Frequent failed attacks, coupled with harassment from the little bugs, finally angered the dragon.
With a sudden lift of its massive head, it beat its wings violently and soared into the sky.
The gusts generated by those wings were like a raging storm, throwing everyone into chaos. Trees toppled under the wind, and no one could lift their heads.
Finally, when the storm passed and the heroes staggered to their feet, the dragon's truly terrifying attack was about to begin.
It was the dragon's breath.
The dragon circled high above, swooping down behind the heroes before diving toward them.
At the same time, its jaws opened wide.
Blazing flames shot forth like a colossal flamethrower, and the range of this attack stretched for over a hundred meters.
"Get out of the way! Dragon's breath!"
The first to shout a warning was the mage, Alaric. No sooner had the words left his mouth than he vanished in a flash.
Alongside him disappeared Kaerke.
The archers reacted quickly as well.
At the first chance, Atalanta leapt from the treetops, using her Boots of Swiftness to perform a triple jump midair before landing far from the dragon's fiery range.
The other heroes also displayed their skills, hastily escaping the path of the dragon's breath.
Unfortunately, some unlucky ones were half a step too slow.
And that half-step delay meant instant death.
The scorching dragon breath almost melted the ground instantly. The fire swept across the forest, leaving behind a scorched stretch of blackened earth over a hundred meters long.
Within this charred wasteland lay two carbonized corpses, heroes who had failed to dodge were instantly reduced to ash by the dragon's flames.
The horrifying scene struck terror into the hearts of the remaining heroes.
Dragon's breath was that deadly. Compared to it, the fire from the "Divine Bull" they faced two days ago was child's play.
Faced with such a fearsome opponent, the only thought the heroes had was: escape.
But could they escape?
Where could they even run to?
Even without considering the dragon's ability to fly, their speed was negligible. Running meant being picked off one by one.
Even if they managed to retreat to the Argo, what then?
The dragon's body was even larger than the Argo, and with its breath, the ship would be nothing more than a pile of firewood.
The only urgent solution was to defeat the dragon right here.
But how could they possibly defeat such a terrifying beast? Just moments ago, their weapons had barely scratched its defenses.
In-game, it was barely a series of "-1, -1, -1" damage.
Grinding down such a massive dragon would take a whole month.
And with their stamina, they'd collapse long before then.
Just as the heroes were at a loss, the mage Alaric and Kaerke stepped forward.
"Although our magic won't directly harm the dragon, we can use it to enhance you," Alaric said seriously.
"With all your strength, you could reach a level capable of challenging it."
Kaerke nodded in agreement. "But this will consume most of our power. Afterward, we won't be able to assist you further."
The heroes lit up with excitement. They had been oppressed by the dragon, losing three comrades, and now they had a chance for revenge.
"Don't worry, Alaric, Miss Kaerke," Telamon was the first to step forward, patting his chest. "If you can give us the strength to deal more damage to this lizard, we will definitely defeat it!"
"That's right. As long as your magic works, we'll handle the rest."
"Even reaching this point is enough. Thank you, mages!"
The others echoed the sentiment.
"Since everyone agrees, let's cast the spell, before the dragon returns."
The dragon circled above, ready for another aerial assault. Time was short, they had to act fast.
Alaric gripped his staff and chanted as he stood before the heroes.
"Power of the Wild, Envelop All!"
Magic shimmered as the Argo heroes felt a layer of green, flickering light coating their bodies. Under its effect, they appeared taller, wilder, their features more beast-like…
At the same time, they sensed their strength, endurance, and agility all increase.
Though each boost wasn't enormous, the comprehensive enhancement made every hero far stronger than before.
As for Alaric, he appeared drained and lethargic after casting the spell, as if completely exhausted.
Of course, this was an act, Alaric, legendary mage and Third Law wielder, could not possibly have drained himself so easily.
He was deliberately boosting the heroes, giving them a taste of victory, only to later let despair strike, while publicly appearing as the supporting mage.
To the heroes, Alaric's fatigue seemed normal. Casting such a massive enhancement on so many of them at once, it was natural that he couldn't perform other magic afterward.
Had he shown no reaction, they would have found it hard to comprehend such immense power.
Now, pretending to be exhausted, Alaric leaned against a tree while the heroes gathered around him, showing respect and gratitude. "Thank you for your effort," they said repeatedly.
Next, Kaerke stepped forward and followed suit.
But her enhancement wasn't on the heroes themselves, it was on their weapons.
The heroes noticed their weapons shimmering with special light, their power greatly increased, enough to breach the dragon's defenses.
With the heroes' gratitude in their hearts, Alaric and Kaerke found a place to hide and watch.
The Argo heroes readied themselves for the second round of battle with the dragon.
This time, they were full of confidence.
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