Once the carriage approached, the group of Phoenixes, Zulo, and Zala slowed down until they came to a halt, stopping right before the three people, though I did happen to spot a familiar face.
"It's you again." Said Elif with a raised eyebrow as he opened the carriage window, allowing the scalding air to enter the carriage while eyeing the only woman among the three people.
"Yes, it is I, Prince Elif; now that we're speaking on much better circumstances, I'm Zanga, and it's a pleasure to meet you." Said the young lady with beautiful white flaming hair while slightly bowing.
"Now then, if you could please follow me, Prince Elif, I'll lead you toward your residence." Added the young lady as she and her two companies turned around and flew deeper into the sea of volcanoes.
Nodding in response, I had Zulo and Zala follow closely behind her, which forced me to close the window as we ended up flying through the smoke of volcanoes on several occasions; although it wouldn't have harmed any of us, I didn't feel like breathing in smoke.
Contrary to what I had expected when I first arrived here, there was an abundance of life scattered about, and they seemed to thrive in this environment; such a sight was unique, in my opinion, as no mortal Elf would be able to survive here, the heat alone with cook them alive.
While looking out the window, I sensed a massive volcano enter my divine sense, causing me to raise my eyebrow in interest as I shifted my attention to it far off in the distance; thankfully, it was inactive, though I was very interested in seeing it erupt, I have no doubt that would be quite the sight. Unfortunately, it seemed like I'd never get that opportunity since, as we got closer, I began to sense various buildings and numerous signs of life from the center of the volcano, and considering we were heading directly toward it, I realized what it was.
'Must be the Phoenix Clans estate; though for it to be located in the center of a volcano, even if said volcano is massive, it's still quite a small area for an estate.' Thought Elif while nearing the massive volcano.
Once we got close to the volcano, you'd be able to see numerous flying creatures at the volcano's peak; most of them were Phoenixes, though from their size, they must've been hatchlings. As we approached the peak of the volcano, we were spotted by the Phoenixes flying about as they looked at us with curious eyes while nearing the carriage.
One of the Phoenixes was quite bold as she floated just a few meters before my window while attempting to look inside; amused at her actions, I opened the window, which allowed her to see me, and when she did, I saw her phoenix eyes sparkle as she slowly yet eagerly approached me.
When she was right before me, less than a meter away, I stuck my hand out invitingly, which she accepted as she reached forward and gently rested her head atop my hand. Feeling her soft flames caress my skin, I lightly smiled as I stroked her neck, causing her to release pleasant chirps that seemed to successfully arouse the surrounding Phoenixes as they all quickly approached me, which slightly took me aback as I hadn't expected this outcome.
Thankfully, Zanga came along and disbanded the group of young Phoenixes, causing them all to quickly retreat in disappointment, and although the phoenix I was currently caressing was hesitant when she noticed Zanga approaching her, she gave me one last chirp before reluctantly flying away.
'Heh, she's quite weird, but she felt very soft; I wonder if that's how all Phoenixes feel like?' Pondered Elif with a slight smile while eyeing the Phoenix
"Haa, sorry about that, Prince Elif; they're younglings, so they're very curious and don't know much better. I hope they didn't bother you." Said Zanga with an apologetic expression.
"Not at all; it was actually rather enjoyable to caress her flames; they were very soft, yet also warm." Replied Elif lightly while curiously looking at Zanga.
"That's good then, though I'm slightly surprised the younglings were so friendly with you. It's not widely known, but us Phoenixes are very perceptive when it comes to discerning someone's true nature, especially younglings." Stated Zanga with a sigh of relief while glancing at Elif, though all she felt from him was tranquility.
"Well, that makes sense to me, as I'm quite easy to get along with and hard to anger." Mentioned Elif calmly while Zanga nodded her head; although she hadn't interacted with him much, she believed him.
"Anyways, Prince Elif, allow me to introduce you to the Phoenix estate, where all Phoenixes reside." Announced Zanga; she and the carriage approached the volcano's edge while looking downwards.
"That's quite aesthetic; it looks very beautiful from up here." Muttered Elif while whistling as he viewed the various buildings at the base of the volcano.
After appreciating the view from up here for a little bit, we continued to follow Zanga as she led us into the volcano while heading toward a small isolated residence not too far away from the Phoenix Clan Manor, which I could only assume was my temporary residence for my stay at the Phoenix clan.
"We've arrived, Prince Elif; this shall be your residence for your stay, if this isn't up to your standards, there are several other options to choose from." Stated Zanga as she and Elif's carriage landed in the courtyard of the residence.
"No, it's fine; besides, I don't intend to stay for a prolonged period of time, only a few days at most." Replied Elif calmly as he exited the carriage and viewed the surroundings before approaching Zulo and Zala to stroke their fluffy, soft manes.
"Well then, if there is nothing you need, I shall leave you be. However, there will be a welcoming banquet for your arrival, though as you've arrived rather early, the banquet will commence at noon instead of at night." Declared Zanga with a slight bow before she and the two guards flew into the sky before suddenly disappearing.
'Noon? That'll be in a few hours; hopefully, nothing ridiculously happens at this banquet.' Thought Elif while petting the Unicorn's soft manes.
Since I planned to visit the Patriarch before the banquet commences, I decided to inspect my temporary residence as I was curious how it differs from the one I previously stayed at in the Fairy Clan. Removing my hand from Zala's fluffy mane, I had Marley and Idonea unhook them from their harnesses so they could leisurely relax while Illumia and I took a quick walk around the residence.
While walking about the residence, I came across a statue of a Phoenix, carved out of some fiery rock, as it overlooked a small pond, which was quite splendid, in my opinion, probably on par with Grandmother's statues; however, other than that small detail, everything else was what I had expected.
"Welp, let's go and visit the Patriarch of the Phoenix Clan now that we've finished." Remarked Elif while fanning himself as he approached the courtyard where Marley, Idonea, Mandy, and her guards were.
"You all stay here, Illumia, and I will head towards the main Manor and speak to the Patriarch of the Phoenix." Stated Elif while glancing at them as they all gave a nod of confirmation before floating into the sky.
Leaving my temporary residence, I started flying toward the main manor, which was actually quite close, though while doing so, I sensed a few Phoenixes heading right towards me; when I looked over at them, I noticed the frontmost, which was covered in a bright shade of red flames, was directing a great deal of killing intent toward me.
"I didn't do anything to the Phoenixes, did I, Illumia?" Asked Elif while tilting his head in confusion as he eyed the incoming Phoenix.
"Not to my knowledge, your Highness." Replied Illumia, also slightly confused as to why a Phoenix wanted to kill Elif.
Once the Phoenix neared me, it, or I should say she, opened her mouth and released a large breath attack filled with red-hot flames as they headed straight toward Illumia and me; since the attacker was pretty weak, Illumia didn't bother making a move and just opted to shield herself in her own Qi. I, on the other hand, injected a small amount of Qi into my quạt tay, and just before the wall of red flames enveloped me, I swung my quạt tay, stirring up a colossal gust of wind that not only managed to stop the flames from the touch me, but it also slightly pushed the attack back.
Although I happened to push the wall of flames back, the Phoenix didn't stop and continued charging toward me, which ended up with her diving into her own attack, but unsurprisingly, an attack based on fire didn't harm her whatsoever as she exited from the other side unscathed.
As she neared me, she raised her flaming talon and swiped down right toward me, trying to slash me in half, but of course, I simply injected my quạt tay with my Qi and blocked her incoming attack, stopping her dead in her tracks as she attempted to push me back, to no avail.
"Listen, women, before you do something you'll regret, can you at least tell me why you're attacking me? I'm pretty confident I hadn't done anything that should warrant your hostility, at least not directly." Stated Elif with a raised eyebrow while blocking the Phoenix's talon.
Unfortunately, she didn't seem to be in the mood to talk as she opened her mouth and blasted me with another breath attack, and at this distance, it would be pretty effective.
'Haa, can't I go somewhere and just relax? It's always something.' Thought Elif with an annoyed sigh as he swiftly vanished from his spot to evade the fire breath.
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Elven Legacy (Chapter 243: Eyvor Exposed!?) || Hero of Harmony (Chapter 125: Dead Husband?) || One Piece: Chaos Kong (Chapter 215: Woman or Child?)|| Marvel's Black Steel (Chapter 176: Apocalypse's Arrival!) at [patreon.com/Ozonelayer691]