Paltio and Rykaru continued climbing with great effort, finally reaching the shoulders of the enormous monster. From that height, the landscape was breathtaking.
"From up here, you can see everything," Rykaru said, gazing around in awe. However, his excitement quickly faded. "The bad part is that everything is shrouded in perpetual darkness because of the shadows."
"Yes, I know. This creature is so tall that one might think it could touch the sky," Paltio replied, looking up. As he did, he noticed something peculiar: a series of threads or rays crossed the sky as if they were invisible train tracks.
"That must be what Ban mentioned… Above those threads must lie the true sky, not this endless darkness," Paltio reflected aloud.
"Maybe if we launch an attack from here, we can destroy it," Rykaru suggested, excited by the idea.
"No, Rykaru. If we do that, we'll alert the creature," Paltio cautioned wisely.
Meanwhile, the Lavafire attempted to advance but also spread its massive wings, trying to take flight. Nakia used her magic to make countless vines sprout, restraining the beast and preventing it from lifting off.
"That was close," Alita said, visibly relieved. "If that thing manages to fly, it'll be much harder to defeat."
"That's right," Nakia agreed. "And if we don't stop it here, it'll likely destroy the other kingdoms in no time." She paused before adding with frustration: "The Black Shadows should be helping us with this beast, but I see they're cowards and have already retreated."
"Paltio, everyone," Lukeandria called through the mental link. "That beast was a monster sealed here centuries ago by an ancient hero who was also a sage. But apparently, by desecrating that mountain, they awakened the great beast known as Lavafire."
"So that's its name…" everyone murmured through Golden's mental link.
"Thanks for the info, Lukeandria," Alita said. "But did you find out how we can extinguish it or seal it away again?"
"To be honest, no. They didn't tell me more, but it's just a matter of searching around here or in some library if one exists," Lukeandria replied.
"You said Lavafire, right?" Golden interrupted thoughtfully. "I remember that creature now that I see it up close. A hero sealed it with one of the weapons your boss Krasper gave him, didn't he, Geki?"
"That's correct, sir," Geki confirmed. "But that weapon must be deep down, submerged in lava. There's no way to retrieve it from there."
"And what can we do? Do you have any other options?" Ron asked urgently.
"No, not that I know of," Geki responded regretfully.
"Hey! What about the staff Lucca has?" Mok interjected, now somewhat recovered.
"It might work," Geki reflected. "I believe that besides the beast's weapon, some magical scrolls were also used to seal it."
"But a staff? I don't think it'll do much against something like this," Ron interrupted skeptically.
"Silence, brat!" Chiki scolded in his usual stern tone.
"It's not just a simple stuff. It also transforms into two swords, as far as I know," Geki explained.
"Well, we've got nothing to lose by trying," Lume concluded.
"Lukeandria, can you go to Lucca? We'll need his support," Alita suggested.
"Agreed, I'll go fetch the old warrior," Lukeandria responded, turning quickly to carry out the task.
Blajon and his army were already retreating from the kingdom when they heard footsteps approaching. It was Blaget, who arrived breathless behind them.
"I finally caught up with you, my lord!" Blaget exclaimed, trying to catch his breath.
"Well, you're still alive, General," Blajon commented with a mix of surprise and disdain.
"Well, like cockroaches… You're still alive," another figure interjected—a general known as Bleko, whose humanoid red squirrel appearance gave him an intimidating air.
"Shut your mouth, incompetent General Bleko," Blaget retorted, visibly irritated. "Besides, you're also fleeing with the others without even facing that enormous monster."
"I have better things to do than fight pests," Bleko replied arrogantly. "It was a direct order from our lord."
"Silence! Stop bickering," Blajon commanded firmly, raising a hand to interrupt them. "Give Blaget a horse, and let's all get out of this disgusting place."
"Yes, sir, right away," a soldier responded before carrying out the order.
The entire army of the Black Shadows was now retreating completely from Reedalia, watching from afar as the kingdom fell prey to the colossal Lavafire.
"My lord, what about the scepter?" Blaget asked as he mounted his horse.
"It doesn't matter. If anything, the brat died in the attack, and there was nothing we could do," Blajon replied indifferently. "I'm not risking my life or my men's for something as trivial as a scepter. If Tejod wants it, he can come and get it himself."
"Well, if that's what you say, my lord, we shall obey," Bleko, Blaget, and two other generals said in unison.
"And where is Ribras?" Bleko asked, glancing around suspiciously.
"He has some matters to attend to. He'll catch up later," Blajon responded without elaborating.
Something's up with the boss and Ribras, Bleko thought to himself as they continued to distance themselves from the kingdom. I'd better look into it… They never give me the full picture. It seems like Blaget knows something, he mused, trying to draw conclusions about Ribras's absence. Maybe it's something valuable that I can report to Lord Tejod, he reflected as they pressed onward.
In Blajon's carriage, a strange box was being dragged along as if it were a coffin. Its contents remained hidden, but its presence sparked curiosity among those present.
In the meantime, Paltio was already close to the enormous neck of the beast. However, a problem arose: how could he climb up without the creature noticing his presence? To avoid detection, Paltio and Rykaru descended momentarily, searching for a safe strategy to reach the head.
"Maybe I can make you jump, Daddy," Rykaru suggested enthusiastically. "With the energy I can launch from my hands, I'll send you all the way up there."
"But will you be okay staying here alone?" Paltio asked, concerned for his son's safety.
"Don't worry, Daddy. I'll wait here for you until you come back," Rykaru replied with a confident smile.
As Paltio observed the little one, he couldn't help but think about how much Rykaru had grown in such a short time. Perhaps it was due to his recent evolution, or maybe he was simply maturing faster than Paltio had noticed. Whatever the reason, he felt immense pride seeing him so determined.
With no more time to waste, Paltio decided to trust Rykaru's plan. He knew that if they didn't defeat this beast soon, it could destroy the other kingdoms within days. He even feared it might be powerful enough to rival someone like Tejod.
Rykaru focused his energy and formed a bright blue sphere in his hands. Positioning himself behind it, he signaled for Paltio to get ready. When Paltio stood in front of the sphere, Rykaru launched it with precision, striking Paltio and propelling him upward, straight toward the beast's head.
"Good luck, Daddy!" Rykaru shouted from below, watching as his father ascended rapidly.