Chapter 243: How To Kill A Hydra (1)

The Multi Hydra's movements were a spectacle in themselves. Muscles rippled beneath its scales, propelling it through the water with a mesmerizing grace. Each stroke sent arcs of water spraying into the air, a testament to the raw strength and agility possessed by this magnificent beast.

Willow's heart pounded in his chest as he beheld the awe-inspiring sight before him. As he observed the majestic creature through his lens, Willow's mind began to race with strategies and contingencies.

“I’ve got this,” He whispered, holding his hand above his heart. “I’ve got this.”

But, his confidence faltered for a second, when the colossal beast fully emerged from the water, and through the shuddering of it’s gills, it let out a shriek almost akin to a banshee.

KRIEKKKKKKKKKKKKK!

“Ugh!”

“Nn!”

Willow covered his ears, but unfortunately for his more perceptive friends, they could still hear the metal-on-metal like shriek that reverberated throughout the clearing. As the Multi-Headed Hydra's powerful shriek reverberated through the clearing, the very air seemed to tremble with its dominance. It was a primal declaration, a proclamation of the Hydra's sovereignty over its domain.

Yeah. Willow didn’t have to analyze this monster to know that it was an Alpha, a beast that normally, he would stayed the fuck away from.

But, that was only if you didn’t have a master-plan like he did.  

But, for now he had to keep calm, and be patient. His eyes fully focused on the Multi-Headed Hydra’s colossal form, as it’s heads swayed with an almost snake-like hypnotic grace. With each head taking in the scents of the surrounding area, the Hydra exuded an aura of power and elemental might.

“The heads still function on their own, just like in the game,” Willow said, checking off his mental check-box. He just had to be sure that its strengths and weaknesses were the same as in the game. “After it gets out of the lake, the next thing would be to-”

ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM

Willow peered past the foliage covering his form, but not his eyes. “Elemetal Flames.”

The Hydra’s many, many eyes glowed, each a different color before they sputtered out an elemental flame into the ground, a spectacle that mesmerized even the most steadfast of hearts. The different flames danced in the air, each head contributing its unique element.

The air crackled with anticipation as the heads exhaled plumes of elemental flames, their different hues and intensities intertwining in a display of power. It was as if the creature sought to purify the area, to ensure that its domain was worthy of its offspring.

“Just as planned,” Willow watched the Hydra's movements closely. He observed how the heads sniffed the air, their eyes scanning the surroundings with an unnerving intelligence. It was time to put the first part of his plan into motion, to challenge the Hydra and test its vulnerabilities.

With a series of subtle gestures, Willow signaled to Raegis and Amelia, hidden in their respective trees, to prepare for the imminent battle. The trio had trained extensively for this moment, honing their skills and synchronizing their abilities. Their teamwork would be crucial in overcoming the immense power before them.

Willow's mind shifted gears, contemplating the initial moves of his plan. He considered the Hydra's weaknesses, the patterns in its movements, and the potential strategies that could be employed. He knew that direct confrontation would be futile, but there were ways to exploit the creature's vulnerabilities, to chip away at its dominance.

As Willow's keen gaze remained fixed on the Multi-Headed Hydra, his mind spun with calculated possibilities. His intention wasn't to engage in a full-blown battle with the creature if he could avoid it, but he needed that precious egg—the key to his ascension to the [Understanding The Earth] stage.

Timing was crucial.

After all, the Hydra was about to be in the most vulnerable state every female could ever be in.

The Hydra was going to lay an egg.

The wheels turned in Willow's mind as he assessed the situation. Their plan hinged on exploiting the Hydra's distraction during the egg-laying process. If they timed their attack precisely, they could strike with calculated precision and secure the egg without engaging the Hydra in a prolonged battle, because they would. . .you know, die.

Willow's lips curled into a subtle smile as he adjusted his position, his eyes scanning the battlefield. Raegis was the second to move, as she squatted on the branch, her powerful legs remaining focused and ready. Willow saw how her eyes were slitted like a cat, even though she was supposed to be a wolf-kin.

“At least she’s focused,” Willow muttered, before turning his attention to his second party member.

Amelia, hiding behind an even denser amount of foliage was currently closing her eyes, focusing as she chanted. A shallow amount of mana circled around her like the wind, as it carried within, her determination and genius.

Willow nodded. “Good.” He turned back to the Hydra who had laid down on it’s purified landscape before he chuckled.

You see, the Multi-Headed Hydra was a rare member of it’s species. Well, rare and extremely annoying to kill, and one might even say, nearly impossible because how could you kill something that only got stronger the more you hurt it? Many powerful warriors, mages, kings and even some demi-gods tried, but unless you happened to wield a very, very special power, you would most likely never be able to fully kill a Multi-Headed Hydra.

And, guess what, Willow was lucky enough to possess that very special power.

[Purify]. No, not just Purification, but his [Purify]. It was such a perfect counter to the Hydra or rather the monster and demon species, and especially so for this Hydra since it had the ability to negate the Hydra's racial skill, which enhanced its abilities twofold every time a head was severed.

Absolute negation.

His mind cleared as he reviewed the next steps. The Hydra's elemental flames still flickered, the scent of power permeating the air. The time was ripe to challenge the beast on its own terms, to exploit its momentary weakness and claim the prize that awaited them.

As the Hydra settled down, its massive form causing a slight tremor in the surroundings, Willow observed the creature's demeanor. Despite its immense size and power, there was a subtle vulnerability to its posture. The act of laying its precious offspring seemed to render it momentarily serene, focused on the nurturing instincts that lay dormant within its savage nature.

With deliberate precision, Willow adjusted his position, his eyes locked on the Hydra. His emblem glimmered faintly, as he prepared [Purify].

This was their chance—a moment where their strengths aligned and the odds tilted in their favor.

Amelia adjusted her grip on her staff. She was nearly ready. Raegis was also in position.

Willow's gaze remained fixed on the Multi-Headed Hydra as it sniffed the air once more, its hundred heads raised to the sky. The anticipation in the air was tangible, the moment charged with a mixture of tension and curiosity. This was the Hydra's primal instinct at play, signaling the imminent arrival of new life.

“Almost time. . .”