The roar of the Land Dragon shook the domain, making everyone tense up. The yellow light emanating from its scales illuminated the dark room, amplifying the oppressive atmosphere.
"Pharnaces, it's time! Use your ultimate!" Navigator ordered firmly.
Pharnaces II raised his sword high. The blade glowed a fierce red, radiating such immense energy that the ground beneath him cracked. With unwavering conviction, he shouted, "Last Stand at Zela!"
The massive attack shot toward the Land Dragon, striking its colossal body. The powerful blast caused the dragon to stagger back a few steps, growling furiously. The attack didn't severely wound it, but it bought the team some precious time to regroup.
"Pierre! Shield of Orléans, now!" Navigator commanded again, just as the Land Dragon's scales began to glow even brighter.
Pierre raised his shield, activating Shield of Orléans. A golden protective aura enveloped the entire team, just as the Land Dragon stomped its massive feet onto the ground. Instantly, the domain's floor shattered, and the earth surged upward in brutal waves, striking indiscriminately in all directions.
Catherine and Thomas barely managed to stay behind the shield, though the impact hurled them several meters away from the dragon.
"Will this ever stop?" Catherine muttered, her expression calm but her sharp eyes scanning the battlefield.
Thomas, though shaken, quickly helped her up. "At least we're not smashed to pieces, thanks to him."
Not everyone was as fortunate. Amid the dust and upheaval, Pharnaces remained standing closest to the Land Dragon, becoming its primary target.
"Pharnaces!" Pierre called out, worry etched across his face as he saw his comrade surrounded by chaos.
But Navigator's cold, calculated voice reassured them. "He's fine. Stay focused on the battle."
As the debris settled and the dust cleared, Pharnaces stood firm, untouched. His armor and sword glowed as if nothing had happened.
"Navigator," Pharnaces said, spinning his sword with calm confidence, "how did you know I'd be alright?"
"I know all your capabilities," Navigator replied emotionlessly. "But don't get complacent. This is just the beginning. The Land Dragon is entering its second phase."
Another roar erupted, even more deafening than before. The yellow light on the Land Dragon's scales shifted, now radiating multi-colored elemental energy—fire, ice, and lightning coursed across its massive body.
"It's activating elemental attacks now!" Navigator warned. "Stay alert; its moves will be harder to predict. Don't stay too close unless you want to get obliterated."
"Great," Catherine said sarcastically. "Poison may be slow, but at least it's consistent. And now we have to deal with this?"
Thomas didn't reply, his eyes locked on the Land Dragon. Chanting under his breath, he summoned a swirling vortex of water, preparing to counter its fire-based attacks. "I'll try to neutralize its fire."
Meanwhile, Pierre adjusted his stance, raising his shield once more. "Navigator," he said, his tone more serious than before. "You already know what we need to do, don't you?"
"Of course," Navigator replied with steady confidence. "But it's not just about strategy. Execution is everything."
Pharnaces stepped forward again, his unwavering gaze fixed on the Land Dragon. "Elemental attacks or not, I'll bring this beast down." He raised his sword, bracing for the intensifying battle.
The second phase of the fight began. The tension escalated as the Land Dragon unleashed its elemental attacks, forcing every move and decision to count.
Fire, ice, and lightning rained down relentlessly. Pierre and Pharnaces held their ground at the front lines, absorbing the dragon's fierce assaults, while Thomas and Catherine chipped away at its health from a safer distance.
Thomas controlled the flow of his water magic with precision. "This thing is too fast for its size," he muttered, focusing intently on every movement. His chant intensified, and sharp streams of water struck the dragon's scales, gradually chipping away at its defenses.
Catherine, her movements calculated and precise, directed her hand with an elegant yet deadly motion. Her poison enveloped the Land Dragon, infecting its bloodstream and steadily draining its health. "At least my poison is doing its job, even if it's slow," she muttered coldly. "If only you were as fragile as the usual enemies."
Suddenly, the Land Dragon shifted its focus. Its massive head snapped toward Virginia, who was busy healing Jeanne, still unconscious on the floor.
"Virginia, watch out!" Pierre yelled, panic lacing his voice. Pharnaces II immediately lunged at the dragon, trying to redirect its attention, but the creature barreled toward Virginia with alarming speed.
Virginia looked up, startled by the warning. Her healing spell faltered as she hastily cast a simple shield spell in front of her, just strong enough to cover Jeanne. But the Land Dragon's strike shattered the shield with ease, sending Virginia flying across the room. She hit the ground hard, her health dropping drastically.
"Virginia!" Catherine shouted, her voice sharp with frustration. "It's targeting the weakest ones now."
Satisfied with its attack, the Land Dragon turned its focus to Jeanne, still vulnerable on the floor. Raising a massive claw, it prepared to crush her.
"Pharnaces, Pierre, stop it now!" Navigator barked, urgency cutting through the tension.
Without hesitation, Pierre and Pharnaces sprang into action. Pierre swung his sword at the dragon's flank, creating an opening for Pharnaces to strike its underbelly. Their combined attack forced the dragon to pause mid-swing, its claw hovering inches from Jeanne.
"I won't let you touch her!" Pierre roared, lifting his shield high to block the dragon's retaliation.
Seizing the moment, Thomas launched a stream of water magic toward the dragon's head, striking its eye and forcing it to retreat a few steps. "Focus your attacks on the right side! That's its new weak spot!" he shouted, guiding the team's next move.
Catherine, calm but furious, unleashed her poison in greater intensity, coating the area around the Land Dragon. "This poison will make you pay for every wound you've caused," she said, her voice low but brimming with venom.
The battle against the Land Dragon entered its most critical stage. The team pressed forward, united in their resolve to bring the colossal beast down.
The Land Dragon, now utterly enraged, let out a deafening roar, shaking the very domain. Despite its terrifying presence, the combined efforts of Pierre, Pharnaces, Catherine, and Thomas kept it locked in combat, its focus firmly on them. Jeanne remained safe, though Virginia lay crumpled in the corner, her strength waning.
"Virginia, hang in there! Don't lose consciousness!" Pierre called out, his shield raised against the Dragon's relentless onslaught.
"I'm still here," Virginia replied weakly, struggling to her feet despite trembling limbs. She cast a simple healing spell on herself before glancing back at Jeanne to ensure her safety.
The battle raged on, the team coordinating every move with precision as they weathered the chaos unleashed by the Land Dragon.
The confrontation reached its climax when the Land Dragon, its health dwindling, let out a guttural roar that pierced through their courage. The sound wasn't just deafening—it clawed at their resolve. A system notification appeared before each member:
[Effect "Fear" inflicted. Unable to move.]
Pierre, Catherine, and Thomas were frozen in place. Their bodies trembled not only from physical exhaustion but also from a deep, gnawing despair. Pierre gripped his sword tightly, yet his arms refused to respond. "This... can't be..." he muttered, eyes wide with disbelief as he stared at the towering Dragon, its intimidating aura growing more potent with every passing moment.
"Is this how it ends?" Catherine's thoughts raced. Her fingers, once adept at casting spells, hung limply by her sides. Her sharp gaze darted across the battlefield, searching for any glimmer of hope.
Thomas, usually calm and strategic, felt panic rising in his chest. "This debuff... It's absolute. Even my magic can't counter it," he thought, clenching his teeth in frustration.
As the situation spiraled, a voice as calm as it was commanding broke through the chaos:
"Pharnaces, activate Legacy of Mithridates. Now!"
Pharnaces II, also immobilized, grasped the weight of the order. Summoning every ounce of his willpower, he forced his body into motion. A violet aura enveloped him, radiating waves of energy that disrupted the surrounding enemies. Every monster in the domain, including the Land Dragon, turned their attention solely to him.
"Navigator, what are you planning?!" Pharnaces shouted, his voice filled with both frustration and trust. His stance solidified as he prepared for the incoming onslaught.
"Leave the rest to me," the Navigator replied. "All you need to do is hold your ground."
As commanded, every Sentinel in the domain and the Land Dragon itself closed in on Pharnaces. Their heavy, thunderous steps shook the earth, but their redirected focus gave the rest of the team a fleeting opportunity to recover. Within moments, the system debuff affecting them began to lift.
"Now!" The Navigator's voice rang out once more. "Pierre, activate Blade of Valor and strike Pharnaces!"
Pierre hesitated for a split second, confusion flashing across his face. Yet, without a moment's further doubt, he followed the directive. Stepping forward with purpose, he raised his glowing sword high, channeling all his remaining energy into the weapon. Its radiant light pierced through the domain's darkness as he launched himself toward Pharnaces, shouting:
"Blade of Valor!"
A blinding flash erupted from the strike, forcing Catherine and Thomas to shield their eyes. The blast struck the ground around Pharnaces, creating a massive shockwave that hurled the surrounding Sentinels against the walls, shattering them instantly. The Land Dragon, though sturdier, stumbled backward, its menacing growl momentarily faltering.
Catherine smirked, a flicker of amusement crossing her face. "At least they're proving useful," she thought as she began gathering her magical energy anew.
Thomas watched the aftermath of the attack, relief washing over him as the Sentinels were obliterated. Yet, his focus quickly returned to the Land Dragon. Despite its injuries, the beast remained on its feet. "We can't let up now. That dragon won't give us another chance," he said, preparing his next spell.
Pharnaces stood at the epicenter of the destruction, unwavering amidst the debris. He turned toward Pierre, a faint smile breaking across his face. "Navigator was right. Your attack gave us the opening we needed."
The Navigator's voice cut through again, composed and steady. "Well done. This raid is as good as over."
But as the smoke from the Blade of Valor strike cleared, an unsettling sight emerged. The Land Dragon still stood, its massive body scarred and battered but its eyes burning with unyielding ferocity. It roared once more, an echoing challenge that mocked their efforts.
Catherine folded her arms, her irritation thinly veiled. "So this is what you call 'as good as over,' Navigator? Ridiculous. That thing is clearly not done yet." Her voice dripped with sarcasm, though her eyes remained sharp and ready.
Before the Navigator could reply, a soft, steady sound of footsteps caught their attention. Turning, they saw Virginia standing resolutely, her face pale but determined. Behind her, Jeanne appeared, walking with an unsteady gait. Her expression was shadowed with guilt. "I'm sorry," she whispered, voice barely audible. "I couldn't do anything to help you."
The Navigator chuckled softly, his tone unchanged. "You're just in time. Virginia, activate your ultimate skill now."
Without hesitation, Virginia closed her eyes and raised her hands high. A soft, radiant white light enveloped her body, spreading outward. "Sinful Redemption," she intoned, her spell releasing waves of healing energy that restored the team's health and stamina. Simultaneously, a glowing mark appeared above each of them, its circular design ominous yet intricate.
Catherine arched an eyebrow at the mark. "Another twist? Is this a warning not to mess up again?" she remarked dryly.
The Navigator ignored her quip. "Thomas, cast Social Contract on Jeanne now."
Thomas channeled his magic, a gentle blue aura extending from him to Jeanne. The buff visibly enhanced her strength and aura. "Your move, Jeanne," the Navigator said firmly. "Finish this."
With a resolute nod, Jeanne stepped forward. Each stride left traces of white fire in her wake. Her form began to shimmer, encased in holy flames.
"What is this...?" Pierre shielded his eyes from the brilliance, while Catherine observed with a flicker of admiration. "That fire... it's not hot," she muttered, her tone softer than usual.
"Judgment of the Divine Flame," Jeanne whispered as a massive banner materialized in her hands, burning with sacred light. She continued forward, unfazed even as the Land Dragon, sensing the danger, lunged at her with terrifying speed.
"Jeanne, watch out!" Pierre shouted, but Jeanne remained unshaken, trusting in the divine power coursing through her. As the Dragon closed in, she planted her banner firmly into the ground.
"Banner of Fleur-de-lys, end this." Jeanne's voice was calm but resolute. A massive explosion of white fire erupted from the banner, consuming the Land Dragon in holy flames. The beast's anguished roar reverberated before fading into silence.
As the flames subsided, only ashes remained where the Land Dragon once stood. Jeanne turned to her companions, her face weary but triumphant. "It's over," she said softly, a faint smile breaking across her lips.
Navigator's voice rang out one last time. "Well done. The raid is complete. Excellent work, everyone."
Amidst the ruins of the domain, the team stood together, victorious against all odds.
***
Skill Details:
Marianna de Leyva "Nun of Monza" (SR)
Passive Skill – Chained to Secrets
Description: Marianna gains power from the intrigues around her. Every time an ally or enemy receives a debuff, Marianna restores a small portion of her own HP.
Effect: Restores 2% of Marianna's maximum HP every time an allied unit is affected by a debuff.
Ultimate Skill – Sinful Redemption
Description: Drawing from the dark influences of her past, Marianna creates an area of Redemption that gradually heals allies but deals damage to enemies every second. This effect lasts for 10 seconds.
Effect: All allies within the radius regenerate 15% of their maximum HP every 2 seconds for 10 seconds. Marianna applies the Forbidden Mark to the entire team for 30 seconds.
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Pierre d'Arc "Knight of the Fleur de Lis" (SR)
Active Skill 2 – Shield of Orléans
Description: With the conviction gained from fighting alongside Jeanne, Pierre raises his shield, reflecting enemy attacks while protecting his allies.
Effect: Deals 104% physical attack to all enemies and reduces damage taken by the entire team by 20% for 30 seconds.
Ultimate Skill – Blade of Valor
Description: With unwavering determination to protect France, Pierre launches a devastating attack that destroys enemies around him. Jeanne's golden light seems to accompany his strike.
Effect: Attacks all enemies with 258% physical attack and inflicts the Bleed effect for 10 seconds, as well as increases the entire team's Critical Rate by 20% for 20 seconds.
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Pharnaces II "Pontic Warlord" (R)
Active Skill 2 – Legacy of Mithridates
Description: In honor of his father, Mithridates VI, Pharnaces pumps his fighting spirit in the middle of battle to face any obstacle.
Effect: Grants a temporary shield that absorbs 25% of incoming damage for 5 seconds. While this effect is active, Pharnaces enters Taunt status.
Ultimate Skill – Last Stand at Zela
Description: Recalling his last stand at the Battle of Zela against Julius Caesar, Pharnaces unleashes all his strength in a bold attack.
Effect: Pharnaces performs a large area attack, hitting all nearby enemies and dealing physical damage equal to 118% of his attack power. After the attack, he becomes immune to counterattacks for 5 seconds.
---
Jeanne d'Arc "La Pucelle" (SSR)
Ultimate Skill – Judgement of the Divine Flame
Description: Jeanne calls upon divine power to burn enemies with sacred fire.
Effect:
- Jeanne enters the Divine Flame of Judgement form, her body igniting with sacred white fire, and creates the Banner of Fleur-de-lys in her hand.
- All allies within the vicinity of Jeanne when she enters Divine Flame of Judgement form receive the Regen effect (restoring 10% HP every 1 second for 5 seconds) and Purify (removes all debuffs).
- When the Banner of Fleur-de-lys is planted into the ground, enemies within a 25-meter radius around the banner take damage equal to 374% of Jeanne's attack power.
***