Keep attacking girls and try not to be killed by them

As Driggs got closer to the center of the Bessant Basin, more and more abnormal situations occurred.

In the basin that should have had many high-level monsters, there is now not a single monster to be seen.

As for the snow in the basin that is said to never melt all year round, Driggs is now beginning to see some of it melt.

Even after he walked into the inner circle of the Bessent Basin, he saw exposed soil. This kind of scene, which is common in other places, is impossible to see in the Bessent Basin.

——(Something's wrong... The temperature is really too high. What's causing this?)

Driggs carefully observed his surroundings, but saw no clues.

Since the abnormality is not caused by natural disasters such as drought, earthquake or volcanic eruption, the changes in the Besent Basin can only be caused by human beings or monsters.

—(Is it the Plateau Hearth Guild’s doing… or is it…?)

Driggs was temporarily inclined to believe the former, because in his speculation, the Plateau Hearthfire Guild should have set its sights on some resources hidden in the Bessant Basin.

If raising the temperature of the Bessent Basin could drive away the dangerous monsters living there, then they would undoubtedly have sufficient motivation to do so.

But can simply raising the temperature a little bit have such a big effect?

Moreover, to continue to raise the temperature of the Bessant Basin, it would definitely require a lot of movement. It would be impossible to have no traces of human activity as we do now.

"..."

Thinking of this, Driggs stopped.

Although there is currently no evidence to show that there are really high-risk monsters of level seven or above lurking in the Besent Basin, even if there is only a one percent possibility, it is enough for the lord of the Feiqi family to choose to protect himself.

·

Do you want to return the same way?

Driggs stood there hesitating for two seconds, then moved forward decisively.

The reason why he made this judgment was very simple, that is, even if a seventh-level high-risk monster appeared here, it did not mean that this was the whole picture of the matter.

Unlike low-level monsters, higher-level monsters possess higher levels of intelligence.

A powerful creature like a seventh-level monster would definitely not come to the Besent Basin for "travel" without any purpose.

——(It seems that there must be some valuable resources hidden in the Bessent Basin...)

Driggs had basically finished his thinking at this point. Whether it was the seventh-level monster or the Plateau Hearthfire Guild, they all had their eyes on some "resource" in the Besent Basin.

As long as he could figure out what that "resource" was, Driggs's impromptu action would not be in vain.

——(Sorry, old partner, you have to fight with an injury this time.)

Driggs stretched out his hands and equipped himself with the "Red Demon Armguards: Akai".

There are still holes on the arm armor from where the Frozen Armor Earwig King tried to pierce it, which will affect its performance to a certain extent.

Driggs knew the scope of his current capabilities. After another round of stealth, he finally reached the bottom of the Bessent Basin. Here, the surrounding environment was no longer covered with snow, and it was as warm as spring in the plains.

In the center of this bottom area, Driggs discovered a huge pit with a diameter of five meters. What was incredible was that this pit was almost vertically downward.

Is this digging a well or digging a hole?

Driggs didn't dare to enter rashly. If the seventh-level monster that caused all this was inside, he would be killed.

With a nervous heart and fear, Driggs carefully surveyed the cave entrance, hoping to find some useful clues.

As a result, he actually found a "good thing" that could be put to good use.

——(What is this crystal...?)

Driggs leaned over and picked up a red and black crystal fragment, vaguely sensing the remaining magic on it.

In Driggs's memory, there were many materials that looked similar to this crystal fragment, so it was impossible to make a judgment based on appearance alone.

Fortunately, Driggs brought the "Identification Scroll" with him on this trip. Although this thing is not as powerful as an appraiser, its identification results for magical items are 100% accurate.

10.104 - Monsters in the Mines

"The crystal of the magic power overflowing from the Infernal Demon Hephaestus."

When the name of this item appeared on the identification scroll, Driggs, who always appeared indifferent and emotionless to others, trembled uncontrollably.

Without any further thought, Driggs decisively turned around and left, not wanting to stay in this terrifying cave any longer.

It's no exaggeration to say that Driggs was really frightened.

Even though there were no visible threats in his surroundings, he continued to walk briskly until he met Viviana who was coming towards him.

"F-Father...?"

Viviana was obviously confused as to why her father was going back. Driggs did not give any explanation, but simply ordered Viviana to go back with him to meet up with the support team from the Plateau Hearthfire Guild.

In addition, he also criticized Viviana's management of her own endurance, criticizing her for squandering her endurance in order to rush.

Driggs said this because he could see the fatigue Viviana was trying hard to hide. This child, who was so focused on getting here as quickly as possible, had used up all her stamina along the way in order to increase her speed.

Besides criticizing, Driggs was actually a little puzzled.

In his impression, Viviana has never been the kind of person who is eager for quick results. Why does she seem like a different person this time?

However, Driggs, who was not good at communicating with his children, kept these questions in his heart. His usual solution was to communicate with the red and black elders afterwards, and then the two of them would teach their children according to their aptitude.

This time, his decision will not be an exception.

·

On the way back, Viviana asked Driggs the reason for her return, which was within Driggs's expectations.

Driggs made no attempt to conceal anything and told her everything that might have happened in Bessant Basin.

"Viviana, 'Purgatory Flame Demon Hephis', you should know this name, right?"

Starting with this question, Driggs spoke out all his observations and speculations.

Driggs said that deep underground in the Besent Basin, there was a high probability that extremely precious "Lava Magic Stone Essence" was hidden.

This kind of lava magic stone essence only appears around the underground magma. It is said that it takes hundreds of years to smelt one.

The Lava Magic Stone Essence is not only a treasure coveted by craftsmen, but also the favorite "food" of the seventh-level monster "Purgatory Fire Demon Hephis".

No matter where in the Prison Star World, as long as the lava magic stone essence matures, the Purgatory Flame Demon will follow the "scent" of magic.

Based on the shape of the pit in the center of the Besent Basin, the "Purgatory Fire Demon Hephis's magic overflow crystals" scattered around the hole, and the temperature in the basin that is different from the outside, Driggs is almost 100% certain that the cause of all the abnormalities in the Besent Basin is the "Purgatory Fire Demon Hephis" that invaded here from the outside.

What attracted the Infernal Demon was undoubtedly the Lava Magic Stone Essence hidden under the basin.

There is no need for any fighting. The pressure from the Infernal Demon's appearance alone is enough to make the monsters that originally lived here flee in fear.

As previously mentioned, if a monster advances to level seven and has a title like "King" in its name, it will definitely be the king of a tribe.

And for a monster like "Purgatory Flame Demon Hephaest" that doesn't have the word "king" in its name, it means that it will be the only holder of this "name" and the "only two" pinnacle existences in the "Flame Demon" race.

·

To explain why it is "only two" and not the only one, we have to start with the special nature of the evolution (advancement) of the demons.

As mentioned in the previous article, unlike humans and subhuman races, monsters do not need to pass advancement trials to advance. As long as they gain enough experience points, they can evolve on their own.

However, this rule only applies up to the sixth level. For most monsters, the sixth level is the pinnacle of evolution, because if it wants to go one step further, in most cases, it means that it must defeat the "only two" kings in the entire race.

Taking the "Flame Demon Race" as an example, there are only two seventh-level "Flame Demon Race" monsters, namely "Flame Demon King Balrog" and "Purgatory Fire Demon Hephais".

"Balrog, the Fire Lord" is undoubtedly the king of the entire Fire Lord race, while Hephis, the Fire Lord of Purgatory, is the strongest lone wolf outside the race.

If any sixth-level fire demon monster wants to continue to grow stronger, it must defeat one of the above two and devour it, then obtain the other's name and replace it.

If either or both of the Fire Demon King and the Infernal Fire Demon are dead, this situation is relatively lucky, because the Fire Demon who first reaches the sixth level of experience in the race, or the strongest Fire Demon with full experience in the sixth level, will automatically evolve into the Fire Demon King or the Infernal Fire Demon according to the situation.

Among monsters, the concept of "Seventh Level" is so unique. As long as you reach the Seventh Level, the subsequent evolution to the Eighth and Ninth Levels will be a smooth journey.

Driggs simply gave up on investigating because he couldn't take the risk.

Not to mention that he is now the lord of the Feiqi family and has responsibilities, even if he was a free-spirited reward hunter, he would not do something that is close to suicide.

Another point that must be mentioned is that the reason why Driggs fears the Infernal Demon Hephis is not only because of the class gap, but also because of the incompatibility of their personalities.

It is said that the Infernal Demon Hephis is immune to all fire-attribute damage, making him a natural enemy to Driggs, known as the "Explosive Flame."

After saying this, Driggs thought Viviana would understand why they had to retreat now.

What he didn't expect was that Viviana's focus was on other things.

·

"Father, if that's the case, wouldn't it be like sending these paid hunters to their deaths if the Plateau Hearthfire Guild commissioned them to investigate the Besent Basin?"

Regardless of the reaction Driggs wanted to see, Viviana's question was still quite sharp.

Listening to this indignant questioning, Driggs saw the righteous Viviana of the past...but this was not what he wanted to see.

"You're overthinking it, Viviana... After we reunite, don't ask Mr. Woodcorn and the others questions like that. You'll bring shame to our family."

Driggs pulled no punches in his words, not trying to hide his displeasure.

The longer Driggs spent with Viviana, the more dissatisfied he became with her.

——(Oh, forget it… After returning to Yanji City, I will “brainwash” this child again.)

10.105 - Clues

Driggs had always known what the High Plains Hearthfire Guild was up to.

Many prestigious and powerful forces tacitly use this kind of "opportunistic" approach, which relies on luck.

Combining the intelligence he had just obtained in the Besent Basin, Driggs could basically conclude that the Plateau Hearthfire Union's issuance of investigation commissions was fundamentally aimed at reducing resistance to the strategic goal of "excavating the essence of lava magic stone."

Given the Plateau Hearthfire Guild's huge demand for various magical ores, Driggs believed that they must know that there was a "Lava Magic Stone Essence" hidden underground in the Besent Basin.

However, the appearance of the Infernal Demon prevented them from carrying out the excavation as originally planned, which led to the issuance of the investigation commission.

The Plateau Hearthfire Guild faces two major obstacles in its quest to mine the Lava Magic Stone Essence.

The first level is the high-level monsters currently roaming outside the Besent Basin. These fourth-, fifth-, and even sixth-level monsters are not something that ordinary reward hunter teams can deal with;

The other one is the "Purgatory Fire Demon Hephis" that is already digging underground. If you want to dig out the Lava Magic Stone Essence before it, it is not possible to just find a beautiful female Fire Demon.

At least seven are needed.

Ahem, just kidding. To the Infernal Flame Demon, the Magic Stone Essence is like its limbs and the Mother Flame Demon is like its clothes. No matter how many or how beautiful the Mother Flame Demons are, it is impossible to lure it away from the area where the Lava Magic Stone Essence is hidden.

Therefore, the Plateau Hearthfire Guild must be making preparations for a head-on battle with the Infernal Demon.

As for the dangerous monsters on the periphery, the Plateau Hearthfire Guild's approach is to issue investigation commissions and let the reward hunters who are unfortunate enough to encounter the monsters do the work on their behalf, defeating the monsters or leading them away from the Besent area.

You know, issuing this kind of "simple" investigation commission is much cheaper than issuing a commission to subdue fourth-level or fifth-level monsters.

·

If the poor bounty hunters who died in this way were not put on the scale of calculation.

·

——(I never thought that there would be such a shrewd and cunning guy among the Yak people.)

While expressing his inner feelings, Driggs secretly increased his vigilance against the Yak People and the Plateau Hearthfire Guild.

Driggs originally thought that all the yak people were upright and honest, but now it seems that his preconceived notion is obviously incomplete.

Not to mention the guy who is at the top level directing this big show, just the vice president Woodcorn who came to greet Driggs and others, this guy is no pushover.

It wasn't until Driggs visited Bessant Basin himself that he realized that Woodcorn didn't stop him from moving freely not because he was magnanimous, but because he knew that even if Driggs knew the truth, it would not affect the Plateau Hearthfire Union's plan in the slightest.

For a natural disaster-level monster like the Infernal Demon Hephis, even without considering the issue of attribute conflict, if Driggs wants to defeat it, he must at least gather all the top combat forces of the entire Feiqi family.

Before returning to the meeting point, Driggs reiterated to Viviana not to try to reason with Woodcorn and the others.

He told Viviana that the actions of the Plateau Hearth Union were indeed not desirable, but you should not forget what your purpose was in coming to the Craftsman United States this time.

"If you return empty-handed, will you be worthy of your family, Viviana? Think carefully before doing anything."

As he said this, Driggs poked Viviana's head with his finger.

If the kid still can't learn his lesson after hearing all this, then Driggs will have no choice but to carry out the "brainwashing" as soon as possible.

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