Dune's Celestial Judgement

The group of adventurers made their way slowly through the dungeon. Each step echoed in the dark immensity of the corridor leading to the boss's room. The air was saturated with an oppressive, heavy and unhealthy energy. Even the most experienced members of the group could feel the pressure.

Dune led the way, her impassive gaze fixed on the huge sealed door. Her instincts told her that the enemy hiding behind it was immeasurably powerful.

- Prepare yourselves," she declared in a calm but sharp voice.

The team exchanged worried glances, but no one backed down. They had faced A- and S-rank creatures before, but this time the atmosphere itself seemed intent on crushing them.

When the door opened with a dull roar, a wave of evil energy exploded at them. They were all forced back under the pressure.

In the centre of the room, a colossal Hydra reared its nine heads towards them. Its massive body, covered in black scales streaked with purple veins, gave off an aura of pure destruction. Its scarlet eyes shone with a malevolent glow, and a toxic vapour escaped from its mouths, permeating the air with a deadly poison.

- It's..." stammered one of the adventurers.

- "A Hydra of SS rank." The Aelius warrior's voice trembled slightly.

Faced with an invincible monster

The adventurers' instinct was to flee, but their pride prevented them from backing down. They drew their weapons and activated their skills in an instant.

- "We've fought fearsome monsters before!" cried Helena, the fire mage. "Together, we can-"

- "No."

Dune had just spoken.

Her tone was absolute. There was no room for argument. They all stopped, confused by her assurance.

- Back off. This fight is beyond your reach.

Aelius clenched his fists.

- "But we can-"

One look from Dune was enough to silence him.

- "This monster isn't just strong. It annihilates."

As she stepped forward alone, the Hydra let out a roar that shook the walls of the dungeon. The air became heavier, more threatening.

Dune snapped her fingers, instantly erecting a titanic barrier around the adventurers.

- "Stay back."

The clash of the titans

The Hydra didn't waste a second. All its jaws opened at once.

- Poisoned Scourge!

A greenish breath burst from its mouths, washing over Dune like a deadly wave.

Dune disappeared.

In a split second, she reappeared atop one of the Hydra's heads, sword in hand.

- "Judgement of the Ancient Dragon."

A blinding light split the air. His sword came down, slicing through the monster's flesh with a deafening crash.

The Hydra screamed, its severed head falling to the ground in a geyser of black blood.

But as it hit the ground... a new one was already growing.

- Bad choice", muttered Dune.

The Hydra retaliated immediately. Its tails lashed the ground with titanic force, kicking up debris and hurling Dune against a stone wall.

The impact shook the entire room.

- DUNE!" cried the adventurers.

But no sooner had the dust settled than Dune rose into the air, her gaze burning with a divine glow.

- "Enough playing."

She held out a hand.

- "Dimensional Sealing."

A golden circle of magic surrounded the monster, immobilising its body in one fell swoop.

But just then, a titanic shockwave exploded from the Hydra's body, shattering the seal in an instant.

Dune only had time to activate a celestial barrier before a massive area attack ravaged the entire room.

- "Abyssal Eradication!"

An ocean of black flames erupted. The floor melted under the intensity of the spell.

Even protected by the barrier, the adventurers were thrown to the ground by the power released.

When the light subsided, Dune was still standing there.

Untouched.

- I'm going to finish it.

The Celestial Judgement

A shiver ran through the room.

Dune closed her eyes for a moment. Her aura exploded.

Time itself seemed to slow down.

The Hydra instinctively took a step back.

She had never been afraid before.

Dune opened her eyes, shining like twin suns.

She raised her sword.

- "Celestial Judgement."

Everything stopped.

The world fell silent.

Then, in a fraction of a second, nine blades of light pierced the Hydra simultaneously.

Its body was literally torn to pieces.

Time resumed its course.

The Hydra did not roar. There was no time.

Her fragments fell to the ground. She was dead before she knew what had happened.

A moment of eternity

The adventurers couldn't breathe.

Helena was trembling, Aelius was frozen, the others had simply lost their voices.

- It's not..." whispered one of the C ranks. "It's not human."

Dune sheathed his sword and turned.

- "The dungeon is cleared."

She lowered the barrier, letting the adventurers feel the full extent of the destruction.

- You have your booty. Enter."

No one moved immediately.

Then, slowly, Aelius knelt down.

- "Dune..." His voice trembled. "Who are you really?"

Dune didn't answer. She turned and left the room, leaving behind a group of adventurers whose vision of the world had just been turned upside down.