chapter 8.2

The thunderous footsteps of the two-headed ogre shook the ground with immense force, nearly throwing the Outcasts off balance atop their horses. The towering trees around them trembled, some even toppling over due to the sheer wind pressure and vibrations caused by the colossal creature's movements. Its deafening roar echoed through the entire region, intensifying the already suffocating tension in the air.

With incredible speed, Alcard and his group dashed through the narrow gap between two high cliffs. Their horses galloped at full speed, leaping over massive roots and sharp rocks scattered along their path. When the two-headed ogre attempted to follow, its enormous body became wedged in the narrow space. With a furious roar, it lost its balance and crashed into the rocks below, producing a resounding impact that reverberated throughout the valley.

But Alcard refused to let his guard down. As he glanced back, his eyes narrowed at a shocking sight—the mutated ogre was not dead. With monstrous strength, it began to climb back up the cliff, its claws digging into the cracks of the rock as it ascended. Both of its faces were twisted in even greater rage than before, and the massive wooden beam in its hand swung wildly, demolishing anything in its path. Each movement sent trees crashing down and violently shook the earth.

A member of the group cried out in panic, "It's still alive! We'll never escape it—it's too fast!"

"Silence and follow my orders!" Alcard snapped, refusing to let fear spread through his team. They couldn't keep running aimlessly. The ogre's speed was unexpected, and if they continued fleeing without a strategy, they would be caught sooner or later.

As they neared the boundary of Mount Orcal's region, Alcard suddenly yanked his horse to a halt, pulling the reins tightly. The horse reared onto its hind legs before stamping back down, its breath heavy with exertion. The other riders followed, though confusion was evident on their faces. Their breaths were ragged, and their horses were growing increasingly restless.

"We can't keep running like this," Alcard stated in a low but commanding voice. He swept his gaze over the group, ensuring they were listening closely.

His attention then locked onto the two most agile riders with the strongest horses—aside from his own black steed. "Ridham! Jarren! Take all the bags of Folwestian Bloom and Rotrofila Root. You must leave now, head to our last resting point."

Their eyes widened at the command. But before they could protest, Alcard added in a chilling tone, "Use the alternate path. Avoid open areas and do not stop, no matter what happens. Those bags are more important than your lives right now."

Without hesitation, both men gave a firm nod, swiftly securing the heavy sacks onto their saddles before galloping away. They knew this was not a request—it was an order they had no choice but to fulfill.

Once they were on the move, Alcard turned to the remaining members of his group. His gaze was sharp, carrying an unyielding authority.

"We will draw the ogre's attention," he declared. "Our job is to pull it as far away from them as possible. We will meet at the designated spot later. If we don't make it…" He paused briefly before continuing, "consider this my final command."

Though fear was evident in some of their faces, none of them objected. One, with a braver expression, responded firmly, "Understood, Captain."

With the group now split, the two-headed ogre hesitated. Its two heads turned in opposite directions, seemingly arguing with each other. One head glared at Alcard's team, while the other sniffed the air, trying to track the fleeing duo with the supplies.

But Alcard knew exactly how to divert its focus. He jerked the reins sharply, making his horse spin in place. Then, without hesitation, he raised his sword high and shouted loudly.

"Hey, you ugly beast! I'm right here!"

His taunt echoed through the air, loud enough to catch the ogre's immediate attention. With a hateful glare, the monstrous creature let out another earth-shaking roar, then turned its massive body toward Alcard's group.

"Move! Don't stop until I give the signal!" Alcard commanded as he led his riders in the opposite direction of Ridham and Jarren.

The ogre's footsteps grew louder, each thunderous stomp causing the ground to tremble violently. One of the Outcasts nearly fell off his horse due to the unstable terrain but managed to regain control just in time.

As they reached a more open area, the ogre's fury intensified. Both of its heads unleashed a deafening bellow, a sound so powerful that the trees quivered and birds fled in terror. Its glowing red eyes burned with boundless rage.

The enormous wooden beam in its hand swung wildly, demolishing giant trees in its wake. Each impact sent resounding booms through the air, making the ground feel as if it were experiencing a localized earthquake.

Alcard quickly analyzed the situation. They couldn't simply keep running.

"We have to draw it farther from them," he thought to himself, searching for a way to stall the ogre without sacrificing his team.

"Maintain distance! Don't let it get too close!" he shouted while pushing his horse to greater speeds, ensuring everyone stayed together.

With an ever-growing sense of doom, the two-headed ogre continued its relentless pursuit, tearing through everything in its path. But Alcard remained composed, his mind racing for a strategy to turn this deadly chase into an opportunity.

No matter how terrifying the beast was, one thing was certain—Alcard would not allow himself or his men to die here. There was still a mission to complete.

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