009.M31.
Eastern Fringe, Mundus Pira.
Cassian Vaughn, former Legion Master of the 18th Legion, gazed at the billowing smoke rising into the sky and the crimson horizon.
"The volcanoes of this world are the most magnificent I have seen outside Nocturne."
Mikel, Chief Apothecary of the Shadow of Order, nodded. "Magma Giants live within volcanoes. I must understand them before I can design a capture drug tailored to them."
The Nucerian anesthetic most commonly used by the Shadow of Order for hunting would be vaporized by magma and could not take effect.
"I have selected the elites. I will lead them to the volcano."
After speaking, Cassian led a squad of Salamanders toward the volcano alongside Stormseer Nykidal.
Nykidal's combat boots struck the charred rock, heat flowing up through the soles and into his body.
"It's too hot here."
The Stormseer was not wearing a Saturnine Terminator like the other Salamanders, making him more sensitive to changes in the environment.
"Archaeologist" Cassian looked around, then lowered his gaze to study the ancient scorched marks beneath his feet.
"This area is about sixty centimeters lower than the surrounding ground, and it is more heavily charred. This was caused by trampling over thousands of years."
Just as Cassian finished speaking, the ground beneath their feet suddenly shook violently.
Rumble!
A mushroom cloud rose into the sky as burning rocks whistled toward the Salamanders.
The Stormseer raised his Force Staff, and an invisible barrier enveloped them.
Bang!
Rocks tumbled down. Just as the Stormseer was about to activate Aetheric Sight to inspect their surroundings, Cassian shouted.
"He's here."
Cassian sensed the Magma Giant before I did? The Stormseer tightened his grip on his Force Staff and looked ahead.
A five-meter-tall giant wreathed in flames came into view.
His massive feet slammed into the