The inn's enchanted bathhouse was a hidden oasis amidst the fiery chaos of Pyreflame. The water, kept cool

by powerful runes, shimmered faintly with traces of minerals from the volcanic springs. Steam curled

around the air, creating an intimate and almost dreamlike atmosphere.

Kira, finally able to relax after their arduous journey, sank into the water. Across the room, the girls sat

together, whispering and occasionally glancing at him, causing him to feel both self-conscious and amused.

Darumu, never one to miss an opportunity, leaned back against the edge of the pool, her confidence shining

through. “Kira, you better not get too comfortable. We’ve got work to do in this city.”

Selvi smirked, flicking water at Darumu. “Oh, give him a break. We just got here.” She then turned to Kira,

her expression softening. “But don’t get lazy either, hero. We’re counting on you.”

Mira smiled shyly, sitting closer to Kira than usual. “We’ll all need to be at our best. This city feels… off. Like

something’s watching us.”

Lyria, in her small dragon form, lounged on the edge of the pool. “Smart observation, priestess. Pyreflame is

more than it seems. I’ve picked up whispers about an ancient artifact hidden in the volcano nearby. It might

be linked to the dark god—or the Ocean’s Heart.”

Kira sat up, his interest piqued. “What kind of artifact?”

Lyria flicked her tail, her crimson eyes gleaming. “A weapon, perhaps. Or a key. Either way, if the dark god’s

influence is here, that artifact could be the reason. The locals seem to avoid certain areas of the volcano.

Might be worth investigating.”

Darumu grinned, cracking her knuckles. “Sounds like my kind of adventure.”

The next morning, the group ventured into Pyreflame’s bustling marketplace. Stalls lined the streets, selling

everything from fiery gemstones to enchanted weapons forged in the volcano’s heat. The air was alive with

the sounds of merchants shouting and haggling customers.

As they browsed, an elderly woman approached them. Her eyes were clouded, and her voice trembled with

age and fear. “You… outsiders. You seek the Heart of the Volcano, don’t you?”

Kira stepped forward. “We’re looking for something. Do you know what’s inside the volcano?”

The woman clutched her shawl tightly. “A beast guards the artifact you seek. A creature born of fire and

shadow, bound to the volcano by ancient magic. Many have gone in search of it. None have returned.”

Selvi frowned. “Sounds like we’ll have to be the first.”

The woman grabbed Kira’s arm, her grip surprisingly strong. “Beware, child. The artifact’s power is great,

but its curse is greater. Those who claim it may find themselves consumed by its flame.”

Before Kira could ask more, the woman shuffled away, disappearing into the crowd.

The path to the volcano was treacherous. Rivers of molten lava and eruptions of steam made every step

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perilous. The heat was oppressive, even for Darumu, who seemed to thrive in such conditions.

Inside the volcano, the air was thick with ash and magic. The walls pulsed faintly with a fiery glow, and the

sound of something massive breathing echoed through the cavern.

“Stay sharp,” Kira said, gripping his sword. “Whatever’s in here, it’s not going to let us take that artifact

without a fight.”

As they delved deeper, the ground began to shake. The group stopped, weapons drawn, as a massive figure

emerged from the molten depths—a Molten Titan, its body made entirely of lava and stone.

The Titan roared, its molten eyes locking onto the intruders. “You dare enter my domain? Your ashes will

feed the flames!”

The battle was fierce. The Titan’s sheer size and strength made it a formidable opponent. It hurled molten

boulders and unleashed waves of fire, forcing the group to stay on the move.

Kira activated his Arcane Blade Storm, his magic-infused strikes cutting into the Titan’s rocky exterior. But

the creature’s regenerative abilities made it seem almost invincible.

As the fight dragged on, Selvi spotted a weak point in the Titan’s chest—a glowing core of energy.

“Kira! Aim for the core!” she shouted.

With renewed determination, Kira focused his attacks on the core. Channeling the Ocean’s Heart, he

unleashed a new ability—Aetherial Strike, a concentrated blast of magic and swordsmanship that pierced

the Titan’s chest.

The Titan let out a final, earth-shaking roar before collapsing, its body crumbling into harmless rocks and

embers.

At the heart of the cavern lay the artifact—a blazing sword embedded in a pedestal of obsidian. The sword

radiated immense power, its blade shimmering with fiery runes.

Kira approached cautiously, his hand hovering over the hilt.

Darumu placed a hand on his shoulder. “Be careful, Kira. If that old woman was right, this thing could be

dangerous.”

Lyria fluttered to his side. “Dangerous, yes. But also necessary. This sword could turn the tide against the

dark god.”

Kira took a deep breath and grasped the sword. The moment his fingers touched the hilt, a surge of heat

and energy coursed through him, threatening to overwhelm his senses. But the Ocean’s Heart pulsed in

response, stabilizing the power.

When Kira pulled the sword free, the cavern shook, and the flames around them seemed to bow in

reverence.

As the group made their way back to Pyreflame, the sword in Kira’s hand felt both a blessing and a burden.

The artifact’s power was undeniable, but its presence seemed to draw attention.

As they approached the city gates, they were met by a figure cloaked in flames—a mysterious warrior

wielding a blade similar to Kira’s new weapon.

The warrior pointed their sword at Kira, their voice echoing like a crackling fire. “You’ve taken what is not

yours. Prove yourself worthy, or return it to the flames.”

Kira tightened his grip on the blazing sword, stepping forward with determination.

“Let’s see who’s worthy then.”