The creature let out an earsplitting screech as black blood poured from its wounded core. Its massive form began to sway unsteadily above the battlefield, the attacks having done severe damage. But it was not finished yet.
With what remained of its strength, the beast lashed out with its tentacles one final time. Rhys saw one hurtling straight toward the group of magicians who had been raining elemental assaults from afar. "Look out!" he shouted, pushing aside a main Artelist across the place just as the appendage slammed into the earth, flinging rocks and debris in all directions.
When the dust cleared, he saw that all the magicians had avoided direct hits, though some lay injured. Their formations had been shattered. He turned back to the beast just in time to see it retreating upwards into the stormy skies, no longer able to maintain its position hovering over the town. Its core wound leaked a trail of inky blood behind it as it fled.
For now, the immediate threat was over. But Rhys knew this was only a temporary victory. The creature would recover from its injuries and seek vengeance once more. They did not have the power to kill such an ancient being, only drive it off. He could imagine how gruesome the battle will be if it returns with its full strength.
He turned to his comrades, helping the injured to their feet. "Everyone retreat, Expedition cancelled, shadow unit go inform the Head Family along with the five crest alliance."
Two figures appeared before bowing and disappearing. With that being done, Rhys gazed at the colossal thing retreating slowly. His eyes cold.
At the same time, a hooded figure gazed at the remnants of the battle and looked at the heroes who saved the place.
A deep sigh came out from the hooded figure as she slowly put down her hood, revealing her beautiful face and her fully red fox ears with dark pointed tips.
"Rhys Verdon, I will some day repay the favor. I, Ayanami, promise," she muttered before blending into the crowd.
Little did Rhys know the unexpected favor he has gained will save their lives in the distant future.
And thus, just like that, the future was changed once again unknowingly by Lukas.
Original Timeline:
For some reason, the behemoth which was slumbering within the Hundred mountain got awakened and attacked the closest town of Oakdal.
Rhys and the Agis Squad didn't appear, nor did any help from powerful mages. Seeing the crisis and how it would kill thousands upon thousands of people if it entered the Slorais Empire, a person made the ultimate sacrifice. Activating the last celestial stone, she used the celestial stone to kill the behemoth along with herself.
The town of Oakdal didn't even know who killed it and celebrated.
Unknowingly, the last celestial stone has the power and potential to open the gate to the many sealed worlds, which the world referred to as Dungeons of Ancient Time.The adventurers who were present in town cheered unknowingly, not realizing how frightening it would be when it returned with its full strength.
Rhys Verdon, along with the Agis unit, looked at the aftermath grimly. Thankfully, no one died, but it was only possible because they used their Elemental stones completely.
They had prepared for the expedition.
"Sigh, what's happening in the world?" Rhys muttered, gazing at the sky and clenching his hands. He didn't know why, but something was very, very amiss. He just couldn't put his finger on it.
He trusted his instincts. His instincts were telling him to grow stronger, to protect his family, to protect his comrades.
-------
At the same time, in the arena, swords clashed, making sparks fly all over the place.
His opponent was stronger than he initially expected. Lukas retreated to catch his breath.
As Lukas caught his breath, he sized up his new opponent. This guy was clearly highly skilled, pressing Lukas harder than the magician before. But Lukas had come too far to lose now. He steadied his breathing, letting his body and mind fall into a calm, focused state.
He had to fight with pure swordsmanship. He couldn't use his Azur edge swordsmanship here. It would raise too many questions if he did.
As the red-haired guy rushed forward again, Lukas met their blow with one of his own. Their swords clashed again and again in a dazzling display of skill.
It was obvious the guy had no intention of using magic, making Lukas fight toe-to-toe. If he had used magic along with his sword, Lukas would have already lost.
The fight raged on, with each of them dodging each other's attacks by a hair's breadth.
The red-haired man couldn't help but be surprised, seeing such swordsmanship from someone with the same Owsdin background as him.
Named Yul Kai Owsdin, the son of Rujin Kai Owsdin, a renowned swordmaster in the Owsdin lineage, found himself increasingly impressed by Lukas's swordsmanship. Despite his initial skepticism about facing someone from his own background, he couldn't deny the sheer skill and determination radiating from Lukas.
He was also shocked to see such fine skills from someone around his age. He had been allowed to practice swordsmanship from a very young age.
Seeing such a display of skill, Yul already guessed that Lukas might have also practiced swordsmanship from a young age.
He could easily win if he used enchantment. But he didn't want to, seeing that his opponent wasn't using magic either.
And then, in that moment,
Yul saw an opening and struck, feinting left before slashing right and disarming Lukas. Lukas's sword went spinning away, hitting the force field surrounding the battleground.
Lukas was breathing heavily. "Well fought, I concede defeat," Lukas muttered as he slowly disappeared from the arena, along with his sword.
Yul felt satisfied. He looked at the blue screen.
[Name: Yuk Kai Owsdin
Wins: 6
Losses: 01
[] First year []
Viewers: 38 Bets: 350 credit points (win)] He felt more arrogant after winning some bets and earning 350 credit points. He decided to end the day by giving a last glance where Lukas and he fought. Before that, he slowly disappeared and was replaced with two new arena battle candidates.
[To be continued...