to do is for you to take Kaze, Yumeko, Layla, and Sky and run," Ignis said.
"No, we will help," Kaze said.
"Please. This is my son; he is mine and Kai\'s responsibility," Ignis said. "Go. Find the other relics before the Disciples of Darkness and the Rising Flames."
"Fine. Come on, guys," Kaze said as three sentinels nodded and ran after him. Kaen aimed his hand at them but was hit in the face by a fireball.
"Ignis!" Kai said.
"Kai. I need you to go and help them. If what the Wind God says is true, then we are all doomed. You need to help them get to the Blazeheart and guard it with them in case this cult tries to take it, using Kaen\'s civil war as a distraction," Ignis said.
"I understand," Fire General Kai said, running after them.