Rivira was bustling with activity as always. Adventurers, merchants, and travelers exchanged goods, information, and the occasional wary glance. Bell and his party strolled through the market, enjoying the temporary quiet after the intense fighting in the Dungeon.
Meanwhile, away from the main market, a dark figure watched silently from a shadowy corner. The shadow carried a black box with intricate patterns, sealed with ancient runes.
—The Black Goliath was not enough… she whispered. Perhaps in Rivira, their end will be certain.
The figure opened the box, releasing a dark, tormented energy, saturated with divine mana. A wave of energy swept through the air, drawing the attention of the Dungeon itself. Rivira's glowing crystals flickered briefly.
On the other side of Rivira, Bell was walking through the market. His eyes stopped on a stall of exotic fruits. A strange fruit, blue and sparkling, caught his attention.
"I've never seen this before," he murmured, fascinated.
Before he could buy it, a familiar voice called out to him.
— Bell!
He turned around to see Riveria, accompanied by Tiona and Tione. The twins seemed to be in a good mood, probably still making fun of someone or something.
— Riveria! he said, approaching with a smile.
"It's been a long time, Bell," she replied calmly. "Are you here to rest after the Dungeon?"
— Yes, we are taking a break before continuing further. And you?
— We're coming back from an expedition. Tiona and Tione wanted to do some shopping before going back to the surface.
Tiona approached, a mischievous smile on her lips.
— Hey, you, Argonaut! she called, pointing at Bell.
Bell blinked, surprised.
Tiona laughs.
It's just that I saw you take on that red Minotaur months ago. He was like a living legend!
Bell blushed, embarrassed.
— Oh… I see.
Tione, who had remained silent, observed Bell curiously.
— Tiona always exaggerates, but it's true that you're doing well.
Riveria, for her part, seemed intrigued by the mention of the title.
—Argonaut… an apt nickname, given your recent exploits, she murmured.
As they spoke, an adventurer named Mod watched Bell from another stall. His gaze was filled with jealousy and resentment.
—Him… he whispered. That kid is getting stronger way too fast.
Mod gripped his weapon, the urge to provoke Bell growing within him. However, he noticed the presence of Riveria and the twins, figures well known for their power.
— Tch… Another time, he mumbled as he quietly walked away.
Suddenly, the ground shook violently. Cries of alarm rose throughout Rivira.
— What was that? Tiona asked, alarmed.
Bell and Riveria exchanged a look.
— This is not normal, Riveria murmured.
A panicked adventurer ran past.
— A black monster! A black monster is coming out!
Bell felt his heart race.
— Another black monster?
Riveria frowned.
—The Dungeon is restless… That can only mean one thing: someone or something here is breaking its rules.
— We have to go! Bell said, determined.
Riveria nodded, followed by the twins.
Chapter 72: The Beginning of the Confrontation
Rivira's heart trembled under the monster's roar. The glowing crystals cracked and shattered, bathing the city in a flickering light. The walls of the Dungeon shattered, revealing a titanic creature.
This black Goliath with 4 Arms, born from an extreme concentration of divine mana, surpassed everything the adventurers had seen. Its obsidian body was adorned with brilliant runes, emanating overwhelming power. Its red eyes burned with rage, and every step shook the earth.
He roared again, a sound that vibrated the air and made the whole world seem like it was going to collapse.
Bell, followed by Riveria, Tiona, and Tione, arrived first on the scene. They were quickly joined by the Loki Familia executives: Bete, Aiz, Gareth, Lefiya, and Finn.
Finn, as a true strategist, quickly observed the situation and assessed the enemy forces.
— This is worse than a boss from the 45th floor… he muttered, before turning to the adventurers present. Everyone, prepare for a battle like no other!
Soon after, Welf, Lili, and Aisha joined Bell, forming a compact unit. Aisha gave Bell a worried look, but he remained focused, his sword in hand.
As if the Black Goliath wasn't enough, he raised a massive arm, and an army of monsters emerged from the shadows, summoned by his dark mana. Ogres, wyverns, and hordes of empowered goblins rushed towards Rivira.
— He summons? That's not normal for a monster of this level! Gareth exclaimed, drawing his axe.
Riveria frowned, analyzing the phenomenon.
— Divine mana… There is a source somewhere. As long as this energy persists, the monster will be invincible, because the dungeon will believe that there is a deity present and will amplify these abilities.
—We don't have time to look for the source! Bete growled. This thing will destroy all of Rivira before that!
Finn quickly took command.
— Team 1, focus on the Black Goliath. Team 2, defend the townspeople and repel the summoned monsters. Don't let any of them get close!
He turned to Bell.
— Bell, you and your team help contain the monsters. If you find an opportunity, attack the Goliath, but be careful.
— Understood! Bell replied, clutching his sword.
The fight began in absolute chaos.
Welf, armed with his new creations, destroyed the summoned monsters with impressive precision and power. At his side, Lili used her traps and crossbow to neutralize the enemies from a distance.
Aisha, always at the front, cut through the hordes of monsters with her brutal strength, all the while protecting Bell.
— Bell, be careful! she shouted, dodging an ogre.
Tiona and Tione, armed with their dual blades, were tornadoes on the battlefield, eliminating wyverns with perfect coordination.
Bete, in a fit of rage, charged straight at the Black Goliath, but was knocked back by a titanic blow that sent him flying against a wall.
—This thing… it's stronger than I thought! he roared as he stood up.
Aiz, silent and focused, attacked with rapid strikes, seeking to find a weak point. But the Goliath's glowing runes absorbed the impact of her blows.
Meanwhile, Riveria cast a powerful spell to protect nearby adventurers:
— O swear of the Ancients, shield of the wise, stand against chaos. Veil Aura!
A protective dome enveloped part of the team, pushing back a wave of monsters.
From afar, the shadow observed the scene with satisfaction.
—As long as the divine mana flows, you will never be able to defeat it… she murmured, closing the box slightly to regulate the energy.
She smiles behind her mask.
— Let's continue this show.
To be continued...