"Unusual Phenomenon: Forest Drake Rampage II"

Snake Calendar, Year 2025

29th Day of September, Monday

Somewhere in the Core Part of the Verdant Hollow

Fortified Army Camp, 5 km Away from the Drake's Territory

The hastily constructed fortified army camp stood as a temporary bastion amidst the looming danger. Soldiers moved quickly, fortifying walls with enchanted runes and magical materials capable of withstanding blows from even veteran adventurers. Command tents were abuzz with activity as commanders and officers strategized under the growing tension.

Commander Astrid Frostwarden, known for her deadly precision and calm demeanor, stood in the central command tent, her piercing blue eyes scanning the latest reports. Scouts had returned with grim news.

"Commander Astrid," a scout saluted, his armor scratched and his face weary from the mission. "The situation is worse than we feared. Strong beasts—far stronger than usual—are acting as guards for the Forest Drake. Their stats are abnormally high. It's almost as if they're protecting the Drake intentionally."

Astrid's brow furrowed, her fingers tapping the table. "Unnatural behavior… this isn't normal," she muttered. "Continue."

The scout nodded. "The beasts have long-range attacks, heightened defenses, and regenerative capabilities. Several of our best soldiers fell during the scouting mission." He hesitated, his voice dropping. "We lost half our team, ma'am."

A heavy silence fell over the tent.

Astrid clenched her fists but kept her voice steady. "You did well to return with this information. Rest now and prepare for what's coming."

The scout saluted again and left.

Suddenly, the sky above began to darken, thick storm clouds rolling in unnaturally fast. The air grew heavy with energy, making the hairs on every soldier's neck stand on end. A low rumble echoed through the camp, and flashes of green and gold light flickered in the distance, coming from the Forest Drake's territory.

"This isn't just a storm," Astrid said sharply. She turned to an officer. "Bring the scholars here immediately. I want an analysis of what's happening."

Minutes later, a group of scholars arrived, hurriedly setting up their equipment and analyzing the energy readings. Their murmurs of concern only deepened the tension in the room. Finally, the lead scholar—a gray-haired man named Orlan—stepped forward, his face pale.

"Commander Astrid, we have confirmation," Orlan said gravely. "The energy signature matches an evolution process."

Astrid's eyes narrowed. "Explain."

"When a high-tier monster like the Forest Drake evolves, it releases an enormous surge of energy. The area within a ten-kilometer radius will be completely obliterated. The storm clouds above are a byproduct of this energy buildup, a sign that the evolution is imminent."

Astrid's voice hardened. "How long do we have?"

"An hour at most," Orlan replied. "Maybe less."

Astrid didn't hesitate. "Order a full retreat. Evacuate the camp immediately. No one is to remain within range of the blast zone."

Virtual Reality Conference Meeting, Fortified Stronghold 8

As the soldiers retreated, Astrid joined a virtual conference with the seven other commanders, along with high-ranking military officials and city leaders. The alert level had been raised to 6, and the Colonels of National Defense and Strategic Operations had taken command.

Colonel Armand Drayton's holographic figure loomed over the table. "The situation is critical. If the Forest Drake completes its evolution, the devastation will spread far beyond Verdant Hollow. Neighboring cities will be at risk."

Brigadier General Drystan Solas Seastone nodded grimly. "We will deploy reinforcements. A combined force of 10,000 adventurers and soldiers from Nova Asta, Eryndale, Stormhollow Bastion, Crystafleur, and Duskhaven will mobilize. We must prevent the evolution at all costs."

The commanders agreed, each outlining their city's contributions and readiness. Nova Asta's defensive walls were raised, traps and barriers activated, and underground bunkers prepared for civilian safety. The other cities followed suit, transforming into fortified strongholds.

Unity College of System Studies

Meanwhile, at the Unity College of System Studies, Accel and his friends were sitting in the Cafeteria Nexus when the emergency sirens blared.

"What's going on?" Ewan asked, his voice filled with concern.

Accel frowned. "It's got to be related to the Verdant Hollow situation. That Forest Drake must be causing chaos."

Before they could speculate further, an instructor entered the cafeteria, her voice firm and commanding. "Attention! All students are to return home immediately. The city is entering lockdown. Use the Transportation Hub to get to your respective homes. Do not delay."

Panic spread through the cafeteria, but the staff acted swiftly, guiding students to safety. Accel's thoughts lingered on the growing threat in Verdant Hollow, but he followed the evacuation orders, knowing it wasn't his time to act yet.

Outer Zone of Verdant Hollow

A combined force of 25,000 adventurers and soldiers assembled at the edge of the Outer Zone, their armor glinting in the dim light. Swords were sharpened, shields raised, and magical staves hummed with latent energy. The tension was palpable as they awaited the signal.

Brigadier General Seastone stood at the forefront, his commanding voice carrying over the crowd. "Today, we face a threat unlike any other. That Forest Drake cannot be allowed to evolve. If it does, countless lives will be lost. Fight with everything you have, and remember—your comrades stand with you. Together, we will prevail!"

A deafening roar suddenly echoed across the battlefield as the Forest Drake began its evolution. A blinding burst of green light erupted from its territory, and the ground shook violently. The energy surge destroyed everything within a 10-kilometer radius, leaving a charred wasteland in its wake.

"Teleport teams, now!" Seastone commanded.

Mage units specializing in teleportation activated their spells, sending squads of soldiers and adventurers directly into the Core Zone.

Commander Astrid and her battalion materialized near the edge of the Forest Drake's lair. The air was thick with energy, and the ground was littered with charred remains of trees and rocks.

"Move in formation!" Astrid barked. "Focus on the beasts first. Clear the path to the Drake!"

The soldiers surged forward. Rangers and riflemen took up positions, raining arrows and bullets on the berserk beasts guarding the Drake. Mages unleashed fireballs and lightning strikes, creating explosions that shook the ground.

"Keep firing!" a captain yelled. "Don't let them close the gap!"

Swords clashed as melee fighters engaged the beasts up close. One soldier, wielding a massive greatsword, cleaved through a charging ogre but was knocked back by a second beast. Nearby, a healer rushed to his aid, casting a glowing spell to mend his wounds.

Astrid stood atop a ridge, her sniper rifle trained on the battlefield. She activated her neural command skills, One Shot, One Kill, and fired. A glowing bullet shot through the air, piercing the head of a rampaging wyvern. The beast collapsed instantly.

"Another one down," Astrid muttered, reloading her rifle.

Despite their efforts, the beasts were relentless. Their enhanced stats made them formidable foes, and casualties began to mount.

"Medic teams, to the front!" an officer shouted as injured soldiers were dragged back to safety.

By the end of the initial assault, 500 soldiers and adventurers had fallen.

"We're holding for now," Astrid said through her communicator, "but we need to hit the Drake directly. Prepare for the next wave."

The battle was far from over, and the Forest Drake's evolution was still underway. As the forces regrouped, the fate of Verdant Hollow and its neighboring cities hung in the balance.