Fire Quartzites Mine

These Karst volcanoes were active, housing underground lava caves. The temperature in this region was unbearably high, making heat resistance a necessity for any human attempting to traverse it.

The vicinity of the volcano was strewn with enormous rocks, and red-scaled lava salamanders dominated the landscape, scurrying about.

"According to records, these salamanders have thick skin and are skilled in fire spells," Bezalel explained, his eyes twinkling. "Their skin alone holds value, and the most prized possession is the red stone found within their stomachs. This stone, known as the Flameheart stone, glows like a burning ember, pulsating with raw elemental energy. It has the power to intensify fires, transforming them into infernal spectacles that can engulf entire landscapes. With the stone, weapons can be imbued with fiery enchantments, allowing them to sear through even the most formidable defenses. It can be utilized in forging, potions, scrolls, formations, and magic circles."

Devin had prior knowledge of the coveted Flameheart stone and understood its usefulness and rarity.

Bezalel, noticing Devin's interest, became elated. "Leader, are you interested?" he asked.

Devin replied, "Very much so, but I'm concerned about the heat. I don't have any fire resistance potions or tools with me."

Bezalel reassured him, "Leader, there no need to worry. We dwarves are not afraid of the heat. Just ask Gaz to draw the dwarven totem on your body, and you will be blessed with heat resistance."

With a smile, Devin said, "Then I see no reason not to dock and visit."

The young dwarves were also interested, seeing the value of these forging materials.

"In that case, anyone who is interested can go, but remember to know your limits and stay in groups," Devin instructed.

Everyone agreed, except for Elijah, who wasn't interested and decided to log off due to his low level. The acquisition was in its final stages anyway.

The ship found a safe spot to dock, with twenty dwarves remaining behind to guard it.

As they approached the volcano crater, they felt the intense heat, but it was still bearable, especially for the dwarves who were unbothered. Devin marveled at the miracle of the tribal totem. When he returned to Sun Haven, he made a mental note to inquire about the totem from the village chief and the priest.

The fire salamanders near the crater were low-level, so Bezalel and the others weren't particularly interested. However, it served as good practice for the younger dwarves.

[Player has entered a dangerous region. The karst volcano is rich in fire elements.]

Devin noticed that the salamanders in the outer part of the crater were below level 20, meaning he wouldn't gain any points by killing them. He killed them merely to test their skills and power before facing higher-level ones. Although the stones and skin of the lower-level salamanders were inferior to the higher-level ones, they would still fetch a good price in the market.

As Devin, Bezalel, and Gaz ventured further into the heart of the karst volcano, they were greeted by the thick scent of sulfur and the crackling of fire. They had reached a dangerous location abundant in fire elemental resources.

While walking along the path, stumbled upon a giant salamander lazily feasting on fire quartzites in a fire pit. Bezalel couldn't bear to see such precious ores being wasted and promptly raised his battle axe, launching an attack on the unsuspecting creature.

Devin watched in awe as Bezalel confronted a level 60 fire salamander, its fiery scales glistening under the pulsating glow of lava. Despite the salamander's fierce fire breath, Bezalel's top-grade weapons and armor proved to be more than a match. With years of experience and honed reflexes, he deftly parried the flames with a magically enchanted shield.

Bezalel's powerful blows struck with unrelenting force, causing the salamander to recoil with each hit. Finally, in a thunderous clash, the mighty dwarf emerged victorious, the defeated salamander falling to the ground with a resounding thud.

Devin, recognizing the value of the fire salamander's body, stored it in his storage ring. Bezalel then declared, "This here is a small to medium-grade fire quartzite mine."

Curious, Devin asked Bezalel, "How do we extract the ore from the mine?"

Bezalel grinned mischievously and replied, "Leader, leave that to us. The boys will be more than willing to take on the task." Gaz, with a similar smile, left to summon the practicing dwarves outside.

Devin wasn't sure if twenty dwarves would be enough, but he watched the elders with interest. To his surprise, the dwarves showcased their innovation and brought out a compact and sturdy contraption designed specifically for mining precious ores. Mounted on the walls of the mine, the machine was constructed with robust iron, reinforced with thick gears and belts, ensuring its durability under the harshest conditions.

A series of powerful drills protruded from the main body of the machine, each tipped with a coating of diamond, allowing them to effortlessly tear through rock and ores. With a simple flip of the activation lever, the drills sprang to life, emitting a satisfying rumble that echoed throughout the mine.

On either side of the machine, wide and sturdy conveyor belts extended outward, forming a V-shaped collection trough. These belts were cleverly designed with grooves to prevent materials from slipping off as they were transported. At the end of the belts, sturdy wooden boxes were positioned, ready to receive the extracted ores.

Gaz turned to Devin and asked, "Leader, what do you think of this tool?"

Devin responded, "It's a highly functional tool that I believe many people would be interested in, especially for mines that need to be kept a secret in the wild."

Gaz nodded approvingly, and they left the young dwarves to mine the quartzite while they ventured deeper into the karst volcano, careful to navigate the challenging terrain.

The group carefully made their way down the rocky terrain, the intense heat of their surroundings making it almost unbearable. As they descended, a path opened up before them, leading them towards an underground chamber filled with magma.

It was there that they laid eyes on a massive, two-meter salamander resting in the magma. The sight of a small horn protruding from its head caused the two elder dwarves to furrow their brows.

"It seems this salamander has undergone evolution. No wonder its aura is so strong," observed Gaz with a serious tone.

Devin, knowing that he was no match for a level 110 monster like the salamander, expressed his doubts. "Are you sure you can defeat it?" he asked his companions.

Gaz, in a teasing manner, replied, "Can your old bones still work, Bezalel?"

Bezalel, not missing a beat, retorted, "Last time I checked, you've never been able to beat these old bones."

The light-hearted banter was interrupted by Devin's reminder to stay focused. Bezalel then assured him, "We won't know until we try. Besides, I already have plans for the salamander's skin."

Suddenly, the salamander, who had been paying them no attention, opened its eyes and stared at Bezalel with contempt. It emerged fully from the lava, its ruby-red scales shimmering with a brilliance that seemed otherworldly. This spirit initiate had undergone a profound evolution, granting it a wide array of devastating fire techniques and spells.

Undeterred, Bezalel and Gaz, clad in their sturdy dwarven armor, tightened their grip on their respective weapons—a battle axe for Bezalel and a hammer for Gaz. With a brief exchange of glances, they knew that victory against this formidable foe would not come easily. However, driven by their determination, they stepped forward to face the salamander head-on.

Bezalel swung his battle axe overhead, its blade gleaming with readiness. "Come, you fiery beast! We shall bring you down!" he called out with determination.

Gaz nodded resolutely, his hammer poised to strike. "Prepare to face the might of the dwarves! This cavern shall not fall into your hands!" he declared.

Devin, slightly amused by their corny lines, simply rolled his eyes.

With a defiant roar, the salamander unleashed a torrent of flames, sending waves of searing heat crashing towards the dwarves. However, the seasoned warriors remained unfazed by the blaze. Gaz conjured a powerful shield, creating a protective dome that deflected the onslaught of fire.

In the midst of the chaos, Bezalel charged forward, his battle axe whirling through the air with lethal precision. The salamander, agile and quick, dodged Bezalel's strikes and launched its own counterattacks. High-level fire spells were cast, sending flaming projectiles hurtling towards the dwarves. Yet, Bezalel's agility and skill allowed him to deftly sidestep each fiery assault, his armor clanging with each evasion.

Not to be outdone, Gaz joined the relentless assault, his hammer coming down in thunderous blows. The impact of each strike reverberated through the cavern, shaking the very foundations. The salamander, desperate to fight back, summoned pillars of flame that erupted from the ground. With nimble leaps, both dwarves managed to narrowly evade the inferno, continuing their assault without hesitation.