Chapter 5: Volcanic Battle

At this moment, Sol was really having a tough time. Under the high temperature, his body was losing moisture fast, leading to severe exhaustion.

In such an intensely hot place like the crater, the stamina drain was way worse than normal. Moreover, Akafir didn't have a lot of Qi energy to begin with. On one hand, he had to desperately resist the external heat; on the other, he had to sustain his high-speed movement. Squeezed from both sides, he started to look worn out.

Long Yi saw Akafir was drenched in sweat, which was why he chose to engage him in a battle of speed. In truth, Long Yi possessed considerable combat experience. He understood that his own strength might be ineffective against Akafir's speed, so wearing him out was his best bet.

After over ten minutes of trading blows on the spacious arena, Long Yi suddenly leaped backward, seemingly unwilling to continue the stalemate. This was Akafir's big chance to strike back. Unfortunately, his stamina was too depleted, and he couldn't immediately launch a pursuit. Instead, he remained in place, gasping for air.

Seeing this, even Mels and his crew could tell Akafir had lost for sure. However, a nasty look flashed in Long Yi's eyes. He raised his arm and suddenly shouted, "In my name, I summon my guardian sacred beast!" Amidst the instantly blooming orange-red light, a Fire Qilin, as large as a warhorse, appeared before everyone.

The Fire Qilin, generally as tall as a normal horse, looks kind of like a lion and possesses immense strength. Its body is covered in red-brown fur or orange-red scales. The more powerful Fire Qilins have a single horn on their heads; the deeper its color, the greater its power. Fire Qilins excel at fire attacks and can freely use all but a few high-level fire spells. Their four limbs are sturdy and sharp, capable of severing metal and stone. Whether in magical ability or physical attack power, they're up there with the top Summoned Beasts. The only pity is that Fire Qilins can only enhance their own abilities and cannot absorb other Summoned Beasts to evolve.

Seeing the Fire Qilin appear, Mels knew what Long Yi was up to. Mels never expected that Long Yi, who had always been cautious in words and actions and never shown any hostility, would want to kill Akafir at this critical moment. Blinded by rage and worry, if Kaslo and the others hadn't held him back, Mels would likely have rushed out of the light barrier to rescue Akafir.

"Whew... It's so hot!" Akafir looked at the Fire Qilin before him, hands on his hips. After a moment, he licked his dry lips and said, "You're really strong, I can't beat you. You have a Summoned Beast, I quit, I..."

Before Akafir could finish his intended surrender, Long Yi suddenly let out a roar at the sky, using his Qi to shout over Akafir. While everyone was stunned, he gestured slightly towards Akafir. The Fire Qilin, like a soldier at the sound of a bugle, leaped forward to stand before Akafir.

"You bastard! Akafir already gave up, why won't you stop!" Sol shouted angrily upon seeing this.

"There is no surrender on the battlefield. As long as he hasn't left the arena, this battle cannot end," Rolans said coldly.

Although they knew Rolans was deliberately favoring Long Yi, Mels and his friends trapped behind the light barrier could do nothing. Meanwhile, the fierce battle between Akafir and the Fire Qilin had already begun...

It was unclear what Long Yi was thinking. He didn't follow the Fire Qilin's nature and use fire magic to kill Akafir directly. Instead, he commanded the Fire Qilin to attack in a conventional manner, kept pouncing on Akafir.

The Fire Qilin is a seriously powerful Summoned Beast; ordinary weapons pose no threat to its body. Therefore, even though Akafir used his speed to dodge the Fire Qilin's pounces and repeatedly tried to pierce its body with his longsword, it was no use. All it did was piss the big monster off even more.

After all, a Summoned Beast is a Summoned Beast, not limited by stamina. As time passed under the constant high temperature, Akafir's speed grew slower and slower, while the Fire Qilin's movements became faster and faster. Pushed to his limit, Akafir seized a brief opening and barely managed to turn his head to say to Mels, "Boss... boss, I can't hold on anymore!"

Witnessing Akafir's pained expression, Mels's eyes filled with rage. As the saying goes, worry makes you stupid. With Mels's intellect, he actually failed to think of the simplest solution!

Fortunately, it hit Kaslo, and he suddenly shouted to Akafir, "Akafir, get back here, now! As long as you leave the arena, he can't attack you anymore!"

"Oh!" Akafir said, like a good kid. Feinting with his sword, his entire body then shot toward Mels and the others' location like an arrow from a bow.

However, the arena was simply too large, and Akafir's position was too far away. Moreover, Long Yi had long intended to kill Akafir; he wasn't about to let him get away that easy.

Long Yi stomped his left foot on the ground, shattering it, then put his Qi into his kick and sent a rock flying straight at Akafir mid-air. Simultaneously, the Fire Qilin roared and, for the first time, shot a Fireball from its mouth toward Akafir's back.

Although Long Yi stood farther away, the rock he kicked flew faster than the Fire Qilin's magic. A fireball and a rock almost simultaneously caught up to Akafir. Watching from the sidelines, their hearts in their throats, Mels and the others saw Akafir about to be engulfed and immediately shouted, "Watch out!"

Hearing the warning, Akafir glanced back in the midst of his frantic movements and was shocked to see a massive fireball heading straight for him. Though startled, he kept his cool and quickly adjusted his posture in mid-air. However, he didn't expect that while avoiding the fireball, a plain old rock would accurately strike the back of his head.

He cried out in pain and tumbled from the air. After consecutive impacts with the ground, he immediately lost consciousness. Meanwhile, the Fire Qilin rushed to his side, raising its head high toward its master as if to show off, letting out a mighty roar.

Looking at the fallen Akafir, Long Yi's mouth twisted into a cold smile. He turned to face Mels and said, "The master forbids us from taking revenge on you, but I can never forget what he did to my third brother. This is the prelude to his revenge!"

After coldly uttering these words, Long Yi turned back to look at the Fire Qilin. With a slight movement of his eye corner, the Fire Qilin, ever obedient, immediately bent down, opening its jaws to swallow Akafir whole.

"Whoever dares harm him, I, Mels, swear to grind their bones to dust and scatter their ashes!" Mels roared, his eyes blazing.

However, his threat only earned a cold smile from Long Yi, doing nothing to stop the fangs within the Fire Qilin's mouth.

At this critical moment, Akafir, who should have been unconscious and incapable of any movement, suddenly flipped up into the air. After executing two beautiful flips in mid-air, he landed steadily in the arena. Weirdly, Akafir didn't try to run this time. Instead, he stood quietly in place, as if waiting for the Fire Qilin's next attack.

Facing Akafir directly, Long Yi was shocked to discover that not only had his opponent regained mobility, but his eyes were still tightly closed, and there was not a flicker of Qi energy from his entire body. For a moment, unsure what his opponent was up to, Long Yi actually forgot to command the Fire Qilin to attack.

After standing motionless for about ten seconds, just as Long Yi came to his senses and decided to have the Fire Qilin kill his opponent, the previously still Akafir suddenly grabbed his own shirt and ripped it to pieces.

At this moment, no one present could believe their eyes! They saw dozens of bright red meridians pulsating within the thin body of Akafir. These meridians all originated from his heart, connecting to his limbs. At the intersections of these meridians, a dazzlingly bright red heart continuously throbbed, as if trying to break free from the body's constraints.

"Go! Kill him, kill him!" Long Yi sensed immense danger approaching and repeatedly ordered the Fire Qilin to attack forward.

However, the always obedient Fire Qilin now showed a timid expression. Despite Long Yi's constant urging, it kept retreating step by step, staring intently at Akafir as if looking at a demon.

Seeing the Fire Qilin disobey his command, Long Yi immediately realized that his own panicked thoughts had lowered the synchronization rate between him and the Fire Qilin too much. Helpless, Long Yi could only refocus his mind, attempting to restore the connection with the Fire Qilin before the danger fully manifested.

But what shocked Long Yi was that the sensations now coming from the Fire Qilin were all feelings of danger, terror, and the like—impossible sensations for a Summoned Beast!

Just as Long Yi couldn't restore the connection with the Fire Qilin, Akafir, who had been standing still for a long time, suddenly let out a piercing scream. Amidst this beast-like howl, two wounds split open on his back, and a pair of fleshy wings abruptly spread from within.

Gradually, a layer of scale-like substance began to appear on Akafir's arms. His nails, ears, and hair continuously lengthened. Blade-like barbs appeared on the elbow joints of his arms. Within his gaping mouth, two canine teeth gradually protruded, quickly growing into vampire-like fangs.

By the time all transformations ceased, Akafir bore no resemblance to a human. He had completely become a monster covered in black scales, with hair reaching the ground, limbs with nails sharp as short blades, and a face like a devil!

Suddenly, Akafir opened his eyes, which had been tightly shut all along. From his cat-like pupils radiated a blood-red light. A cruel smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. Like a beast that hadn't seen food for a long time, Akafir stared fixedly at the Fire Qilin before him.

Sensing something was terribly wrong and wanting to recall the Fire Qilin, Long Yi saw Akafir exhale some green mist from his mouth. This mist swiftly enveloped the Fire Qilin. Long Yi found he could no longer control the Fire Qilin's actions; he couldn't even recall it!

Akafir moved forward, step by step, toward the helpless Fire Qilin. At this moment, the Fire Qilin had none of its previous arrogant majesty; it merely trembled in a corner of the arena.

Akafir had no intention of showing it mercy. Moving at a steady pace, he soon stood before the Fire Qilin.

"Roar!" Perhaps making a final, desperate counterattack, the Fire Qilin lunged forward, extending its sharp claws as if trying to pierce Akafir's chest.

The power of a Summoned Beast is immense, but Akafir remained utterly unfazed. Those watching saw him flash his right hand. The massive Fire Qilin was sent flying dozens of meters by a single strike.

As the Fire Qilin shook its head and barely managed to stand up, Akafir had already swiftly moved to its side. With a cold laugh, his hands grabbed the Fire Qilin's two forelimbs. A cruel smile appeared as he forcefully pulled his hands apart. The massive Fire Qilin let out a final agonized scream before being torn in two in an instant!

Everyone watched, dumbfounded. Akafir discarded the soon-to-vanish corpse of the Fire Qilin, picked up the orange-red gem from the ground, and without hesitation, placed it in his mouth, chewing loudly as if savoring a delicacy.

At this moment, Long Yi, whose Fire Qilin had been killed, felt the Summoning Gem on his arm shatter. Yet, he seemed not to feel the pain, staring blankly at the monstrous Akafir before him.

Long Yi's gaze finally drew a response from Akafir. Having finished enjoying the Fire Qilin's crystal, he began walking slowly toward Long Yi.

"Long Yi, come back quickly!" Sensing Long Yi could be killed at any moment, Rolans loudly issued a warning.

Hearing Rolans's warning, Long Yi finally remembered to turn and flee. However, his body had just begun to turn; he hadn't even had time to take a step when Akafir's ghostly figure already appeared behind him.

Without any mercy, the short blade-like nails, along with the scale-covered arm, pierced through Long Yi's chest from behind.

Feeling the call of death, yet seemingly unable to believe he would die in battle like this, Long Yi turned his head to look at Akafir with an indescribable expression. Something churned in his throat, but he couldn't utter a word. As Akafir withdrew his arm from Long Yi's chest, Long Yi's body immediately lost support and fell heavily to the ground.

After brutally killing Long Yi, Akafir seemed unsatisfied. Like a beast, he raised his hand and lightly licked the blood from his fingers. Perhaps stimulated by the blood, or maybe excited from defeating an enemy, a savage roar suddenly erupted from his mouth.

Watching Akafir descend into a frenzied state, Rolans nodded slightly and said expressionlessly, "This match is won by the human youth's side! Master of Five Clouds Cave, do you wish to send someone to challenge him?"

"This... this is simply a monster! I forfeit this match! Heh heh, since I've forfeited, this battle should be their complete victory. Then, please, Lord Rolans or those humans, take him away." After reluctantly forfeiting the match, the Master of Five Clouds Cave suddenly conceived a venomous plan, hoping the deranged, half-human, half-monster Akafir would turn and attack Mels and the others.

However, events unfolded far beyond the Master of Five Clouds Cave's expectations. When Rolans announced that the first match was a complete victory for Akafir, Akafir suddenly let out two savage roars and then collapsed to the ground.

An opening appeared in the light barrier. Regaining their freedom, Mels and the others rushed onto the arena. Akafir's body once again emitted a red light. But this time, his body was visibly shrinking. Moments later, the nails, fangs, hair, and scales all disappeared, leaving only Akafir, restored to human form, lying unconscious on the ground.

Unconcerned about whether Akafir might harm him, Mels picked him up and led the way back into their own light barrier, where Sol and Sha Luo carefully examined Akafir.

Originally, everyone thought Akafir must have suffered severe damage to his vitality this time. Unexpectedly, after their examination, both Sol and Sha Luo unanimously declared that Akafir had merely exhausted too much stamina and had fallen into a coma due to fatigue.

This news naturally brought great joy to Mels and the others. On the other side, the Master of Five Clouds Cave kept regretting not insisting on fighting! Otherwise, this victory would undoubtedly have been his.

"All right, since the first duel has been decided, let's begin the second bout! For the sake of fairness, this time, my side and that of the Master of the Five Clouds Cave will fight first. You can choose whether to challenge after we determine the winner!" Rolans unexpectedly announced the order for the second duel.

Mels certainly had no reason to oppose this decision in his favor, but his bewilderment only deepened.

When he first met Rolans, he gave the impression of a kind elder; however, from the previous battle, his refusal to spare Akafir had revealed a cruel side to Rolans; and now, after Long Yi was killed, Rolans, who should have hated Mels and the others, suddenly announced a decision beneficial to Mels—it was utterly baffling.

As Mels' mind wandered, Rolans' subordinate and the Master of Five Clouds Cave's subordinate had already stepped onto the dueling platform. Rolans' subordinate was a Summon Warrior who bore a resemblance to the Eagle Clan, yet lacked wings; the Master of Five Clouds Cave's subordinate was a true Lion-Tiger Clan summon warrior.

As soon as they faced each other, after Rolans declared the start of the battle, both almost simultaneously chanted summoning incantations. Amidst flashes of red and yellow light, Rolans' subordinate summoned a six-winged firebird, while the Master of Five Clouds Cave's subordinate summoned a Yanhuang Beast.

It was only then that Mels realized Rolans had come prepared. Among the summon warriors he selected, most primarily utilized fire-element Summoned Beasts. Such beasts could indeed unleash their full potential in these scorching conditions. The Master of Five Clouds Cave also understood this principle, as the summon warrior he sent now was also fire-element oriented. It looked to be a hard-fought, evenly matched battle.

The six-winged firebird, ranging from two to four meters in length, had three pairs of wings, was covered in crimson feathers, could spew flames from its mouth, and had exceptionally hard claws. The swift six-winged firebird typically used its speed to confound enemies, seeking an opening to strike at their weak points. Its most distinctive ability was to absorb flames to augment its power. Unless it encountered a water-element summoned beast, only a stronger fire-element or purely physical Summoned Beast could threaten it.

The Yanhuang Beast was one of the most peculiar hybrid-type Summoned Beasts. It was about two meters long, its body resembling a rhinoceros, with three sharp horns on its head, covered entirely in earth-yellow bony plates. Although clumsy in movement, its hard outer armor could withstand almost all physical attacks, and the force of its charge could only be described as earth-shattering. The Yanhuang Beast's most unique skill was emitting interference waves that could disrupt all Summoned Beasts with a synchronization rate below seventy percent. Additionally, since it was a hybrid of fire and earth elements, fire attacks were ineffective against it.

Based on their general characteristics, the Yanhuang Beast held more advantages. However, the outcome of battles between summoned beasts largely depended on the master's control, so no one could make a hasty judgment before the fight began.

After both sides began attacking each other, it confirmed Mels' assessment. With agile movements, the six-winged firebird harried the Yanhuang Beast again and again, while the Yanhuang Beast, relying on its tough hide, showed no fear.

The six-winged firebird's prolonged assaults yielded no results, so the Yanhuang Beast began counterattacking with interference waves. Fortunately, the six-winged firebird was agile, managing to avoid being hit.

As he watched the stalemate, Mels was suddenly reminded of Xiu Lante's Flaming Bird. If the Flaming Bird were here now, let alone one of them; even if both were to attack together, under the Flaming Bird's absolute scorching flames, they would be vaporized!

One flying in the sky, one running on the ground—after a period of stalemate, both sides had gained a rough understanding of the two summoned beasts' abilities and their masters' control levels. The real battle was finally about to begin.

Abruptly, the six-winged firebird issued a piercing shriek and began circling rapidly above the platform. In no time, the magma below the platform seemed to be drawn up by a whirlwind, splitting into four pillars that shot skyward. The six-winged firebird weaving through the magma seemed to revel in it, as refreshed as if bathing in a morning breeze, and in moments, it had grown to more than three times its original size.

While everyone was engrossed in watching the growing six-winged firebird in the air, Mels noted with surprise that the Yanhuang Beast on the ground was gathering strength, with a faint yellow glow even beginning to emanate from its maw.

Raw power was the Yanhuang Beast's forte. Seeing it gather power motionless for so long, Mels knew its next attack would be extraordinary.

However, matters were not as straightforward as Mels had anticipated. After the six-winged firebird finished absorbing flames, the Yanhuang Beast suddenly crouched low, even ceasing to move, as if waiting for the attack.

Perhaps provoked by the opponent's confident posture, the Sub-Human controlling the six-winged firebird waved both hands. Instantly, the firebird discharged a torrent of flames from its body, like a cascading waterfall of fire, completely engulfing the Yanhuang Beast's bulky form.

These flames were the heat the six-winged firebird had absorbed from the magma earlier. Temperatures that high could melt not just flesh, but metal and stone into slag. Watching the Yanhuang Beast completely enveloped, the Sub-Human warrior allowed himself a triumphant smile.

Sadly for him, his smile was premature. A beastly roar came from within the sea of fire. In a flash, before anyone could react, the Yanhuang Beast charged out, rushing toward the opposing Sub-Human warrior.

It was only then that Mels understood why the Yanhuang Beast had been gathering its strength and why it stayed put. From the start, the warrior controlling it never intended to defeat the six-winged firebird; he was only constantly confusing and lulling the opponent, finally launching a lightning attack aimed directly at the Summon Warrior himself! Everyone knew of the Yanhuang Beast's sluggishness, so he ordered it to gather strength to generate powerful explosive force. Waiting for the attack was to greatly deplete the summoned beast's power and to ensure it wouldn't be interfered with during its charge at the Summon Warrior!

"Clever planning, excellent strategy!" Watching the Yanhuang Beast charge toward the summon warrior, Kaslo suddenly exclaimed with admiration.

Before his words even faded, the Yanhuang Beast had already reached the unprepared summon warrior. In panic, seeing no way to retreat, the summon warrior could only steel his heart and order the six-winged firebird in the sky to rescue him.

Summoned beasts were indeed the most loyal warriors. Even knowing its body couldn't withstand the impact, it still flew down to confront the Yanhuang Beast at the first opportunity.

Amidst a dull impact sound, the six-winged firebird let out a mournful cry, being hurled directly into the volcanic rock wall.

Although Rolans' summon warrior managed to avoid being hit during this opportunity, the six-winged firebird was severely injured and unable to continue fighting. At this point, there was no possibility of continuing this contest.

"He simply isn't fit to be a summon warrior!" Watching Rolans' summon warrior sacrifice his summoned beast for his own life, Mels commented disdainfully.

The same thought arose in Kaslo and the others' minds. Perhaps this was the difference between humans and Sub-Humans: humans regarded summoned beasts as their closest comrades, while Sub-Humans treated them as weapons, as shields!

Moments later, Rolans' summon warrior recalled the severely injured six-winged firebird and conceded defeat. The triumphant Master of Five Clouds Cave immediately arrogantly mocked Rolans. Rolans, whether pretending not to hear or simply unwilling to argue, comforted the summon warrior briefly before declaring the Yanhuang Beast victorious, then turned his gaze toward Mels.

"Boss, let me take this match." Just as Mels was considering whether to go himself, Sol spoke up first.

"Sol, are you confident you can defeat it?" Mels turned to look at Sol.

Sol honestly shook his head, then chuckled and said, "I have no confidence at all, but right now, I'm the only one who can go. Kaslo's Two-headed Dragon is certainly very powerful, but they don't seem willing to listen to Kaslo! Sha Luo's Blue Witch might handle other summoned beasts, but in such a hot place, plus facing the impervious Yanhuang Beast, there seems to be no chance of victory at all.

Rather than letting a summoned beast get injured for nothing, better to let my Steel Ape compete with it in strength! That brat Akafir helped us win a match without even a summoned beast—I must win this one no matter what! With three wins out of five, we can achieve final victory. If I lose, then we'll have to rely on you, boss, and Sha Luo!" Although Sol's words weren't pleasant to hear, they were the truth. Currently, only Mels or Sol could truly fight. Unless the venue changed or the Two-headed Dragon was willing to fight, consecutive wins were Mels and the others' only option.

"Sol, be careful! If it really doesn't work, concede immediately. Leave the rest to me!" Mels said with concern. "Don't worry, boss. I'm not a fool like Akafir. If I can't handle it, I'll definitely run away." Sol laughed as he stepped out of the light barrier.

Watching Sol confidently walk out, the summon warrior who had defeated the six-winged firebird earlier put away his arrogant smile, sizing up the slender Sol.

Sol stood far on the field and didn't take another step forward. Sol's action of keeping his distance made the Yanhuang Beast summon warrior look at him with disdain. In the Yanhuang Beast's eyes, anyone who dared not face him in direct challenge was a coward, a weakling!

"I'll give you time to summon your beast. Let's have a fair and square match!" the summon warrior said pretentiously. "Thank you, but from where I'm standing, it should be enough time to summon my beast." Sol smiled slightly, ostensibly thanking him, but actually mocking the Yanhuang Beast's slow movements, which made a surprise attack impossible.

After hearing Sol's words, the summon warrior was clever enough to quickly understand Sol's meaning, his face showing anger.

Sol ignored him, simply looking at Rolans as if to say: I'm ready, announce the start!

Facing Sol's urging gaze, Rolans cleared his throat to conceal his displeasure, then said, "The second contest now officially begins!" As soon as he finished speaking, Sol raised his arm with unprecedented speed and summoned the Steel Ape.

Watching Sol's eager, urgent motion to summon the Steel Ape and protect himself at the first opportunity, Mels showed a knowing smile. At least now he could be sure that Sol was still the same Sol, not a reckless mage who would easily give up his life.

Amidst loud summoning incantations, the Steel Ape's tall figure appeared before everyone. Initially, the summon warrior was somewhat worried about Sol, fearing Sol might have a summoned beast that was the Yanhuang Beast's nemesis.

But after the Steel Ape appeared, the summon warrior immediately showed excitement, because he believed that in terms of physical defense, no summoned beast could surpass the Yanhuang Beast, and the Steel Ape was a large creature that could only use physical attacks.

Actually, not only was the summon warrior surprised by the Steel Ape's appearance, even Rolans showed a trace of puzzled confusion on his face.

Indeed, the Steel Ape was no match for the Yanhuang Beast. After witnessing the Yanhuang Beast's super defensive capabilities firsthand, sending Sol into the arena made Rolans begin to suspect whether Mels had been driven mad by the heat.

Sure enough, between the two heavy-set summoned beasts, their disparity became apparent upon contact. Although the Steel Ape's strength wasn't weaker than the Yanhuang Beast's, its frame was much larger.

After the two summoned beasts made contact, the Yanhuang Beast launched fierce attacks at the Steel Ape's lower body, while the tall Steel Ape could only try to grab the Yanhuang Beast's head to control it within its range.

The Yanhuang Beast, with a smaller body but great strength, wasn't easily controlled; the Steel Ape, tall but with an unstable lower body, was easily pushed over. Back and forth, within a few rounds, the Steel Ape began showing signs of retreat, seeming in the contest of strength to be gradually falling behind.

However, the spectacle of this battle was astonishing. The two phantasm beasts pushed and shoved amidst constant roars. Besides the thunderous bellows, there were continuous ground tremors. The scene was like two monsters engaged in a sumo match.

After a period of stalemate, with the Steel Ape constantly retreating, everyone lost interest in watching further—the outcome of this duel was basically decided! Yet, Mels remained engrossed watching the monster sumo, because he knew the real key to victory would soon appear...