After tireless flight at extreme speed, the two Metal Lifeforms finally crossed the Undead Sacred Mountain range.
Ahead, a tiny red dot appeared on the gray horizon. As they drew closer, it gradually grew larger and its outline became clear-a metal phoenix, crimson from end to end, flying deeper into the Undead Realm at tremendous speed.
Several brilliant trails of crimson flame streamed from the phoenix's tail feathers as it flew, making it look from afar like a meteor flying in reverse.
"Boss! Look, something's happening!" Wangcai's voice suddenly rose.
During this time, Loa's original body and all his clones had been concentrating on comprehending the fusion of Profound Mysteries, so he had left Wangcai to operate the metal flying boat.
Wangcai accelerated the boat while keeping his eyes fixed on the red target ahead.
Loa opened his eyes and looked through the transparent viewport at the red metal phoenix drawing ever closer. Had they finally found him?
"Loa! Qilin! That's the phoenix Metal Lifeform!" Karuoso's voice came through the communication magic crystal, his excitement almost spilling out of it.
His metal dire wolf accelerated at the same time. Crimson flames burst from the exhaust at its tail, and the entire dire wolf shot forward like a bolt of black lightning.
Karuoso gripped the controls tightly, his heart pounding as though it would leap out of his chest. His Soul Treasure-the Soul Treasure Yilikasi had personally promised him-lay just ahead.
As long as they took that fellow down, the second stage of Yilikasi's plan could proceed smoothly.
Then Lord Yilikasi would take Loa away, and Karuoso would have his Soul Treasure-he could retire after a job well done and return fully rewarded.
Merely thinking of that outcome made the corners of his mouth rise uncontrollably. *Oh, Loa, you really are