Chapter 428: The Trial of the Tower of Blighted Flame
Anzeta Wasteland, Balas Volcano.
Located in the eastern part of the Empire, this was the place where fire elements were most active throughout Anzeta—thanks to a frequently erupting active volcano.
Every few years, Balas Volcano would erupt, spewing large amounts of rocks, volcanic ash, and pumice, with lava flowing like rivers. The surrounding residents called this phenomenon the "Wrath of the Fire God."
No one dared—nor could anyone—live here. Even the Red Dragon once considered making it a residence but abandoned the idea due to the need for developing vassals.
The main inhabitants of this area were fire-attribute monsters: steam bats, fire lizards, magma golems, and even fire elemental creatures from the inner planes.
But now, a lava-forged tower stood at the volcano's peak, known as the residence of the sorceress Misha, called the "Daughter of Dragonfire."
The Tower of Blighted Flame.
The fire that burns sinners in Hell.
It also signified Misha's determination to take revenge on Leo Bosque.
At the top floor of this tower, the surrounding air distorted with white smoke, and snake-like wisps of fire roamed freely. In the center, a girl sat cross-legged.
She appeared to be only fifteen or sixteen, but her features were already strikingly beautiful. Sharp ears adorned the sides of her cheeks, and a pair of reddish-brown horns sprouted from her forehead, with hair flowing like flames.
This was the current Misha.
As an "Ifrit"—a descendant of the fire element—her appearance was closely linked to the energy within her.
After receiving the power of flames granted by Cassius, Misha's growth had accelerated, making her appear far more mature than her peers.
Suddenly, clusters of fire gathered, forming a blurry humanoid shape.
"Misha… Master."
"Outside… humans."
This was a fire elemental elder, whom Misha had encountered during her trials on the fire elemental plane.
Initially, this elder sought to devour Misha, but after an intense battle, it had pleaded for mercy and ultimately signed a contract, becoming her servant.
Misha slowly opened her eyes, flames dancing within her golden pupils.
"Didn't I tell you…"
"Not to disturb me during this period!"
Her voice grew increasingly fierce, eventually transforming into a dragon's roar, frightening the fire elemental elder into trembling, sparks flying from its body.
"Boom!"
The fire elemental elder dispersed into clusters of flowing flames, repeatedly begging for forgiveness before fleeing under Misha's angry gaze.
"Forgive my disrespect…"
"Cassius, Your Majesty."
With her hands clasped together, Misha murmured reverently.
The tower was filled with statues of Cassius's dragon form and his humanoid bust, all adorned with precious gold and jewels.
During this time, Misha had been hunting down and eliminating the remnants of the Northern nobles before venturing alone into the fire elemental plane for training. She was no longer the merely strong-willed girl she once was.
Now, she was more like a true "Ifrit."
The Ifrit were known for their distinct personalities—on one hand, they were fiery and independent, while on the other, they were proud and difficult to please.
However, when an Ifrit sincerely worshipped a deity (usually one associated with fire), they exhibited the traits of fanatical devotees and devout believers.
In her previous life, Misha had been driven mad by her tragic experiences and developed a bloodthirsty hatred, vowing to burn all humans to ashes.
In this life, Misha had become more discerning in her love and hatred. She showed no mercy in exterminating the Northern remnants but remained devoted and passionate toward the Emperor who had granted her rebirth—a model of a loyal follower.
Misha's anger toward the fire elemental elder stemmed from its disruption of her contemplation of the power bestowed by Cassius.
If players with sufficient strength were present, they would see the following information:
[Daughter of Dragonfire - Misha]
Challenge Level: 14 (11,500 XP)
Thanks to the awakening of her innate talent and the blessing of Cassius's power, Misha's strength had grown exponentially in just one year.
In terms of personal power, this eleven-year-old sorceress had already entered the Empire's top tier.
Misha extended her delicate hand, and wisps of flame gathered, forming a magical projection showing hundreds of players.
"Starfallers, huh?"
"His Majesty Cassius personally instructed me to select strong individuals among them to become honorable Dragon Pact Sorcerers."
Watching the players wandering around and curiously exploring, Misha frowned slightly.
"Do these people truly deserve to become His Majesty Cassius's kin and receive that supreme blessing?"
Dragon Pact Sorcerers were different from Crimson Scaled Conquerors. They not only required a bloodline transformation but also needed Cassius to personally imbue them with power.
Even Misha, as the master of the Tower of Blighted Flame, had only received thirteen contracts.
Since these contracts involved Cassius's power, she treasured them deeply and aimed to find the most outstanding vassals for the Emperor, issuing none of them so far.
Indeed, Ifrits were perfectionists to a certain extent.
"Since Starfallers don't face permanent death, perhaps… they need a proper trial."
"Snap!"
Misha snapped her fingers crisply.
The surrounding flames swirled again, forming a humanoid shape—the fire elemental elder who had just fled.
"Afarr, follow me."
"Yes, Master."
The outskirts of Balas Volcano.
"Group up for the Dragon Pact Sorcerer quest!"
"No wild Sorcerers!"
"Buying a bottle of heat resistance potion!"
"Whoa, this place is interesting—it's just like a real volcano."
Hundreds of players had gathered here, creating a noisy and lively scene.
The area was covered in dark gray lava and volcanic ash, with the smell of sulfur lingering in the air. White gas hissed from cracks in the rocks.
In the distance, molten lava flowed slowly, emitting a faint glow and bubbling with small bursts.
"Amazing."
"Hiss—it's so hot!"
Players who had never experienced such a sight were fascinated, with some even recklessly dipping their hands into the lava, only to scream in pain.
They were all Sorcerer players drawn here by the Empire's announcement, eager to obtain the legendary advanced hidden class—the Dragon Pact Sorcerer.
For an event of this scale, a professional player like Summer Night Autumn Rain, a Dragonblood Sorcerer, wouldn't miss out.
As a member of the "Five Fireball Cult," she was particularly drawn to classes that allowed the free casting of high-powered fire spells.
After all, who wouldn't want to unleash a dozen fireballs in a row?
Summer Night Autumn Rain looked up, quietly gazing at the distant lava tower.
"So, this is the Tower of Blighted Flame?"
"No matter what, I will become a Dragon Pact Sorcerer."
She smiled faintly, her golden eyes radiating a determined and fervent glow.