The Mechanical Lizard Counter-Attack

A heavy silence fell over the battlefield. The Mechanical Lizard, badly damaged by Erd's devastating attack, seemed inert, its immense metal carcass smoking under the impact. But as the adventurers began to gasp for breath, a shrill sound echoed through the air.

1. The Lizard enters Berserk mode

Suddenly, a red glow intensified in the centre of his torso, pulsing like a supercharged artificial heart. Bright red runes activated on his steel scales, and his body began to tremble.

- This isn't over..." whispered an adventurer, instinctively backing away.

The mechanical monster, which seemed to have been struck down, moved slowly. Then, in a fraction of a second, it leapt forward with inhuman speed, hurling a burning blast at the adventurers who scattered in a hurry. His wounds were closing with unnatural speed, as if some unknown force were keeping him alive.

New energy blades sprang from his legs, forming four incandescent white plasma sabres. His scarlet gaze fixed on Erd.

- He's getting faster," observed Lila, clenching her fist.

- That's what I've been waiting for," replied Erd, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

2. Erd tests his new divine bow

He raised his arm and unfurled the bow he had just created by fusing the Sons of Artemis. The weapon was massive, shimmering with a golden glow. He strung it and, in a whisper, activated his light magic.

- I'm going to see how far this thing can go...

An arrow of pure energy formed, vibrating with celestial power. But just as he was about to fire, Lila interrupted him:

- Wait! This bow... it can channel several elements! If you combine light and wind, you can create a trajectory that's impossible to anticipate.

Erd glanced at the young blacksmith. He didn't like being interrupted, but she was right. Taking a deep breath, he injected a second magic into his shot. The arrow began to vibrate, its aura changing colour, mixing golden flashes and translucent breezes.

He released his shot.

The arrow shot through the air like a shooting star, changing direction at an inhuman speed. It crossed space in a flash, and before the Lizard could react, it crashed into his left flank. An explosion sounded, sending sparks across the entire battlefield.

3. The adventurers return as reinforcements

While Erd was testing his bow, the adventurers regrouped. Seeing that the monster was fighting again, several squads took up their positions.

- We're not going to let him fight on his own! cried one warrior as he charged forward.

The mages cast incantations, weaving a reinforced barrier around the creature to limit its movements. The archers unleashed a rain of flaming arrows, aimed at its joints.

One agile adventurer even managed to climb onto its back, striking with all his might with an enchanted blade. But despite their efforts, the monster continued to move, becoming faster and faster.

- It's not enough..." growled a mage, clutching his staff.

4. Dune wants to intervene, but Erd refuses

From the sub-dimension, Dune watched the battle. With her arms folded, she could feel the turmoil on the battlefield.

She bit her lip.

- My master... shall I intervene?

Her voice, transmitted telepathically, echoed in Erd's mind.

But he shook his head, a confident smile on his lips.

- No," he said.

She frowned.

- But...

- Trust me.

Dune sighed, but she knew her master always had an idea in mind. She clenched her fist and stood back, although there was a flicker of concern in her eyes.

5. Erd unleashes a Stellar Arrow

Erd knew it was time to end it all. Taking a deep breath, he raised his bow one last time.

- I hope you're ready...

He channelled an insane amount of energy, his body illuminated by a blinding light. Light magic and star magic converged in a single attack.

The sky was covered in swirling clouds.

Absolute silence preceded the storm.

- Golden arrow of the shining meteor!

Erd fired.

The projectile split the air with titanic force, creating a gravitational wave. It hit its target in an instant, piercing the heart of the Mechanical Lizard.

The monster screamed with a deafening metallic shriek.

Its body lit up, cracks of light spreading across its entire carcass. Then, with a shattering explosion, it collapsed to the ground, throwing debris in all directions.

There was silence.

The adventurers watched in disbelief.

- He... he's dead?" someone asked.

But before anyone could answer, a gigantic shadow fell over the town.

6. Final cliffhanger: An unknown threat is revealed

The sky darkened.

A thud echoed through the air, like a colossal heartbeat.

Then, slowly, a black mass descended from the clouds.

A titanic vessel, with glints of dark steel and unknown symbols, touched down on the horizon.

The adventurers, tired but alert, looked up.

A shiver ran through the assembly.

Then a deep, distorted voice echoed through the air.

- At last... we've found him.

Erd squinted.

- Who are you?

There was no reply.

Only silence, and the inevitable certainty that the battle was just beginning.