In the face of the formidable Drake Sand Worm, Cedric swiftly formulated a coordinated strategy with his team to overcome the peak gold-rank adversary. Charged with determination, they launched a synchronized assault, aiming to exploit weaknesses and deliver substantial damage.
Cedric: "Raya, Goldenfist, let's hit it together!"
The trio of Cedric, Raya, and Goldenfist surged forward, each unleashing their unique abilities upon the colossal worm. Cedric initiated the assault with a celestial slash, followed seamlessly by a meteor impact directed at the same point on the creature's scales. The goal was to pierce through its formidable defenses.
Raya, recognizing the need for unconventional tactics, employed a technique that emitted a fragrant smell of flowers. Beyond the pleasant aroma, the technique contained hallucinogenic properties, aiming to disrupt the worm's perception and coordination.
Goldenfist, true to its name, engaged in a close-quarters melee, launching a flurry of powerful punches at the worm's tough exterior. The twins, Amelia and Elma, stationed themselves strategically, providing support from a distance with their magical and archery skills.
Despite their combined efforts, the Drake Sand Worm emerged from the onslaught largely unscathed, revealing its peak gold-rank resilience. Cedric exchanged a concerned glance with Raya, seeking an explanation for their inability to inflict substantial damage.
Cedric: "Raya, what's going on? Why isn't it hurt?"
Raya, his expression grim, responded with a disheartening revelation.
Raya: "I believe it's a peak gold-rank beast. Our attacks are struggling to penetrate its defenses."
The realization of facing a peak gold-rank opponent heightened the urgency of the situation. The Drake Sand Worm, undeterred by their efforts, prepared to unleash a formidable breath attack, signaling a potential turning point in the encounter.
Cedric, acting swiftly to protect the team, activated his constellation ability, creating a magical dome for defense. He turned to Amelia and Elma, issuing clear instructions.
Cedric: "Reinforce the dome with your magic! We need to brace for its breath attack."
Amelia and Elma, understanding the gravity of the situation, channeled their magical prowess to fortify the defensive barrier. Cedric, focusing intently, increased the density of the dome to its maximum capacity, fortifying it against the impending breath assault from the Drake Sand Worm. The tension in the cavern escalated as the team prepared to weather the storm unleashed by the formidable adversary.
In the face of the Drake Sand Worm's relentless breath attack, Cedric and his team found themselves in a precarious situation. The magical dome, fortified by Amelia and Elma, struggled to withstand the overwhelming force of the assault. Cedric, recognizing the imminent danger, had to make a critical decision to turn the tide.
Cedric, with a momentary hesitation, chose to employ a powerful and risky technique known as the "Northstar Secret Art: Supernova." This extraordinary technique harnessed the energy of the Central Star, depleting it entirely while providing a significant boost to the user's abilities. In Cedric's case, with three planets, the boost amounted to an astonishing 600%. However, the cost was high—rendering the Central Star temporarily inert until sufficient energy could be replenished.
As the Supernova unfolded, the dome experienced an exponential enhancement in its defensive capabilities, successfully resisting the Drake Sand Worm's breath attack. The intense surge of power momentarily transformed the magical barrier, shielding the team from the devastating assault.
Amelia, astonished by the sudden boost in the dome's strength, exclaimed, "What just happened? Did Cedric...?"
Elma, equally surprised, replied, "It seems like Cedric used some kind of secret art to strengthen the barrier. But the cost must be significant."
Cedric, now charged with the boosted energy, seized the opportunity to launch a counterattack. He propelled himself towards the Drake Sand Worm with remarkable speed, wielding his sword in preparation for the Northstar Sword Art: Gamma Ray Burst.
Cedric: "Time to finish this! Gamma Ray Burst!"
Infusing his sword with powerful energy, Cedric unleashed a devastating strike upon the Drake Sand Worm. The impact triggered a colossal explosion, engulfing the cavern in a blinding display of energy and force. The unleashed power reverberated through the cavern, causing echoes of destruction.
Despite the success of his counterattack, the sheer force of the explosion sent Cedric flying backward, colliding with the cavern wall. Miraculously, he remained conscious, thanks to the substantial boost granted by the Supernova secret art.
Raya, witnessing the turn of events, couldn't help but express his admiration.
Raya: "Impressive, Cedric! That secret art of yours just saved us."
Cedric, still recovering from the impact, nodded in acknowledgment.
Cedric: "It comes at a cost, though. We need to finish this quickly before the Central Star fully depletes."
The aftermath of the explosive confrontation with the Drake Sand Worm revealed a significant gash, approximately three-quarters of its diameter, across the creature's body. Although severely wounded, the resilient drake characteristic kept the worm alive, prompting Cedric and his team to prepare for a decisive final blow.
Cedric, determined to end the threat, retrieved his saber and unveiled a new technique he had developed during his year of survival in the Thundra forest—the "Demonic White Tiger Slash." The saber emanated ominous energy, representing the residual thoughts of the Demonic White Tiger. Cedric harnessed these haunting energies to amplify his attack. With a swift and precise motion, a black slash left Cedric's saber, cutting through the worm and finally putting an end to its formidable presence.
As the remnants of the worm's life force dissipated, Cedric made the decision to store its corpse in his dimension bracelet—a convenient and efficient method of dealing with the aftermath of their battles.
With the immediate threat neutralized, Cedric canceled the Supernova secret art, feeling an overwhelming sense of weakness wash over him. Goldenfist, always vigilant, approached to support Cedric, helping him stand. Together, they moved closer to the fallen corpse of the worm.
Cedric, feeling drained but relieved, addressed the group.
Cedric: "That should take care of the Drake Sand Worm. It won't be bothering us anymore."
Raya, expressing gratitude on behalf of the team, said, "Thank you, Cedric. Your strength and techniques saved us. We owe you."
Cedric, still recovering, waved off their attempts to offer him energy supplements and opted for a different solution. He accessed his storage gourd and drank the life nectar within. Almost instantly, he felt a surge of vitality coursing through him. However, despite the revitalization, he was keenly aware that the Central Star remained dim—a reminder of the toll taken by the Supernova secret art.
Cedric contemplated his next steps, recognizing that only a breakthrough to the gold rank or the acquisition of treasures from the Northstar treasuries could fully restore his diminished energy. Fortunately, the opportunity for a breakthrough awaited them at the end of the tunnel, presenting a glimmer of hope for Cedric's recovery.