Spirit Taming

The group started to notice the changes fairly quickly compared to who they had noticed the slow changes as the environment had become more rocky the closer that they had gotten to Terra and their mountain underground city.

The steam that had begun to hang around was thick and hot. It was enough to make the air feel like it was harder to breathe in overall. Not to mention the slightly burnt smell that only came when heavy rain fell on stones.

There was also an odd floral smell that was starting to counter the burning smell. It made everyone sniff the air a little more than usual. It just put them off, however, they all remembered that this was a place where multiple different environments crossed.

While many places in the world would be like this, it was rare to have such a drastic change. The fact that the nearby mountains were growing still as the planet and nature shifted through its natural flow, was the reason for these drastic differences.

Now that the group had managed to leave the more rocky area, they had begun to spot the taller mountains that were connected to the rocky areas of Terra territory. These mountains seemed to grow and clash with one another. Some even seemed to rise up and burrow in to the others over time.

Small spots of light red made it clear which mountains were connected to the very deep and magma filled tunnels below the earth. Tunnels that even Terra City would not be going down to. They were far too dangerous and normally filled with toxic fumes. Out of every beast int eh group, only the flame sprite and the molten boar could even consider going in to such a place.

These small trails of red flowed down the mountains like odd rivers. Their slow movements gathering on the distant grounds and pooling just like water would. However, it was yet again different. There were many places where the ground looked like it was flat, yet they all had a sense of danger that came with this assumption.

Whether it was instincts or anything else, they knew that if they walked toward the seemingly flat areas that they would fall through just like ice. The darker colder spots where the lava pooled were just falsehoods. Below was a hot and dangerous pool of magma that would turn them in to nothing. Not even ash would remain after falling in.

Looking at the vast expanses of black rocks shaped by what could only be the earth shifting and magma bursting up over time, the group was stunned. They had not imagined that there would be such a dangerous and deadly place so close to where Terra had been. It was so calm and peaceful in comparison to the way that nature flared up here.

Yet, as the group looked over to the distance, they saw the second dramatic change. The fields of tall grasses that were well over their heads in some places. The grasses that relied on the ash and burning environment right next to them to provide them with nutrients. The steam and acidic mists that came from the lava fields would feed the fields of grasses causing them to grow even more than any others.

Due to the rain, the fog around the grasses was very heavy. So much so that it would be easy to get lost in the maze of trails or even just the grass in general. The pathways through the lava field were clearly maintained and had defined markings. These were for travelers and would not be touched during any fights. The same could be said with the grass field paths. They were marked by tall pillars of rock built up by tamers patrolling them.

These methods had to be taken to allow safe passage for merchants that would provide Lunar and Solar City with everything they needed. The downside to this was that the beasts in both environments knew exactly the best places to hunt for humans and their beasts. It made guards a necessity in these areas.

Having beasts jump out from the lava pools or beasts ambush from the grasses was rough. There had to be deterrents. "The fog around here is very bad for travel. The rain is still misty, making things worse. But the lava fields are safer to travel like this. But there will be a higher risk of toxic fumes." Ella spoke up with a safety analysis for the group. She wanted everyone to understand that they would have some additional risks that came with everything here.

"I get that, but if we head toward the lava fields, then we are heading toward Solar Academy first. I can already see the outline of black rocks built up as a wall to protect their city." Clark’s sigh that came at the end of this was what made them all worry a little more.

Solar Academy had been the challenge for them since they were so hot headed and did not hide their distaste for Lunar Academy. It had been a very open display of fighting and threatening during the Nebula tournament between academies. So much so that guards had been involved more than once. This was going to make things much harder since the group wanted to go to both academy cities.

"It will be easier to tell them that we visited them first. Lunar Academy held themselves back more. They are conservative in their emotions. So if we headed there first then to Solar Academy..." Since Grace made a good point and the weather was affecting the safety of travel, it was decided just like that.

"I would agree with you. That is the correct choice to make. This is a dangerous place that is harder to traverse, harder to protect yourself in, and brand new to all of you. Taking the safer option is the best option every single time." Professor Wright spoke her honest opinion first. Especially since she saw that Grace had easily grasped the easy way to handle the Solar Academy hot heads that everyone knew about.

"I don’t care what you all think about safety. I can learn more in Solar Academy about fire." Ralph’s opinion was also pretty blunt. But the group saw that he was looking at Isa as well. The two of them were in the same boat.

"I would need to be there too. It’s the best chance to find a unique item that allows my flame sprite to grow. Clark, you said there are a few paths for it to take. But I know that there might be something better to use to help us find a new path." Isa’s trust was something she developed through time and time again.

Not only had Clark found materials for the group to use that most would not have found, he had also followed his words to discover new growth plans well beyond what others had done. Perfect growth plans that helped the group immensely. Naturally, Isa would also want this for her partner. For her flames sprite to grow and equal the winter witch.

"Then that’s what we are doing. Ella, get ready to write it all down. Jerold, don’t wander off when we can’t even tell what is and isn’t safe to touch. Brad, you are heavy, don’t walk on anything that’s not marked. Reese, guard the back with Ralph since you two can defend and attack together. Grace is with me and Isa. we are taking the lead. Clark, be Clark." Maria’s sudden take of the lead didn’t even make anyone flinch.

Naturally, Clark just went with it. He had no idea what he would find here, the only things he had been able to use his analysis on were the grasses and lava rocks. Nothing fancy. He was just glad that he could make out the distant Solar Academy city since the hot environment allowed it to be seen. Lunar city was hidden in a dense fog right now.

’Magma golem- ultra rare

The magma golem is a beast that can only be created through specific means. This magma golem is situated to guard the borders between certain territories. The large pool of lava is actually part of its body. However, it remains dormant unless those it has been told to guard against traversing its territory.

The lava golem is a slow and steadfast beast. It will follow its orders perfectly but will not do more or less. It is tough and can reform its body similar to a slime. It is also able to survive just on fire and earth elemental manas.

It has no growth potential other than growing larger and tougher. It will never become a magma golem king due to the fact that the massive amount of energies needed would cause a super volcano to bloom from the earth and destroy a massive amount of land. This only happens in ancient times when the planet had not fallen in to a natural flow...’

Clark took note of the beast in the nearest lava pool. He had sensed the odd energies around but decided to ignore it. The magma golem didn’t move at all. It was clearly there to guard against something or someone else.