263821-chapter-166
Tournament Arc: Multi-Headed Hydra (9)
Previously
Yes, the Multi-Headed Hydra would test their limits, challenge their bond as a team, and force them to confront their own vulnerabilities. But through that crucible, they would emerge stronger, more refined, and ready to face whatever lay beyond.
Willow’s mind raced with possible strategies, envisioning each step of the upcoming battle. He could almost see the elemental forces at play, the ebb and flow of magic intertwining with the clash of weapons. The pieces of the puzzle were slowly coming together in his mind, forming a cohesive plan of action.
Lost in his thoughts, Willow almost forgot the ongoing duel between Amelia and Raegis. The intensity of their fight had escalated, their banter and insults giving way to a more primal determination to overcome one another. Each strike became more ferocious, fueled by a mix of rivalry and the desire to prove oneself.
With a gentle shake of his head, Willow stepped forward, his voice cutting through the battlefield. “Amelia! Raegis! Enough! We have a quest to undertake!”
“Enough!” Willow’s voice cut through the air, carrying a tone of authority that demanded their attention. “Save your energy for the battles that truly matter. We have a quest to undertake, and there’s no time for this petty squabbling.”
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Amelia and Raegis turned their attention to Willow, their expressions a mix of defiance and annoyance. But beneath their exterior, they recognized the wisdom in his words. They knew that their rivalry, though a driving force in their growth, could also hinder their progress if left unchecked.
Willow’s mind briefly returned to his internal musings. The egg-shaped item, the key to his ascension to the [Understanding The Body] stage, held an undeniable allure. It represented the culmination of his efforts, the ultimate breakthrough he sought. If he could obtain it, his path towards enlightenment would be assured.
Willow gestured for them to gather their weapons and magic, a subtle reminder of the imminent challenges they would face. “We’re heading to the Adventurer’s Society. We’ll acquire the quest and set off as soon as we have it in our hands. No more distractions. We need to be prepared for what awaits us.”
Amelia and Raegis exchanged grumbled remarks under their breath, their expressions still holding traces of lingering irritation. Their eyes locked for a brief moment, exchanging silent insults that spoke volumes about their unresolved rivalry.
Amelia muttered, barely audible, “We’ll settle this another time, Raegis. Don’t think you’ve won just yet.”
Raegis shot back with a snide remark, her voice dripping with defiance. “Oh, don’t worry, Amelia. I won’t let you forget who the superior warrior is.”
Willow, witnessing their exchange, simply sighed and shook his head. He had hoped that their heated duel would come to a temporary pause, but their deep-seated rivalry seemed unyielding.
“Save it for later, you two,” Willow interjected, his voice laced with a hint of exasperation. “The Multi-Headed Hydra won’t defeat itself.”
Amelia and Raegis begrudgingly nodded, their eyes locked in a lingering stare before they finally turned their attention away from each other. The intensity of their battle simmered beneath the surface, restrained but far from forgotten, as the trio made their way over to the Adventurer’s Society to take the quest.
***
Willow, Raegis, and Amelia perched atop their respective trees, hidden among the thick foliage, their eyes focused on a clearing in the middle of the forest. Each of them held a single lens, meticulously crafted and enhanced to grant them a superior sight, almost akin to a pair of binoculars. Through these lenses, they could observe the crystalline blue lake that shimmered enticingly at the heart of the clearing.
A kilometer away from the lake, their vantage point provided both safety and a clear view of the serene beauty before them. The dense canopy above shielded them from prying eyes, while the lens allowed them to survey the area without alerting any potential threat. They adjusted the lenses with care, fine-tuning the focus to reveal even the minutest details.
The lake glistened under the gentle rays of sunlight filtering through the branches, casting an ethereal glow upon the surroundings. Its calm waters mirrored the surrounding foliage, creating an illusion of tranquility that belied the potential danger lurking within. Willow knew that appearances could be deceiving, and he remained acutely aware of the mysterious presence concealed beneath the lake’s serene surface.
As the trio observed, their breath held in anticipation, Willow’s mind raced with possibilities. He had studied the ancient texts, delved into the lore, and consulted with experienced adventurers who had faced similar trials. From their accounts, he knew that within that crystalline blue lake, a formidable creature lay dormant, hidden or perhaps resting.
He had learned of its power, the myths and legends surrounding it. Whispers had spoken of its ability to command the very elements, an embodiment of untamed forces. Willow could sense the latent magic emanating from the lake, a faint tremor in the air that hinted at the immense power slumbering beneath.
Through his lens, Willow scanned the surface of the lake, searching for any sign of movement or disturbance. His trained eyes analyzed the ripples and currents, attuned to even the slightest irregularity. He knew that a single misstep could awaken the creature, and their mission would transform from observation to confrontation.
Raegis, perched on a neighboring tree, her feline eyes narrowed, shared Willow’s vigilance. Her enhanced vision allowed her to scrutinize the surrounding area, her gaze sweeping through the tall grasses and overhanging branches. Every rustle, every flicker of movement, could potentially reveal the hidden guardian of the lake.
These prehistoric birds preferred insects to fish
These mites that live on your face do have an anus
