The Infernal Wasteland stretched endlessly before them, a desolate expanse marked by cracked earth and smoldering fissures. For Ai Ignis, every step through this treacherous land was a reminder of the weight she carried—not just as an adventurer but as the heir to the Ignis noble house. It had been 26 years since the devastating events of Aetheris, the relentless onslaught of titans had shaken the kingdom to its core. The battles had not abated; titans continued to ravage the land, their attacks growing more ferocious with each passing year.

Ai, barely in her early blooming stage, felt the burden of her lineage. The Ignis family, renowned for their ingenuity and craftsmanship, had long been a pillar of the kingdom’s strength. Their inventions were celebrated in peacetime and vital in war. Yet now, in the face of unending titan incursions, Ai knew that the house of Ignis had to do more. She had promised her mother, Lady Casseia, that she would uncover the legendary Elysium Ore—a material said to possess limitless energy. Ai believed that its discovery could not only bolster the kingdom’s defenses but perhaps turn the tide of the war altogether.

“Lady Ai, are you sure this is the right way?” Vienna, her loyal head maid, asked as she adjusted the straps of her protective gear. Her golden blonde hair peeked out from beneath a hood lined with flame-resistant fabric, her piercing blue eyes scanning the horizon.

Ai adjusted her glasses, which were smudged from the dust and ash of the wasteland. Her fiery red hair was tied in a neat bun, secured tightly against the sweltering winds, gleaming faintly under the harsh sunlight—a vivid contrast to the gray and brown of their surroundings. “The radar’s signal is getting stronger,” she said, her tone resolute. She glanced at the handheld device in her gloved hands, its rhythmic beeping providing a steady reassurance despite the hostile environment. “The ore is out there, Vienna. I can feel it.”

Selena, one of the younger maids, trudged alongside them, her voice filled with exasperation. “We’ve been wandering this wasteland for two months. No ore, no shelter, and now our food stocks are running thin. We’re surviving on rations and hope. How much longer can we keep this up?”

The others exchanged weary glances, their faces streaked with grime and fatigue. Ai stopped and turned to face them, her amber eyes fierce with determination. “I know it’s hard. But every step we take brings us closer to something that could save countless lives. Elysium Ore isn’t just for the house of Ignis—it’s for the kingdom. The titans are relentless, and if we don’t find a way to fight back, there won’t be a kingdom left to defend.”

Vienna placed a steadying hand on Selena’s shoulder. “Lady Ai is right. We’ve come too far to turn back now. Keep faith.”

Selena sighed but nodded, the fire in Ai’s words rekindling a flicker of hope in her weary heart.

The group pressed on, navigating the treacherous terrain with renewed focus. Ai’s thoughts drifted to the stories of the ore—its ability to generate energy, fuel powerful machines, and perhaps even power weapons capable of countering the titans. She felt a pang of guilt for pushing her team so hard, but her resolve never wavered. The discovery of Elysium Ore was more than a mission; it was her responsibility as the heir to one of the kingdom’s great houses.

As they crested a ridge, Ai raised her binoculars to her eyes, scanning the horizon. Her heart skipped a beat as she spotted something unusual—a cluster of structures nestled in the shadow of a mountain range. Smoke curled lazily from a chimney, a rare sign of life in the wasteland.

“A village,” Ai announced, lowering her binoculars. “About three miles northeast.”

The maids crowded around her, peering in the direction she indicated. Vienna’s eyes narrowed. “It could be dangerous. But it’s our best chance for resupplying.”

Ai nodded. “We’ll approach cautiously. Let’s move.”

The prospect of nearby village lifted the group’s spirits as they began their march toward the unknown, each step a mix of trepidation and hope. For Ai, the village represented another piece of the puzzle—a potential lead in her quest for the legendary ore and a glimmer of hope in a world ravaged by chaos.

——

After hours of grueling travel through the unforgiving terrain, Ai and her entourage finally arrived at what remained of a village. The entrance to the settlement bore a shattered wooden gate, the splintered remnants hanging limply from rusted hinges. Above it, a weathered sign with faded, scorched lettering still read Ashen Hollow. The sight of the place, or what was left of it, made the group falter.

Ashen Hollow was a shell of a village, its spirit long crushed by relentless hardship. The dwellings were little more than crumbling stone structures patched together with debris, their roofs sagging under the weight of neglect. A sulfurous stench permeated the air, mingling with the oppressive heat, and the atmosphere carried an almost tangible despair.

The villagers themselves were a haunting sight. Gaunt, blistered, and cloaked in rags, they moved sluggishly, their tired eyes staring hollowly at the newcomers. Their bodies bore the unmistakable marks of malnutrition and overwork. As Ai walked deeper into the village, her boots crunching over the scorched ground, she stumbled upon a young boy sprawled against a wall, his lips cracked and his eyes glazed with thirst.

Stolen novel; please report.

Without hesitation, Ai knelt beside him, removing the water bottle from her belt. She held it to his lips, letting him drink what little remained. The boy gulped desperately, his frail hands clutching at the bottle as though it were life itself.

“Lady Ai,” Vienna gasped, her golden hair catching the sunlight as she stepped forward. Her white maid-style uniform, though dulled by layers of protective gear, still bore an air of pristine regality. “That was your last sip of water.”

“I’ll manage,” Ai replied firmly, her amber eyes softened as she brushed a stray lock of hair from the boy’s face. “He needed it more than I did.”

Her maids exchanged uneasy glances, their concern evident. Yet none of them could bring themselves to argue further. Ai straightened and addressed the group. “Spread out. Speak with the villagers. Find out if anyone knows anything about the Elysium Ore.”

As her maids moved reluctantly to follow her orders, Vienna lingered. “This place... It’s a dead end, isn’t it?” she asked, her voice low.

“It’s a lead,” Ai insisted. “We’ll keep pushing forward.”

Their conversation was interrupted by a commotion. From the far end of the village came a low rumble, growing louder by the second. A cloud of dust rose in the distance, accompanied by the unmistakable sounds of chaos—gruesome shouting and frenzied war cries.

The villagers, previously resigned to their misery, erupted into panicked motion. “They’re back!” someone screamed. “Run!” The crowd surged in the opposite direction, their fear palpable.

Vienna turned to a woman clutching a child. “What’s happening? Who’s coming?”

“Trian and his goons,” the woman cried, her voice trembling. “Run if you value your lives!”

Ai’s jaw tightened. The name Trian Rattlesnake was infamous—a warlord whose crimes against the kingdom had earned him a place at the top of the capital’s most-wanted list. Known for his brutal tactics and the terrifying power of his ring, which allowed him to partially transform into a monstrous serpent, Trian had carved out a reign of terror across the Wasteland.

Ai turned to her maids, her expression resolute. “Form up. We’ll face them if we must.”

Vienna’s brows furrowed. “Lady Ai, we’re out of resources, and the villagers are fleeing. Shouldn’t we do the same?”

“No,” Ai said, her voice steely. “These people have suffered enough. We can’t just abandon them.”

——

The low hum of engines grew louder, reverberating through the ruins as dust kicked up around them. A group of armed men emerged from the haze, each astride a rugged two-wheeled mechanical vehicle resembling motorbikes, their engines roaring like predators on the hunt. The sunlight gleamed off the polished metal of their weapons, strapped securely to their backs or handlebars. They maneuvered with practiced precision, circling Ai and her entourage in a tightening ring.

The villagers, who had been cautiously watching from the shadows, hastily retreated further into the crumbling remains of their homes, their faces pale with fear. The sight of the goons, with their mechanical steeds and brazen aggression, was enough to quash any thoughts of intervention.

As the goons closed in, the beeping from Ai’s handheld device intensified. The Elysium detector pulsed with energy, confirming her suspicion: there was residual energy of the ore nearby. Ai’s sharp gaze flicked to Vienna, who caught her meaning immediately.

“It’s here,” Ai murmured, her voice barely audible over the tension. “This is a lead.”

One of the men, tall and wiry with a leering grin, stepped forward, his eyes glinting with malice. “Well, well, look what we’ve got here,” he sneered, his gaze raking over the group. “A bunch of beautiful women. And rich ones at that.” His eyes settled on the crest emblazoned on Ai’s travel cloak—the emblem of House Ignis, a symbol of wealth and power. “Bet the boss will love this.”

Another goon chuckled darkly. “We’ll be eating well tonight.”

The group’s leader waved a hand. “Enough chatter. Take them to Trian. Let him decide what to do with these... guests.”

Despite the tension in the air, Ai adjusted her glasses calmly and leaned closer to Vienna, whispering, “Do not resist. Let them think they’ve won. They might take us to where the ore is.” Vienna’s brows furrowed, but she gave a subtle nod, signaling the others to stand down. Reluctantly, Ai and her maids raised their hands, allowing the goons to disarm them without a fight.

The villagers, watching from the shadows, remained silent, their hollow eyes reflecting resigned fear. Ai’s heart ached as she noticed the scars of hardship etched into their faces, but the thought of Elysium Ore—and what it could mean for the kingdom—steeled her resolve.

The goons herded Ai and her entourage out of the village, their rough laughter and jeering echoing in the air. The party was taken along a rugged trail that climbed the side of the looming volcano nearby. It was an ominous sight, its jagged peak shrouded in dark smoke, the faint glow of molten rock visible through cracks in its surface.

Eventually, they reached the gates of an abandoned fortress built into the volcanic rock. The structure was a monstrous blend of stone and iron, fortified with scavenged metal plates and patrolled by more of Trian’s men. It exuded an air of menace, its walls scorched black from the heat of the magma flows that coursed nearby.

Inside, the fortress was no less intimidating. The group was led to a central chamber where a grotesque throne loomed. Constructed from bones, rusted scrap, and other grim trophies of war, the seat was a chilling testament to its owner’s cruelty.

Seated upon it was Trian Rattlesnake, the infamous warlord. His towering frame radiated menace, his pale, scaly skin shimmering unnaturally under the flickering torchlight—a clear sign of his partial transformation. His forked tongue flicked out as his cold, calculating eyes scanned his captives, lingering on Ai. A cruel smile spread across his face.

“Well, well,” he hissed, his voice sharp as a blade. “What have we here? A noble lady and her entourage, wandering into my domain.” His gaze dropped to the crest of House Ignis on Ai’s clothing, and his smile widened. “And from the esteemed Ignis household, no less. How intriguing. What brings you here, little flame?”

Ai stood tall, meeting his gaze without a hint of fear. Her amber eyes flicked briefly to the grotesque throne behind him. There it was—the Elysium Ore. Embedded in the jagged metal and bone, its faint glow pulsed with an energy she could almost feel. It was proof enough that this was the lead she had been searching for. Her resolve hardened.

“I’m here for the Elysium Ore,” Ai said, her voice steady. “Let my maids and me go, and we’ll leave your fort in peace. Hand over the ore, and I will speak with the king to pardon you and your men.”

At her words, Trian leaned forward, his interest clearly piqued before a burst of guttural laughter erupted from him. “You think you can just waltz into my territory and make demands? The ore belongs to me, girl. And so do you, now that you’ve wandered into my web.”

Ai’s amber eyes blazed. “I belong to no one. Release us, or you’ll regret it.”

Trian’s expression darkened, his smile fading into a dangerous scowl. Her defiance was clearly not something he encountered often. “You dare defy me?” he growled. “Very well. If you won’t submit willingly, then you’ll join the rest of the slaves in the mines. Perhaps a few weeks of hard labor will break that fire of yours.”

With a snap of his fingers, Trian’s men advanced, their hands rough as they began searching Ai and her maids for weapons. Despite their efforts, they found nothing of value. Unbeknownst to them, Ai had anticipated this. Her precious ring, a family heirloom and the key to her power, was hidden in a place no search would uncover. She glanced at her maids, their calm demeanor betraying none of the skill they possessed. Even without their weapons, they were among the best fighters, masters of both defense and offense.

The group was herded away, their path winding through the desolate village toward the looming volcano that served as Trian’s base. The villagers, too cowed to intervene, watched with hollow eyes, their silent suffering a testament to the warlord’s cruelty. Ai’s heart ached for them, but the sight only strengthened her resolve. She would end this, not just for herself but for everyone crushed under Trian’s tyranny.