As I followed my new companions skillfully killing all the small nightmare creatures, I also tried to kill some with a worn-out sword that might break any time, given to me by the beautiful lady in front of me.
Selis is not fighting with us. If I had to guess, these monsters are probably way too easy for her. Instead, she is observing Leon.
As I move my gaze around, I spot a spider-looking monster, but I highly doubt it can be considered one.
The monster, with its eight legs half the size of me and its cold, blue eyes, stands there.
Looks like I have to fight this one.
Sigh.
I walk toward the monster, pointing the sword toward it.
I'm not skilled in the sword, but I've got to try my best and not get killed, of course.
I hold the sword tight, but it feels strange in my hands. The monster's cold, blue eyes stare at me, unblinking. Its eight legs tap against the ground, making a creepy clicking sound. It stands there for a moment, like it's waiting.
Then, without warning, it jumps at me.
"Shit!"
I throw myself to the side just in time. A sharp leg slices through the air where I was standing a second ago. My heart pounds. My feet slip a little as I try to stand straight again. I raise the sword, pointing it at the creature, but my hands are already shaking.
The monster tilts its head like it's studying me. Then it moves again—faster this time.
I don't have time to think. I lift the sword to block, and the impact is like getting hit by a hammer. Pain shoots through my arms, and my knees almost give out. The force pushes me back, my boots sliding against the dirt. My fingers almost let go of the sword, but I force myself to hold on.
It's too strong. If I keep blocking, I'll lose.
I take a shaky breath. "Come on… keep moving."
The monster doesn't let me rest. Another leg swings at me. I duck, and it smashes into the ground beside me, kicking up dirt. My pulse is racing. The sword feels heavier with every second.
No time to think. Just fight.
I swing my sword at its leg. The blade scrapes against the monster's hard shell, but it barely leaves a mark.
The monster steps back—not hurt, just annoyed. Then it attacks again.
This time, I'm too slow.
A sharp leg slams into my side. Pain explodes in my ribs as I'm thrown into the air. I crash onto the ground, hard. The air rushes out of my lungs. I cough, rolling onto my hands and knees.
Damn it. I can't take too many hits like that.
I push myself up, but the monster is already coming at me. I raise my sword just in time. Its leg smashes against the blade, sending sparks flying. My arms shake. My knees feel weak. I grit my teeth and shove forward with all the strength I have, breaking away.
I'm running out of energy. My breath is rough, my limbs feel heavy. I need to find a weak spot.
The monster circles me, moving fast and smooth, like a hunter playing with its food. It's waiting for me to mess up.
I adjust my grip on the sword, forcing my hands to stop shaking. I can't fight like this. I'm not strong enough. I have to be smart.
The monster lunges at my legs. This time, instead of stepping back, I roll forward. The attack barely misses me. I land on one knee, twist my body, and swing my sword as hard as I can.
The blade cuts through one of its thinner legs with a sickening crunch.
The monster screeches and stumbles.
Yes! I can hurt it!
I get to my feet, breathing hard. The creature is injured, but I know it's not done yet. If anything, I just made it angrier.
It lets out a high-pitched screech and suddenly jumps.
Oh, crap.
I throw myself to the side just as it crashes down where I was, shaking the ground. Before I can recover, another leg swings at me. I try to move, but it's too fast.
Pain burns through my shoulder as I'm knocked backward again.
I hit the ground hard. My sword flies out of my hand, landing a few feet away. My fingers twitch as I reach for it, but the monster is already coming at me.
No. I'm not dying here.
I roll to the side just before a leg stabs into the dirt where I was. I scramble toward my sword and grab it just in time. The monster is right in front of me now. I don't have time to think.
Now or never.
I grip the sword with both hands and stab it into the soft part under the monster's head.
The blade sinks deep.
The monster freezes. Its whole body twitches. A horrible screech fills the air as its legs flail wildly. But its strength is fading fast. I push the sword in even deeper, twisting it. The creature thrashes a little more—then finally collapses.
Silence.
I stay on the ground, breathing hard. My whole body shakes. My arms feel like they're made of stone, and my ribs ache with every breath. But the monster isn't moving anymore.
I won.
Somehow.
I pull the sword out, nearly dropping it from exhaustion. My legs feel weak as I push myself up. I glance at the dead creature, then let out a deep sigh.
"I really need to learn how to use this thing properly."
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