There was a volcano to the west of the Principality of Thran, famed for its majesty. People across the continent of Igrant were awed by its mere mention.

The locals called it the Wolf.

Its peak constantly spewed forth lava, drawn from fissures deep in the crust. An enormous vortex of fiery liquid constantly swirled beneath its mouth, the crimson tides threatening to erupt forth at any moment.

The Wolf was one of the hottest places on the continent, far too hot for any normal person to enter. The volcano proudly boasted temperatures of roughly one thousand degreeseasily enough to burn a man to death.

But somehow, a man walked slowly around the mouth of the volcano; only a few drops of sweat fell from his brow. There was only one explanation: he was a mana wieldera knight or a wizard. That would allow him to protect his entire body with mana.

His name was Ulabis, the blade of Thran, a man who can walk on lava unscathed.

Theres no time now, he mumbled, face tense.

Only a few people close to the Prince were present when he died. It was only a matter of time before the world found out, though. Rumors spread quickly. The cunning nobles of Swallow would be quick to notice if the Prince fails to appear in public, deteriorating health or not.

Thran is like a candle in the wind, without the Prince. Many claimed to be the center of Thran. Sometimes, Ulabis himself was said to be the center of Thran. Everyone was wrong. The late Prince, Anthony de Val Agretta III was the only man who could claim to be the heart of Thran. Without him, the Principality would have absorbed into the Swallow Empire, and Thran would vanish from the map.

Your Majesty Ulabis stared ahead with determination.

There was a wall inside the Wolf, at its base. The thing Ulabis was hunting lied at the far end, which opened up like a cave. Hed found it when hed come here to traina treasure hidden beneath the raging mountain.

Just as people go to the sea to challenge the water pressure, practicing in a place like this where its difficult to even breath can massively improve physical ability. However, I cant be here when the volcano is too active.

It was a true life-or-death training regime. In the face of mounting Imperial pressure, Ulabis was desperate to become stronger.

There are five Masters of Swallow, just as there are five Masters of Avalon. No, if you count the ones theyve kept secret Ulabiss expression darkened. He was well aware that the Swallow Empires Masters were not the real powers. Swallows Knights are the strongest by far. Although they are known as the Northern Barbarians.

Ulabiss swift footsteps came to a halt. A tunnel loomed, like the jaws of some dark beast. Deep in its darkness shone something bright red.

Ulabis had read the ancient texts, and he knew exactly what it was.

Primordial Stone Magma. Ulabis slowly approached like a man possessed.

His mana, imbued with blazing crimson magma, assaulted the Stone.

In the depths of the wilderness, brilliant red flames pierced the darkness, lighting up the night.

No one should have been here.

Who is he, exactly? Joshua tensed his muscles, allowing him to move at any timea sort of battle stance.

It made no difference that the other person knew who he was; the problem was that this man was stronger than Joshua. It was the only thing Joshua could think about right now.

Ah, those eyes recognize power The mans mouth formed into a lovely curve. As expected, you never disappoint me.

Who are you?

Hah! My introduction was indeed late. The man doffed the hood of his robe, revealing his vivid blue hair and eyesand the lighting bolts underneath them.

Is that the Steropes mark?

Oh, you recognize it? You deserve a reward? He clapped his hands in approval.

The Seven Magicians of the Magic Tower. Everyone knows the Steropes mark, passed from generation to generation of the Thunderbolt seat.

Great. The man bowed gracefully. I apologize for the late introduction. Let me introduce myself: Jack Steropes, one of the Seven, and the owner of the Thunderbolt seat.

Joshua was astonished that his hunch turned out to be right.

I dont care for your likea Tower running for money, business-like wizards.

Well This is suddenly disappointing. Jack shrugged. You understand why Im here, dont you? The Thunderbolts voice became frigid. Where is Bronto? So long as you tell me where Bronto is, I will not harm you. Well, you know, that thing will rip you to shreds if you play with it. A kid cant touch that.

Evidently, Jack hadnt even considered that Joshua had already absorbed Bronto.

Ill ask you again: what do you know about Bronto?

Wizard I dont think this is the place where we should talk about this.

Hmm?

Please move.

Joshuas sudden politeness made Jack grin.

Good. I may talk like an old man, but if you even try acting ignorant, my magic will roast you.

That was a lot of self-confidence. Regardless, Joshua figured hed be able to respond to anything Jack did.

Its lucky Im a child right now.

This way. Joshua gestured to the door with a wicked smile.

The two departed through the eastern gate and kept walking, following a sparsely populated forest trail for the better part of an hour.

Where are you going? Jack asked. Isnt this place fine? Its quiet and theres only the two of us here. He peered around at the beautiful grass.

Joshua abruptly stopped walking.

Well I figured this is the best place.

For what? Jack was puzzled by Joshuas rapid shift of attitude.

Here, we dont need to worry about third parties getting hurt.

Wait Jack clutched his head. Wakid, you drew me in, for this?

In a one-on-one match, Im confident I wont lose to a wizard.

Jacks pride as a swordsman was prickled.

Hes too arrogant; all hes done is use mana at a young age. Well, hes just like a frog in a well.

Just a kid. Jack laughed.

So a weak wizard like me isnt even worth a punch from the great knights of the Avalon Empire, right?

Exactly.

But you dont have any weapons. How do you intend to defeat me?

You ask too many unnecessary questions. Joshua raised his pretty fists, much to Jacks amusement.

Youre insane.

Are you doubting me?

Jack sighed dramatically.

No way. The man flexed his fingers. Come. Ill show you how insignificant a knight is.

No more waitingJoshua kicked off the ground and sprinted towards Jack.

Hes fast.

Jack caught Joshuas fist, but he didnt notice the other one already coming for his stomach. He managed to stop both, however.

Are you surprised that a weak wizard is doing this? Jack smiled slyly at Joshuas astonished expression. My moves might not be as good as a pure physical battle wizard, but I have faith in my abilities. You know what? Haste and Might is too much for your kind.

Haste and Might, spells which improved agility and strength, respectively, were a favorite of lower-class combat mages. When used by a higher ranked mage, their effects were beyond comprehension.

Since Im done talking, should I start with half-killing you? Youre so confident about your fists. Jacks grin widened and he cocked his fist back.

Now!

Space peeled open behind Jack; something sharp slowly emerged, like a beast hunting its prey.

Lugia!

Jack turned his head, startled.

A horrific shattering sound broke the air.