[Shiha's Perspective]
""Low-Level Dark Arrow: Dark Arrow"!!"
"Oguuuuuu!!"
The one who took the initiative was Amarin.
Her black arrow flew swiftly and hit the orc's abdomen. Unlike with the ogre, there was no escaping unscathed; it seemed to have taken a bit of damage.
Although the ogre was a pure Grade E, the orc seemed to have its rank boosted only because it was a boss. So, in terms of combat prowess, even though it could be considered on par with Grade E, it was ultimately of lower-tier strength. It seemed to have just about the endurance of a Grade E as well.
""Twin Tiger Strike"!!"
"Oguuuuuu!!"
""Twin Tiger Kick"!!"
"Oguuuuuu!!"
""Twin Tiger Slash"!!"
"Oguuuuuu!!"
The powerful punches like a tiger,"Twin Tiger Strike". The powerful kicks like a tiger,"Twin Tiger Kick". The powerful chops like a tiger,"Twin Tiger Slash".
Neither punches nor kicks made a dent in the ogre's sturdy skin, and even the chops couldn't pierce its soft skin. But the orc was clearly taking damage, and the chops had torn its skin to shreds.
"Surprisingly... it might not be such a big deal after all."
"T-That's right!!"
The tension that had bound us until just now suddenly dissipated. The once imposing figure of the orc now seemed somewhat insignificant. Maybe it was because we became convinced that we could win against it.
Unlike with the ogre, our attacks were effective against the orc. It was gratifying and boosted our confidence. We have to win this battle... no matter what.
"Oguuuuuu!!"
In a frenzy of anger, the orc swung its axe. With each strike hitting the ground, it left gashes. If it hit our bodies, we'd be sliced in an instant.
But... those attacks didn't land.
The orc's movements were slow, making it easy to dodge. Even Amarin, who lacked agility compared to me, could easily avoid them.
"Oguuuuuu!!"
"Those attacks won't work!"
"Oguuuuuu!!"
"They're too slow!"
Each time we dodged, the orc's rage intensified. Its breathing became heavy, and its face turned redder. Despite its excitement, its attack speed didn't increase.
The axe swung down relentlessly.
With each swing, the room temperature rose. The smell filling the room became even stronger... almost suffocating. We were tired of dodging, so we had to break the flow soon.
""Twin Tiger Palm"!!"
"Ogua──!!?"
I thrust my palm at the orc's chest like a tiger, sending it flying. Like a deflating balloon, the orc flew several meters with force.
The orc, lying on the ground several meters away, looked around bewilderedly, not understanding what had happened. If its appearance had been cuter, we might have hesitated to attack... but we couldn't afford to go easy on such an ugly pig.
""Low-Level Dark Bullet: Dark Bullet"!!"
"Oguuuuuu!!"
""Low-Level Dark Arrow: Dark Arrow"!!"
"Oguuuuuu!!"
""Low-Level Dark Blade: Dark Cutter"!!"
"Oguuuuuu!!"
Dark bullets, jet-black arrows, dark-colored blades.
Relentless consecutive attacks struck the orc, which still hadn't fully grasped the situation. Thud, crack. The orc suffered heavy damage.
The bullet that hit its right shoulder seemed to have damaged its nerves; its right arm was limp.
The arrow that hit its left knee left it writhing in agony, unable to stand up.
The blade that hit its face sliced it to pieces, leaving a gruesome sight.
"O-Oguuuuuu...!!"
Still, the orc was alive.
The hatred in its eyes burned even brighter.
It glared at us, unable to even grip its axe or stand up. Its fighting spirit hadn't waned; rather, it seemed to burn even fiercer.
"In terms of not giving up even when beaten to a pulp, we should learn from it. We should show respect in that regard."
"Y-Yeah, you're right... Yeah... you're right."
It's embarrassing how we cowered and trembled just because the opponent was formidable, a Grade E, or scary. In terms of mental strength, we were inferior to the orc.
Amarin seemed to understand that, murmuring it to herself as she chewed on it. We need to become stronger, mentally as well.
"Amarin, let's end this."
"Y-Yeah... that's right."
I offered my right arm to Amarin.
Understanding instantly what it meant, Amarin cast her spell.
""Intermediate Dark Clad: Abyss Armor"!!"
"Ugh...!?"
Dark miasma enveloped my right arm.
With it came unbearable agony.
It felt like my skin was being torn apart, my nails ripped off.
But... I had to endure this much.
To finish off the orc, to end its suffering in one blow. This was the best way to prevent further agony.
"Orc, thank you. By defeating you, we gain confidence. The confidence that we can overcome even formidable enemies will be our strength from now on. No matter what strong opponents we face in the future, we'll remember today and fight."
"Oguuuuu...!!"
"T-We won!"
"We won, we won!!"
The gate for the period appeared, along with the treasure chest and Shion's applause, celebrating our victory.