The Barbecue Layer was responsible for the Ash Layer, and it lived up to its name: waves of heat filled the entire level, and even the ground beneath their feet was warm.
The sand had crystallized in the heat, refracting the distant firelight. It was far brighter than the three levels above, bright enough to see their surroundings without a Light Spell. Perhaps nowhere in the entire Lower Hive was brighter than the Barbecue Layer.
The price was the scorching heat and the heavy smell of burning that surrounded them. With a rock ceiling only a little over thirty meters high, it no longer felt like a vast underground world. The edge seemed close enough to reach at any moment.
At first, everyone was glad to escape the oppressive lower levels. Stray Dog and the little girl grew especially lively. But as time passed, the unchanging firelight became stifling. And with light everywhere, they could no longer spot a Settlement simply by looking for a glow, as they had below.
Alice did not have enough Magic Power to make another Prophecy yet. Drawing on experience, they searched for a Settlement near the passage.
No one had eaten since entering the Lower Hive, but they were not particularly hungry. After running through three levels, though, the heat on this one left them thirsty. Fortunately, Annan had brought two Greater Water Elementals along with his two Greater Earth Elementals.
Annan had a Water Elemental separate out a ball of water. After drinking it, he motioned for the others to do the same.
Alice, Amy, and the others drank, but Theophilus and the two students hesitated.
"Our Magic Class professor said the water condensed by a Water Elemental is a pure Elemental," Amy said.
"I know, but it feels like I'm eating the