Not-So an Extra

"RROOAARR!!"

The second head from the left lifted high, a Magic Circle forming behind it. However, before the bolts could strike their mark, earth walls appeared in front of it, enveloping the Hydra.

—Boom! —Boom! —Boom!

The relentless assault continued, the bolts relentlessly pounding against the earthen walls, creating a cloud of dust that obscured the battlefield.

'I see,' Adrian observed, quickly deducing. 'So, the heads of the Hydra are not merely decorative; each head possesses a different elemental affinity.'

Seizing the opportunity, Graham bellowed, "Second line, Water Wall!!" 𝑓𝑟ℯℯ𝓌ℯ𝒷𝑛ℴ𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Responding to the command, the Elementalists conjured a thick Water Wall, estimated to be 10 meters tall, in front of the burning forest. The wall cascaded down, extinguishing the flames and creating a clear path for the Emperor and the Paladins to pass through.

"Your Majesty, this way!" one of the Paladins called out, urging Arthur to follow. Waste no more time, they spurred their horses forward, galloping towards the newly created path.

"RROOOOAARR!!"

A deafening roar reverberated through the surroundings, accompanied by the sound of powerful wings flapping. Not long after, a massive shadow passed by the Paladins, prompting them to instinctively look up.

—Boom!

With a ground-shaking impact, the Hydra descended before the Paladins, its enormous form blocking their path. The horses let out startled neighs, their hooves skidding against the ground as they abruptly came to a halt. The riders swiftly unsheathed their weapons in preparation for the imminent battle.

"Grrr!!" The Hydra emitted a guttural growl, its multiple heads fixating their gaze upon the white-haired boy. Unfazed by it, Adrian began to chant inwardly.

However, the Hydra's focus was abruptly shifted upon detecting something amiss. Their heads raised, scanning the skies, where they witnessed a massive Magic Circle forming above. In a flash, a series of bolts were unleashed, reaching toward the Hydra, compelling it to flap its wings and take flight to evade.

—Boom! —Boom! —Boom!

The bolts struck the ground with tremendous force, sending debris and dust flying in all directions. Seizing this opportunity, the Paladins urged their horses forward, determined to make the most of the distraction and continue their desperate escape.

Meanwhile, the Hydra hovered in the air, its massive form casting a shadow over the battlefield. Suddenly, a series of Magic Circles appeared in the sky, each one pulsating with power.

"Fire!!" Graham's commanding voice pierced through the cacophony and instantly, a volley of Earth Spears surged forth, hurtling towards the Hydra.

With astonishing agility, the Hydra twisted and contorted its massive body, employing evasive maneuvers to dodge the relentless assault. Glancing downward, the Hydra's gaze narrowed and its teeth clenched in frustration upon witnessing the Paladins still galloping away.

Unexpectedly, the Hydra flew higher into the sky, ascending to a vantage point that would grant it a better view of the battlefield. Hovering amidst the swirling currents, its second head, positioned on the right side, raised, and behind it, a new Magic Circle formed, erupting countless Wind Blades that rushed toward the Earth Spears.

—Boom! —Boom! —Boom!

The two forces clashed, sending loud explosions to the surrounding area, and the Earth Spears sliced into fragments. However, the Wind Blades did not stop there. They continued their relentless path, eventually colliding with a Magic Circle conjured by the Elementalists.

—Shattered!

With a resounding boom, the Elementalists' Magic Circle burst into shimmering shards, releasing shockwaves that swept across the forest.

Without wasting any more time, the Hydra summoned a Magic Circle, preparing to unleash its devastating magic upon the Paladins. However, in a split second, Adrian released his spell, and a new Magic Circle materialized above the Hydra, shooting forth a giant Earth Spear.

Before the Hydra could react, the spear pierced through the Hydra's scaly back. The tip of the spear plunged deep into the Hydra's chest, causing a powerful surge of crimson blood to spray into the air.

"RROOOAARRR!!"

The Hydra let out a deafening wail of agony that reverberated through the battlefield. In a desperate attempt to regain control, the creature rapidly descended from the sky, its massive body crashing onto the ground with a thunderous boom.

—Boom!

The force of its fall caused the earth to erupt and quake, sending a powerful gush of wind and dust billowing into the area. The survivors instinctively shielded their eyes, struggling to maintain their footing amidst the chaos.

A tense silence fell over the battlefield. Their eyes fixated on the spot where the Hydra had fallen, now obscured by swirling clouds of dust. Their hearts raced uncontrollably as the survivors anxiously awaited the outcome.

The only sounds that could be heard amidst the eerie stillness were the crackling of fire consuming the surrounding trees.

"KEKEKEKE!!"

A menacing chuckle reverberated through the air, jolting everyone present. Their faces twisted with fury as they tightly clenched their fists upon witnessing the unfolding events. The Hydra, far from being defeated, unleashed a powerful flap of its wings, dispersing the lingering dust and revealing its imposing figure.

To the astonishment of the onlookers, one of the Hydra's heads clamped down on the earthbound spear that had been lodged in its chest. With a display of immense strength, the creature forcefully pulled the spear out, causing blood to spurt from the wound and staining the ground beneath it.

However, the surprises did not cease. The Hydra's middle head conjured a Magic Circle, and to everyone's astonishment, the grievous wound, which had appeared fatal mere moments ago, began to rapidly heal before their very eyes. The flesh seamlessly fused together, and the torn muscles and sinews regenerated, as if the wound had never existed in the first place.

"HAHAHA!" The Hydra's laughter reverberated through the air. Its voice dripped with unparalleled arrogance and unyielding superiority as it bellowed, "YOU INSIGNIFICANT MORTAL!! DO YOU REALLY THINK THAT YOU, A MERE SPECK OF DUST, HAVE EVEN THE SLIGHTEST CHANCE OF DEFEATING ME?! A GOD?!!"

"Tsk," Adrian clicked his tongue in annoyance. His worst fear had come true—the Water Elemental turned out to be the Hydra's healer. 'Things just keep getting better and better, huh?'