Treasure-hunting: Into the Unknown

"But this compass doesn't point in any direction. It just has some strange symbols," Katrina remarked. Confusion surged within her as she continued to study the Five-God Compass.

"That is what makes it magical. Although Ignis Purgatory's direction changes every once in a while, everything else about it remains the same. The Five-God Compass will help us confirm the path to the Martial Fire Tomb. That way, we'll stay on track even if there is a change in Ignis Purgatory's direction," Zachary explained slowly.

"Really?" Katrina's eyebrows shot up. If Zachary were telling the truth, it would be easy to find the Martial Fire Tomb.

"Don't you trust me?" Zachary's expression turned serious as he questioned.

"Of course, I do. Since the Five-God Compass also leads the way to the other four tombs, you can't let the others know that you have it. Such a rare treasure will invite their envy. But then again, if you keep everyone in the dark, they won't believe you."

"So, what do you suggest?" Zachary chewed his lip as he considered his options.

"I would recommend that you and Sophie use the Five-God Compass to find the location of the Martial Fire Tomb secretly. If possible, you should enter and explore it first. If it's more dangerous than we anticipated, come out and wait for us," Katrina suggested.

"Okay. But would Sophie be willing to do that? After all, it will be more dangerous if only the two of us explore it." Zachary frowned as he turned and faced Katrina.

"Don't worry. As she is more eager to find a way to remove the curse than I am, she will agree no matter how risky," Katrina replied. She seemed so confident that Zachary agreed.

"Then it's decided." Zachary nodded before he continued, "But I want to take one more person with me."

"Who?" Katrina's brows furrowed as she asked.

"My fiancee," Zachary answered promptly.

"Didn't she return to Crane College?" Katrina tilted her head. Last she heard, Alisa was no longer traveling with their group.

"No, she came with us." A brilliant smile lit up Zachary's face as he replied.

Her eyes narrowed as she glared at him. After a moment's hesitation, she shrugged and said, "It's up to you."

Then Katrina told Zachary how to contact Sophie. She also gave him the Dragon Fire Bead that would open the Martial Fire Tomb.

After Zachary left Katrina's tent, he left and headed for a nearby high

absorb any soul power and make it its own.

As Zachary tossed the Soul-gathering Bell toward the lost souls, it flashed and emitted a strange light. In the span of a breath, all the souls charging at him were pulled toward the light. Their shrieks of anger morphed into wails as they were sucked into the Soul-gathering Bell.

The other souls, terrified of the power of the Soul-gathering Bell, fled in all directions.

"What kind of treasure is this?" Sophie couldn't believe what she had just witnessed.

Even Alisa was astonished. None of them knew of the treasures Zachary carried with him!

"It's called the Soul-gathering Bell," Zachary answered indifferently.

"What? The Soul-gathering Bell? How did you obtain it? Isn't it a legendary Divine Level treasure?" Sophie blurted. She found it hard to believe that Zachary had so many coveted treasures. It was already incredible that he had the Five-God Compass. Now, she learned that he also possessed the Soul-gathering Bell. This was just too inconceivable!

"Since I own it and you have witnessed its abilities, it's no longer a legend. Let's go!" Zachary smiled calmly as he put away the treasure.

Sophie glared at Zachary reproachfully. However, inwardly, she was relieved. The man she liked was extraordinary.

Even with the help of the Five-God Compass, it still took them two whole days to cross the periphery. Along the way, they saw all kinds of souls. This area was simply a paradise for those souls and spirits! This excited the three humans as it meant that the Martial Fire Tomb might be getting closer and closer!