The monster lunged forward. Its massive fist crashed into Haro's chest, sending a shock through his body. In panic, Haro raised his bow to block.

BANG!

The impact threw him across the chamber. He slammed into the wall with a dull crack, his bow shattering in his hands. Pain ripped through him, and blood spilled from his lips as he gasped for breath.

Randall dashed in, his sword slicing across the Orc King's side, but the cut barely scratched it. The creature roared, swung its elbow back, and slammed it into Randall's chest.

A sharp crack echoed.

Randall's eyes widened in pain as blood poured from his mouth. He collapsed, his sword slipping from his grip.

Ryu staggered forward next, her body trembling, legs barely holding her weight. With a scream, she charged and slashed across the Orc King's leg. The beast snarled and caught her by the throat, lifting her high into the air. Her hands clawed at its arm trying to break free.

Her face turned red, but the grip was too strong.

With a cruel laugh, it hurled her to the ground. The thud echoed as she hit the stone floor, motionless for a moment.

Joel pushed himself up, his arm limp and blood dripping from his chin. "We… can't…" His voice cracked, but he still lifted his sword, trying to fight. He took one step forward before his knees buckled, and he fell again.

Ethan groaned, pressing his hands to the ground. His vision swayed, but he forced himself up. His greatsword felt heavy in his hands, yet his eyes burned with determination.

The Orc King threw back its head and laughed, the sound rolling through the chamber like thunder.

"HAHAHAHA! Weak! Too weak!"

Ethan's breath came in short bursts. He fumbled for a healing potion, uncorked it, and gulped it down. Warmth spread through his body, easing the pain, but the wounds were too deep. Even though the Orc King was only mid-Advanced rank, its raw strength was overwhelming.

Still, Ethan didn't back down. He turned to Irida, who stood behind him with her staff raised. Their eyes met. She nodded, lips moving quickly as she whispered a spell.

The others had rushed in and suffered just to hold the Orc King in place. Now, it was her turn.

She slammed her staff onto the stone floor. "Fire Blast!"

A bright red circle flared beneath the Orc King. A heartbeat later, flames burst upward, wrapping around the monster in a column of fire.

BOOOOM!

The explosion rocked the chamber. Heat washed over them, forcing everyone to shield their faces as flames filled the air.

Ethan saw his chance. Every muscle screamed in protest, but he charged forward through the flames. His greatsword glowed faintly as he poured everything he had left into one final swing.

"Die!" he roared.

The sword came down through the blazing inferno.

BOOOOOOM!

The impact sent a shockwave tearing through the ground. Cracks spread across the stone floor, and dust and smoke filled the chamber. For a moment, hope flickered in everyone's eyes.

Then a voice came from within the flames.

"Good try… however…"

The fire dimmed, revealing the Orc King still standing. Its body was scorched and blackened, but its grin was wide and mocking. It had blocked the strike with its own greatsword.

Ethan's eyes widened. Before he could react, the creature's huge hand shot out and clamped around his face.

BANG!

It slammed him into the ground. The floor split beneath the impact, sending out jagged cracks. Ethan coughed blood, his body shaking in agony.

"Ghhhhaaaahhh!" he screamed as pain shot through every nerve.

The Orc King lifted him again, its voice rumbling. "I wanted to have fun, but it seems you're no match."

Then another roar cut through the air.

"Let my lord go!"

Randall's voice was raw with fury. Blood streamed down his face as he charged forward, slamming into the Orc King with everything he had. The force made the monster stagger, and Ethan fell free.

That moment of distraction was enough. The others quickly drank healing potions, strength slowly returning to their battered bodies.

Joel attacked first, his sword glowing faintly with mana. He swung hard, sparks flying as the blade struck the Orc's side. Ryu followed, leaping in from the other direction, her claws slashing across its chest and neck.

But the Orc King roared and raised its greatsword high before slamming it down.

BOOM!

The ground shook violently. The force of the impact sent a wave of energy rippling outward, throwing everyone off their feet. Ryu, Joel, and Randall crashed hard into the floor.

Joel tried to rise, but the Orc King's foot came crashing down. Joel twisted aside, managing a quick slash that left a shallow gash on the monster's leg—but a massive hand caught him mid-motion and swatted him away.

He flew across the floor, tumbling and rolling, blood trailing from his mouth. When he finally stopped, his body was limp and trembling.

Ryu tried to stand again, rage glowing in her beast-like eyes. But before she could move, a large piece of the ceiling broke off and smashed into her, pinning her down with a cry.

The Orc King turned to Randall. His chest heaved, blood dripping down his chin, ribs likely broken. But even then, he didn't retreat. His sword trembled in his hand, his knuckles white.

He coughed hard, then took a step forward. "We can't defeat it," he shouted hoarsely. "Run! Run away, my lord!"

The Orc King sneered and blocked his attack easily. Its counterstrike sent Randall's blade flying, but he grabbed it again and kept swinging.

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

Steel rang again and again as Randall kept fighting. His hands bled from gripping the hilt too tightly. His body screamed in pain, but he refused to step back. If he fell, Ethan would die.

The Orc King's laughter filled the air. "Show me!" it roared. "Show me your despair! I like it… show me more!"

Its laughter grew louder, cruel and twisted, echoing around the chamber like madness itself.

Then—CRUNCH!

Randall's sword shattered. Fragments of the blade cut into his arms and chest, leaving him covered in blood. He stared down at his empty hands, a faint, bitter smile forming on his lips.

'So this is my end,' he thought. 'Last time, my lord saved me. But this time… I cannot be saved.'

He closed his eyes as the Orc King raised its weapon, dark energy pulsing along the blade. Memories flashed in Randall's mind—his old lord, his comrades, the battles they fought. Then Ethan's face appeared, the man he now served with all his heart.

'My lord… I'm coming to see you,' he whispered silently.

The Orc King swung down.

BOOOM!

But the blade didn't reach him.

A sudden blast of power struck the Orc King in the chest, sending it stumbling backward. Blood poured from a deep gash across its torso. The beast growled in fury.

Randall's eyes snapped open. He stared in shock.

Ethan stood there with his body battered and covered in blood, but surrounded by a crimson aura that blazed like fire. It wrapped around him, gathering at his greatsword until the blade glowed with searing energy.

His voice broke through the silence, cold and filled with rage.

"Yo," he said, his eyes locked on the Orc King. "Had enough fun yet? If you're done, then it's time for you to visit hell, you filthy piece of shit."

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