729 Chapter 729 Cerberus
Aldred led them to a smaller shuttle waiting in the hangar of the Stellar Seraph. It was a sleek, high-speed vessel designed for quick planetary deployments. As they boarded the shuttle, Aldred gave them a final word of encouragement.
"Remember, this mission is not just about defeating the hydra but also about learning and growing as warriors. The planet you're heading to is called Draconis Prime, and it's known for its treacherous terrain. Be cautious, work together, and trust in your training. Good luck, Chosen Warriors."
With that, Aldred wished them good luck, and the shuttle's engines roared to life. It launched from the flagship, hurtling toward the distant planet where the 30-headed hydra awaited their arrival.
Draconis Prime, a world of lush forests and rugged mountains, would be the backdrop for their first trial as members of the Chosen Warriors. Francus and Grigor knew that this mission would test their mettle and set the tone for their journey ahead.
As they descended through the planet's atmosphere, the sight of Draconis Prime's sprawling landscapes stretched out before them. It was a beautiful and untamed world, but danger lurked within its depths.
The shuttle touched down on the outskirts of a dense forest, the hydra's rumored location. Francus and Grigor exited the craft, their weapons ready and determination burning in their eyes. They were ready to face the 30-headed hydra and prove their worth as Chosen Warriors on this perilous planet.
As they exited the shuttle, Grigor observed the forest with an energy blade in hand. "This is our starting point. We need to look for the hydra on our own."
Francus nodded in agreement. They both knew that with their advanced technology, they could easily locate the hydra's exact position. However, this mission wasn't just about defeating the creature; it was about honing their skills and proving their worth as Chosen Warriors.
"We'll rely on our training and instincts," Francus replied. "Let's proceed cautiously."
With that, they ventured into the dense forest of Draconis Prime. Towering trees with vibrant foliage surrounded them, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The sounds of wildlife echoed through the woods, but they remained alert, searching for any signs of the 30-headed hydra.
As they moved deeper into the forest, they encountered strange bugs with iridescent wings. These creatures emitted high-pitched screams that resonated like the roar of a dragon. It was a startling experience, but Francus and Grigor pressed on, undeterred.
Their journey led them to a particularly ancient-looking tree. Grigor, with his energy blade still in hand, cautiously approached it. As he touched the bark, something unexpected happened—the tree rapidly dissolved into a cloud of iridescent moths that scattered in every direction.
Grigor and Francus watched in amazement as the moths shimmered and fluttered away. It was a mesmerizing sight, but it left them wondering about the mysterious nature of this forest. Draconis Prime held more surprises than they could have imagined, and they couldn't help but feel that there was more to this planet than met the eye.
As Francus and Grigor continued their exploration of Draconis Prime's dense forest, they stumbled upon an overgrown and moss-covered path leading deeper into the woods. Following their instincts, they decided to investigate and soon came across the entrance to an ancient temple, hidden beneath the thick foliage.
"A temple? In this planet? I thought only monsters lived here," Francus said.
The temple was a colossal structure, its architecture a testament to the advanced civilization that had once inhabited this planet. Intricate carvings adorned the temple's massive stone doors, and ancient symbols marked its walls. It was a place shrouded in mystery and history.
With their curiosity piqued, Francus and Grigor cautiously pushed open the heavy stone doors and entered the temple's dimly lit interior. The air was thick with age and secrecy, and their footsteps echoed in the vast chamber.
As they explored the temple's inner chambers, they discovered inscriptions on the walls that hinted at the hydra's origin. The writings spoke of a time when primitive humans, the planet's early inhabitants, had worshipped and prayed to the hydra as a deity. They believed it possessed immense power and could grant them blessings.
"There are humans that lives here." Grigor observed the carvings on the wall. "And they seem to regard the hydra as some sort of deity."
As they explored the ancient temple's dimly lit interior, Francus couldn't help but voice his curiosity, "Can we even find the hydra in this temple? I would imagine a hydra would prefer the lake or the river."
Grigor nodded, his eyes scanning the temple's ornate carvings, "Your statement is correct, but I believe Aldred won't tell us to fight something so simple. There must be a reason we were led here."
Their words were barely a whisper as they activated their intercom, allowing them to communicate silently without disturbing the eerie stillness of the temple. They continued to explore, cautiously making their way through the ancient chambers.
As they entered another chamber, they were met with an unexpected sight. There, sleeping peacefully before them, was a massive wolf with three heads. Its fur was a mix of black and silver, and its breaths were deep and rhythmic.
Francus and Grigor exchanged a look, their eyes wide with disbelief. This creature resembled the legendary Cerberus, the guardian of the underworld in many myths and legends.
Silently activating their intercom once more, Francus asked, "Is that Cerberus?"
Grigor's voice held a mixture of awe and caution, "It certainly looks like it. But why would Cerberus be here in this temple?
As they were having a hushed conversation about the mysterious presence of Cerberus in the ancient temple, the colossal wolf with three heads stirred from its slumber. Its eyes, each one a different shade of fiery red, snapped open, and it let out a low, rumbling growl that reverberated through the chamber.
The Chosen Warriors in training, Francus and Grigor, froze in their tracks, their eyes locked onto the beast before them. Cerberus's growl deepened, and it bared its hideous fangs and sharp claws, a clear warning that it was prepared to defend its territory.
In response to the wolf's aggressive stance, Francus and Grigor assumed defensive postures, their weapons at the ready. They knew that Cerberus was a formidable beast, and this encounter could either lead to a deadly confrontation or a potential understanding.
