Affinity:Chaos

The young lady looked at Grey, and then turned to the others.

"Well, you guys are in luck. Our Faction is hosting an event. We're welcoming young talents all over the Continent. You guys are no exception." She said while opening the gates to the Faction for the group.

Her group were the first to step into the Faction.

Grey and his friends exchanged glances before walking toward the gate. They didn't hear about this event, so they were a bit skeptical. Nonetheless, they still entered. This was a good chance for them to see something new, at worst they could use their reputations to save themselves if there's trouble.

When the group walked past the Faction's gate, their skepticism died. They saw different people moving around in the Faction. Most of them were Fire Elementalists, but they could see some people that didn't fit into the Faction's aura, just like their group.

"Head to that place, they'll offer you four an accommodation." The young lady pointed them in the direction they were to go and left with her group.

Void appeared and sat down on Grey's shoulder.

"I smell something nice." He said with glowing eyes.

"Get back inside, we can not afford to cause any trouble here." Grey tried to send Void inside the spatial storage.

Void was a better manipulator of space, so Grey being able to force him back was nothing more than a pipe dream.

Grey didn't try any further since there was no point in doing it. Void was the superior one. Only the bunny leader might have a chance against him, but the bunny leader was not with them at the moment. According to it, there were a few good bunnies around this area and it had to go recruit them into its army.

The army will be of some help to Grey later, so he was fully in support of the bunny leader getting more bunnies. The more the merrier.

Void stayed on Grey's shoulder as they walked in the direction the young lady pointed.

An accommodation was soon provided toe them. According to the person, the event will be taking place later that night.

"Why's it so hot here?" Klaus asked after they got to their accommodation.

"The entire Faction is built on top an active volcano." The young man from the Faction replied with a soft smile.

Klaus' expression changed softly, "You're saying we're on top an active volcano? That can erupt at any time it wants?"

"The volcano is what strengthens us. We're the only fire elemental Faction that's built in such a way." The man expected Klaus' reaction, this was what everyone reacts when they find out for the first time.

"And… what if it erupts?" Klaus asked, he wasn't too comfortable here.

"The Grand Elders are going to help. You have nothing to worry about. Rest assured, the volcano will not erupt during your stay here." The man reassured Klaus and the others.

Grey and Alice didn't have any issues with staying here. With their fire elements, it was easier to cope with the pain from fire.

The man left, leaving the group alone.

"What should we do now?"

"Nothing, we wait. Going out will only bring trouble our way. Let's avoid any trouble."Grey's said.

….

Time went by in a flash and before the group knew it, it was night. They were all fascinated at the thought of them being above an active volcano.

Volcanoes possess incredibly abilities. Grey knew not go get caught in one, even top Sovereigns are very cautious around them. Certain volcanoes are stronger than others. Usually, the bigger they are, the stronger and more dangerous they are. But according to what Grey learnt from some books, the most dangerous volcanoes had turned out to be the smaller ones.

The group were invited to the Hall the event would be taking place.

They still didn't know what the event was about, but since young geniuses were being invited to the place, it wouldn't be more than sparring.

The others might want to test their hands, but not Grey. He didn't have any interest in competing in things like these anymore. He has been in so many competitions over the years that he had even lost count. Since coming to the Aurora Continent, it had been one competition after another, especially when he was with Sylvia.

Now, he was more focused in increasing his strength. There was no point trying to compete with anyone else, he knew what he was capable of, and his days of enjoying these were over.

When they got to the Hall, they saw multiple people gathered.

They saw the group of seven once again. This time, their auras were calmer compared to the fiery heat they were unleashing when they first met.

Grey nodded as a sign of greeting and took a seat. Klaus and the others followed suit.

"I wonder what they're doing." Reynolds commented with curiosity.

He didn't think these people would be doing anything other than a competition.

"Everyone, welcome to Phoenix Faction."

A voice drew everyone's attention. It was a middle-aged man who was standing at the center of the Hall.

The Hall was decorated in a way where all the chairs faced the center.

Grey and his friends turned to look at the man. He had a red robe on, a drawing of a burning Phoenix was on the back of his robe.

"Some of you might be curious why you're invited here, while a few of you are already aware of what's happening here today."

"On this day, every fifty years, the volcano sends out a blessing thanks to a formation set up by the Firelord hundreds of years ago."

"This blessing will help increase the ability of anyone it's bestowed on. However, there's a prerequisite before anyone can acquire it. You have to go through the trials of the volcano."

"Succedd and you'll be blessed, fail, and you'll get burnt."

"Do not worry, we will ensure you're not harmed. Just ensure for the first second you survive the flames."