(Nero)
I watch the dragon fall down on the ground, unable to fly again because half of it wings is gone.
'Just a little more' I exhaled deeply as I quickly gulp a stamina, mana, and healing potions. Eilania was also doing the same.
We both recovered full energy using potions, but we started to feel the fatigue in our bodies.
Still, we didn't want to relax until it was really over.
The Dragon stood up and began gathering more miasma energy from the surrounding. It was time for the Last Phase!
*ROOOOOOOOOOOAAAAR!*
It roared, creating a strong gust of wind that pushed us both away. Now since it can't fly anymore, it decided to fight us head on.
"Eilan"
"I'm Ready"
I smiled as my girlfriend stood next to me. We then both dashed towards the Boss.
....
________
(3rd POV)
In the third phase, the End Dragon became more aggressive. It began throwing multiple attacks randomly, aiming to kill the Hero and its partner.
Now the Dragon can attack while moving around on the ground, like a wild beast.
Some of its attacks pattern were similar to the first and the second phase. Claw attacks, laser beam, Fire breath, Stun Roar, and summoning.
There was also some new attacks, like the Tail Slash, using its tail as a whip when dashing towards us. And the Storm attack, where it summons thunder storm and tornado at us, as an AOE.
Despite the hardships, they were able to counter each of those attacks successfully.
[HP: 10%]
After reducing the Boss's heal to ten percent, Nero's Shield artifact finally broke into pieces. When that happened, the dragon began to charge its fire breath, ready to burn them both.
Nero can't counter that attack like before because the Legendary bow was still on cooldown to use its skill. So, he decided to tank it.
"Eilania, get ready!"
Nero shouted, as he summoned three turtles spirits to tank the attack.
Eilania hesitated, but then he shouted again.
"But-"
"Just Do It!"
Hearing him shouting, Eilania quickly used her Unleashed again and charges her scythe. Meanwhile, Nero was using the supporting skill to buff his spirits summoning, using the legendary necklace. He then took out a high rank shield and covered Eilania behind him.
*BLAST!*
The Dragon shot its flames towards them, hitting the spirits and burning them to particles. The flames then continue moving forward, hitting Nero's shield.
He gritted his teeth while blocking the attack, feeling the pain from the heat as if burning his skin. He saw his health bar rapidly getting low before he used an elixir to continue healing himself at the same time.
When the attack ended after 6 seconds, Eilania jump towards the Dragon with her scythe fully charged. In response, the Dragon decided to face her head on and dashed forward, ready to meet her attack with its sharp claws.
But before it could do that, Nero appeared between them with his greatsword, ready to intercept the Dragon's attack.
*CLACK!*
*BREAK!*
The greatsword broke into pieces, but Nero was able to counter the Boss's attack, creating an opening for Eilania.
*SLICE!*
*ROOOOOOOOOOOOAR!*
[HP: 5%]
Screaming in pain, the dragon swung its tail towards Eilania who had an opening, but Nero appeared between them again and summoned 10 shields to block it.
*BREAK!*
*BANG!*
The attack broke all his shield and defense, hitting Nero's chest as his body flew back in the air. Eilania, who saw that screamed in horror.
"NERO!"
"DON'T STOP!"
Hearing his voice, Eilania gritted her teeth in rage at the Dragon and then used the shadow chains to bind it.
*CHAIN-CHAIN!*
It roared in annoyance as it tries to break free. But was unable to move for 4 seconds, and that was enough for Nero for a counter attack.
After he drank a healing potion, he activated his boot's skill to increase his speed by 200% and dashed towards the chained Boss. He then used his Ultimate and swung his main sword at the dragon, severing one of its arms.
*ROOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAR!*
[HP: 2%]
The dragon roar loudly in pain, and then released a strong shockwave that pushed the two away, while also destroying the chains.
....
________
(Nero)
Seeing that the Boss had only two percent of its health bar left, I gritted my teeth and used my sword as a support to stand up.
"Just one more"
I looked at Eilania who was in a terrible shape as me, all covered with cuts and bruises. She looked as exhausted as I was.
She looked at me, and I gave her a nod. Eilan understood immediately, and then took out a special magic artifact from her subspace storage. It was an item in the shape of an orb.
She broke the orb in her hand, and then her body began to glow.
[Eilania's Skill "Unleashed" has been recovered!]
I saw the notification in my system, which tells it work. The item Eilania just used was a "Skill Recovery" Artifact. It allows the user to be able to use their skill that was still on cooldown.
So now, Eilania can used her Ultimate skill again.
She activated her Unleash mode and began to charge her scythe, pouring all the mana from the gem into her final attack.
________
(3rd POV)
The End Dragon, now missing an arm, stared at the two heroes with murderous intent. Its eyes locked on Nero, who had severed its limb. But then its eyes shifted to Eilania, who was on Unleash mode.
"!!!"
The dragon felt the threat and fear for the first time, when it saw a lot of mana energy was gathered towards her. It can tell that the next attack was going to be alot stronger than the last time, and it might even kill it.
Sensing that its death was near, the dragon began to quickly charge its fire breath to stop her.
"O, No you won't!"
Just then, it heard Nero's voice, and chains of shadow came out from the ground, warping around its weak body, binding it again!
Its eyes went to Nero, who was holding the legendary staff with both hands, using the same binding spell Eilania used. Although it wasn't as strong as her version, but it was enough to by some time for her.
Feeling annoyed and frustrated, the Dragon used all its might to break free, but Nero was also using all his strength to keep the Boss immobilized.
"Ready!"
After eight seconds of recharging, Eilania dashed towards the dragon, still bound by Nero. Seeing her approaching, the Dragon quickly summoned three magic circle and used all its energy to shoot three laser beams at Eilania to stop her.
*Pew-Pew-Pew!*
"!!!"
________
(Nero)
Seeing the incoming laser beams targeting Eilan, I quickly took out a similar Orb of 'Skill Recovery' and used it on my boot's skill.
[Activate Boots Skill: Flash!]
I released my binding grip on the Dragon and quickly teleported between the three death beams and Eilania, as I protected her again.
[Activate Sword Ultimate skill: Edge of Light!]
I swung my glowing sword at the laser beams, intercepting them, but the attack was so strong that I wasn't able to deflect them all.
*BOOOOM!*
An explosion erupted after my sword clashed with the laser beams, blasting my body backward into the air.
I gritted my teeth and shouted at Eilan, as I knew she must be very worried right now. But I need her to focus on her task, because it wasn't over yet.
"GO!!!!!!!"
*Thud!*
________
(3rd POV)
When Eilania saw Nero saving her from another attack, her heart shook in panic. She knew that she has an important role to fulfill, but every time she sees Nero protecting her and get hurt in her stead, she felt guilt, pain, and worried.
Just as she was about to scream his name, seeing him fly backward, Nero's voice snapped her back to focus.
"GO!!!!!!!!"
Hearing his command, Eilania gritted her teeth and glared at the dragon, as she increased her speed and jumped towards it.
"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
Pouring all her mana energy into her final attack, her weapon transformed into a long scythe with a large glowing blade, slicing down at the Dragon.
*SLICEEEEEEEI-!*
A long, white cut appeared on the Dragon's body, stretching from its shoulder to its abdomen. The Boss body stopped moving, and the cut widened, splitting its body in two.
*Thush!*
*THUD!*
The End Dragon's body fell to the ground, lifeless.
________
(Eilania POV)
I looked at the End with an exhaustion and tired face. Its body began to disappear little by little, turning into light particles, as it faded to dust.
"Huh....huh....we....won." I murmured with a heavy breath.
A smile form on my lips as I turn to look back.
"We won. Nero, We Won!"
I quickly began walking towards where Nero fell. The surroundings was dusty and I had trouble to spot him because of the dust and my exhaustion. Then, I saw Nero's figure. He was smiling while looking at me. But the next scene stopped my body from moving, as my eyes widen in shock.
"....!!!!"
When the dust was completely cleared, I was able to see Nero's condition. His body was a mess, with multiple wounds and burns. But what shook me the most was the pool of blood under his feet.
They were from a giant hole on his right abdomen! A large junk of his flesh was gone, as if something has pierced him! And Nero doesn't realize it.
"NERO!"
I quickly ran to him as his body collapsed to the ground, surrounded by a pool of his blood.
I panicked as I quickly knelt down, shaking as I stretched my hands at his big wound.
"No. No, No, No, No, Please!"
I cried in tears as I tried to use every mana I still had to save him! I was completely exhausted, body and mind, and couldn't use the Infinity gem again because it was still on cooldown.
"COME ON!"
I screamed as I tried to look for any left potions in my sub space storage, but they were all used up.
There was nothing I could use to save him!
'No please, don't do this to me.'
I cried and pleaded. But no matter what I can do, I can't heal his wounds.
"S-stop..."
Just then, I heard Nero's voice. I looked at his face and saw his face losing color and turning pale.
"It's....O..kay.." he said with a weak voice.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT'S OKAY! YOU ARE DYING!"
I shouted at him. More tears keep pouring out from my eyes.
Just then, his trembling hand grabbed my wrist, as to tell me to stop. I looked at him again and saw the warm smile in his face as he looked at me with calm and happiness. I don't understand what that mean, but I knew what he wanted to say.
'It's going to be alright, so don't cry'
Despite understanding him after spending a long time with him, I still can't accept that!
"!!!!!"
Then, the thing I feared the most happened. Nero's eyes was shut, and his hand that was grabbing my waist fell on the ground. His body completely stop moving as there was no life in it.
".....no."
A cold whisper escape my mouth as I looked down at my lover's lifeless body.
I slowly moved my hands around him and hugged his head tightly in my embrace.
More tears were pouring out as I whispered to him.
"Please.... don't leave me...."
.....
"Please....."
.....
"I don't want to be alone again..."
.....
Finally, something snap inside my heart as I confess.
"I love you"
It was the first time I used that word. Because to me, 'Love' is a word used between two people who only likes each other, with no respect and admiration. That's why I only said I Like him, not Love him. Because Nero was someone I respect and admire the most.
Someone I swore to be with by his side and help him in his needs, for the rest of my life.
Someone who saved me from my prison, and I owe him my life.
He became my light in this dark world.
A person who became....
My Hero.
"I love you"
I whispered again with more pain in my throat. I finally realized my true feelings. I don't just admire and respect him, but I also love him, as an equal person.
"I love you, Nero..."
"so please..."
"Don't leave me..."
....
....
Just then, I saw something glowing bright, and it was coming from Nero's other hand. It was a golden ring that he always wears in his finger.
*Glow!*
There were three small gems on the ring, and one of them were glowing bright before it broke.
*Creak*
*Foom!*
Then, a miracle happened. Nero's body was covered by a golden light, and his wounds began to heal instantly. Even the big wound on his abdomen was healed in a second, as if time had reset. His body and clothes were back to normal as if he weren't fighting a tough battle.
"...?!"
As I was still holding his body in my arm, I felt the warmth of his body. And the last thing to comfort my heart was when his chest started to move.
'He is breathing!'
________
(Nero)
I was in a complete darkness. And the only thing I can see is the game system panel in front of me.
[You Have Died]
Despite seeing the notification, I didn't panic, and instead waited for the next message.
[The Revival Ring has activated!]
[Time uses: 1/3]
I sighed in relief and smiled as I saw it. I was somewhat worried that it might not work. But it did. The Revival Ring. A unique artifact that was given to me by my master Oz after I completed his trial.
(A/N: the same item MC shamefully ask Oz to give.)
It's a very useful item that helps the players who plays the solo route or the Hell mode route. Because it saves the players from reviving back to their last checkpoint, and start all over again.
"I hope Eilan is okay."
The last thing I remember was her crying while healing me. I didn't tell her about the ring because I didn't want to give her more hope in the battle. I was worried she might be unconsciously independent to it's effect. That why I kept it a secret, so she gets more focused during the final battle and give her all.
[The Revival success!]
[Your returning back to the waking world!]
Just then, I felt my conscious moving towards a light.
.....
*******
When I opened my eyes, I felt a drop of water falling on my face. What greeted me first was Eilania crying face as her tears where falling down on my cheek.
Her eyes was red from crying, and she had the look of shock and surprised. It then turned into pain and happiness.
I looked at the beautiful woman who I love with a warm smile as I called her name.
"Eilani-!*
*Thud!*
Shocking, she punch me on the chest. Not just one, but three times.
"Stupid... stupid, Stupid! I thought you died!"
She then hugged my body tightly, burying her face in my chest.
"I thought... you would leave me"
Hearing her sobbing as I felt the pain in her voice. I now felt very bad for not telling her about the ring. Moving my hands around her, I hugged her back.
"It's okay. I don't plan to leave you"
I said warmly as I strook her hair.
Just then, I heard something unexpected from her as she whispered.
"I love you"
"Huh?"
Eilan raised her face and looked at me with tears and blush as she confessed again.
"I love you, Nero"
I felt a weird sensation in my heart when I heard it again. It felt warm and shocking, like something warm and gentle grabbing my heart.
This was the first time I heard her using the word 'love' instead of 'like'.
I smiled gently as I touched her cheek with my hand and lean my head forward, as our foreheads touched each other.
"I love you too, Eilan"
I said with affection as I looked at her in the eyes. We then leaned closer and shared a deep kiss as we embrace each other, with the ray of the sun shining on us both.
________
(3rd POV)
More rays of sunlight pierced through the clouds, clearing it, and the dark sky began to turn blue again. The northern wasteland was turning back to its original state, after the death of the End Dragon. Fresh grass began to grow back on the earth, filling the dead land with life again. The death of the End has purified the mana in every polluted land around the world, bringing peace to the Forever Land.
******
"He succeeded"
An old man and a former hero smiled as he looked at the sky, sensing the change in the world. The old man felt he could finally rest in peace
...
******
Three female adventures, who were the first to encounter the Hero alone looked at the weird phenomenon in the sky.
"The polluted area is disappearing? Look!" said the shorty, pointing at the sky that was enveloped by golden aurora.
"What is that?" Asked the average.
"...I think it's him" answered the foxy.
The three have become a party after learning their own stories with the Hero.
(A/C: basically, a rejected party.)
******
In the Terona Kingdom.
A young powerful mage looked at the phenomenon in the sky with interest.
"This feeling. The death of a calamity"
She whispered as she drank her tea.
...
Inside a cathedral church. A Saintess looked outside the window with her hands joining together, as she smiled in relief and gratitude.
"They won " she said as she gave her prays to the Heroes.
...
In the kingdom castle, a female knight looked up at the sky phenomenon with a small smile.
"I hope we can meet again" she whispered as she clasp her hands together, offering a prayer.
(A/C: In your dream lol)
...
******
Outside in the wild. Two female adventurers were resting on the way after along walk, as they are heading to the elf kingdom.
"Ariel, look"
The barbaric cat pointed at the sky.
"This is..."
The elf princess looked up at the aurora in the sky, with wide-eyed.
...
******
In the Gonwen city.
A young woman sat on top of a building after completing her assassination.
"The sky." She saw the phenomenon in the night sky and quickly understood its meaning as she smiled.
....
******
In the hidden village.
A group of Shinobi were cheering in victory when they saw that the miasma monsters began to disappear in the tunnel entrance to the north.
"WE WON!!!!"
"THE HERO WON!"
Everyone was cheering with happiness and tears after along tough battle. They were all busy protecting the border from the swarm of monster.
A young samurai warrior breathed a sigh of relief before unsheathing her katana. Like everyone else, she was also tired. But she smiled as she looked to the north.
....
******
In the Tower of Trial, a woman with a big witch hat was smiling as her gaze was on the north.
"She finally found her happiness".
She then disappeared, along with the tower itself, as it never existed in the first place.
******
(One year later)
A year passed, and the world changed into a peaceful one. The Saintess announced an Oracle declaring that the calamity had ended and that the Last Hero had saved the world. The kingdom of Terona celebrated after hearing the news and the people began cheering the Hero's name and singing his story in different places.
The king of Terona wanted to reward the Hero, so he asked his knights and his people to look for him, unfortunately, there was no news from the Hero's party.
Many people wondered where the Hero was. Some thought he might have died after fighting the End Dragon, while other said he might have retired and went back to his home, but no one knows where he came from.
But the ones who were so desperate to hear any news about the Hero were the Heroines. Too bad for them all, except for the Saintess, Nero has already forgotten about them completely.
(A/C: LoL~)
In the north area region, that was once called the Dark land, was now a large plain filled with life and green grass.
On top of a small hill, there was a small house made of woods, where there lived two married couple.
*Chop!*
Nero was chopping some wooden with an axe to make a table. He was wearing a normal casual farmer clothes.
Just then, a beautiful woman wearing a peasant village like clothes with a long blue skirt came out of the house, bringing two mugs of drinks.
"Dear, here."
"Thanks."
Nero smiled as he took one from her and began drinking it. Eilania smiled as she also drank hers while looking at the view on top of the hill.
After the final battle was over, she and Nero stayed in the north area, and built a small house on the hill for their own. They both decided to spend the rest of their lives here, after their long journey. They didn't want to go on another adventure again. They want to rest and enjoy the beautiful life together.
"It's so peaceful" Eilania murmured with a calm tone as she looked at the world.
"It does"
Nero answered as he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, hugging her. Eilania smiled as she lean her head back on him, feeling comfort.
"So, when are you going to tell me about your past life?"
She asked with a mischievous smile.
Nero had promised her in the past, during their journey around the world that he would tell her his secret, and everything about his past, when Eilania realized that he had many knowledge about the world and during the fights with some Bosses.
Nero smiled when he saw her mischievous smirk. He leaned closer to her ears and whispered.
"I will tell you during the night. When we go together to our bed"
His words made her face blush deep as she quickly turn her head away, making Nero chuckle at her cuteness.
The couples continue to stare at the beautiful landscape, as their adventure had finally reached its end.
_____________________
[Second Story: END]
_____________________
(Author/note)
Hah! Finally it's finished!
Despite it began as a short story, it took a YEAR just to finish.
*feeling want to slap my lazy past self*
Now, for the next story, it will be focused on the female lead as the main character. So, because the main character will be a female POV, the story chapters will only be uploaded in other book "Romcom and Relationship [Female lead]" not this book [Male lead], because this one focuses only in Male lead characters.