The Iron Gorge looked like the world had been split open by an angry god.Steam hissed from cracks in the rock, and molten light pulsed far below, bathing the cliffs in shades of red and gold. The air itself seemed to burn.
Aren stood on a narrow ledge, cloak drawn tight, eyes watering from the heat. "You're sure the Ashvine grows here?"
Mira, crouched on a jut of black stone, flicked her tail. "Only in places the earth bleeds. Its roots feed on fire veins. Try not to fall in while you're harvesting."
"Encouraging as always."
He crouched and pressed a hand to the ground. Through the stone, he could feel the slow heartbeat of the mountain—thump… thump… thump—raw Qi flowing like molten blood. He began the Ember Cycle, breathing in, letting his inner fire match the rhythm below. When the pulse aligned, faint orange tendrils appeared along the cliff face: the Ashvine, curling from cracks like glowing serpents.
Aren drew a small knife Solen had given him and sliced the vines close to the root. The sap hissed and spat sparks. He caught the pieces in a cloth pouch, binding it quickly before the heat burned through.
"One down," he murmured.
Mira's ears twitched. "Don't celebrate yet. The Heartscale won't come quietly."
They descended deeper into the gorge. The light grew brighter, the air heavier. Every breath tasted of metal and smoke. Somewhere below, something moved—a low, sinuous ripple that sent stones tumbling.
Mira's fur stood on end. "There. Beneath the lava crust."
Aren followed her gaze. The molten river split open, revealing a coiled shape of scales the color of burning bronze. Two golden eyes opened, and the Fire Serpent raised its head, tongue flicking out like a ribbon of flame.
Aren's heart hammered. "How do we kill that?"
"You don't." Mira's voice was calm. "You survive it long enough to steal a single scale. They shed when enraged."
"Wonderful."
The serpent uncoiled with a hiss, the air shimmering around it. The heat doubled, then tripled. Aren's skin prickled as sweat turned instantly to steam.
"Now," Mira said, "show me what you learned."
He closed his eyes and let the Ember Cycle flow. Qi surged through his three open meridians, gathering in his arms. The flames responded eagerly, curling along his forearms like gauntlets.
When he opened his eyes, the serpent was already upon him.
He dove aside, rolling across the black rock as the creature's jaws snapped shut where he'd stood. Lava splashed upward, raining molten drops. One grazed his shoulder; pain flared, sharp and immediate.
"Focus!" Mira shouted. "Use the air currents. Fire rises—ride it!"
Aren leapt as another surge of heat blasted upward. The hot wind caught him, lifting him higher than he'd expected. For a heartbeat he felt weightless. Then he twisted mid-air, thrusting his palms forward.
"Ember Strike!"
Twin streams of crimson flame shot from his hands, slamming into the serpent's face. The creature screamed, twisting violently. Scales flew, scattering across the rocks like coins.
Aren hit the ground hard, knees buckling. "Did that—"
"Behind you!" Mira warned.
The serpent lashed its tail. Aren threw himself forward, felt the wind of impact as the tail smashed into the cliff, sending shards of rock flying. One fragment sliced his arm open.
He hissed in pain but spotted a single, glowing scale lying among the debris—the Heartscale. He lunged for it, snatching it up before the beast recovered.
"Got it!"
Mira leapt onto his shoulder. "Then run!"
They sprinted along the ledge, the serpent's roars echoing behind them. Lava splashed, rocks shattered, the whole gorge shaking with fury. Aren's lungs burned, vision blurring from heat, but he kept moving.
At the rim of the gorge, he turned and thrust both hands toward the lava below. He poured the last of his Qi into the ground. The stone erupted, collapsing inward. The serpent's next lunge met an avalanche of molten rock. Its scream faded beneath the roar.
Silence fell.
Aren dropped to one knee, chest heaving. The scale in his hand glowed faintly, pulsing with heat. Mira hopped down, eyes gleaming. "You're insane."
He managed a grin. "That makes two of us."
They camped near a cold stream at the edge of the forest that night. Aren laid out the gathered materials: the coiled Ashvine, the Heartscale, and a small glass vial Mira had filled with dew before sunrise—the Spirit Dew. All three shimmered faintly in the moonlight.
Mira studied them. "You realize you nearly died twice for that handful of ingredients?"
"Feels like a good trade if it keeps me alive next time."
She chuckled softly. "Solen will be impressed. Maybe even grateful."
"Do you think this pill will really help?" Aren asked.
"It will stabilize your Qi for a while," Mira said. "But the curse doesn't rest. Sooner or later, the Heavens will send something stronger."
He looked down at his scarred hands. "Then I'll just have to be ready."
The pendant at his chest pulsed faintly, the crack along its surface glowing a little brighter—as if agreeing.
By the time dawn colored the sky, they were already on the road back to Oxenfort. Smoke from the forges painted the horizon gray. The first bells of morning rang from the city towers as they reached Solen's shop.
The old alchemist opened the door before Aren could knock. His eyes flicked from the boy's soot-stained face to the glowing scale in his hand.
"You actually did it," he murmured. "Most cultivators would've turned back at the first hiss."
Aren smiled tiredly. "You said I needed it."
Solen took the materials with reverent care. "Then let's make your miracle."
He motioned for Aren to follow him inside. "This will take the rest of the day. Watch closely—you'll learn more from the fire than from me."
Mira leapt onto a shelf, curling her tail around her paws. "Try not to blow up the shop again, old man."
Solen ignored her and began setting up the cauldron, flames shifting from blue to violet as he fed Qi into the array.
Aren watched, mesmerized. For the first time since leaving the mines, the fire before him didn't feel like punishment—it felt like promise.
End of Chapter 7 – The Alchemist's Test