“How come there are people here?” Croix was surprised.

The two boys were following the steps, walking ever upward. After a while, they saw other people on the mountain. Some were in a group, some alone. As only those below twenty could enter. The age gap varied amongst the young adults and teenagers, some were even younger than Boram.

“Enemies?” Boram asked.

“They aren't Pathseekers… they look more like slaves. So that’s how it is. They must be Marvin’s. He brought them here and forced them to become Pathseeker.”

Boram thought of the conversation he heard from Master Avel that those that forge their Intio at the volcano become extraordinary. Croix’s brother must be sending people here in hopes to capture a bit of that legend. Since failure meant death, he employed people whose deaths were insignificant. Boram understood, but he felt really unpleasant.

Archion Volcano was big, and although they ascended the stairs, there was much more to the volcano than the winding stone path. In suitable locations, the kids, perhaps the older ones in their teens, made crude shacks and the like.

However, the volcano was not suitable for human habitation. Each day was a struggle. Upon the two’s arrival, wary eyes were on them.

“Misters… do you have some food?” A dirty little elven boy about six or seven wearing rags approached them, pleading.

Croix and Boram looked at each other, and nodded.

“This is all that we can spare for the moment,” Boram took out the food supplies from his inventory item. “Eat slowly.”

The hungry kids tore upon the food like a pack of ravenous wolves. Fourteen people in total. The two stayed in the hamlet for a while. They couldn't leave them be, unlike Viers.

“As I thought, Marvin brought them. Using the slave mark, he forced them to become Pathseekers here. If not, they’ll never be able to leave. This place was not built by them, but left behind by some earlier group. When they first arrived five days ago, there were more than fourteen, but some already failed and…” Croix sighed. “These ones are those that didn't dare to try or are still hesitating. Once there is no food left, they will have to take the leap or waste away.”

“I’ve killed all the dangerous beasts in the area, they should be safe for the time being and have more food for them. It pains me to say this, but we cannot stay here.”

“I know, Boram… I know.”

The kids saw Boram and Croix off. They warned them not to go further but the two were adamant.

“Igurd will kill you,” the kids warned the only ones who showed kindness to them.

The kids told the story of Igurd, a human slave who, like them, was brought here by Marvin. He was the only one who managed to awaken as a Pathseeker on the volcano. He was strong, but his urge to kill was too great, a side effect of his forced early awakening. Most of the time, Igurd was more beast than man.

Marvin had no use for an uncontrollable tool so instead, he let loose Igurd on the volcano as a guard dog.

With the royals of the Latias Kingdom in a power struggle, he knew that another prince or princess would come to the volcano because of the legend. Igurd was compelled by his slave mark, an absolute binding order, to kill those that he encountered without Marvin’s mark.

The slaves were safe, but Boram and Croix were not. Unlike the child slaves, Igurd was a Pathseeker. He was able to survive for more than half a year because he could hunt the strong monsters that lived on the higher parts of the mountain.

“This is exactly why I’m here. I’ll defend you from anything so you can focus only on your awakening, lord prince sir,” Boram patted his chest.

“Yes, I’ll be counting on you, Boram,” Croix touched the dragon egg in his satchel out of habit.

Witnessed by the kids, Boram and Croix climbed the stairs again. The higher one climbed, the better the chances of success, or so Croix claimed.

After a while, Croix looked behind him.

Marvin, brother of mine… All this to make a strong pawn? Unforgivable! Someone so depraved is unfit for the throne!

Croix’s steps were even more determined than before.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

The Archion Volcano was massive and tall, its peak reached the clouds and the clouds surrounding it were dyed reddish-black, because of the volcanic smoke it constantly emitted along with its flowing magma.

Despite the size, Boram and Croix followed the trail of stairs that had existed since the ancient days of Latias so they didn't get lost. They had faced many troubles getting up here but with a Pathseeker of Boram’s caliber on his side, Croix was able to proceed relatively trouble-free.

What Boram worried about were the super strong entities that might reside in such a special place but he detected none so far.

They encountered Igurd two days after they'd left the hamlet behind. His form was human but his act and mannerisms were to the contrary. He appeared before them suddenly by landing from above. His gait and aura were very bestial. His body bore many scars from the battles he’d survived. His weapon of choice was a bone spear he fashioned from a dead beast.

Like Boram he was a slave.

Like Boram he was of the same age.

Like Boram he was a Level 3.

The first time Boram laid eyes on him, his instincts were telling him that Igurd was very strong. It would be a tough battle. He also felt a kinship with him; their circumstances were similar. He didn't wish to fight but the other wasn't giving him any choice.

“Grrr… Intruder… Kill…”

On Igurd’s skin appeared pulsating magical marks that resembled tattoos of vicious dragons.

“Prince Croix, stand back!”

Boram shoved the prince away and took Igurd’s blow. Offensive and defensive Arte came to a head. The result of the clash was equal.

“Hmm,” Boram readied himself.

“Graaaaahh!” Igurd roared like a beast.

***

“Guaah!? Damn… you.”

A man fell to the ground with a hole in his chest as wide as an arm. The chest armor he wore was similarly punctured.

“Shocking, I know,” Viers said with his fist extended, still crackling with electricity. “They really are idiots for spreading out. Who’s hunting who.”

Alfred and the other Level 4, Harper, didn't lift a finger. Since Marvin didn't give the order, this was between Level 3s. If one side acted, the other would too. It would result in greater escalation.

Hide-and-seek was the game, but Viers wasn't playing nice or by the rules. Rather, there were no rules, so destroying the seekers was a legitimate course of action. Every single death represented wealth. Material wealth, intellectual wealth, all resources for his Path of Power.

This was the second Black Shield knight he killed. He was capable of ending more but he refrained. Marvin didn't realize the futility of sending normal Level 3s at Viers but if he killed too many, Marvin might realize his mistakes and call reinforcements or something. That was something Viers didn't want to see. He separated from Alfred so that he could move freely.

“...Looting complete. Now then, time to give Clarissa a lava bath.”

Viers scratched his chin while looking at the pool of lava in front of him.

The lava pool was a Power Spot that emitted a great amount of fire and soul properties. Just like a hot spring, but with lava. With his Euryale Sight and soul senses, Viers determined it was a suitable place for Clarissa’s recovery.

The size of the pool was more or less fifteen meters in diameter. In the center, there was a geyser of lava jetting into the air at semi-regular intervals.

The Rank 4 Power Spot, suitable for Level 4 Pathseekers, was fresh and newly formed. Otherwise, there would be other monsters claiming such a place for themselves. It might not be an outright Land God, but a strong Rank 4 monster nonetheless. He suspected the earthquake he felt yesterday was the cause.

Viers was aware of the clichés.

With a lustful Arrogant Young Master so close by, if he released the beautiful lamia princess, he would surely have a desire for her. At first, Viers was willing to let the ordinary opportunities pass by. Thanks to his soul mastery Clarissa was stable anyway, there was no rush.

But unexpectedly, a Power Spot of fire and soul appeared. A Tier 4 to boot, which was practically tailor-made for Clarissa. He wasn't willing to let go of such a golden egg that fell on his lap because of an AYM.

Viers put up a barrier to hide and protect the Power Spot and its surroundings. For extra caution, he also put up another with his magic item, making it two-fold.

I’ve done all I can. If Marvin still appears, so be it. Man proposes Heaven disposes… Heh, come what may, I’m ready.

Viers was in peak condition. His battle strength was at an all-time high. He wasn't afraid of the Level 3 Marvin.

“All right, Soul Might Celebration is also done… Now, sleeping beauty. It’s no true love’s kiss but I hope this is good enough for you to wake up.”

Viers released Clarissa’s soul from his soul space and sent her into the pool of lava. After making sure there was nothing wrong as Clarissa’s soul soaked in the Power Spot, Viers began soul searching the knights he hunted, just like someone reading a book at a train station.

So, Marvin sent hundreds of slaves to the volcano… This Igurd might be as strong as Boram. Hmmm… Ah, Solany. So the girl is truly a mind Pathseeker. Daughter of Duke Lucan. That makes her the same as Ciel in status. My my.

With the souls of two Black Shield knights, Marvin’s camp had a massive intel leak that Viers readily drank up. Those two know nothing truly important but Viers became a lot more familiar with his enemies.

As Sun-Tzu wisely said, know your enemies and blah blah…

As for the original reason he was here, he didn't pay too much thought to Prince Croix. If he succeeded, good. If not, bad investment. The losses would sting, but that was just life.

***

“Useless, all of you!”

On the deck of the yacht, the knights stood on attention with fear in their hearts. One of their comrades already had his head caved in by the mace Prince Marvin wielded.

“So be it, I’ll hunt him myself! Solany, guide me to him.”

Solany closed her eyes for a moment, then pointed to the north-west. “That way. He’s been staying in one place, unlike before.”

“Good. Let’s hunt. The sport of kings!”