"Okay...so it looks like this dungeon is a bit different from the others. Locals have sighted strange gates appearing in six of their eight countries." Jet said.
"Eight countries?" Rayleigh asked.
"Yes, each country pertains to a specific element." Cheetah said.
"Yeah. To start, we're going to Ignia, the fire country. A military superpower." Ivy said.
"Whoa." some of them said as they looked at the volcanic looking land before them.
"Very impressive." Vargas said.
They soon touched down as they moved through town.
"Excuse me, but could you tell us where the fire gate is?" Hope asked.
"Oh sure. It's just on the outskirts in the magma fields and…" one of them said before they spotted Mark. "Ah! The angel! He's returned!" they cried as a number of the citizens scattered.
"I'm guessing Ira made an impression here." Ace said.
Mark, for his part, looked embarrassed. "...Yeah, he sorta…did." Mark mumbled. "Just for future reference, when we get to Shroud and Illumus, I need to make a few apologies."
"I do not want to know." David said.
"...Yeah, the less things are said about what happened, the better. So let's not bring it up." Mark said.
They moved outside of the town where they saw a large red gate with the symbol for fire right on the doors.
"This has to be it." Jexi said.
"Yep. Just like it says in the book." David said.
"So do we just push it open or…" Mina started as the gates shook before they started opening up.
"Sounds like we were expected." Zamazenta said.
"So...if I'm understanding this right...we need to prove that we've mastered the element of fire before we go to the next gate." Twilight said, looking at the book.
"I guess that means the fire users are taking a trial." Hope said as they headed inside.
Beyond the gate was a large, sprawling chamber. Torches were lit up all over the place to give it a bright feel, and an arena was surrounded by a pool of Lava, hot with flames coming from it.
"Whoa...nice place." Akane said.
"Yeah, if you can tolerate heat all day." Mermista said.
"Welcome." said a lone Ignian standing on the lava. "So someone has come to fight."
"I'm guessing you must be some sort of Ignian champion?" Hope asked.
"I am Arnaut, Knight of Fire in the Order of the Elemental Knights." The knight said, introducing himself.
"Order of the Elemental Knights? Wait… Could he really be…" David started.
"Ah...so you know of us." Arnaut said. "Then you should know what we protect."
"Yes… The famed Elemental Sword that is continuously used to seal away Valizark." Leopardmon said.
"The sword is not simply famed...it's real." Arnaut said holding a red jewel. "It has been years since it was last drawn."
"Yes. All six of you have been keeping this cycle for about 1,000 years, from what we were told." Omnimon said.
"Now is the time for someone new to draw the blade. It is but a powerless hunk of steel...least until all six elemental stones are placed inside." Arnaut said.
"But you wish to test us to see if we are worthy first." Vargas deduced.
"Quite right." Arnaut said. "So...defeat me and the stone is yours."
"Very well. We will accept your challenge." Kurochi said.
"Then let's begin!" Arnaut said, raising an arm as the lava raised behind him.
"Whoa…" some of them said.
"Impressed? I'm a rare Ignian that can control lava and magma." Arnaut said.
"Alright. Now, it's getting interesting." Kokoro said.
"I'll see what I can do to help, but I feel like getting up close to this guy would be a bad idea for me." Moltar said. "I'll pepper this guy, keep his focus between me and the ones going on the offense."
"Don't worry about it. We'll send this guy flying on his back." Natsu said.
"Well...this will be fun. Magma Storm!" Arnaut said, stomping the ground as magma erupted from the ground and started raining down.
"Well that looks kinda familiar!" Hope said as everyone doged the magma rain.
"Let's get this guy, Frosta!" Mermista said.
"Yeah!" Frosta said as they blasted their magic at Arnaut, only to have water turned to steam and ice melted by a Magma wall.
"Trying to fight me with an opposing element?" Arnaut said. "A smart move but useless to someone who has mastered fire to its highest level."
"This guy is gonna be a toughie, for sure." Kokoro said as she unleashed her fire breath.
"Rising Phoenix!" Stahn called, jumping into the air before diving down with the image of a phoenix over him as its cry was heard.
"Now we're getting somewhere." Arnaut said, enduring the fire breath as he countered Stahn with an uppercut.
"Let's see how this will fare." Kurochi said as he prepared his paper charms, igniting them in flames.
"You want a fire battle? I'm more than happy to do that!" Flamberge said, summoning four swords and launching them at Arnaut in tandem with Kurochi's charms.
"Eruption!" he called out as magma erupted from under his feet as he jumped up. "Yes...now things are getting interesting."
"You think that is…" Natsu called out as he came charging in. "Fire Dragon King's...Demolition Fist!" he called out as he socked Arnaut and sent him to the ground.
"Whoa...quite a punch." Arnaut said as he slowly got up.
"Oh but we aren't surrendering yet." Flamberge said, getting in close and dealing a number of slashes.
"Try this on for size." Himeno said as she summoned twin fire dragons.
"I'm with you." Kurochi said as he summoned a flaming Kyubi.
Arnaut grinned as both attacks hit him dead on. "Hehehe….now this is true fire." Arnaut said.
"Whew… You sure didn't make it easy for us." Kokoro said.
"No I did not. I think I've seen enough evidence. You all clearly have mastery over fire." Arnaut said as he dropped the fire stone in their hands.
"Thank you. Oh, by the way… When this cycle you all are in ends, what will happen to you and your fellow knights?" Kurochi asked.
"Yeah, I mean… You guys are all tied to this cycle. So, if the cycle is broken, you all will have to start new lives somehow." David said.
"I understand your concern, but don't think too much on our account." Arnaut said. "Your next challenge waits near Aquaria."
"Aquaria, if we read right, that's where the Knight of Water resides." Crusadermon said.
"Aquaria is underwater, right? It would make sense for people of that element to be in the sea." Hope said.
"Once all six stones have been gathered, the sword shall present itself." Arnaut said.
"Thank you for the battle, Arnaut. We look forward to seeing what your comrades have to offer." Hope said.
"Just be on guard...all of them are unique like I am." he said as they departed.