chapter 8.1

In the crushing silence, Alcard finally saw with clarity the massive figure responsible for the mysterious tracks they had found earlier. Emerging from behind towering ancient trees was a mutated ogre—far larger than any they had encountered before. Its body was like a moving mountain, with rough, stone-like skin. However, the most terrifying aspect was its two heads—two bestial faces, each moving independently with distinct expressions.

One head had burning red eyes, filled with rage and bloodlust. The other appeared more deranged, muttering in an unintelligible language, its deep voice resembling a whisper from the depths of hell. From the gaping wounds scattered across its body, rotting flesh pulsed with black veins, clear evidence that the creature had long been corrupted by the power of the South.

In one of its enormous hands, the ogre gripped a giant wooden beam, thick as a tree trunk, holding it as if it were nothing more than a branch. Every movement sent tremors through the ground, making the earth shake beneath Alcard's group as they froze in place upon seeing the monstrous being up close.

Some Outcasts instinctively tightened their grip on their weapons, their breaths caught in their throats. No one dared to move, as if remaining still would somehow allow them to avoid its gaze.

"What is that…?" one Outcast whispered, his voice barely audible, fear gripping his face.

Alcard raised his hand, signaling everyone to stay calm. With a voice controlled and steady, he said, "That's a two-headed ogre. A rare mutation of the species. If we fight it, our chances of winning are very slim."

A young Outcast, still shaken, asked in a trembling voice, "Is this why the area is so silent?"

Alcard gave a small nod, his eyes never leaving the beast. "Most likely. The presence of a creature like this usually forces all other monsters to flee. Or worse… it has already killed everything in this area. That's why we haven't encountered any others."

The tension in the air thickened. Every member of the group felt cold sweat running down their backs.

"We need to get out of here," Alcard finally whispered, his voice almost a hiss. "Make no noise, move your horses slowly, and avoid eye contact with it."

With extreme caution, they began pulling their reins, attempting to retreat as quietly as possible without drawing attention. Their breaths were shallow, their movements so controlled that they barely made a sound. Each second stretched endlessly, as if time itself had slowed.

But just as they were almost beyond the creature's reach, one of the horses suddenly grew restless. With a sudden movement, it stomped its hooves against the ground and let out a soft but sharp neigh.

That sound, though small, was enough to catch the ogre's attention.

One of its heads—the one on the left—immediately snapped in their direction, its glowing red eyes locking onto them. Its expression tensed as if processing the information it had just uncovered.

"It sees us…" an Outcast whispered, his voice barely audible under the weight of fear.

Alcard quickly raised his hand again, signaling everyone to stay completely still, hoping that if they didn't act like a threat, the ogre might not attack.

But that hope shattered in an instant.

The ogre's right head suddenly let out a thunderous roar that shook the entire area.

-GGRRROOOOAAARRRR!!!

The roar was so powerful that the air itself trembled. Dry leaves scattered, and the ground beneath them quaked from the sheer force of its voice. Their horses, which had remained controlled, now lost all composure, rearing up in a frenzy and attempting to flee.

The left head, the one that appeared more intelligent, began chanting something in an unknown tongue. Its voice was filled with fury, deep and booming. Then, it raised its massive hand and pointed directly at them.

Alcard knew they had run out of options.

"Run! Now! Don't stop until I say it's safe!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.

Without hesitation, the entire group yanked their reins, spun their horses around, and galloped at full speed.

The thunderous footsteps of the ogre echoed behind them, stomping the ground with enough force to send tremors through the earth. With every step, a deafening rumble filled the air, signaling that the beast was in pursuit—moving far faster than something of its size should be capable of.

"Don't look back! Focus forward!" Alcard commanded, ensuring everyone stayed on course.

Their horses sprinted at full speed, racing over jagged terrain and weaving through the tangled roots that jutted from the ground. Branches lashed at their faces and bodies as they pushed through the dense trees.

But the ogre's presence loomed behind them.

Its enraged roars continued to boom through the night, shaking the very mountain.

Alcard risked a glance over his shoulder, his eyes widening as he saw the colossal shadow growing closer. The two-headed ogre was no longer just chasing them—it was lifting its enormous wooden club. If it managed to swing that at them, a single strike could send them flying or crush them instantly.

"Left! Head toward the rock crevice!" Alcard ordered swiftly.

Without hesitation, the group veered their horses toward a narrow path wedged between two massive boulders. They hoped the passage would be too tight for the ogre to follow.

Seconds stretched painfully, the monstrous footsteps thundering ever closer.

As they finally reached the crevice, Alcard exhaled sharply.

But this wasn't over.

They may have made it into a tighter passage, but was it enough to stop the pursuit of the terrifying creature?

Only time would tell.

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