Chapter 96: The Sap of Fire
Kellar stepped forward with curiosity and approached the trunk of the nearest pine tree. The trees didn’t just look flaming hot from afar; they were scorching to the touch, radiating a warm vapor that melted the snow surrounding their roots. Kellar reached out toward a low branch and snapped it off with a swift motion. To his surprise, the wood quickly burst into flames the moment it fractured in the open air.
"Do you know what this is?" said Kellar, holding the burning branch carefully.
"We don’t know, Shaman," said Brak, as the hunters shook their heads. "We always avoid staying in these places for too long. We only know that the monkeys like to throw small dry cones that explode when they hit the rocks."
Kellar froze in astonishment at the revelation.
"They have explosive projectiles and you never thought to use them?" said Kellar, raising his eyebrows.
"We have tried," said Grok. "But those things live at the very top of these giant pines. Trying to climb or get too close would only cause the entire pack to attack us from above. It is practically impossible to reach them."
Kellar paused to inspect the crimson canopy more closely. Hidden among the foliage, dozens of monkeys with bright red fur stared down at him with hostile eyes, baring their fangs yet not daring to leap toward them. At that moment, sensing the beasts’ animosity, the small white cat reappeared out of nowhere and settled onto Kellar’s shoulder, fixing a icy glare upon the pack.
The hunters were reckless, but they were no fools. Upon noticing how the primates recoiled in terror toward the highest branches as soon as the creature showed itself, they immediately realized that those beasts held a special fear of their shaman’s pet.
"I see," said Kellar, smirking slightly. "It seems they are keeping their distance for now, but it won’t be long before desperation drives them to attack. It’s best not to bother them too much. Grok, bring me the jar I gave you."
Grok reached into his leather pack and handed him a polished clay vessel. Kellar drew his ceremonial dagger and made a deep incision into the pine’s bark. Instantly, a thick, dark-red fluid began to ooze from the tree’s wound. Kellar held the container underneath the slit, letting the viscous liquid pour until the jar was full.
As he sealed the vessel, the translucent interface screen unfolded before his eyes:
[Substance Analysis: Crimson Pitch Volcanic Resin]
[High-density, highly viscous organic hydrocarbon compound. Extremely volatile and flammable upon exposure to friction or direct flame.]
[Chemical Properties and Synergy]
[Thermal and Flammable Stabilizer:] When mixed with potassium nitrate (volcanic ash saltpeter) and sulfur, it acts as a perfect binding agent to retard or accelerate deflagration speed.
[Napalm Adhesive Effect:] Adheres combustion onto any solid or metallic surface, producing high-temperature flames that cannot be extinguished with water. Ideal component for crafting fuze bombs and incendiary crossbow ammunition.
Kellar stared at the sealed clay vessel with a look filled with ambition.
This isn’t a simple natural resource... it’s a damn goldmine, thought Kellar to himself, mentally outlining the possibilities. With this concentrated resin and the saltpeter from the valley, crafting gunpowder, fuze bombs, breaching traps, and incendiary ammunition for the crossbows is not only possible, but ridiculously simple. If I manage to distill and refine this compound in the future, I could synthesize something very close to gasoline. I have high-concentration plant-based petroleum in my hands.
A smirk played on his face as he realized that the tactical advantage no longer belonged to the invaders.
"There is no need for us to stay and fight the monkeys," said Kellar, sheathing his ceremonial dagger. "The explosive cones could be useful, but we don’t need them. Grok, guard this vessel well; it will be of utmost importance to us later on."
"Understood, Shaman," said Grok, nodding gravely.
Grok positioned the jar on his back, and one of the hunters helped him secure it tightly with leather straps to prevent it from breaking during the trek. Without wasting any more time, the group set off at a run once more, leaving behind the crimson canopy and the threatening chattering of the primates.
After several hours of swift travel across the rugged terrain, the reddish vegetation gradually faded until it disappeared entirely. The air grew dry, carrying a faint scent of sulfur. Before them unfolded an immense, desolate gray plain: they had finally reached the edge of the Ash Valley.
By the time they reached the edge of the valley, night had completely fallen over the horizon. It had taken them a considerable amount of time to reach the area due to their pace of travel, making visibility through the gloom and grayish mist nonexistent.
"For today we will look for a shelter," said Kellar, gesturing for the group to stay tight. "The night is far too dark, and advancing blindly through this terrain is an unnecessary risk. Tomorrow we will explore the area."
"There is a cave nearby, Shaman," said Brak, pointing toward some rock formations at the base of the neighboring hill. "I camped near this area yesterday before turning back; it is a safe spot."
"Lead the way," said Kellar.
Following Brak’s directions, the group broke into a firm run toward the hillside. As they drew closer, Kellar could make out the entrance: rather than a vast cavern, it was a small rock formation where a pair of colossal stone slabs had collapsed over one another, creating a deep crevice and a perfect natural shelter against the harsh weather.
"I didn’t dare explore too deep last night, Shaman," said Brak, as the group stepped inside the sheltered enclosure away from the wind. "But I made sure to check the perimeter; there was no movement the entire time, nor did I find any droppings or traces of beasts living in this area."
"It is enough for us to spend the night," said Kellar, leaning his back against the solid rock while the hunters began settling in. "Tomorrow, when the sun rises, we will see what this valley has in store for us."