The First Wave (1)

As the haze of uncertainty lifted, Eveline's eyes fluttered open, and she blinked several times to adjust to the returning clarity of her vision. Her party members, still in a daze, began to gather their senses and orient themselves in the unfamiliar surroundings.

"Hero..."

Eveline's voice trailed off as she was about to address their situation, a curious mixture of relief and concern in her tone. However, before any of them could exchange words, a deafening roar reverberated through the air, causing the very ground beneath them to tremble. The nearby trees swayed violently as if in the grasp of a tempest, and the previously overcast sky cleared suddenly, as if revealing the awe-inspiring scene that lay before them.

With a sense of both dread and anticipation, Eveline's gaze was drawn to the source of the tumultuous disturbance. Emerging from the heart of the forest was a creature of monstrous proportions, a Chimera whose size rivaled that of the ancient Patagotitan Mayorum spoken of in legends. Its form was a grotesque collage of animal traits, its various limbs and appendages assembled in a macabre harmony that defied the laws of nature.

[A/N : Patagotitan mayorum is a species of giant, long-necked dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 101 to 96 million years ago. It belongs to the group of dinosaurs known as sauropods, which were characterized by their large size, long necks, and herbivorous diet. Patagotitan is often referred to as one of the largest land animals to have ever existed.

Ultimately, I've taken some creative liberties with the Chimera's proportions, making it even more massive than the traditional depiction from mythology. According to my research, the size of the chimera is about 6 to 10 feet tall, depends on where you read it, nearly 10 feet long, and weighs about 4,000 pounds.]

Eveline couldn't help but gulp audibly, her throat dry as her heart quickened in response to the looming threat that stood before them.

"Damn..." she muttered under her breath, her voice a mix of awe and apprehension. The sight of the Chimera, a creature that seemed plucked from the most terrifying depths of mythology, was enough to make her realize the gravity of the challenge that lay ahead.

As the creature's gaze turned their way, Eveline exchanged a brief glance with her companions. Determination flickered in their eyes, an unspoken agreement passing between them. Despite the formidable odds, they were heroes chosen for a reason, and they were ready to face whatever trials lay ahead.

"Seems like the battle is going to be... crazy," Eveline mused aloud, her words carrying a blend of uncertainty and resolve. The air was charged with tension, a palpable energy that hinted at the impending clash between mortal heroes and an otherworldly behemoth.

With a deep breath, Eveline and her companions readied themselves, prepared to give everything they had to meet the formidable challenge that awaited them in the heart of the chaos.

***

(Eveline POV)

As my eyes locked onto the terrifying monstrosity looming in the distance, an involuntary gulp escaped my throat, and I could practically feel the beads of sweat forming on my back as tension coiled within me.

"Do we really have to face that... thing?" My voice quivered slightly as the words tumbled from my lips, mirroring the shock and fear that had etched itself across one of my companion's face, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"Yeah," I responded, my voice steady but my nod of agreement perhaps less convincing than intended.

Come on, get a grip! If I let my fear show now, what kind of hero am I supposed to be? If my companions saw me falter in the face of a mere Boss Monster, I'd have a hard time living that down.

Summoning every ounce of determination within me, I resolutely drove my sword into the ground and slapped my own cheeks in an attempt to dispel the encroaching sense of dread. Turning to face my comrades, I met their wide-eyed gazes with an expression that I hoped conveyed newfound resolve.

"Alright, everyone! Get ready for battle!" My voice cut through the air, laced with a fervent determination that I hoped was as contagious as it was intended to be.

The effect was immediate; a collective intake of breath seemed to fill the space around us, and then, in a sudden crescendo of sound, a chorus of warrior's cries erupted as my companions responded to the call to arms.

"Yes, ma'am!"

"For the Rose Kingdom! Charge!"

Empowered by their shared camaraderie and the thrill of battle ahead, the trembling nerves gave way to unwavering resolve. With a renewed grip on my sword, I lifted it high above my head, its gleaming blade catching the light as if to signal our readiness to face whatever challenges the monstrous foe before us might bring.

And thus, we made our way towards the monster.

...

..

.

As Julius and his companions' vision gradually cleared, their eyes were immediately met with the looming presence of the colossal monster in the distance.

"That must be it," Julius murmured to himself, his expression retaining an air of casual indifference despite the awe-inspiring sight before him.

Shifting his gaze to the gathered group of his companions, he posed a succinct yet crucial question, "Are we all prepared?"

Seraphina, Princess Juliette, and the rest of the party exchanged determined glances before offering resolute nods in response to Julius' inquiry.

A faint smile tugged at the corners of Julius' lips as he observed the unified determination that rippled through his comrades. With a quiet sense of satisfaction, he redirected his attention to the imminent calamity that awaited them, his demeanor focused and unwavering.

Stepping forward, Julius took a deliberate stride and positioned himself at the forefront. His voice, steady and resounding, cut through the charged atmosphere as he rallied his companions.

"Let's go!"

His words acted as a catalyst, a rallying cry that fused their collective courage and resolve. With each step they took towards the impending battle, the anticipation grew, carrying with it an unspoken promise of unwavering unity and the determination to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

***

(Saber POV)

"....."

As my eyes blinked open, I was met with the looming sight of a massive, furry foot belonging to none other than the Boss Monster itself.

One wrong move, and I'm done for!

I groaned inwardly, the sheer absurdity of my situation almost tempting a scream, but I suppressed it with a sigh. Slowly, I craned my neck to assess my predicament more fully, only to confirm my unfortunate positioning beneath the monstrous creature.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes in exasperation, my frustration mounting to the point where I had to muffle a sound with my hands to keep from letting out a frustrated cry.

Seriously, could the goddess possibly have it out for me any more?

Despite my vexation, a strange sense of relief washed over me as I realized that the colossal beast seemed oblivious to my presence beneath it. Clearly, I'd managed to evade its notice for the time being, a small victory amid this chaotic and potentially fatal scenario.

The irony was not lost on me. I had wished to be transported closer to the beast, but the reality of the situation turned out to be far from my expectations.

Cautiously, I took a deep breath and meticulously began to retreat from the monstrous entity, every movement calculated to avoid drawing its attention. With each step, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, a rapid drumbeat that mirrored the intensity of the situation.

As I put distance between myself and the colossal creature, a maelstrom of thoughts churned within me. The absurdity of my circumstances was laughable, yet I dared not let even a hint of amusement escape my lips. It was as though the universe itself was toying with me, twisting my wishes into cruel jokes.

While my footsteps were silent, my mind was anything but. I entertained the idea of what I would say to the goddess responsible for this predicament. "Couldn't you have transported me close, but not with this distance?" I imagined myself saying, though the prospect of actually facing a deity was both daunting and improbable.

With each passing moment, my irritation grew, mingling with the tension that came with being so close to danger. My thoughts, a swirling mix of exasperation and anxiety, were only interrupted by the ever-present awareness that at any given second, the monster's notice could shift towards me.

And as I continued my strategic retreat, I couldn't help but fantasize about giving that meddling goddess a piece of my mind – metaphorically speaking, of course.

I'll just give her a slap.

As I found myself uncomfortably close to the colossal creature, I seized the opportunity to set my plans into motion. The element of surprise was on my side, and I was determined to use it to its fullest extent to proceed to my plan.

However, waiting for the other heroes to arrive might be the most strategic move before proceeding. After all, there's safety in numbers, and drawing attention to myself prematurely might not be the wisest course of action. So, I decided to bide my time, keeping a watchful eye on my surroundings and the imminent arrival of the other heroes.

But as I waited, my thoughts were consumed by another desire – revenge. Not the kind that involves violence or bloodshed, but the kind that stings much deeper – REGRET. The memory of junior's former party members who had wronged him weighed heavily on my mind, and I found myself plotting a way to bring that emotion to the surface.

The specifics of my plan remained shrouded in secrecy, even from my own inner monologue. I mulled over various scenarios and strategies, each one crafted to hit those individuals where it hurt the most. And though the details were yet to be revealed, a sinister satisfaction bubbled within me, fueling my determination to execute this elaborate scheme.

As the seconds ticked away and the anticipation grew, I reminded myself that revenge didn't have to be loud or violent. Stirring up regret, causing doubt to gnaw at their hearts – that was a kind of revenge that had the potential to be far more powerful and lasting.

With my heart pounding in time with the rhythm of the impending confrontation, I prepared to put my plan into action, to weave the threads of regret and let them unravel in the most devastating way possible.

My first target will be Aria, junior's former fiancee.