“S-Sienna!!!” Roy, who had collapsed on the ground, abandoning any hope of survival, looked up at the back of the beautiful girl standing protectively in front of him.
Sienna Parker.
She was among the top three strongest Heroes who had been summoned. Two years older than Roy and his friends, she had been inadvertently pulled into their class summoning when she had visited their classroom for a brief presentation about the club she was part of.
Sienna was well-known as the older sister of their classmate, Siara Parker. Like her sister, she was strikingly beautiful, though Sienna was clearly more gifted not only in terms of physical attributes but also in her abilities. She was one of the rare few to have awakened an SS-ranked skill as her main power, a distinction she shared with only Aiden and Gwen.
Her true strength and level, however, were shrouded in mystery. Sienna was cautious about revealing the full extent of her power. Some speculated that she was stronger than Aiden and only slightly less powerful than Jason, while others believed she was on par with Jason.
Regardless of the rumors, Roy and his group were immensely relieved to see Sienna.
Sienna stared intently at the Level 82 monster before her. “Get back,” she commanded firmly.
“Yes!!” Roy and his companions stepped back without hesitation.
The bear, enraged by Sienna’s intrusion, glared at her and charged with ferocious speed.
Sienna gripped her sword with both hands and rushed forward to meet the beast head-on.
When her sword clashed with the bear’s fangs, a massive shockwave erupted from the collision, sending a powerful blast of wind through the forest, shaking trees and scattering leaves.
Despite her strong Skill, Sienna was pushed back significantly by the force of the impact. The monster was not only higher in level but also possessed greater physical strength. She quickly regained her footing, eyes narrowing in determination as she prepared for the next clash with the strong beast.
“Sienna!!” a voice rang out suddenly, drawing everyone’s attention. More classmates arrived on the scene, part of Sienna’s group. Leading them was Courtney. When they saw Sienna rushing out so urgently, they had quickly followed her, and now they were here.
“W-What is that?” Courtney and her groupmates turned pale at the sight of the monstrous beast.
Courtney was particularly shocked. She tried to assess the monster but failed. ‘I can’t see its level… it’s too dangerous!’ she thought, her heart pounding in her chest. Being level 48 herself, the fact that she couldn’t discern the creature’s level was a very bad omen.
Sienna might be stronger than Courtney by about ten levels, but even so, this monster was perilously strong. ‘Why is such a strong monster here?!’ she wondered, her mind racing. Monsters of such a high level should be deeper in the forest, far from their usual area. This part of the forest typically housed creatures no stronger than level 30.
“We have to help her!” Courtney declared, raising her staff. Her primary skill was Fire Great Mage, an A-Rank Skill. Powerful flames began to gather at the tip of her staff as she prepared to cast her spell.
“Sienna!” she called out.
Mana surged from Courtney’s raised staff, coalescing into a barrage of fireballs that shot toward the bear.
Seeing the impending attack, Sienna quickly leaped back, giving space for Courtney’s magic to strike.
BADOOOM!!!
The fireballs collided with the bear, creating a massive explosion that echoed through the forest. Flames and smoke filled the air, and the ground shook with the impact.
“Graahaha!” the bear roared, its growl resonating with annoyance and anger. The flames licked at its fur but did little to deter its rage. The creature’s eyes burned with fury as it turned its focus toward the new threat posed by Courtney and her group.
“N-no way…” Courtney gasped, her voice trembling as she saw the bear nearly unscathed, barely sustaining any damage from her powerful attack. She had known the bear was stronger than her, but to this extent?
Sienna’s eyes widened as she watched the bear now charging towards Courtney. She quickly raised her sword, which began to glow with a radiant blue light. Activating her main skill, Sword Hero, she felt a surge of power course through her body. Her strength increased, her speed doubled, and her senses sharpened to an almost supernatural level.
In an instant, she kicked off the ground and sped toward the bear. The monster, sensing the threat from behind, swung its massive claws at her. Sienna dodged the attack by a hair’s breadth and, with a swift motion, swung her sword at the bear’s stomach.
Blood spurted out from the deep gash, staining the ground beneath them.
“Amazing!” Roy shouted, and the others cheered, their relief palpable as they witnessed Sienna’s impressive display of skill.
However, Courtney remained worried. The sudden increase in Sienna’s strength, allowing her to match the bear’s power, wasn’t normal. She scrutinized Sienna more closely and noticed her labored breathing and the strain on her face.
“Sienna!” Courtney called out, concern evident in her voice. “Are you okay?”
Sienna nodded slightly, but her eyes remained focused on the bear, now even more enraged. The monster roared in pain and anger, its eyes glowing with fury as it prepared to launch another attack.
Realizing the danger, Courtney quickly raised her staff again, preparing to cast another spell to support Sienna. She couldn’t let her friend face the beast alone, especially not when it was clear that even Sienna’s immense power came at a great cost.
°°°°°
In Olympus, the Gods typically gathered to discuss significant issues concerning both the human and divine realms. However, today their collective gaze was fixed downward, observing the world below.
A mocking laugh emanated from a divinely beautiful woman with long black hair and piercing yellow eyes. Seated next to the king of gods, Zeus, she exuded an air of haughty amusement.
“Khione’s Heroes are really weak after all,” Hera said, her laughter echoing through the halls of Olympus.
“You think so? That one with the sword is quite strong, and she… is totally my type,” remarked a muscular man with red spiky hair, clad in armor. He licked his lips lasciviously as he watched Sienna battle a beast stronger than herself.
“I wouldn’t touch her if I were you, Ares,” a lean, handsome man interjected with a smile.
“What did you say, Hermes?” Ares glared at him, his eyes burning with irritation.
“It’s just advice,” Hermes shrugged with a grin. “She is Athena’s favorite among the summoned Heroes.” He pointed toward a woman who was also observing the fight intently.
The woman he indicated was exceptionally beautiful, with a divine aura radiating from her. She wore gleaming golden armor, and her golden hair cascaded down to her waist. Her piercing golden eyes were focused and serious as she watched Sienna.
Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare, maintained her silent vigil. Her expression was stern, her gaze unwavering as she monitored the battle. Unlike Hera, who mocked the heroes, Athena saw the potential and courage in Sienna. She had high hopes for the young Hero and believed in her capability to overcome great challenges.
