The next morning, our group ventured into the ominous depths of the Black Forest. A few knights remained at the base camp to tend to the horses while the rest of us, led by Duke Ashford, pressed onward into the unknown. The further we ventured, the more oppressive the atmosphere became. The dense fog hung low, shrouding the towering trees in an eerie veil, and the air itself felt heavy, as though the forest was alive and watching. Each step echoed ominously in the unnatural silence, broken only by the distant rustle of leaves.
The ground beneath our feet began to tremble, faintly at first, then with increasing intensity. The knights froze, their hands instinctively tightening around their weapons. The tension was palpable, every breath drawn with hesitation. Suddenly, the shadows ahead twisted and shifted, and from the blackness emerged a monstrous, three-headed serpent—the legendary Hydra of Venom.
The creature's iridescent scales shimmered like oil under moonlight, each colour shifting and swirling hypnotically as the serpent's massive body coiled and uncoiled. Its three heads snapped and hissed in perfect harmony, each exuding a chilling malevolence. Toxic green mist drifted from its fangs, corroding the ground where it landed, and the faint stench of decay filled the air.
"Stay in formation!" Duke Ashford commanded, his voice cutting through the rising panic like a blade. The knights scrambled into position, raising their shields and preparing to confront the beast.
I reached into my deck, pulling out the Seven of Spades, the card glowing brightly in my palm. In an instant, my legendary sword materialized in my grasp, its blade shimmering faintly with power. My fingers brushed against another card—Eight of Clubs—and I activated it, a surge of power flowing through my body as my strength and agility were heightened to their peak.
The knights rushed forward, shields raised, attempting to distract the Hydra. The serpent roared, its massive form darting forward with startling speed as one of its heads lashed out, fangs narrowly missing a knight's throat. I followed closely behind, flanking the beast alongside Duke Ashford.
"Strike its core!" the duke yelled, dodging the deadly swing of the Hydra's tail as it smashed into the ground, leaving a deep crater. "We'll only bring it down if we destroy the core!"
I lunged at the Hydra's underbelly, aiming for a gap in its Armor-like scales, but my blade barely made a dent. The serpent's thick hide deflected the attack, sending sparks flying as my sword skidded off.
"The skin is too thick!" I yelled over the cacophony of battle.
"I know!" Duke Ashford shouted back, his blade glinting as it collided with one of the Hydra's necks, but even his strikes failed to inflict meaningful damage.
The Hydra retaliated with a vengeance, its heads snapping viciously as it reared up, releasing a blood-curdling roar. A wave of toxic mist billowed from its jaws, spreading rapidly across the battlefield.
"Cover your mouths! Don't breathe it in!" Duke Ashford bellowed, his tone fierce and commanding. The knights scrambled to cover their faces with cloaks, but the poison was potent. One by one, several knights crumpled to the ground, overwhelmed by the toxic fumes.
Anger flared within me as I stared at the fallen knights. My hand clenched around my sword, and my aura flared to life—a crimson haze pulsating with raw power and murderous intent.
"That's it," I growled. "I've had enough of you!"
Summoning the Five of Diamonds, I conjured an enchanted barrier to shield the remaining knights from the spreading poison. With that settled, I charged toward the Hydra, leaping onto its back. My boots skidded on the slick, iridescent scales as I struggled to maintain balance.
One of the serpent's heads twisted toward me with terrifying speed, its venom-coated fangs snapping just inches from my face. I raised my blade, driving it into the beast's neck with all my might. The Hydra screeched in pain, its body convulsing violently as I drove the blade deeper.
But it wasn't enough. The other two heads lunged at me simultaneously, forcing me to leap off its back as their massive jaws collided with a thunderous crash.
Duke Ashford seized the opening, his aura blazing like a golden inferno. He charged forward with incredible speed, his blade slicing cleanly through a small gap in the Hydra's Armor. Black, viscous blood sprayed from the wound, and the serpent hissed in fury, its focus now split between the duke and me.
"That's it!" I yelled, realization dawning. "Focus on its weak points—pierce the gaps in its Armor!"
Duke Ashford nodded, his movements swift and calculated. With renewed determination, we launched a coordinated assault. My blade flashed as I struck the Hydra's exposed wounds, while the Duke darted between its flailing heads, slashing at its vulnerable spots.
The Hydra, realizing the danger, unleashed a deafening roar. Its three heads reared back simultaneously before releasing a concentrated blast of poison. The air crackled with energy as the toxic cloud surged toward us.
Acting on instinct, I grabbed the Nine of Clubs and activated it. A powerful gust of wind erupted from the card, dispersing the poisonous mist and clearing the battlefield.
The Hydra recoiled; its movements frantic as it thrashed violently. Its tails swept across the ground, tearing through trees and sending debris flying. I narrowly dodged a devastating swing, rolling to the side before charging forward once more.
"Now's our chance!" I shouted.
With a feral cry, I leapt high into the air, summoning every ounce of strength I had. My blade gleamed with the fiery glow of my aura as I brought it down in a devastating arc, aiming directly for the beast's core.
The strike landed true. The Hydra let out a final, ear-splitting shriek as the blade pierced its heart. Its massive body convulsed violently before collapsing to the ground with a thunderous impact.
I landed in a crouch, breathing heavily as I stared at the lifeless serpent. "And learn to brush your teeth while you're at it," I muttered, glaring at the fallen beast.
With the battle finally over, I sprinted toward the glowing flower of Daffine, nestled among the withered plants nearby. Carefully plucking the rare flower, I ground it into a mushy paste and fed it to the fallen knights.
Time seemed to drag as I waited, but one by one, the knights stirred, their eyes fluttering open. Relief washed over me as they sat up, coughing but alive.
Cheers erupted from the remaining knights as they carried their weakened comrades back to the base camp, where the healers awaited. I stayed behind for a moment, staring at the Hydra's lifeless body, pride swelling in my chest.
The status window opened up again congrats on your quest miss aria