The revelation of the incoming Behemoth from the third continent struck the guild like a thunderclap. The once-lively port buzzed with urgency as preparations began. Lira issued orders to her guild members, coordinating the city's defenses. Emmanuel and Samira worked tirelessly, crafting plans and gathering resources, while Rodensky stood silently by the edge of the port, staring into the distant horizon where the beast was said to come from.
The Behemoth was no ordinary creature. Reports described it as a massive, serpent-like monstrosity, its scales dark as midnight and its eyes burning with primal fury. The Black Snake Guild, infamous for their cruelty and ambition, had unleashed it after it clashed with their leader—an encounter that had left the Behemoth wounded but still dangerously powerful.
As if the situation wasn't dire enough, a messenger bird arrived that night, carrying a letter addressed to Rodensky and Emmanuel. It bore Izabella's elegant handwriting, but its contents chilled them to their cores:
"The Black Snake of the black snake Guild's leader has reached Transcendent 1st Order. He has evolved into a Black-Scaled Flood Dragon. The guild will stop at nothing to destroy those who oppose them. Stay vigilant."
Rodensky crumpled the letter in his hand, his jaw clenched. "A Transcendent Flood Dragon," he murmured. "And now a Behemoth on its way to destroy us? What next?"
"We need to understand what we're up against," Emmanuel said. "Let's consult the system."
They summoned the system panel, its familiar blue glow illuminating the room. A cascading series of texts appeared:
Beast Ranking:
Hatchling
Juvenile
Juvenile First Order
Juvenile Mid Order
Juvenile Peak Order
Adulthood
Adulthood First Order
Adulthood Mid Order
Adulthood Peak Order
Transcendent
Transcendent First Order
Transcendent Second Order
Transcendent Third Order
A note appeared at the bottom:
"For now, Earth, now fused with Astralis, can only sustain beasts up to Transcendent Third Order."
Rodensky furrowed his brow, reading the system's explanation. "So the Behemoth is a Transcendent First Order," he said. "At least it's not at peak strength, but it's still far beyond anything we've faced before."
"And it's wounded," Emmanuel added. "That gives us a chance. But we'll need everyone working together to stop it."
The port city buzzed with activity throughout the night. Barricades were erected, traps were set, and every able-bodied fighter prepared themselves for the battle ahead. Lira's guild provided weapons and potions, while Samira led efforts to secure the non-combatants.
"Rodensky," Lira said, pulling him aside. "I know you're determined to fight, but are you ready for this? A Transcendent beast is no joke."
"I don't have a choice," he replied. "If we don't stop it here, it'll destroy everything in its path."
By dawn, the Behemoth arrived.
---
The beast emerged from the water like a nightmare given form, its massive body coiled with serpentine grace. Each movement sent waves crashing against the port's defenses, and its roar shook the very earth. Its blackened scales glinted in the sunlight, and despite the injuries it bore, its presence was terrifyingly dominant.
"Positions!" Lira shouted, rallying her guild members. Archers lined the walls, their arrows tipped with poison meant to slow the beast. Warriors wielding enchanted blades waited in ambush, and mages chanted incantations, summoning barriers to protect the city.
The battle began with a volley of arrows. Many bounced harmlessly off the Behemoth's thick scales, but a few found their mark, drawing pained hisses from the beast. It retaliated with a sweep of its tail, smashing through the first line of defenses and sending debris flying.
Rodensky mounted Rokura, the lion-like beast growling with anticipation. "We need to keep it away from the port!" he shouted to Emmanuel, who nodded and began casting a spell.
Emmanuel summoned a massive wave of fire, forcing the Behemoth to recoil. Taking advantage of the opening, Rodensky charged in, slashing at the creature's side with his blade. The Fanglord and Arcturus joined the fray, attacking in tandem and targeting the Behemoth's exposed wounds.
The fight raged on for hours, the city trembling under the force of the conflict. The Behemoth's attacks grew more desperate as its injuries worsened, but it refused to back down. It lashed out with a ferocity born of primal survival, its tail smashing through barricades and its jaws snapping dangerously close to its foes.
Rodensky's focus sharpened as the tide of battle shifted. He noticed the Behemoth hesitating, its movements slower and more labored. "It's weakening!" he yelled.
But just as victory seemed within reach, the beast let out a deafening roar and began retreating toward the sea.
"No, you don't!" Rodensky growled.
Urging Rokura forward, they leaped into the air, using the lion-like beast's wind manipulation to soar above the fleeing Behemoth. Rokura roared, positioning them directly in the beast's path.
"Stop!" Rodensky commanded, his voice resonating with an authority he didn't fully understand. The Behemoth froze, its massive form trembling as if recognizing something within Rodensky.
The system interface appeared before him, glowing with a message:
"Do you wish to attempt taming the Transcendent Behemoth?"
"Yes," Rodensky replied without hesitation.
A surge of power coursed through him as the taming ritual began. It felt as though his soul was being tested, his resolve measured against the Behemoth's unyielding will. Minutes stretched into what felt like hours as their energies clashed.
Finally, the Behemoth lowered its head, its fiery eyes dimming in submission. The system flashed another message:
"Transcendent First Order Behemoth tamed. Battle power increased."
Rodensky exhaled deeply, relief washing over him. He patted Rokura's mane. "We did it," he whispered.
The port was in ruins, the streets littered with debris and the wounded. But there was no mistaking the triumphant cheers that erupted as the Behemoth, now under Rodensky's control, moved away from the city's remains.
Lira approached him, her expression a mixture of awe and exhaustion. "You tamed it," she said, shaking her head in disbelief. "I didn't think that was possible."
Rodensky dismounted Rokura, his gaze steady. "It's not over yet," he said. "We still have the Black Snake Guild and their leader to deal with."
As the Behemoth submerged itself in the waters near the port, Rodensky couldn't help but feel a strange connection to it. With its power added to his, he knew they were better prepared for the battles to come. But he also knew that this was only the beginning. The Flood Dragon awaited them, and with it, the Black Snake Guild's true intentions.