Zarek's ragged breaths echoed through his mind like a death knell, his heart pounding fiercely in his chest like a blacksmith's hammer. His gaze locked onto the Elder Ogre, its piercing eyes fixing him with an unyielding glare, as if marking him as prey destined for slaughter.
"Damn it, what the hell was I thinking?" Zarek thought. "There's no way I could beat that thing on my own. Good thing at least there's some distance between us; otherwise, I would be dead meat by now."
Zarek glanced at the dead bodies.
" Those dead bodies - they were the hunters who entered the portal before me. Looks like there weren't any combat hunters in their party."
Zarek's thoughts shifted as he remembered Grey's words. "Everyone got separated when they entered the portal," he recalled.
"These hunters might not have been a cohesive party, but rather a mix of Terra and Arrow Guild members." The possibility sent a grim realization: "Rivalry and lack of teamwork could have led to their downfall."
Even if that could be the case, there are no scars or wounds on the ogre from the previous battle. "Does it have self-healing ability?" Whatever the case might be, the guys who are dead are higher rank than me. Even with sloppy teamwork, they could have at least dealt some damage.
"There isn't much time to think; I have to act now."
Zarek's thoughts suddenly turned to his training on Yuki Mountain. "Zarek never fight a losing battle," Cain's voice caught Zarek's attention. "When the Omega portal opens, if you ever meet a foe you can't defeat, your first priority is running away. So what I will teach you isn't any combat skills, it's to increase your speed. Although you have a natural talent for swordsmanship, concentrate all your absorbed mana into your legs, then start sprinting. I will teach you how to move with great speed."
Zarek's mind snapped to the current situation. "That's right, I must focus on getting as far away as possible." Zarek started concentrating mana into his leg as he moved swiftly, charging against the ogre. The ogre raised its club against Zarek's face. Zarek slid on his knees, barely evading the impact. The ogre's swing created a heavy gust.
Zarek struggled to his feet, gaze locked on the tunnel he emerged from. The ogre's colossal club slammed into the ground, The earth shattered like delicate glass beneath a blacksmith's thunderous hammer, unleashing seismic shockwaves that sent Zarek stumbling. The ground fractured and cracked, fissures spreading like a spider's web as the very foundations of the cavern seemed to tremble.
The ogre lunged forward, its massive shadow engulfing Zarek. The club rose high, wielded by both gargantuan hands. Zarek swiftly raised his dual swords, in a desperate defense. The collision was cataclysmic, hurling Zarek into the rocky wall with the force of a bullet.
Zarek's body left a gruesome imprint on the stone, blood seeping from his head and trickling down his forehead like crimson rivulets. His eyes rolled back, turning a milky white as his vision faded.
Consciousness barely clung to Zarek, his sight blurring. The ogre's approach was agonizingly slow, each step echoing through the cavern like a heavy hammer shattering rock. The air was heavy with foreboding.
Zarek's vision began to fade, his body paralyzed. Memories flooded his mind: Cain's stern face, "Zarek, don't die, no matter what." Zarek's nod, a promise sealed.
His inner voice whispered, "Sorry, Captain. It seems I couldn't keep my promise."
Suddenly, his mother's gentle voice echoed through his mind, "Zarek..." Her image flashed before him, stirring his senses.
With renewed determination, Zarek's focus snapped back. He struggled to his knees, battered body bowed by damage. "I'm sorry, but I can't afford to die just yet."
As Zarek spoke, the ogre accelerated its pace, growling savagely. But before it could strike, Hound Grey's beast burst forth, jaws locked onto the ogre's head. The ogre's eyes widened in shock.
The ogre retaliated, grasping Hound by the scruff and sending him flying. Hound crashed onto the ground but sprang back to his feet instantly.
"Looks like he did a number on you, huh, Dual Blade?" Grey's voice cut through the air.
Zarek's gaze shifted to Grey, his voice barely above a whisper, "Wolf boy..."
Grey's expression turned serious. "What are you doing here?" Zarek's voice rose, urgency evident.
Grey's face softened. "Spike took care of Cynthia, don't worry."
With a hint of pride, Grey continued, "And it's not 'Wolf Boy'. My name is Grey Wolf Claw."
Grey's voice caught Hound's attention, and the beast's ears perked up.
"Hound," Grey called out, "let's do it."
Hound sprinted towards Grey, and as they merged, a brilliant white light radiated from them.
"Beast Fusion!" Grey declared, his voice echoing through the cavern.
As the light dissipated, Grey's transformation stunned Zarek. Before him stood a majestic Beastman, seamlessly blending human and wolf features.
Grey's ears lengthened into wolf-like points, his eyes burning bright yellow. His teeth sharpened, revealing razor-sharp canines. A fluffy tail sprouted from his back, swishing with excitement. His nails grew longer and sharper, gleaming like polished claws.
With fluid grace, Grey assumed a battle stance on all fours, his body tensed like a coiled spring. He unleashed a primal roar, echoing through the cavern.
Grey launched himself at the ogre, his beast form propelling him forward with wolf-like speed. Mid-air, he unleashed a powerful roundhouse kick, but the ogre blocked it with its massive hand.
Undeterred, Grey landed on all fours and swiftly shifted to two legs, unleashing a flurry of punches on the ogre's belly. Afterimages trailed his fists as he struck with incredible speed.
The ogre retaliated, slamming its club onto Grey's back with crushing force. Grey's animal instincts kicked in, allowing him to evade the attack by a hair's breadth. He flipped backward, landing on all fours beside Zarek.
"How hard is his skin?" Grey growled, panting.
Zarek opened a small, delicate purple bottle and drank its contents. His injuries healed instantly, leaving him standing tall and unscathed. Grey's eyes widened in surprise.
"You're already healed?" Grey asked, incredulous.
Zarek smiled, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Thanks to my ability. Now, let's take this beast down."
Both warriors assumed fighting stances, ready to coordinate their assault.