A gift unappreciated

"Let's not panic. This is just a simulation. I can respawn and try again," Cedric declared, trying to maintain his composure as he watched his hastily constructed barricade of bodies being obliterated under the giant orc's foot. Squelch Squelch

Seeing the anger in his opponent's eyes, Cedric couldn't help but think, "I guess he didn't appreciate my welcoming gesture."

*Roar

The orc notices Cedric, turning to face him. Lowering its body into a threatening stance, it starts making its way towards Cedric, oblivious to the obstacles in its path.

Feeling the rhythmic tremors from the orc's stomps reverberate through the ground, Cedric decided to adopt a wait-and-see strategy. "He's still about 40 meters away from me."

*Boom

"Huh?"

Perplexed, Cedric was taken aback by the sight. The intimidating orc that was charging towards him just moments ago was now sprawled face down on the ground, having slipped on the body of one of the scattered wolves.

The orc picked itself up, scanning the bodies surrounding it. Filled with rage, it unleashed its fury, thrashing around and kicking up dust as it vented its frustration on the unwelcome guests littering its battlefield.

Observing the crazed expression in the orc's eyes, Cedric couldn't believe his luck. Raising his voice, he shouted, "This guy is a complete fool. Unbelievable!"

A wild thought crossed Cedric's mind as he noticed the orc's deranged state. "I can seize this opportunity to defeat it." Relaxing his shoulders and lowering his weapon, Cedric took a deep breath. He decided to take the initiative, sprinting towards the blind side of the massive orc.

While running, Cedric weighed his options. "Should I aim for its kidney? Hmm..." Examining his worn-out blade with cracks spreading across its metallic surface, Cedric dismissed the idea. With no other choice, he made up his mind, thinking, "The neck it is."

Cedric was never one to overthink his actions. His father's training had instilled in him the importance of quick decision-making in combat. He rarely had time to ponder his moves as pain often interrupted his thoughts. His father, Rodrick, made sure to provide plenty of pain during their training sessions.

Over time, Cedric had honed the ability to think on his feet, even while enduring strikes and cuts. He maintained a composed mindset and an open mind in the heat of battle.

Approaching a distance of 10 meters behind the orc, Cedric noticed its ears twitch. "Even in its crazed state, it has good hearing. Let's see how it reacts to this."

Seeing a small pebble jutting out of the ground, Cedric swiftly kicks it while sprinting towards his formidable opponent. The pebble whizzes past the orc's ear, grazing it slightly. By the time the orc turns back to investigate the disturbance, a sharp pain seizes its attention.

Slicing through the supposed location of the orc's artery, Cedric swiftly drops to the ground, maintaining his agility.

Rising to face the wounded orc, Cedric shouts defiantly, "Since my first gift was a disappointment, I hope this one suits your taste better, you wretch."

The incredulous orc places its hand over its bleeding neck, feeling the warm stream of blood flowing from the wound. Forgetting the pain momentarily, it resolves to crush the audacious worm who dares to challenge its might.

With a swift stomp towards Cedric, the orc attempts to bring him down by slamming its right fist. "Oh shit!" Cedric instinctively evades the attack, swiftly ducking beneath it. He swiftly closes the gap between them, leaping onto the orc's knee and utilizing his left leg as leverage to reach the exposed wound on the orc's neck. In a fluid motion, Cedric swings his right leg, striking the orc's chin, forcing it to raise its head and further expose the vulnerable area.

Taking advantage of his momentum, Cedric seizes the orc's elbow as it desperately tries to stem the bleeding with its left hand. He hoists himself up onto the orc's shoulder.

The bewildered orc, hindered by its limited mobility, roars in frustration, futilely attempting to grasp the nimble child escaping from its clutches.

Skillfully evading yet another grasping attempt by the orc, Cedric now stands on the orc's right shoulder and proceeds to deliver a forceful kick to its temple.

*Smack*

Dazed, the orc drops to its knees. Cedric swiftly dismounts from its back, leaping back a few paces to create distance. Heaving a sigh of relief, he mutters, "Haah, that was close. If I hadn't been so careful, I would have been crushed in its palm. It's all over now, though."

Observing the orc gurgle its final roar, Cedric exhales, finally allowing himself a moment to catch his breath.

Turning his gaze towards the massive portal, Cedric notices a significant change. The once disturbing purple hue has transformed into a gentle green glow, as if inviting him to step into its warm embrace.