An Owl's Rise

Evelyn could not say she was not interested in possibly making a trade, but she was almost certain that the member of the Inferno Field Rangers that had approached her would be unable to supply her with what she really wanted.

From what she had learned from Krunnen, grand fire elementals were normally dealt with by a sovereign ranked beast, or by a team of high tier and peak tyrant ranked beasts.

The woman in front of Evelyn right now was not currently hiding her magical aura and Evelyn could tell that she was only at the mid-tier of the tyrant rank. Knowing this, there was little possibility that she personally possessed the heart of a grand fire elemental or had the authority to use one in a trade for Evelyn's alchemical creations that were specifically made to combat fire elementals.

'Still, it won't hurt to ask. Thanks to the emblem that Krunnen gave me, unless I do anything really bad, I doubt any of the Rangers are going to become hostile towards me.'

Having made up her mind, Evelyn told the Ranger what it was she was here to collect and that she would be willing to part with her entire supply of anti fire elemental items as well as their recipes in return for what she sought.

"You want a grand fire elemental's heart?! Impossible, such a treasured item is worth far more than just a few decent alchemical items."

Shrugging her shoulders, Evelyn had expected this response and did not really care that she was unable to get what she really wanted through a simple exchange. She had come here fully intent on killing a grand fire elemental to obtain its heart in the first place.

"Well, if that is all you have to say, then it seems we will not be coming to an agreement. As such, I will be taking my leave." Evelyn said, flapping her wings and rising back into the air.

However, the female Ranger called out to her in an attempt to continue negotiating.

"Wait!"

Turning her head around, Evelyn saw the Ranger flying up towards her with a frantic look on her face.

"What it is?" Evelyn said without hiding her irritation. "I believe we already concluded that no deal was going to be made. Or are you now planning to strongarm me since you are at a higher rank than I am?"

"No, of course I have no intention of using force or coercion against a friend of another Ranger. I just think that it would be of benefit to both of us to continue negotiating. Surely some sort of agreement can be met."

Evelyn let an audible sigh, but still stuck around to listen to what the frantic Ranger wanted to offer her.

Unfortunately, every offer the female Ranger presented Evelyn with were of little interest to her. She had access to plenty of magic crystals and rare herbs and fruits through the Verdant Warlord's Domain.

"Again, none of that interests me. I am only here for one thing and that is a grand fire elemental's heart."

Having said her piece for a final time, Evelyn prepared to leave, but before she could go, she felt a hand grab one of her legs and keep her in place.

She was about to take this as an act of provocation and attack but held back when she heard what the female Ranger had to say.

"Okay, I understand. I can't trade you the heart of a grand fire elemental, but I might be able to help you get one."

Finally interested, Evelyn turned around and nodded her head to indicate that the Ranger should continue.

"Right now, there are several battles happening on the frontlines and a few of them have grand fire elementals leading the charge. I can take you to one of these battles and put in a good word for you.

I am sure after seeing your alchemical items the upper brass would allow you to join in and if you earn enough achievements or assist in killing a grand fire elemental, I am sure that they will reward you with what you want."

After hearing the Ranger's latest offer, Evelyn contemplated heavily about what to do. She honestly did not care about spreading the knowledge of her aqueous foam and the fire-retardant salts since they were not particularly valuable to her. Other than fighting against fire elemental they had very limited uses.

If she had to fight any normal fire, she could easily put it out with magic, and she already had a favorable matchup against other fire magic users.

'It is little cost for the potential of a big reward. I had come prepared to fight a grand fire elemental on my own, but having the tortoises on my side could be beneficial.' Evelyn thought, weighing her options.

She did also have to worry about information about her spreading and reaching the Tyrannis Union, but she figured it was unlikely that any of the Inferno Rangers would have ties to a human nation.

There was also the slight chance that this could be a trap and the tortoise would simply attempt to rob her once she was deep into their territory, but she had a couple trump cards she could use in that unlikely scenario.

"Very well, I will accept your proposal. I'll give you a couple of samples and the recipe for my alchemical items in return for you bringing to a battle where I can find a grand fire elemental and give me a chance to obtain its heart."

"Yes, that is more than acceptable. I am sure that my superior will agree. We have been pretty short handed and even a peak awakened rank beast will be helpful." The female Ranger said excitedly.

She then began leading Evelyn towards where the other members of her team were situated but stopped before going too far.

"Ah, I completely forgot, but if we are going to be working together, I should probably know your name. I am Lizlul by the way."

"My name's Evelyn. Now let's go. I have already waited long enough to get what I came here for."