The oppressive heat from the magma sea below made every step feel more unbearable as Xavier, Aji, and Zoro moved carefully down the narrow path. The heat radiated up from the sea of molten lava, a wave of discomfort that made it hard to breathe, even with their mana shields in place.
“Man, I could cook an egg on my armor right now,” Xavier muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.
Aji snorted, adjusting the strap on his shoulder. “We’d probably be cooked first. This place just keeps getting worse, doesn’t it?”
Zoro, who had been hovering lazily, chimed in, “I’m feeling a bit toasty myself. This heat’s making me lose my shine.” His voice, usually sharp and witty, had a tired tone to it.
Xavier glanced at Zoro, then sighed. “I think it’s best we conserve mana. Zoro, I’m sending you back for
