The First Legendary Beast Master novel Chapter 300

Chapter 300 A City Razed

The next morning they were moving with the first light, before proper dawn, so that they could get to the city before the Frost Giants could see them coming. Hawk had been sent out early to scout their route, and had informed them to stay further from the ash, as the heat was increasing, and the areas closest to it were becoming muddy as the snow melted.

That was bad news for the Giants, but there weren't any of them out at the moment. The flow of reinforcements had entirely stalled, and the only enemies that Hawk could find were patrolling around the city's perimeter.

There was no sign of activity in the city, and the signs of previous occupancy were fading as the wind blew the snow over the roads and paths.

A few hours after dawn, Bob gestured into the distance. "Turn right a little, but stay out of the slush. The valley that I was referring to should be over there, and I'm curious to see if it's still frozen."

Karl led the group forward, with the less physical members all mounted, though that meant that the Spider Golems had to take passengers to bring their travel speed up to standards.

Ty was a Ranger, not a warrior, and while he was quick, he didn't have the sort of stamina for an all morning run the way that the warrior classes did. So, he needed a ride, and Doug was more than happy to take a place on the other Spider Golem, so that Thor wasn't overburdened.

The Lightning Cerro had hit a minor growth spurt after reaching Commander Rank, and he could easily accommodate four on his back with a suitable harness, but it was better to just have Tessa, Dana and Tori, so their bodyguard didn't get too tired to fight.

Karl slowed the group as they got close to the valley that Bob had mentioned, and had Hawk circle the area.

[That place isn't right. It's all melted now.] Hawk reported.

[What's there? Just slush?] Karl asked.

[A small lake.]

Karl led them cautiously forward, in case there were still more Magma Elementals or other servants of the Dragon around. The temperature was rising rapidly as they approached, and Lotus was getting excited.

"I know what this is. This phenomenon is common after a volcanic eruption. There was an underground fissure here, and now the frozen lake is a volcanic hot springs." The little nature cleric declared.

Her hair had changed to an icy blue today, nearly matching her cloak, but looking more like thick ice. That seemed somehow appropriate to their situation as they came over the ridge, and saw that the whole valley was covered in ash, while the lake was gently steaming.

"That's too hot. The water is nearly boiling. I was hoping for a spot to swim, not to become soup." Lotus sighed.

"Check everything. There might be magical items dropped by the Giants, possibly fire element infused gems, and if we're really lucky, the remains of a summoning circle." Karl announced.

Tessa laughed. "Flag on the play. You can't just ask for the prize to be in the first spot you look, that's definitely a red flag."

If there had been anything in the valley, it was long gone now. There were some signs that the Frost Giants put up a fight, bits of obsidian stone that Doug assured them were the remains of a dead magma elemental, and a few charred bones, but no loot, and no sign of the summoning circle.

"See, what did I tell you? Now, let's take out a patrol and see if we can sneak into the city. I have a good feeling that there is something left to kill hiding in there." Tessa declared. _{ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom}

Karl thought that should be counted as a flag as well, but it was most likely divine guidance.