Chapter 59: Preparation

Chapter 59: Chapter 59: Preparation

Following the jagged basalt ridges, Squad 07 located a series of massive, calcified lava tubes carving deep entries into the side of the volcano. The smooth, hollowed stone tunnels snaked further inward, acting as natural windbreaks against the ash storms drifting across the flats.

With the ambient temperature hovering around a manageable 35°C near the tunnel mouth, the squad decided to set up camp in the shelter of the calcified entrance to rest for the night.

"We need to replenish our water supply before pushing into the 40°C Middle Ring tomorrow," Caelen noted, unslung his pack, and scanned the dry stone walls. "The heat is going to double our fluid consumption once we enter the tubes."

Rowan stepped toward the interior of the cavern wall where the calcified stone gave way to dark, porous volcanic rock. He lowered his Enchanted Straw Hat, closing his eyes as his awakened Prime Human senses attuned to the subtle vibrations of the earth. Thanks to his enhanced mana affinity, he could feel the faint movement of moisture trapped deep within the volcanic strata.

He raised the Hoe of the World-Tiller and lightly tapped the butt of its ironwood shaft against a damp section of the cavern wall.

[Skill Activated: Breath of Eden - Lv. 2]

Dense golden mana trickled into the rock face. Instead of rupturing the stone, the divine vitality mana softened the porous volcanic layers. Within seconds, tiny droplets of pure condensation began to bead along the roof of the tube, coalescing into a crystal-clear stream of subterranean spring water that bubbled out from a small fissure in the rock.

"Fresh spring water," Rowan smiled, stepping back to let the team fill their canteens.

Barney immediately cupped his hands under the cool stream, splashing his face with a sigh of relief. "Man, that hits the spot! Having a Sovereign Cultivator on the team is basically a cheat code for dungeon survival."

Seraphina used the fresh water to set up her portable alchemical kit, setting aside the core stones gathered from the Magma Beetles. "Now that we have clean water and raw heat-resistant cores, I can synthesize our fire-resistance potions for tomorrow’s descent into the 40°C and 55°C zones."

As night fell over Floor 2’s volcanic horizon, Squad 07 posted a rotating watch at the entrance of the calcified lava tube, resting up to prepare for the claustrophobic heat of the underground tunnels awaiting them ahead.

***

The next morning, the hot morning air was broken by the quiet arrival of Inspector 07. Descending effortlessly from the rocky ledges above, she informed the squad that while scouting the perimeter of the calcified lava tubes, she had located a secluded, natural volcanic hot spring hidden behind a thick wall of basalt.

The spring was fed by filtered subterranean water—steaming, rich in minerals, and completely free of toxic sulfur fumes.

After a long, ash-choked day of trekking through the 35°C heat, the news was a welcome relief. The squad agreed to split up and take turns using the spring to wash away the stubborn volcanic soot. ℴ

The guys went first. Rowan, Caelen, and Barney soaked in the warm, mineral-rich water, letting the heat work out the tension in their muscles. Rowan’s rejuvenated skin practically glistened under the morning light, all traces of fatigue washed away in minutes thanks to his Prime Human physique.

Once they finished and dressed, the boys headed back to camp so the girls could have their turn at the spring without being disturbed.

While Mirei and Seraphina took their time enjoying the relaxing bath, Barney dragged over a heavy stone table near the mouth of the lava tube. Spreading out his blacksmithing tongs, heavy hammer, and portable forge kit, he retrieved the loot from their hunt the day before: the thick, heat-resistant shell plates and core stones of the Magma-Armored Beetles.

"Since we’ve got a bit of downtime, I might as well put this blacksmithing trial reward to work," Barney chuckled, rolling up his sleeves.

Setting his forge fire with charcoal and igniting it with a spark of fire mana, he placed the glowing red monster plates into the flame. As the armor plates softened, Barney gripped his forge hammer, his movements confident and rhythmic.

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

With every precise strike of his hammer, Barney worked the heat-resistant beetle carapaces, shaping them into lightweight shoulder guards, thigh vambraces, and reinforced boot soles for the entire team. The dark, heat-absorbing stone was hammered down into dense, durable layers designed specifically to insulate against the upcoming 40°C lava tube tunnels and the scorching 55°C inner ring.

Rowan leaned back against a rock, watching the sparks fly as Barney expertly crafted their new heat-resistance gear, ready for the descent deeper into Floor 3.

A refreshing breeze rustled through the calcified entrance as Mirei and Seraphina returned from the hot spring, their wet hair neatly tied back and the ash completely scrubbed from their light armor.

"Ah, that felt amazing," Seraphina sighed, stretching her arms. "I feel like a whole new person."

"You’re just in time," Barney grinned, wiping soot from his brow with the back of his forearm. He gestured proudly to the flat stone anvil where five neatly arranged sets of newly forged gear shimmered with a dull, dark crimson polish. "Hot off the forge. Grade-D heat-insulation gear, made fresh from yesterday’s Magma Beetle carapaces."

The squad gathered around as Barney began distributing the tailored pieces:

For Caelen: Lightweight, articulated shoulder guards and boot soles lined with heat-dispersing grooves, allowing him to retain his high-speed spatial dashes without burning his boots on molten rock.

For Mirei: Form-fitting forearm vambraces and a chest harness designed to deflect ambient thermal haze, ensuring her aim with the Breeze-Striker Longbow wouldn’t be warped by rising heatwaves.

For Seraphina: Reinforced thigh guards and a insulated reagent belt, keeping her volatile alchemical vials shielded from premature thermal detonation.

For Barney: Heavy obsidian-plated greaves and gauntlets, integrated directly with his Aegis of the Sunken Bastion for maximum frontline insulation.

For Rowan: A sleek, lightweight chest piece and belt accent that seamlessly complemented his Enchanted Straw Hat and traditional cultivator attire.

Seraphina picked up her new reagent belt, running a finger over the smooth, expertly folded layers of beetle carapace. "The thermal insulation grade on these is incredible, Barney! Combined with my cooling elixirs, the 40°C Middle Ring won’t slow us down at all."

"Told you that blacksmithing trial paid off," Barney laughed, strapping his own greaves into place.

Rowan fastened his new chest piece, feeling the subtle cooling effect immediately kick in against his skin. Coupled with his awakened Prime Human physique, the heat was practically a non-issue now.

He picked up the Hoe of the World-Tiller, resting it over his shoulder with a calm smile.

"Great work, Barney," Rowan said, looking toward the dark, winding descent of the calcified lava tube ahead. "Gear’s set, everyone’s refreshed. Let me know when you’re ready—it’s time to head into the Middle Ring."