Void Beetle Evolution Guide

"Did you see that? A huge furnace has risen up there." Ahri carried the newly awakened Talia over, pointing in the direction of the center of the battlefield.

The only thing that appears to be handmade is the circular dome on the outside of the furnace. The furnace itself is shaped like a huge ram's head, with clumps of goat's grass growing between the inlaid stone slabs. A ball of fire is held in the ram's mouth, from which smoke constantly billows.

"No... I only saw thick smoke billowing from the ground." Kai'Sa paused, realizing that Ahri could see things they couldn't, things hidden in the mental realm, and then pressed, "Ahri, what else did you see?!"

Ahri put Talia down, shielded her eyes from the swirling snowflakes with the back of her hand, and squinted intently. "I saw a rabbit, oh no... to be precise, a Vastayan with rabbit ears, suddenly leap out of the blue smoke."

"I saw it this time too..."

“Uh, me too,” Ash chimed in.

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, all filled with doubt about this Vastaya who had appeared out of nowhere.

Chapter 282 Ara

The Vastayan who suddenly appeared wore a wide-brimmed wizard's hat, with upright rabbit ears peeking out from the sides. Beneath the brim was a head of vibrant orange-red curly hair, the strands swaying gently in the cold wind, appearing lively and energetic. She held a wand in her white gloves, and her freckled face wore a pair of glasses that shimmered with purple light, adding to her intellectual and mysterious air.

She wore a white fluffy coat with soft fur trim at the collar and cuffs, a small leather bag tied around her waist, and a fluffy orange-red rabbit tail at her back, exuding a mature yet playful charm. She paired it with dark blue shorts and long boots that accentuated her voluptuous thighs.

The exposed thighs are covered with fine downy hair, so they don't feel cold even when exposed to cold air.

This is typical of Vastaya; they all possess some degree of wildness. It's hard to find another creature as aesthetically pleasing to humans as Ahri.

Ahri carefully examined her fellow creature as it gracefully approached. She noticed that its appearance perfectly matched Wild Hunt's previous description, and a thought struck her. She immediately blurted out, "Ah! You're the doctor?!"

"I'm not a doctor... cough um. Let me introduce myself. My name is Alora. As you can see, I am a Vastayan born in Freljord, and a spiritwalker who can freely travel between the material and spiritual realms. I can also be a scholar, a witch, but I have absolutely nothing to do with doctors, please don't misunderstand."

Aura swayed gracefully like a model as she approached the crowd, offering a slight, polite bow. Her demeanor was completely different from the rugged Freljord people's impression, exuding a unique elegance and composure.

Although Alola said she wasn't a doctor, the Wild Hunt hadn't mistaken her for someone else; the Vastayan with rabbit ears was the "doctor" he had found for Ahri.

“I can’t be wrong. We’ve traveled all the way to Hearth Village to find a Vastaya Spiritwalker. I’ve heard that only she can cure my strange illness!” Ahri stepped forward and tightly grasped Alora’s hands. She was a little taller than Alora, and her tone was fervent and sincere. Even without using charm magic, she exuded an aura that was hard to refuse.

“The Beast Walker of Vastaya… isn’t that me? How did you know I was in Hearth Village? Even my great-aunt didn’t know—” Aura was caught off guard for a moment. As she was thinking to herself, her gaze suddenly fixed on Ahri’s back, and her pupils contracted slightly.

In her vision, a huge spirit appeared behind Ahri. It was a fox sleeping with its eyes closed, its soul closely connected to Ahri's, inseparable.

“My God, what am I seeing? A resurrected ancestral spirit…” Ara’s glasses reflected the brilliant light of her knowledge, making her look like a researcher who had witnessed a rare case. Driven by her professional ethics, her expression instantly became serious. “Your situation is indeed unusual, but it doesn’t matter. My research was for today. Considering that we are both Vastaya, I will definitely find a way to help you solve your problem.”

Aurora was born with the ability to see all sorts of spirits in the spiritual realm. Her childhood playmates were a group of tiny creatures that others couldn't see, and her playground was a world that others couldn't understand.

The only Bonnie who truly accepted Aurora was her great-aunt, Havo. She always listened to Aurora's stories with great interest, nurtured her interests, and encouraged her to stay true to herself.

As Aurora grew older, she began to meticulously record this intertwined world, hoping to leave behind a research notebook to help others understand the dual realms as she saw them.

As time went by, Ara encountered many different spirits, including some unusual ones.

Due to the intrusion of mortals, the balance between the spiritual and material realms was broken, and these spirits also fell into confusion, went astray, and became wild and dangerous.

After some investigation, Ara discovered that if she could find the root cause of the spirits' suffering, she could help them find their way home.

This was no easy task, but Aura found her purpose in life in it, and she resolved to become an expert in researching and helping spirits.

Upon hearing this, Ahri revealed...

With a grateful and relaxed smile, Ahri released Aura's hand, took a step back, and introduced, "Thank you so much! My name is Ahri, and I'm from Ionia. These are my sisters; thanks to them, I was able to get here."

Aura nodded, her gaze sweeping over Kai'Sa, Ashe, and Talia as she politely greeted them.

Then, her attention returned to Ahri, her tone tinged with inquiry: "Your situation is very special, and I need some time to study it. But before that—"

Before she could finish speaking, Ashe suddenly spoke up, her eyes filled with eager anticipation: "Ms. Aurora, we have come from afar. Would you allow us to see Ornn? We have some important matters to discuss with him."

“I know you’re all here to see Ramhaug. I saw the whole battle just now.” Aura frowned apologetically, her rabbit ears drooping, her tone tinged with sadness. “You should leave. He doesn’t welcome any visitors and doesn’t want to help with anything. That’s a rule he set a long time ago.”

Upon hearing this, Ashe's expression became somewhat agitated. She pointed to the warriors and craftsmen behind her, her voice filled with deep resentment: "These warriors and craftsmen behind me are the continuation of the spirit of the original Forge people. They have such firm faith in the God of the Forge and the God of Forging, and they are even unafraid of death. Don't they deserve the God's mercy?"

"I'm sorry, Ramhaug said he doesn't owe you anything, so he won't take action..."

"Is that so? I thought this would be a test for us..." Ashe's face turned very ugly as she murmured to herself, without making things difficult for Aura, who was relaying the message.

She still couldn't believe that such cold words could come from the mouth of the god revered by the hearth guards, yet the sacrifice of those warriors seemed so ridiculous at this moment.

"Don't be discouraged." Seeing Ashe's disheartened look, Wild Hunt comforted her in her mind: "I still have a way to get you into Hearthland. It's too early to give up now."

"But if Ornn is determined not to make a move, what good will it do if we enter Hearth Village and stand in front of him?"

Seeing the undisguised disappointment on the faces of the Avarosans, Aura felt a pang of pity. Not wanting Ornn to be misunderstood as a cold-hearted god, she quickly explained, "Ramhaug doesn't easily meet people, but I think he actually wants to help you. However, that would only draw Valhalla out as well. If the two demigods fight, none of you will survive, and Freljord will be thrown into turmoil."

Ramhausen and Valhal are the ancient names of Orn and Volibear.

The group exchanged hesitant glances, their eyes filled with cautious anticipation and doubt, yet none dared to probe further. Seeing this, the kind-hearted Miss Rabbit finally couldn't bear it any longer, took a deep breath, and reluctantly spoke.

"Sigh, you're just lucky to have run into me. I can't bear to see you go away empty-handed. If there's anything you need me to tell you, just tell me here. I'll go back and plead for you, and see if I can get him to make an exception this time."

Chapter 283 Furnace Village

Ashe told Alara what she needed. Alara nodded, then used her ability to open a rabbit hole between the material and spiritual realms, hopping across into Hearthland.

Unable to see what was happening inside the door, Aisha and the others could only remain outside, waiting anxiously.

Time seemed to stretch out, each second feeling exceptionally long. A heavy weight pressed down on Aisha's heart.

She couldn't imagine how she would explain to the hopeful hearth dwellers if Orn ultimately refused to grant her mercy.

Just as her thoughts were about to be consumed by anxiety, Aurora's figure finally emerged from the doorway and reappeared before everyone.

"I've brought back good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?"

Upon hearing Alara's suggestion, everyone's faces lit up, feeling that things were looking promising. A mix of good and bad news was better than only receiving bad news.

Ash took a deep breath, trying to make her voice sound steady: "Let's hear the good news first." She felt that something to boost morale was urgently needed.

Aura smiled slightly, her gaze sweeping over everyone, and slowly said, "The good news is—Orn acknowledges your beliefs. He is willing to teach you the techniques for forging True Ice weapons to protect yourselves, rather than to incite conflict."

Before the words were even finished, the fire-starters erupted in cheers. Many were moved to tears, some even kneeling down, hands clasped together, praying softly. Their faith had finally been answered; their sacrifice had not been ignored by the gods.

Ash's heart pounded. Trying to suppress her excitement, she continued, "And the bad news?"

Aura's expression immediately turned serious: "The bad news is—even True Ice will melt in the flames spewed by Ramhaug. You'll need to find something even colder than True Ice before he can demonstrate it for you himself."

"Something colder than True Ice?" Ashe gasped, her voice tinged with disbelief. "True Ice is already the hardest and coldest ice in the world. Where are we supposed to find something colder than that?"

"I'm afraid I can't help you with that. Since Ramhaug says it exists, then such an item must exist in the world. As long as you're determined, you can definitely find it," Aura said, shrugging helplessly.

“This must be Ornn’s test for us,” Olgavana said with great conviction.

Ashe forced a smile. If such a thing really existed, Lissandra would probably have already claimed it for herself.

The group racked their brains but couldn't think of anything that met Ornn's requirements.

True ice is true ice; there is no such thing as ten-thousand-year-old true ice. Each piece of it can last for ten thousand years without melting even a fraction.

Just as everyone fell silent, Wild Hunt's voice rang in Ashe's mind.

"I think the answer to this problem might be found in Anivia."

"Anivia, the Ice Phoenix?" Ashe repeated the name subconsciously.

“That’s right. It’s rumored that True Ice was a gift from Anivia to Freljord. If there’s anything colder than True Ice, she must know it.”

"So, does that mean we still have to go to Phoenix Wing Mountain?" Kasha couldn't help but interject upon hearing this.

Their original plan was that if Ornn refused to open the gate, they would try their luck at Phoenixwing Mountain, where Anivia lived, to see if they could find the large shovel that Ornn had left there, and use it to teleport directly into Hearthglen.

Unexpectedly, after going around in circles, I still couldn't avoid this trip.

"So? Have you figured out how to complete Ramhaug's test?" Ara asked, leaning forward with her hands behind her back.

"We plan to go to Phoenix Wing Mountain, hoping to receive inspiration from Anivia."

"You're really clever to think of going to find Isyan. I was going to remind you, but it seems I don't need to."

Aisha slightly grinned, then her tone became serious: "Dear Miss Aurora, I cannot take these fire-breastmen to Phoenixwing Mountain, but I am worried that they will suffer retaliation from the bear people. I hope you can take care of them during this time."

Aura pondered for a moment, "I can bring them into Hearth Village first, but you must bring the items back, otherwise Ramhaug will sulk again." Then she turned her gaze to Ahri, "By the way, Ahri, do you want to stay too? If you stay in Hearth Village with me, I can start researching your situation sooner."

"This...this..." Ahri was speechless for a moment, staring longingly at Kaisa and the others.

She knew that staying behind would make it easier for Aurora to understand her situation, but she was also reluctant to leave her sisters and wanted to set off with them.

"You still

"You should stay. With me here, you'll know immediately whatever happens, so don't worry," Wild Hunt said.

"Alright, I'll follow your arrangements, my benefactor."

"Then I wish you good luck and a speedy return," Aura said, adjusting her glasses. "If you have the chance to see Isyan, please give her my regards and also ask about Heathel."

Watching the group depart on their flying dragons, Ahri reluctantly followed Aluora into the Hearth Village.

After passing through the portal, the scene before me underwent a dramatic transformation.

The air was thick with the scent of metal and fire, and a wave of heat swept over us, instantly dispelling the chill of the snow. Compared to the desolation and ruins outside, ravaged by wind and snow, this place was like a blazing sanctuary.

The magnificent and spacious hall seemed to have no boundaries, with countless burning braziers hanging from the towering dome, their flickering flames casting a molten iron-red glow over the entire space.

The surrounding walls were made of thick obsidian, inlaid with glowing runes. The light from the runes intertwined with the flames, creating a mysterious interplay of light and shadow.

In the center of the hall, a huge furnace stood there, with lava flowing like a waterfall and the furnace fire burning fiercely. The intense and vibrant flames rolled and roared in the furnace like a legendary magma serpent, and its deep rumble could be heard from afar.

In the scorching heat, the resounding clang of a hammer echoed. The sound seemed to come from ancient times, carrying an indescribable rhythm that struck deep into the soul, deeply moving and awe-inspiring.

Ahri looked in the direction of the sound, her gaze piercing through the rising heat to land on the enormous figure in the distance. It was a colossal beast, its body distorted by the heat, as tall as three pine trees.

His thick fur was as rough as lava, and his muscles were bulging, as if they contained boundless power. Every breath he took was accompanied by scorching heat, as if even the air around him was burning.

Unsurprisingly, it was the ancient Ornn—the legendary god of forging.

Chapter 284 Ornn

An ancient craftsman, wielding a massive iron hammer, is intently striking a piece of red-hot metal. Sparks fly from the metal as it is struck, scattering like stars.

His movements were steady and powerful, each hammer blow seemingly containing the force of splitting mountains and carving rocks. The light shone on him, gilding his silhouette with a golden outline, making him resemble a solemn statue.

"Truly worthy of being the forging hall of the gods..." Ahri murmured softly, a hint of awe unconsciously appearing in her eyes.

Alara walked ahead, her steps light, her rabbit ears swaying rhythmically with her movements.

She glanced back at Ahri and said with a smile, "Welcome to Hearthland, the territory of Ramhaug, a sacred place of forging and fire."

The blacksmiths following behind were so excited at the sight that they almost cried out. Many of them had devoted their entire lives to worshipping this god of forging, and now that they had seen him in person, the shock and joy in their hearts were indescribable, and they wept with joy.

Olgavana held her breath, her heart filled with awe and shock. She had never imagined that she would one day witness this legendary god so closely. Her gaze was fixed on Orn, captivated by his unrestrained power, her mind immersed in the fervent and sacred atmosphere, and she couldn't help but want to prostrate herself on the ground.

Seeing this, Aurora quickly put a finger to her lips and whispered, "Shh! Orn doesn't like noise."

Ornn is portrayed as a reclusive and taciturn figure in legends, which is something that believers cannot possibly be unaware of.

The furnace workers immediately shut their mouths, but the excitement in their eyes was still hard to hide.

"Please wait here for a moment, I'll go up and tell him."

Aurora went straight to Ornn's side. Ornn was radiating intense heat, his breath mingling with flames, like a living furnace. Aurora didn't get too close, but stood at a suitable distance, so that she wouldn't be burned by the heat, yet he could still hear her voice.

"Ramhaug, I've brought those furnace dwellers with me. I hope they can use your land to settle down for a few days."

Ornn was so engrossed in his work that he didn't even turn his head.

However, Aurora seemed to have long been accustomed to this silence. She smiled slightly, turned around and walked back to the group, saying in a light tone, "He acquiesced, as long as you don't wander around and disturb him. Come on, I'll take you to the warehouse to settle in first. There aren't any rooms for guests, but it's spacious enough."

"How do you know he means yes? Does silence mean consent?" Ahri blinked, asking curiously.

"That's just how Ramhaug is. Although he's a man of few words, his inner thoughts are easy to read, as long as you know him well enough. It's actually a good thing that he doesn't talk much; if he's feeling resentful, he'll definitely say it out loud."

"Oh, that's interesting."

Ara led the hearthman to a spacious warehouse filled with various metal materials and forging tools, the air thick with the smell of rust and charcoal.

“This warehouse was a mess, and it took Haistel and me a long time to clean it up.” Aura pointed to an empty corner and said, “You can rest here. Although there’s no hay or blankets, it’s not cold at all. You won’t catch a cold even if you sleep directly on the ground. I’ll bring you food and water later. Remember, don’t bother Ramhaug, or he’ll kick you out.”

The furnace makers nodded in gratitude. They put down their luggage and began to arrange their resting place, disassembling the stretcher into a bed. Although the conditions were simple, being able to enter the furnace village was already a great honor for them.

“Alara, I’ve been hearing you mention…Haestriel. Are there other people in this Hearth Village?” Ahri couldn’t help but ask, standing at the warehouse door.

“Haestir is not actually human. He is my partner and also Ramhaug’s brother. He was originally called Hesdrak and was a powerful elk demigod in the past.” Aura adjusted her glasses and said meaningfully, “However, as people abandoned and forgot the old gods, many demigods lost their divinity and turned into distorted afterimages.”

"Do demigods also fear losing their faith?"

“Of course,” Alara nodded, “otherwise, why do you think Valhalla would lash out at Freljord with endless thunderstorms, recklessly unleashing a bloody war, just to alleviate Volrigard’s bloodlust.”

"But Orn seemed indifferent to faith."

“Ramhaug is different because he was the first demigod to be born, and he can live well without people’s faith. Although Valhal can also live without faith, he is undoubtedly more powerful with faith.”

"So even gods aren't eternal," Ahri sighed.

"Back to Haestir, I finally gained his trust, but it's still a long way from restoring his sanity. Then I found the most powerful spirit walker, Udyr, but he couldn't communicate with Haestir either, and told me to go to the demigod for answers."