"That thing's breath is worse than its bite!" Sir Luis remarked while distancing himself from the Ruffian, readying for their counterattack.
Echoing the strategy they employed against the giant beastman, the team split up to avoid being easy targets and to maintain agility in their movements.
As they positioned themselves, the Ruffian's tentacles began to lash out. Despite their spike-like sharpness, the tentacles moved sluggishly due to their weight and size, allowing Arthur and his team to parry each strike more easily.
However, they remained intensely focused, fully aware that even a slight error in judgment could result in severe injury from the creature's formidable attacks.
They maneuvered with caution, simultaneously looking for vulnerabilities to exploit in the monstrous plant.
Realizing that his firebolt spells, powered by his dwindling mana reserves, were not significantly affecting the Ruffian, Arthur quickly adapted his strategy.
The creature, though plant-based, was covered in a water-logged and muddy exterior, which rendered the fire-based attacks less effective, almost like mere tickles against its massive form.
Recognizing this, Arthur shifted his focus to rely more on his sword skills than his magical abilities.
He understood that direct physical attacks with his sword might be more effective, especially in cutting through the creature's tentacles.
This tactical adjustment highlighted Arthur's versatility and quick thinking in combat, showcasing his ability to adapt to different types of enemies and situations effectively.
Just as Arthur and his team were gaining momentum in the battle, successfully outmaneuvering the giant plant monster and damaging its tentacles, the creature released a cloud of green spores.
The sudden emission forced them to retreat and halt their assault. Sir Troy, having inhaled the toxic smoke, began coughing violently.
"Stay away from its mouth!" Arthur shouted, warning his companions to keep a distance from the creature's maw, the source of the poisonous smoke.
This new development added a layer of complexity to their strategy, as they now had to avoid the toxic emissions while continuing their attack.
Sir Luis swiftly came to Sir Troy's aid, helping him to his feet and supporting him as they moved back.
However, this meant Sir Luis could only focus on defending and assisting Sir Troy, leaving Arthur to lead the offensive against the Ruffian.
To protect Sir Luis and Sir Troy from the monster's attacks, Arthur accelerated his movements, enhancing his agility with his fire-based blessing.
Although the flames did little damage to the Ruffian, the boost in agility enabled Arthur to move with exceptional speed, compensating for the reduced offensive impact.
As Arthur continued to use his fire magic to enhance his agility, his mana reserves gradually depleted. Despite this, his attacks became increasingly effective against the beast.
To his companions, it seemed as though there were five Arthurs attacking simultaneously, thanks to the afterimages left by his swift movements.
One by one, the Ruffian's tentacles fell into the lake, severed by Arthur's relentless assault.
Arthur was pushing himself to the limits, disregarding the fatigue that was setting in.
His determination to protect his comrades and defeat the monstrous plant was evident in every swift strike and maneuver.
This battle was not only a test of his physical capabilities but also his resilience and commitment to his duty.
As the Ruffian sensed its impending defeat at Arthur's hands, it suddenly submerged itself into the lake, effectively evading further attacks.
Arthur, momentarily ceasing his assault, gasped for air, the fatigue from the intense battle catching up to him.
Despite needing a moment to recover, Arthur remained alert, understanding that the battle was far from over.
The creature's retreat into the lake posed a new threat - it could emerge at any moment, potentially catching them off-guard with its massive maw, as it had done with the beastmen leader earlier.
The situation was fraught with uncertainty and danger. Arthur knew they were at a disadvantage with the Ruffian lurking beneath them, ready to strike unexpectedly.
He had to stay vigilant and prepare for the creature's potential resurfacing, all while managing his own exhaustion and ensuring the safety of Sir Luis and Sir Troy.
In a dramatic turn of events, just as Arthur anticipated, the Ruffian's massive maw suddenly emerged right beneath him, poised to swallow him whole.
Fortunately, Arthur still had enough mana for a quick dash, narrowly escaping the creature's grasp.
However, the Ruffian wasn't done yet. It began to create a powerful suction, drawing in the surrounding water and pulling Arthur towards its gaping mouth.
As he inched closer to the beast's maw, Arthur knew he had to act fast to avoid a grim fate.
Just before being drawn into the creature's mouth, Arthur plunged his sword into the shallow lake bed, anchoring himself.
"No, you don't!" he declared defiantly, seizing the moment to counterattack.
He noticed the Ruffian's momentary vulnerability as it focused on sucking in the water.
Using the creature's head as a platform, Arthur leaped even higher into the air, positioning himself for a decisive strike.
With all the remaining strength he could muster, he prepared for a powerful attack. Channeling his blessing and the last of his mana, he aimed to maximize the impact of his sword thrust into the Ruffian.
This critical moment was Arthur's last chance to defeat the monstrous plant, requiring precise timing and the full extent of his abilities.
Arthur's final, all-out attack on the Ruffian caused a massive shockwave and upheaval. The creature's body shattered into pieces, and the water from the lake surged upward, creating a rain-like effect as it cascaded back down.
Exhausted but triumphant, Arthur managed to stand firm after single-handedly defeating the gigantic monster.
Sir Troy and Sir Luis quickly approached him, both in awe of the extraordinary skill and determination Arthur had displayed.
Sir Troy handed Arthur the last of his potion, which Arthur gratefully accepted and drank without hesitation, needing it to recover from the intense exertion.
"I never thought I'd see it. Not just beastmen, but Ruffians too," Sir Luis remarked, still catching his breath.
He expressed his astonishment at the unexpected turn of events and the appearance of creatures that were typically not found in their region.
"I'll petition His Grace to send a detachment," Arthur said to his companions, recognizing the need for further investigation and containment of the area to prevent future incidents.
He added that it was fortunate they discovered and neutralized the creature before it could approach their kingdom and cause more harm.
Despite their exhaustion from the intense battle, the group decided it was crucial to keep moving and leave the ominous area before nightfall.
Arthur calculated that if they left immediately, they could reach Lion's Gate by nightfall, where they could rest more securely.
The team agreed with the plan, understanding the importance of reaching a safer location for recuperation.
As they began their journey back, Arthur cast a final glance at the giant monster he had vanquished, reflecting on the challenges they had overcome.
"Damn plague," he muttered, a remark on the dire situation they faced due to the plague's effects. With that, they continued their journey, ready to face whatever awaited them at Lion's Gate and beyond.
Arthur's leadership and the team's collective effort had once again proven crucial in navigating the dangers that threatened their kingdom.