“The heat is searing. Why does it feel like the stones on the island are glowing red as if they’re being burned?” Jared asked with his brows knitted together.
Flaxseed explained, “This is a volcano island, so the stones were created from the lava that spewed out when the volcano erupted. It’s extremely hot now because the volcano beneath the island is on the brink of eruption. That’s also why the stones are blazing red and scorching hot.”
“D*mn, are you pulling my leg? How can Century Eye Herb grow in a place like this?” Jared was in disbelief.
“The harsher the environment, the better Century Eye Herb grows. I can’t believe an alchemist like you don’t know this theory.” Flaxseed shot him a look of contempt.
He then leaped into the air and landed on the island. Jared had no choice but to go after him. Once his feet landed on the island, he felt as though they were being roasted.
Jared immediately gathered his spiritual energy on his feet to ease his discomfort. Meanwhile, Flaxseed pulled out two charms and stuck them beneath his feet before continuing to march forward.
As they got deeper into the island, the heatwaves grew more unbearable. “Are we there yet?” Jared asked as he wiped the sweat off his forehead. “We’re about to arrive!” Flaxseed panted heavily from the heat.
Evangeline was the only one devoid of expression, following Jared’s every movement. Every time he stopped in his tracks, she would do the same, then continue walking when he started moving again.
Soon, they arrived at a huge crater. Flaxseed pointed at it and announced, “Century Eye Herb is inside.”
Jared glanced into the crater, then turned to Flaxseed. “Isn’t this the volcano crater? The lava inside of it is bubbling. Are you sure Century Eye Herb is inside?” He refused to believe that the crater was home to Century Eye Herb.
“If you don’t believe me, just forget it. Anyhow, I didn’t lie to you,” Flaxseed stated. Afterward, he pulled out a water bottle and gulped some water to quench his thirst.
Jared was at a loss for words. Left with no choice, he could only gaze into the crater. Feeling the heat radiating from within, he knew the volcano was about to erupt at any second.
Then, he picked up a stone and threw it into the crater. However, the stone turned to ash the moment it came into contact with the lava. “Uh, how do I get the herb?” Jared was stumped.
“Why would you be afraid of the lava when your body is sturdy, not to mention you have Golem Body? If you can’t do it, get this young lady to head down into the crater. Her body is stronger than yours, and she can’t sense anything,” Flaxseed suggested as he pointed at Evangeline.
“That won’t do. Even if she can make it down there, she doesn’t know how to harvest Century Eye Herb, nor does she recognize it!” Jared shook his head to dismiss Flaxseed’s suggestion.
He looked at the crater once again and felt the scorching heat before continuing, “Mr. Flaxseed, do you have any charms that can resist heat and also harvest that Century Eye Herb?”
“What do you think? If I’m that capable, the Century Eye Herb wouldn’t still be here. You wouldn’t even have the chance to come here,” Flaxseed retorted, rolling his eyes.
“Give me some Fire-Evading Charms. Don’t tell me you don’t have these,” Jared requested.
“I have Fire-Evading Charms, but they’re completely useless here. The lava originates from the earth’s core, so the charms won’t work. If you don’t trust me, let me show you!”
With that, Flaxseed whipped out a charm and chanted a spell to activate it. He then tossed it into the crater. Before the charm could land at the very bottom of the crater, the heatwaves ignited it and burned it into ashes.
“See! I wasn’t lying to you!” Flaxseed shrugged. Frustrated, Jared observed the crater again. His heart was racing in fear, for he did not want to be roasted.
“Mr. Flaxseed, does Century Eye Herb grow somewhere else? We can go there instead!” Jared wanted to try his luck elsewhere as he dared not jump into the crater.
“No, this is the only place I know. If you’re not going down, then I’ll take my leave,” Flaxseed announced and spun on his heels to leave.
