38 Hidarus Challenge Finale End : Druogg, The Dragon Slayer (1/2)

Before I knew it, I began to produce a large and deafening demonic roar, as my body began emitting a dark red glow. The armor given to me by Hidara began the process of repairing itself and my left eye began glowing a sinister red. However, compared to last time, I was actually in control of myself. With the strength of my conviction, I was able to control the power of the Taint, even if the moment was temporary. My bloody wounds began to exhibit rapid regeneration while Vargoz's eye began to turn as red as my own. However, as my voice gradually became more demonic, it was clear that Hidara was influencing my thoughts. I had to actively suppress the thoughts of terror and destruction, which was the side effect of entering 'War Mode'. Meanwhile, Hedra smiled as she slowly floated toward me.

”Don't you find this sad, Dungeon Master? Isn't it sad that you have to rely on the one thing that will destroy you the most? The Taint Of Hidarus is not a weapon. It's a virus that even Hidarus hasn't been able to cure. You're not the first person to wield that sword and you will not be the last. Once you cross that corruption threshold, there's no going back to being your regular self. It will slowly corrupt your mind until you simply can't take it anymore. You'll end up just like that adventurer from long ago: A power-hungry, sadistic fool drunk on power”, Hedra confidently stated.

”You're wrong, Hedra! The Dungeon always comes first, even if it means sacrificing myself in the process!”, I shouted.

”Ah! That face of hope! I love it so much! Such an intense face makes me all tingly inside. Even when you're staring death in the face, you still believe in yourself despite. It's commendable to see the intense fire in your eyes. The Hidarus Challenge was created to test your ability and worth as a Dungeon Master. Your goal is to prove to Father Hidarus that the Dungeon's historic rise was warranted. If you somehow manage to survive the challenge, Hidarus will welcome you to Orune with open arms. If you fail...well, I don't need to tell you what would happen, right? You already know the options available to you, Dungeon Master. It's just a matter of deciding”, Hedra stated.

While Hedra began cuddling her battleaxe, Hidara began seductively whispering into my thoughts.

”You are my Champion Of War, Jordan. Don't listen to the slutty Valkyrie. You are different from that adventurer long ago because you are my future lover. As long as we work together, we can do anything. At the moment, you're the same rank as Hedra since you're in 'War Mode' so it's just a matter of gaining a tactical advantage”, Hidara whispered.

”I hope you're ready Hedra. I'm not holding back against a woman”, I confidently stated.

”Finally! I've been waiting so long for your head!”, Hedra passionately shouted.

As Hedra accelerated towards me, her face was as sadistic as I expected. It was very easy to be fooled by the seductive beauty of a Valkyrie and Hedra was no different. But Draconic Valkyries, while appearing attractive and pure on the outside, were sadistic and dangerous beings. In an alternate reality, we probably could've gone on a date as she suggested. It was very ironic that I began to have a crush on the only woman that was trying to kill me the most. Especially since Hidara and Helora already expressed interest. Luckily, I always prioritized logic over emotions so this ironic feeling wouldn't hinder my resolve against her. As Vargoz began to turn into a more sinister wide sword, I prepared myself for the confrontation against the Draconic Valkyrie. To be frank, she was wearing a revealing outfit while being well endowed, which was made it harder to focus. I wasn't an overly lewd person in my past life but I did appreciate the female body. As our weapons finally clashed, I decided to remark on her overly sexualized outfit to throw her off.

”Well, shit. All that talk about killing me and you can't even evade a sword block? Are your tits weighing you down, Hedra?”, I joked.

As I attempted to counter her attack, Hedra landed an intense underhanded punch toward my stomach, which felt as devastating as it looked. As I began to cough up immense amounts of blood, she performed a roundhouse kick imbued with Blue Fire, which was a stronger tier of Fire Magic. As I was sent toward the ground at breakneck speed, Hedra prepared a spell.

”I would suggest taking this seriously, Dungeon Master. Just give up already. You don't have the skills of a Sorcerer or the capabilities of a Warrior. You are nothing but an insignificant summoner, whose only strength comes from the components he gathers. What can you possibly hope to do against me?”, Hedra stated.

As Hedra continued to prepare her spell, I noticed that it had to be Draconic Magic. Dragon-like runes and markings appeared all over her right arm as she smiled at me. While I knew that the spell was powerful, it seemed that she was arrogant enough to take her time preparing it. She was essentially daring me to fight back, feeling that her victory was already secured. At first, I didn't know what to do but Hidara began repeating what Hedra said. 'I wasn't reincarnated as a warrior or a sorcerer but as a Summoner'. As I started to connect these dots, it became clear what the path to victory was. As I stood up and tightened my grip around Vargoz, I talked to Hidara.

”Hidara, what can I summon in 'War Mode' that'll give us the best chance of winning?”, I asked.

”Finally asking the important questions, huh? It's about time! You have a few choices but I would suggest summoning Dragon Slayer Druogg. Thanks to 'War Mode', you have access to him earlier but we don't have all the components to properly summon him. Thus, we'll have to uh...rely on more extreme methods”, Hidara cautiously stated.

”Are you insane, Hidara?! We can't do that! That's fucking suicide!”, Vargoz shouted.

”What other choice do we have, Vargoz! This is the first time we've been with an actual summoner! As it stands, Druogg is our best bet!”, Hidara argued.

”Yeah. At the expense of doing anything else! To summon Druogg at this early of a stage would require us to perform a Blood Sacrifice! We don't even know if he can handle that yet! Even then, we don't even know if Druogg can defeat that Valkyrie or not!”, Vargoz argued.

”Bullshit! You know damn well that Druogg can defeat a Draconic Valkyrie! You're just scared, Vargoz! Do you think...”--sigh--”do you think I don't know the risks? Do you think I would intentionally sabotage my Champion Of War?! This is a calculated risk that we have to take! If we don't do it, we risk the possibility of utter failure! Do you really want to spend another 100 years, maybe even 1000, drifting around the continent? Stuck with whoever is dumb enough to use the Taint with reckless abandon?”, Hidara passionately argued.

”I'll do it. I'll summon Druogg”, I stated firmly.

”Woah, wait a minute. This isn't something you can agree to without hearing the consequences...”, Vargoz stated.

”I already trust you both so there's no need to explain. If that's our best shot then tell me how to summon him”, I stated promptly.

”This is why you're my favorite Dungeon Master! Now, first things first...”.

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[5 minutes later]

”What the hell are you doing down there? Are you going to surrender or what? The fat dwarf and the wolf have already been knocked unconscious and your other two members are barely holding their own. Are you praying or something?”, Hedra said annoyed.

While Hedra was in the air awaiting my answer, I was on the ground preparing to summon Druogg. For the past 5 minutes, Hidara and Vargoz were explaining the process of summoning the unique unit. However, it was clear that Hedra's patience was about to run out. If I was going to really do this, I had to do it now.

”Damn. This is going to hurt like hell, isn't it? I'm not looking forward to this but I love this Dungeon more than I love comfort. But if he's taking half of the components we just earned, I hope he's worth it”, I said sighing.

”By using half of your components, you'll be able to sacrifice less. However, it'll still require 50% of your own blood since Summoner blood is magic rich. There's a guarantee that you'll pass out but I can transport your mind to my pocket Dimension. However, if Hedra beats Druogg, you're pretty much dead. We only have one shot to do this so let's hope for the best”, Hidara stated.

”I'll watch over your body to the best of my ability, Dungeon Master!”, Vargoz happily stated.

As I smiled, I tightened my grip around Vargoz and pointed him towards Hedra. As Hedra flew towards the ground, I took a deep breath and started the summoning chant:

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”May Father Hidarus Bless This Summoning In The Name Of War.

Your Son Requires Your Assistance In Order To Endure.

Unreasonable Circumstances Have Plagued My Lands.

Draconic Valkyrie Hedra Seeks To Take Command.

Dungeon Master Jordan Has A Decree.

To Ensure The Safety, He Will Bleed

Dragon Slayer Druogg, I Summon Thee!

For Any Cost, For Any Price!