chapter 6.4

"Ridham! Use your spear to strike their legs, we need to slow them down!" Alcard's voice rang out firmly amidst the panic.

"Jarren! Focus on the right Ogre's eye! Don't hesitate to shoot!"

Alcard's orders flowed swiftly, urging the Outcasts to adjust to the strategy given. Though some of the novices still appeared hesitant and trembling, they did their best to follow the instructions. Meanwhile, the horses they had brought were secured at the back, guarded by one of the Outcasts to prevent them from panicking and bolting when the battle began.

The two mutated Ogres did not give them any more time to prepare. Without warning, the massive creatures swung the giant wooden clubs they used as weapons. The air trembled from the force of their blows, creating strong gusts that sent dust and leaves swirling into the sky.

Following Alcard's instructions, Ridham quickly thrust his spear into the thigh of one of the Ogres. The weapon pierced through the thick skin of the creature, causing it to let out a deep growl as thick green blood began dripping onto the ground. The Ogre attempted to lift its leg, but the pain restricted its movement.

Seeing the opening, Alcard did not waste the opportunity. He leaped forward, moving past Ridham, and swiftly swung his sword at the wounded Ogre's arm. The slash was deep enough to weaken its grip on the wooden club, causing the giant weapon to crash to the ground with a loud thud.

Meanwhile, the second Ogre attacked from the right, swinging its massive club toward a group of Outcasts trying to form a defensive line. One of the novices was nearly struck, but Jarren swiftly pulled him back. At the same time, another Outcast raised his broad sword, absorbing part of the impact, though his hands immediately went numb from the sheer force of the blow.

Seeing the chaos unfolding, Alcard quickly took control of the situation. "Form a half-circle! Don't let them move too freely!"

Without wasting time, the Outcasts repositioned themselves. With a tighter formation, they managed to force both Ogres to stand back-to-back, limiting their movement. Jarren, spotting an opportunity, swiftly drew his bow and took aim. His arrow shot forward, striking the second Ogre's cheek, causing it to roar in anger and shift its focus toward him.

Alcard seized the moment. "Attack from their blind spots!" he shouted.

The Outcasts reacted immediately, some driving their weapons into the exposed sides and waist of the creatures, increasing the number of wounds on their massive bodies. The first Ogre began to lose its balance due to the severe injury on its leg. Alcard knew this was the time to end the fight.

"Now!" he commanded.

As the Ogre fell to its knees, Alcard moved with lightning speed. He leaped onto the creature's shoulder and drove his sword deep into its neck. The Ogre let out a final agonized roar, but its strength was fading. Within seconds, its body collapsed to the ground with a thunderous crash, lifeless.

Meanwhile, the second Ogre was still standing despite its battered body. One of its hands clutched its wooden club with the last of its strength, while the other pressed against its torn abdomen, trying in vain to stop the flow of blood. Fueled by blind rage, it began swinging its weapon wildly, abandoning any form of strategy.

The Outcasts remained in formation, waiting for the right moment to strike. As the Ogre swung its club once more, they all ducked in unison, narrowly avoiding the attack.

Baluk, one of the more seasoned Outcasts, spotted an opening. He swiftly swung his sword at the Ogre's leg, slicing through the tendons behind its knee. The creature roared in pain, losing its balance, its massive form beginning to waver.

From behind, Jarren released his final arrow with even greater precision. The arrow soared through the air and buried itself deep into the Ogre's nape.

With the last of its strength, the creature turned, attempting to lunge at Jarren and the Outcasts positioned at the rear. But before it could move any further, Alcard was already upon it, moving with breathtaking speed. His sword gleamed under the dim light, slicing through the Ogre's arm with deadly accuracy.

The severed muscles rendered its limb useless, causing the creature to stagger backward, crashing into a massive tree. Its breaths came in ragged gasps, but it had not yet fallen.

Alcard wasn't about to let it recover. Without hesitation, he leaped once more, driving his sword toward its neck. With a single swift and powerful slash, its head was severed from its body. A spray of greenish blood splattered across the ground.

The second Ogre fell, joining its companion in the void of death.

The Outcasts remained on guard, ensuring that there was no further movement from the fallen creatures. Their breaths came in gasps, their bodies drenched in sweat despite the cold forest air. Some of them bore minor wounds from the impact or debris, but overall, they had survived the battle intact.

Alcard scanned the surroundings, making sure everyone was still standing. "Stay alert. The noise could attract other monsters."

The Outcasts nodded, some checking their weapons to ensure none were damaged. They knew their journey was far from over. But this victory proved that they could endure—that even as novices, under the right command, they could face formidable threats.

Cautiously, they reformed their formation, preparing to move forward once more. This battle was only the beginning, and the depths of the southern forest still held far greater dangers within its shadows.