Equis Art Online II

As the group stepped out of the portal, they gasped. Muspelheim greeted them in all of its volcanic, ash-filled glory. The charred and blackened landscape was dotted with dead trees, volcanoes, and mountains. Plumes of flame blasted from ash geysers. The sky was a pale red and black, which Twilight guessed was from the sheer amount of volcanic ash. Kirito sighed and sat down.

"Looks like we're gonna be facing fire-based enemies. Asuna?"

Asuna nodded and chanted a fire resist spell. As the buff took effect, it then dissipated. Asuna gasped slightly, and then a notification popped up.

The ash sickens you

-positive buffs removed and cannot be applied for duration

-respawning restricted.

-flying time limited.

"Damn." Asuna swore loudly, garnering her a curious look from Kirito.

"Kirito? What is it?"

"It's...just been a long time since I've heard you swear." Kirito said. "We should get moving."

"Right." Everyone else agreed, and as they took to the air, the shadow of a huge volcano towered over them. As they flew, Aries checked the map.

"Looks like quest objective is that huge volcano over there." Aries said.

"You mean the one with the huge castle built into the side?" Leafa said.

"Yeah. But if our flying time is limited here, we'll have to walk it most of the way." Kirito said. "Yui? How much time before Syrt attacks Aarune?"

"About three more hours." Yui replied.

"Then we'll have to get as close as we can by flying before our flying time runs out." Kirito said, activating his wings. As the group took off, the sky cleared for a single, bright moment, before it resumed its red coloration.

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After an hour of flight, their flying time expired, so the group set themselves down near a river close to the volcano. As Kirito broke out water and food, the group took a break.

"I wonder how this got into ALO. I mean, from what you guys told me, you already ended Ragnarok already." Aries said.

"You're right. So, what gives this time?" Klein added. "I tried contacting a GM, it gave me an error message."

"We should get moving." Asuna said, looking at the time.

"We should." Kirito said, standing up. After another hour, as the group neared the volcano, a large walled courtyard greeted them. As they entered, the portcullis slammed to the ground, and a notification popped up.

QUEST UPDATED

-Face the Warpriest

Then, the castle doors opened to reveal a flame giant, about half the size of Thrymr, wearing heavy black armor. A large iron cleaver rested on his back. His face was obscured by a shark's head-shaped mask, and to complete, a crimson red cloak rested on his back. He roared, and then smiled evilly.

"So...the fireflies from Alfheim think they can end the King? I shall prove you wrong," He said, and the ash around them dispelled. A boss marker and four HP bars appeared.

THE WARPRIEST

As he charged and leaped into the air, he readied a flaming punch. Kirito charged, his blades held high.