Not-So an Extra

"RROOOAARR!!"

The Hydra let out a frustrated roar and ascended into the sky, generating a powerful gust of wind that swept through the surroundings. Hovering in the air, a magic circle materialized behind the Hydra's leftmost head, firing a volley of fireballs toward the Paladins below.

Adrian halted his step and summoned a massive Magic Circle above them. Those around him instinctively slowed their steps and gathered around, protecting Adrian and the other Princes and Princesses from the monsters.

"Adrian!" Arthur bellowed, unable to comprehend why his young son was so insistent on facing the Hydra. His concern for Adrian's safety overwhelmed him.

Deafening his ears, Adrian delivered a volley of mud balls toward the incoming fireballs. 

—Splat! —Splat! —Splat!

The muddy projectiles collided with the fiery onslaught in mid-air. The mud billowed and splattered in all directions, the shockwaves rippling through the air. 

The white smoke billowed as the fire dissipated, and the moment the mud solidified, Adrian swiftly manipulated it into palisades and hurled them toward the Hydra.

Caught off guard by the barrage of clay projectiles, the Hydra ceased its attack and conjured an earth wall to shield itself from the attack.

—Boom! —Boom! —Boom!

Explosions erupted as the earthen palisades crashed against the Hydra's shield, sending clouds of dirt dispersing into the air.

Though the Hydra possessed superior magical abilities compared to anyone present, there existed a delicate balance in the world of Elementalists. When a certain Elemental encountered its counter, its power would inevitably weaken.

"RROOAARR!!"

The monster emitted a deafening roar, and from behind the swirling dust, a barrage of razor-sharp wind blades surged forth, hurtling toward the group below. Reacting swiftly, Adrian summoned layers upon layers of transparent barriers.

—Shattered! —Shattered! —Shattered!

Gradually, Adrian's shields succumbed, breaking into fragments under the immense force. 

"First line, Earth Walls!" Graham's commanding voice cut through the chaos. Hastily, a multitude of Earth Walls materialized behind Adrian's crumbling barriers. Seizing the opportunity, Adrian conjured additional shields behind the newly formed walls, fortifying their defenses.

Adrian stole a glance at Graham behind him. Despite the intensity of the battle against a horde of monsters, both his grandfather and the other Elementalists continued to provide invaluable assistance.

—Boom!

The wind blades pierced through the Elementalists' Earth Walls, unleashing a cloud of dirt swirling into the air as they began to chip away at Adrian's second line of shields.

—Shattered! —Shattered! —Shattered!

"Second line, Earth Walls!" Graham's voice rang out once again and a fresh set of Earth Walls appeared behind Adrian's shields. Instantly, Adrian summoned his third shield behind the Earth Walls, determined to hold the line before proceeding to recite another spell.

As the battle raged on, Arthur momentarily ceased his attack on the monster. Fixating his eyes on his white-haired son, he couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and concern. Witnessing Adrian's magical prowess firsthand evoked a different kind of emotion within him. 

While he was undeniably proud of his son's abilities, he couldn't shake the worry that accompanied it. All he wanted was for Adrian, as well as Nathaniel, to stay safe and avoid unnecessary danger. He yearned for the day when they would heed his advice and refrain from causing havoc wherever they went since their reckless actions often gave him a throbbing headache. 

—Boom! —Shattered! —Shattered

Right after the Hydra's attack halted, Adrian shot a barrage of lightning bolts through the swirling dust, streaking toward the Hydra.

Startled, the Hydra instinctively flapped its massive wings, attempting to evade the bolts. However, much to its surprise, the bolts relentlessly pursued. 'He's controlling the bolts.'

The Hydra abruptly ceased its flight upon spotting a Magic Circle forming not too far away, crackling with potent energy. Wasting no more time, the Hydra ascended into the air, only to be met with yet another Magic Circle spewing a multitude of lightning bolts.

—Boom!

Thunderous explosions reverberated through the air as the bolts struck the Hydra's massive body, enveloping it in a web of crackling lightning, and causing the creature to exude a wail of agony.

"RROOAARR!!"

Paralyzed by the assault, the Hydra plummeted from the sky, its massive form descending with alarming speed. As its control over the monsters weakened, they let out a collective roar and swiftly fled into the forest.

—Boom! 

The ground quaked the moment the Hydra crashed into the earth, sending debris and dust billowing into the surroundings. 

Seizing the opportunity, Graham bellowed a command. "First line, Second line, Earth Spears!" 

In response, a Magic Circle materialized in the air, unleashing a relentless barrage of earth spears upon the fallen Hydra. 

—Boom! —Boom! —Boom! 

The ground trembled violently as the spears struck their target, sending debris and dust soaring into the air. Each impact resonated with a resounding boom that reverberated through the battlefield.

When the Magic Circle ceased its attack, an eerie silence descended, shrouding the battlefield in an unsettling stillness. However, the tranquility was short-lived, shattered by the Hydra's sinister chuckle. "KEKEKE!" 

The sound grated on the nerves of everyone present, their frustration mounting upon realizing that the Hydra still stood, mocking their efforts. Inside the clouds of dust, the silhouette of the Hydra straightened its body was seen. 

With a powerful flap of its wings, the Hydra dispersed the lingering dust, revealing its battered form. Blood trickled from its wounds, staining its scales, and numerous earth spears protruded from its flesh like cruel adornments. 

"WELL, THAT WAS ADMIRABLY DONE," the Hydra sneered, its voice dripping with arrogance. "BUT IT'S NOT ENOUGH, MORTALS!"

The Hydra's middle head lifted, and behind it, a Magic Circle crackled with energy. The Elementalists among the warriors immediately prepared their spells, ready to counter the impending attack. 

—Shattered!

But in a sudden twist of fate, the Hydra's Magic Circle broke into countless fragments, leaving everyone in stunned disbelief. All eyes widened in surprise, struggling to comprehend the situation. 

"Cough!"

A loud cough pierced through the silence, drawing the attention of all present. Heads turned towards the sound, and to their astonishment, they saw Adrian, his hands tightly covering his mouth, blood seeping through his fingers, and staining his clothes.

Concern and panic washed over Arthur, Nathaniel, and their friends as they hurried to Adrian's side, their voices filled with worry. "Ian, are you alright?" 

In contrast to their distress, Adrian's lips behind his trembling hands quivered; he struggled to suppress his laughter. 'It's so fucking painful, but it's worth it.'

After regaining control over his excitement, he removed his hands and shook his head, assuring his friends. "It's alright, I'm fine."

Adrian raised his head defiantly, meeting the Hydra's gaze head-on. 'It appears that someone is rather upset that I dispelled their healing spell, huh?' 

Nevertheless, the sight of the Hydra's contorted face brought him a twisted sense of satisfaction, causing Adrian to lick the blood from his lips in excitement unconsciously. 'Yeah, let us see who will have the last laugh.'