Chapter 247 - How To Kill A Hydra (5)

Then, a cacophony of tearing flesh and the heavy thuds of severed heads crashing to the ground resounded throughout the woods. The forest floor was littered with large chunks of Hydra meat as they each fell to the ground with a heavy thud. 

Then, there was a deafening silence.

Amelia's mind swirled with a mix of disbelief and elation. Amelia's gaze shifted forward, her eyes widening as she took in the sight before her. The once-mighty Multi-Headed Hydra now lay motionless, its headless body sprawled across the forest floor. It was lifeless, defeated, and unequivocally dead. She had done it. They had done it.

"I...I did it?" Amelia's voice trembled with a mix of disbelief and triumph. She felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins, mingling with the exhaustion that threatened to consume her.

“I DID I-” Then, she lost consciousness due to mana exhaustion.

***

Willow stepped down from the lifeless body of the Multi-Headed Hydra, his heart filled with a mix of exhilaration and relief. As he patted the creature's cold and hardened remains, he couldn't help but marvel at the magnitude of their victory. This formidable monster, once a threat that would send seasoned adventurers running, now lay defeated at their hands.

“We did it,” Willow let out a cold breath. “I can’t believe that we actually did it.”

He heard the sound of bells chiming, and as he turned to look to the side, he saw that Amelia had returned to her original form, and immediately fell face-flat onto a pile of steaming hot monster gunk. 

“Ew. . .” At least, she had enough strength to talk. That meant Willow’s plan of having Amelia master her new form was coming closer. 

Before he let out a cry of victory however, he clapped his hands, and offered a short prayer for the fallen Hydra. “The only reason we won was because of my meta-knowledge. Know that, however, even with such knowledge, you’re probably one of the strongest opponents I’ve faced, and there are gods in those opponents, so be proud.”

Then, Willow raised his fist to the heavens, and roared. “WE FUCKING DID IT!” 

***

After Willow came down from the high of victory, he thought back to everything that had just happened ever since they started their ambush on the Hydra, and understood that even with his meta-knowledge, and his ability being a perfect counter for the multi-headed monster, there was still a huge risk and chance of death if Amelia hadn’t been able to cast her triplet spell. 

See, the Hydra was resistant to a multitude of elements but that was only specific to it’s heads. For example, a fire headed Hydra would be resistant to fire attacks and to the multi-headed Hydra such as the beast they just fought? 

That was exactly why they had aimed for the heads resistant to the three most destructive elements Amelia could call out, not to mention, Willow and Raegis had weakened it especially so with his purification.

It was weakened from egg-laying, Willow was a perfect counter to the monster, and they had specifically aimed for the three elemental heads. 

Even then, if they fucked up somehow, or Amelia hadn’t been able to cast her spell, they were screwed. They would die, the moment it unlocked it’s second form, the moment it’s head got down to fifty.

But, for now, Willow simply focused on the fact that they had won. That was the most important thing for now.

Speaking of important things. “Raegis, get yourself up in the next few minutes. The Hydra’s blood will attract more monsters than we can handle right now.” 

“Raegis’ll get up!” Raegis said, with a thumbs up. 

Willow rolled his eyes, before sliding down the Hydra’s large, bloodied, brutalized body. “I’m going to go check on the egg.”

When Willow got down, his gaze was drawn back to the nest of intertwined tree leaves, kelp, and the colossal dead fishes that dwarfed him in size. Amongst the debris, nestled in the center, was a single pristine white egg. Its smooth surface reflected the ambient light, radiating an otherworldly glow. Willow's smile widened as he beheld the egg, realizing that it matched the description from the game—the very same white egg that would grant him an audience with THAT PERSON. The one who held the keys to unlocking the realm of Understanding The Earth.

A surge of anticipation coursed through Willow's veins as he approached the egg, his fingers instinctively reaching out to brush against its pristine surface. He marveled at its coolness, contrasting against the warmth of his touch.

“You’re daddy’s now,” Willow giggled uncontrollably. 

With a final lingering gaze at the white egg, Willow tore his gaze away, refocusing his attention on his party mates. 

But, before he could do anything, Willow looked over to Amelia's place, and saw that she was knocked out, but after seeing the biggest smile of victory on her face, he knew that she wasn't hurt too badly from that spell she just pulled off. 

But, just to be sure, he looked over at Raegis who was currently up and about, and now poking at the dead Hydra with her sword with a bored expression. 

He called out to her, "Hey Raegis, can you go over to where Amelia is? Make sure no monster’s in the vicinity as well, while you’re at it.”

“Yes, boss.” She ran like the wind but he saw her expression. 

Raegis's expression was as if she'd just been told to eat shit, but since it was an order from Willow, she only nodded tentatively before leaping over to where Amelia was. Inwardly, she was thinking of how weak Amelia was to be knocked out from casting a simple spell. Just like she thought, the beastkins and their Auras were much better. 

Willow focused back on the white egg in his hands. 

"So pure," Willow said. The white egg seemed to have been influenced by Willow or more specifically, the Maiden's warmth since Willow could feel the positive emotions coming off of it. 

"I really want to keep you," Willow said to the egg, tapping it gently. ". . . .But, your destiny isn't with me, hydling. You'll be much better at his hands than mine, and I'll have finally achieved a breakthrough into the next realm."

He looked at the white egg and smiled while thinking about how many years it'd been since he'd arrived into this accursed world of gods and demons, and now, very, very soon if all his plans went well, he would finally be able to at least reach a modicum of strength where he wouldn't be looked down on by the majority of people in this world, or at least in the lower realms.

"One small step for me," Willow said, before shaking his head. "Nah, this is a big ass step for me. Glory to the victor."

***

The day of the long-awaited tournament had finally arrived, and the colossal colosseum basked in the warm embrace of the sun's rays. This enchanted and enhanced arena existed in its own pocket space, ensuring safety for all who gathered to witness the upcoming battles.

From the spectator's platform, the view was breathtaking. The grand expanse of the tournament grounds sprawled before them, a marvel of engineering and magic designed for epic clashes and displays of power. The towering stands were filled to the brim with enthusiastic spectators, their excitement palpable in the air.

Among the crowd were nobles, kings, and powerful figures, each in their designated areas, adding an air of prestige to the event. Some sought respite from the burdens of politics, while others aimed to recruit new talents for their causes.

At the heart of the vast arena stood the impressive tournament stage—a battlefield that had witnessed countless legendary battles. Here, warriors and magicians would put their strength, skill, and wit to the test, seeking glory and honor.

The atmosphere buzzed with energy and anticipation. Participants in their tournament attire exuded a mix of nerves and determination, each harboring dreams of victory and recognition. 

As they prepared for the commencement of the tournament, the crowd fell into hushed silence, eager to witness the grand spectacle about to unfold.

The colosseum seemed to hold its breath, the air crackling with excitement and potential. The tournament was not just a competition; it was a chance for champions to be born, to leave an indelible mark on the annals of history.

In the midst of the bustling tournament grounds, where warriors and magicians prepared to prove their mettle, there was one figure who observed from a specially reserved area, distinct from the nobles and powerful figures. He was known simply as [The Merchant], and he held a unique position in the realm of gods and demons. Though not a participant in the battles, his presence was no less significant, for he was a master of trade, trinkets, and coin—a true capitalist in every sense. His presence exuded an air of confidence and intrigue, drawing attention from those who recognized him.