Danmachi: Strongest Familia

The enormous form of the transformed dragon instantly caught Goliath's attention. Though it lacked vision, it sensed something massive in the vicinity, a formidable presence disrupting its surroundings.

From a distance, Alise and her team watched in awe, stunned by Shyvana's transformation. So this is why she's known as the Dragonblood Warrior Princess, Alise thought, surprised by the sheer power Shyvana had kept hidden all this time.

Veronica, however, found herself at a disadvantage. Without a weapon, her ability to strike Black Goliath was severely limited. Although its recovery abilities were formidable, the monster's natural defenses were equally daunting. She could barely scratch it, let alone pierce through to deal serious damage.

As Veronica struggled with the implications of her broken weapon, Shyvana launched her attack. With the speed of a hunting eagle, she slammed into Black Goliath, knocking it to the ground. Their brutal clash shook the entire eighteenth floor of the dungeon, sending shockwaves through the dense forest and leaving a path of destruction in their wake. Though only at LV4, Shyvana's dragon form held its own, her raw power rivalling Goliath's.

Having battled with Veronica, Goliath's vision hadn't fully returned, giving Shyvana an advantage. Despite Goliath's higher rank, Shyvana's relentless assault kept it on the defensive.

Meanwhile, Liate prepared a powerful spell, summoning a familiar tornado. What had served to aid her allies earlier now unleashed its fury on this enhanced Goliath. The fierce wind tore into its resilient skin, leaving deep gashes that would not easily heal.

"Let me handle the final blow!" Veronica shouted, seizing the opportunity. She sprang forward, now armed with Alise's sword—a temporary substitute for her shattered death sentence. 

Taking advantage of her dragon body's resistance to magic, Shyvana plowed through the weakening storm and pinned Goliath, rendering it vulnerable. Veronica closed in, her heart pounding as she drove Alise's blade deep into Goliath's body, piercing straight to the core.

Feeling the resistance of Goliath's magic stone beneath her blade, Veronica summoned her wind magic, channeling it through the sword. Inside Goliath, sharp wind currents sliced through the creature's body, carving countless internal wounds and rupturing the magic circuits sustaining it.

Seeing an opening, Shyvana raised her colossal dragon claws and struck Goliath from behind. Her claws pierced through to its chest, exposing fragments of the magic stone embedded within.

With its vital magic stone shattered, Black Goliath collapsed, its enormous form crashing into the forest, crushing trees beneath its weight. Although the stone was damaged, its massive size retained much of its value.

"That was incredible! You actually took down an enhanced Goliath!" Ryuu exclaimed, rushing over with her team. Alise, meanwhile, was already inspecting her weapon, checking for any damage it might have sustained during the fight. Though it bore visible marks, she would need a skilled blacksmith to fully assess its condition.

With the battle concluded, Shyvana took a moment before returning to her human form. Carrying the enormous magic stone would have been difficult otherwise. Yet, as Shyvana reverted, the three Astraea Family giants couldn't help but admire her majestic dragon form, captivated by the grace and power she exuded.

Embarrassed by their awe, Shyvana gave a casual flap of her wings, shifting smoothly back into her human form with a graceful backflip.

"Well, that's that. Let's head back," she suggested.

"Agreed," Alise replied. "With the kind of luck we've been having lately, maybe we should consider stopping by a temple next."

With concerted effort, they hoisted the magic stone and made their way back to Rivera, where the rest of the rescue team awaited. Tsubaki had stayed in the town to ensure everyone's safety, especially the gods' safety.

Hermes forced a smile, though it felt strained. After all his meticulous planning and effort, the stage he'd intended to set for Bell had now shifted, and someone else had claimed the spotlight.

Still, with Black Goliath defeated, there was little more he could do. Besides, the Sol family was not a power he could easily oppose.