Under Ye Li's navigation-like, precise guidance, the team finally reached the deepest part of Mt. Ember.
It was an immense, naturally formed volcanic dome.
Below lay a vast lava lake, with golden-red magma flowing slowly beneath its surface. Strings of scorching bubbles rose from time to time, making gurgling sounds.
The glow of the magma lit the entire space as brightly as day.
At the very center of the lava lake stood an ancient, circular altar built from black obsidian.
Atop the altar, a majestic Legendary Pokémon lay quietly curled up, deep in slumber.
Its feathers were like burning flames, each one radiating eternal light and heat.
Around it, the air warped from the extreme heat.
Moltres.
Among the Legendary Birds, it was the legendary embodiment of fire.
"We're here." Blaine's voice trembled slightly with excitement.
He pointed at the vast lava lake and said, "To reach the altar in the center, we must first pass the ancient trial by the lakeshore."
Everyone looked in the direction he pointed. Beside the lava lake, an enormous, incredibly complex magic circle composed of countless glowing runes was inscribed on the ground.
The runes seemed to flow slowly in a particular pattern, flickering in and out.
"This is a fire-energy circuit puzzle left behind by ancient people to protect the sacred beast." Blaine's expression grew grave.
"We must activate specific runes in the correct order to temporarily cool the lava lake and create a safe path to the altar without disturbing Moltres."
"If we get the order wrong, even if just one rune is activated incorrectly..."
Blaine swallowed and pointed at the tranquil lava lake.
"The entire energy circuit will reverse, instantly detonating this lava lake. When that happens, every one of us will be completely vaporized within a tenth of a second