The First Wave (2)

(Julius POV)

I am Julius Von Arland, a Prince from the Lastborn Kingdom. From a young age, the Goddess of Light chose me out for a remarkable destiny – that of becoming a hero.

In a divergence from my fellow heroes, the Goddess bestowed upon me an extraordinary that was known as the "System." Through this gift, I've been granted the ability to peer into the intricacies — hidden STATUS of others' existence, gleaning insights into their job, titles, Hp, MP, and an array of other fascinating attributes – a unique vantage into their very essence.

Initially, comprehending the inner workings of this divine bestowal eluded me. Yet, the benevolent Goddess was kind enough to endow me with a semblance of understanding, offering a glimmer of insight into the mechanisms behind this mystical endowment.

After making our way towards the Boss Monster, spending about ten minutes dealing with the weaker creatures, we finally arrived at the presence of the formidable foe.

Our gazes met, and without wasting any time, I promptly evaluated its status.

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𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗔 𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗬𝗦𝗜𝗦

𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸: B-

𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: [The Mythic Monstrosity]

𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:

-A formidable fusion of ancient beasts, the Chimera is a creature of unparalleled power. Born from the melding of legendary creatures, its very existence defies the norms of the natural world. Its body exhibits a harmonious chaos, blending the ferocity of a lion, the cunning of a serpent, and the strength of a goat.

𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀:

- 𝗛𝗣: 34,800/34,800

- 𝗠𝗣: N/A

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Embodying the essence of its constituent parts, the Chimera's presence resonates with both awe and terror. Its enigmatic power and fearsome capabilities make it a challenge that only the bravest heroes dare to face.

After I finished inspecting its status, my lips unconsciously twitched.... This monster is nearly thirty times stronger than myself!

I nearly coughed up blood in sheer astonishment upon witnessing its status, but I managed to stifle the impulse and released a deep exhale to steady myself.

"Is everyone..."

Just as I was about to inquire about the well-being of my companions, checking if any injuries had been sustained, a group of soldiers caught my attention as they approached our location. Their ranks were led by a female hero, her presence commanding as they advanced, dispatching any monsters in their path.

"She must be the new hero," I mused silently.

As the woman approached us, a sense of formality accompanied her posture. With a salute, she straightened her back and placed her right fist over her heart. "My name is Eveline Silverhelm, the Hero Knight of the Rose Kingdom. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Hero Julius."

I acknowledged her gesture with a weak hand wave and a smile. "No need for formality. We're both heroes here. And, frankly, we're in no position for lengthy introductions. Let's save that for after we've survived this ordeal."

Her understanding nod showed her agreement, and she then directed her attention to her own troops. With a commanding tone, she issued orders. "Everyone, assume your positions!"

The soldiers under her command responded immediately. Swords were raised, shields were gripped more firmly, bows were drawn, and arrows were notched. Their discipline was evident, and it was clear they were ready to fight.

Returning her gaze to me, Lady Eveline glanced at the Saintess, my companions, and then back at me. Her next question was cautious and gentle, as if she wished to tread carefully. "May I inquire about the whereabouts of the other heroes?"

I turned my head toward the direction of the Boss Monster, my tone carrying a hint of seriousness. "Hero Maximus, Hero Raul, and six other heroes decided to forge ahead twenty minutes ago with their companions after defeating the weak monsters in our way. Despite my warnings about waiting for the rest, which is the two of us and the other guy, they chose to ignore me."

Before Lady Eveline could respond, a sudden explosion shattered the air, the sound echoing from above the cliff in the distance. We all paused, our attention drawn to the unexpected disturbance.

"What was that?" My sister, standing beside me, voiced the question that was on all our minds.

After a brief moment of contemplation, a thunderous roar echoed from the direction in which the others had ventured – undoubtedly the bellow of the Boss Monster.

With time being of the essence, I swiftly shifted my focus to my companions. "Move out!" I declared, pivoting and leading the way as we pushed forward.

Lady Eveline and her contingent of soldiers fell in step behind us, joining the determined advance toward the source of the commotion.

...

..

.

"What's our status?" I inquired, my eyes locked onto the ongoing battle between the creature and the individuals who had faced it before us.

Leon, one of my fellow heroes and my friend, nodded and kept his gaze fixed on the ongoing battle against the formidable creature. "The Boss Monster possesses an ability called Fast Regeneration." he informed me, his voice grim. "It can rapidly recover from injuries and even regenerate lost limbs, making it even more resilient."

Regenerations, huh...? How annoying.

His response prompted a frustrated click of my tongue. I sighed deeply and inquired further, "Is that all? Has anyone managed to identify a weakness?"

After a moment's pause, Leon's eyes fluttered closed, then reopened with a regretful shake of his head. "Unfortunately, no. Despite severing three of its heads, the monster just regenerated it back again. Currently, the other heroes are attempting to locate its core."

I absorbed the information and issued a slight, weary nod. A core, huh? That might be a good idea.

Addressing my companions with a subtle nod as a signal, I communicated the need for them to prepare. "Thanks for the information," I offered to Leon before rejoining my party.

"So, how did the conversation go?" Lady Eveline approached my side, her expression expectant as she awaited my response.

Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I began to relay the details that Leon had shared with us.

Upon hearing the full extent of the information, Lady Eveline's clenched fist met the trunk of a nearby tree in a frustrated thud. I couldn't blame her; I was feeling the same frustration, though I kept it well under control to avoid worrying my companions.

"What's our plan then?" My sister piped up, her voice cutting through the tension. I turned my attention to her and saw the Saintess standing nearby, her expression etched with concern.

Taking a steadying breath, I met their gaze with a reassuring smile. "We'll need to divide into three teams. The first team's job is to divert the monster's attention, while the second team focuses on dismantling its limbs to destabilize its balance. Once it's incapacitated, the third team will attempt to blind it temporarily, allowing all of us to launch a coordinated attack."

While we were engrossed in discussing our plan, my attention was abruptly drawn to a flying bottle that struck the monster squarely on its body.

"Did you guys see that?" My sister and I exchanged a bewildered glance. Before she could voice her thoughts, we noticed an ethereal, faint light protruding from the point of impact.

"Brother--!!?"

Fuuuu..... Foooosh-!!!

Her sentence was left hanging as the light burst forth, accompanied by an otherworldly sound distinct from any ordinary explosion.

"Ahhh...." As the intense radiance gradually faded, the scene that unfolded before us left us speechless. My sister, my companions, Lady Eveline, as well as the assembly of heroes and their allies, witnessed the astonishing transformation. Nearly half of the Chimera's colossal body had vanished.

"What kind of cataclysmic magic was that..." My sister muttered, eyes wide with disbelief. The Chimera's remaining three legs struggled to keep its balance, as the obliterated remnants of its fourth limb left it in agony. Attempts at regeneration were futile; the creature appeared to be suffering from severe corrosion, its body seemingly melted away by the mysterious light.

As the atmosphere around us simmered with tension, the voice of Hero Maximus suddenly cut through the air. My head turned in his direction, and I watched as he directed his attention to one of his companions.

"Was that your doing?" He questioned, his tone suggesting a mixture of accusation and praise.

"N-no, it wasn't—"

The woman stammered, attempting to deny it, but Maximus cut her off with an approving pat on the back. "Well done!" His hand landed on her shoulder before he charged ahead with his group, clearly not interested in explanations.

"Come on, team!" He bellowed, his comrades falling in step with him.

Eveline and I exchanged a silent glance, both of us impressed by the woman's quick thinking. My sister, on the other hand, eyed the stranger with a hint of suspicion.

Clearing my throat to draw the group's attention, I interjected, "We don't have time to spare. Let's move out before the monster regenerates completely."

Looks like this fight from now on is going to be easy... Or so I naively thought.