Chapter 172: Tournament Arc: The White Egg (4)

Amelia's expression twisted for a moment, a mix of disdain and begrudging respect crossing her features. "She's undeniably strong," Amelia admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of annoyance. "But she's also arrogant and lacks dignity, especially for someone of her age. Sometimes, she's too beastly even for a member of the beast-race."

Amelia's words carried a hint of bitterness, a clash of conflicting emotions. She couldn't deny Raegis's strength and prowess, but her pride made it difficult to fully acknowledge it.

Yet, as Amelia reflected on their journey together, her tone softened. "But it's also true that if it weren't for Raegis's strength and your intervention, I would have been sold as a slave. I wouldn't have experienced any of this," she admitted, her gaze turning to Willow with a newfound appreciation.

Willow smiled, a glimmer of warmth in his eyes. He understood the complexities of their dynamics, the interplay of strengths and weaknesses. He remained silent for a moment, allowing Amelia's words to settle in.

"This is just the beginning," Willow finally spoke, his voice filled with determination. "I'm going to join the battle as well. If you don't hurry up and unleash another spell, Raegis is going to get overwhelmed in a matter of minutes."

Amelia's eyes flickered toward Raegis, observing her valiant struggle against the Hydra's elemental onslaught. She saw the strain etched on Raegis's face, the determination in her eyes slowly giving way to a sense of overwhelm. There was no denying the formidable challenge that lay before them.

Amelia's lips curled into a determined smile as she nodded. "I'll do my best," she affirmed, her voice resolute. She turned her focus to Willow, recognizing the need to support their valiant fighters. Drawing upon her mana once again, she began to weave a spell of protection. The same invisible shield of air that had enveloped Raegis now encased Willow, adding an extra layer of defense to his already formidable abilities.

With a surge of chi flowing through him, Willow felt his power amplify. He exuded an aura of confidence as he prepared to join the fray. "Ciao!" he called out, his voice carrying a touch of excitement and bravado. In an instant, he launched himself towards the Hydra, his movements a blur of agility and precision.

Like Raegis before him, Willow defied the odds, severing multiple heads with lightning-quick strikes. The Hydra's agonized screeches filled the air as its dominion diminished with each fallen head. Finally, Willow landed gracefully on the creature's back, poised and ready to face the next challenge.

Amelia watched the spectacle unfold, her eyes shimmering with determination. She knew she couldn't falter now. She summoned her focus once more, conjuring an arrow of wind. With a wave of her hand, she set it ablaze with the element of fire. The arrow transformed into a blazing inferno, its size akin to that of a truck, crackling with raw power.

Amelia took aim, her eyes honing in on a head that had targeted Willow from behind. With a deep breath, she released the flaming arrow, its trajectory true and unwavering. The projectile soared through the air, leaving a trail of scorching heat in its wake. It struck its mark with unerring accuracy, engulfing the Hydra's head in a blaze of searing fire.

The head recoiled in pain, its menacing jaws thwarted in their attempt to consume Willow. The flames danced and consumed the Hydra's flesh, leaving behind a charred, smoking remnant. Amelia's feat elicited a surge of exhilaration within her, knowing that she had played her part in protecting their formidable leader.

Amelia, satisfied with the success of her attack, allowed a brief smile to cross her lips. She had found her rhythm, her focus unwavering, before waving over at Willow who had mouthed the words 'thank you' as he turned around, and focused back onto his fight.

As the battle raged on, Willow focused all of his senses to the fullest so as not to be engulfed by one of the many heads of the Multi-Headed Hydra. The exhilaration of Amelia's successful attack mingled with a sense of foreboding. Deep down, he knew that their current momentum was only temporary. The Multi-Headed Hydra possessed a hidden trump card—an ability that would activate once it was reduced to 50 heads.

Willow, keenly aware of the impending threat, continued to move with swift precision, his every strike aimed at severing the Hydra's heads. The creature's screeches of agony echoed through the forest as its dominion diminished. Yet, in the back of Willow's mind, he knew that the real battle had yet to begin.

With each head Willow severed, he mentally counted down, keeping track of the Hydra's diminishing numbers. Twenty heads had already fallen, leaving 80 remaining. The moment was fast approaching for the next phase of their plan.

"Raegis! Stage two!" Willow's voice rang out, urgency and determination intertwining in his words. He locked eyes with Amelia, their silent communication conveying the need for coordinated action. They had to draw the Hydra's attention away from Amelia, allowing her to concentrate without interruption.

As Willow felt the mana converging at Amelia's location, he realized that the time had come to escalate their efforts. They needed to get serious, to push beyond their limits. The plan required their full commitment and resolve.

Gathering his chi, Willow propelled himself with renewed vigor, slashing through the remaining heads with unmatched skill. Each strike was precise, aimed at keeping the Hydra at bay. His senses heightened to the fullest, he avoided the snapping jaws and unleashed his attacks with calculated efficiency.

Meanwhile, Raegis, fueled by her unwavering determination, leapt from head to head, her agile movements leaving a trail of devastation in her wake. She moved with a predator's grace, a force to be reckoned with. Her sword gleamed as it cut through the air, severing heads with ruthless precision.

Raegis's movements seemed to transcend the limitations of mortal capabilities. As another head fell beneath her blade, she paused, a serene calmness settling over her. The Hydra, sensing a fleeting opportunity, unleashed three heads, jaws gaping wide, in a desperate attempt to overpower her.