The Azure Serpent: Bahamut

"I'm immobilized, Luca," I exclaimed. Luca grimaced in agreement, "Me too. His presence is overwhelming. We need to leave before he detects us, or we're as good as gone." Luca strained to turn his head towards me. "Why would a monster of this caliber wander into a low-level area? It doesn't make sense." 

As I pondered aloud, the behemoth Bahamut turned its colossal head in our direction. With each movement, billowing smoke emanated from its breath, a daunting display of its immense power. "Shut your eyes," a voice called from afar. Following the instruction, we closed our eyes just as she tossed a smoke bomb in front of the formidable Bahamut. The majestic creature stood motionless as the mysterious figure grabbed both Luca and me, swiftly leading us away. Glancing back, I witnessed the Bahamut nonchalantly turning around, displaying no interest in pursuing us. We were inconsequential, too feeble to capture its attention.

"Alright, I believe we've put enough distance between us and the danger," she declared, her gaze sternly fixed on us. "Sis, what brings you here?" Luca inquired, craning his neck to look up at her. Simultaneously, I found myself staring at a stunning woman adorned in blue armor, her white hair shimmering amidst the forest's hues. "Lina, it's been ages! What brings you to this part of the game?" I exclaimed with joy at the sight of her. She averted her gaze. "I was recruiting new guild members; the game just launched today. But then I sensed an unusual presence and, of course, I find you two standing still before one of the seven Supreme Beasts of this world," she scolded, her voice edged with frustration. 

"Seven Supreme Beasts?" I asked, my expression reflecting confusion. Luca turned to his sister, seeking clarification. Lina strolled over and settled on a large tree branch on the ground. "Haven't you both read the game info before logging in? Seriously, you've played more games than me; don't be this clueless when entering a new one," she scolded, her voice tinged with frustration. 

As Lina chastised us for our lack of awareness, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of embarrassment. "Well, we might have skipped a few details in the rush of excitement," I admitted sheepishly. Luca nodded in agreement, a rueful smile playing on his lips.

Lina sighed, her frustration dissipating into a more understanding tone. "Alright, let me enlighten you then. The Seven Supreme Beasts are legendary creatures, immensely powerful and scattered across the game world. They're formidable adversaries, each guarding a region and harboring unique challenges. Encountering one is no small feat, especially for players like you at this stage."

I gulped, realizing the gravity of our situation. "So, that gigantic creature we stumbled upon was one of these Supreme Beasts?" I asked, a mix of awe and trepidation in my voice.

Lina nodded solemnly. "Yes, that was the Azure Serpent, one of the Seven Supreme Beasts. You're fortunate it didn't take much interest in you. Those encounters usually end in disaster for inexperienced players."

"Great," Luca muttered, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "What do we do now, Sis?"

Lina pondered for a moment before replying, "First, let's get to a safer location. I'll guide you both to the beginner's hub where you can regroup and prepare. Then, we'll figure out our next steps."

"Lina, we can't depart just yet. We have a quest to finish; that's why we find ourselves in this forest," I asserted, directing my gaze toward her. 

Lina arched an eyebrow at my declaration. "A quest, you say? In the presence of a Supreme Beast? You two really know how to make an entrance," she remarked, a mix of exasperation and amusement in her tone.

"We can't just abandon it. It's crucial for our progression," Luca added, sharing my sentiment.

Lina sighed, acknowledging our determination. "Fine, but we need a plan. A Supreme Beast is no ordinary foe, and completing your quest with that creature nearby is a recipe for disaster."

As we navigated through the forest, Lina guided us with a newfound purpose. Along the way, she shared insights on the game, its intricacies, and the importance of strategic thinking. Our conversation shifted from the imminent danger to the potential of forming a formidable guild.

Upon reaching the beginner's hub, Lina turned to us. "Here we are. Take a moment to regroup, stock up on essentials, and then we'll discuss our options."

As we gathered in a safer haven, Lina addressed us with a newfound seriousness. "We can't take on a Supreme Beast head-on at this stage. But if we play our cards right, we might find a way to complete your quest without attracting its attention." 

She glanced away, deep in thought. "Alright, I've got an idea. I'll summon some members from my guild to assist us. I might have a way to bypass the Bahamut, allowing us to reach the Orc village and complete your quest," she announced, a sense of pride evident in her voice. 

Lina's plan intrigued us, and a glimmer of hope emerged in the face of the seemingly insurmountable challenge. As she began to conjure her guild members, we waited with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

Moments later, a group of skilled players clad in distinctive guild attire materialized around us. Lina introduced them as adept warriors and strategists, ready to aid us in our quest.

"Meet my guildmates," Lina declared, her confidence inspiring assurance. "Now, let's discuss the plan. We need to circumvent the Azure Serpent and reach the Orc village without drawing its attention. I've devised a route that exploits its blind spots."

With a detailed map and strategic insights, Lina unfolded her plan. The guild members attentively absorbed the information, their faces reflecting determination.

"Now, gather your strength. We move under the cover of darkness. Stay close, follow my lead, and trust your guildmates. We can do this," Lina asserted, her leadership evident in every word.

After the meeting concluded, a guild member approached Lina. "My lady, who are these people, and why are we helping them? It's only day 1 of the game. How can there already be problems that we need to risk our lives for new players?" He voiced his determination to sway Lina's decision. However, she turned around, meeting her guildmate's gaze. "Don't worry; they are friends, and maybe in the future, they can also become good companions to bond with," she assured with a calm voice.

She then shifted her attention towards us. "Alright, everyone, don't linger. Let's rest; we'll depart at dawn," she declared with a resolute tone.