chapter 8.3

The two-headed ogre continued its relentless pursuit, its steps shaking the ground with immense force, sending leaves and branches flying into the air. Its heavy breathing and guttural growls echoed menacingly as it hunted Alcard's group without pause. Amidst the thunderous pounding of its footsteps, a sudden, agonizing scream tore through the air.

One of the Outcasts cried out as his horse stumbled and came to an abrupt halt, nearly throwing him forward. But before he could regain his balance, the ogre's massive wooden club swung with terrifying power.

-GGGRRRROOOOAAARRRR!!!

In an instant, the unfortunate Outcast was flung into the air, his body soaring for a few seconds before violently crashing against the thick trunk of a tree with a sickening crack. Blood splattered, painting a deep crimson stain over the damp earth. His horse fell with him, its legs kicking the air briefly before falling lifelessly beside him.

Another member of the group turned his head in horror, his eyes wide with shock. "H-he's dead!" he stammered, his voice shaking with fear.

Alcard felt a surge of anger mixed with guilt gnawing at his chest, but he could not let emotions cloud his judgment. This was not the time to mourn. In a harsh, commanding tone, he barked, "Silence! Ride faster! We don't have time!"

The group urged their horses to gallop at full speed, desperately trying to put more distance between themselves and the monstrous beast. But the two-headed ogre was in a blind rage, demolishing trees in its path. At full speed, they reached a denser part of the forest, offering them some cover from the massive creature. Once they had gained enough distance, Alcard raised his hand, signaling them to stop behind a thick line of towering trees.

The remaining Outcasts were panting heavily, their chests rising and falling rapidly as their hearts pounded from both fear and exertion. Their horses, too, were exhausted, their bodies soaked in sweat, nostrils flaring with labored breaths. But the ogre was still out there, and they couldn't keep running forever without a strategy.

Without hesitation, Alcard began forming a plan. His voice was sharp, firm, and left no room for argument. "We have no choice," he said. "We must split up again."

The remaining Outcasts turned to him, their expressions filled with dread. One of them, his voice almost desperate, protested, "Split up again? We just lost someone! This is too dangerous!"

Alcard's gaze hardened, his crimson eyes piercing with authority. "If we stay together, we all die. Listen to my orders!" he snapped.

With swift movements, he pointed at three of the remaining members. "The three of you! Head back to our last resting point. Wait there for half a day. If we don't return, leave immediately and go back to The Wall. Do not wait for us."

One of them, Baluk—the quiet but dependable Outcast—hesitated. "But Captain… what about you?"

Alcard met his gaze, his voice colder than before. "We will lead the ogre away. It's the only way. If you make it, you must get the supplies back safely. No exceptions."

The small group assigned to escape quickly set off, carrying their supplies and the precious herbs. Before they left, Alcard locked eyes with the leader of the group, his stare heavy with expectation.

"Remember," he warned. "Do not stop. If you don't see us, don't come back. The mission takes priority, no matter what."

Now, only Alcard and three other Outcasts remained. They worked to calm their anxious horses, while in the distance, the heavy stomps of the two-headed ogre grew louder once more.

"We have to pull it in another direction," Alcard said. Without hesitation, he led his small team toward a more open path, deliberately making their movements noticeable to attract the ogre's attention.

The towering beast instantly locked onto them and let out another furious roar before breaking into a rampaging charge. Both of its heads growled, seemingly communicating with each other, then mutually agreeing not to let their prey escape.

As he led the group, Alcard spoke without looking back. "We're leading it toward the goblin territory. They should still be lurking around here."

One of the Outcasts turned anxiously. "Goblin territory? But, Captain, they're dangerous too!"

Alcard responded quickly, "I'd rather face goblins than this thing. We can use them against each other."

Their horses galloped through the darkening forest, the signs of goblin presence growing clearer—scattered animal carcasses, rustling movements in the undergrowth, and faint tracks of small, clawed feet.

Alcard slowed his horse slightly, making sure the ogre remained close enough but not too close. "We need to make sure the ogre sees the goblins before attacking us," he instructed.

Finally, they came across a clearing where a group of goblins had gathered. There were about a dozen of the small, hunched creatures with dull greenish skin and eerie yellow eyes. They were armed with crude spears, jagged knives, and makeshift weapons. They had surrounded a wounded animal—likely their latest hunt.

Alcard signaled for his team to halt. His sharp eyes scanned the scene, and a satisfied smirk barely curled on his lips when he saw the number of goblins present.

With a ghost of a grin, he whispered, "Let's give our ogre friend a special gift."

With the plan forming in his mind, Alcard prepared to use the goblins to distract and weaken the two-headed ogre. Now, he just needed to provoke a confrontation, forcing the two groups of monsters into a deadly fight—buying his team the chance to escape.

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