The oppressive silence of the dungeon was broken by the heavy, thunderous footfalls of something massive. Josh froze, gripping the relic tightly in one hand and his dagger in the other. His knees shook as he turned toward the sound, his breath hitching when the creature came into view.
The Orc towered over him, a monstrous figure of sinew and rage. Its green skin gleamed in the dim light, scars crisscrossing its chest, each one telling a story of battle and victory. In its massive hands, it clutched a crude yet menacing axe, its blade stained with the blood of past victims. The Orc's red eyes locked onto Josh, a cruel sneer twisting its tusked mouth.
Josh stumbled back, his heart pounding so loudly he thought it might burst. "No, no, no," he muttered under his breath, every instinct screaming at him to run. But there was no exit, no escape. The Block Dungeon had sealed his fate.
The Orc growled, a guttural sound that reverberated through the cavern. "Weakling... you dare step into my domain?" its voice was deep, grating, and filled with disdain. "You reek of fear. Pathetic."
Josh swallowed hard, sweat dripping down his face. He tried to steady his breathing, to muster even a shred of courage, but the sheer presence of the Orc seemed to sap his strength. "I... I just need a monster core," he stammered, his voice barely audible.
The Orc laughed, a harsh, mocking sound. "A core? From me? You can't even wield that toothpick you call a weapon." It took a step closer, its massive frame casting a shadow over Josh.
Josh gritted his teeth, his mind racing. He couldn't let himself die here—not when Maria was waiting for him. Summoning what little resolve he had, he raised the rusty dagger, its dull blade trembling in his grip. "Stay back!" he shouted, though his voice cracked.
The Orc grinned, clearly amused. "Very well, little mouse. Show me what you've got."
With a primal scream, Josh lunged forward, aiming for the Orc's exposed leg. His attack was clumsy, desperate. The dagger barely scratched the creature's skin, and Josh felt the jarring impact travel up his arm. It was like trying to cut through stone.
The Orc barely flinched. "Is that it?" it sneered, swinging its massive hand. The backhanded slap sent Josh flying across the cavern, his body crashing into the hard, jagged wall. Pain exploded through his ribs as he crumpled to the ground, gasping for air.
Tears streamed down his face as he struggled to push himself up. Every part of his body screamed in agony, but he couldn't stop. Not yet. He forced himself to his feet, his legs wobbling like a newborn foal. The Orc approached him leisurely, savoring the hunt.
"You should've stayed home, little mouse," it said, raising its axe. "Your kind has no place here."
Josh dodged to the side, the axe missing him by mere inches and slamming into the ground with a deafening crash. He stumbled forward, swinging his dagger wildly in a desperate attempt to land a hit. The Orc blocked him effortlessly, knocking the weapon from his hand with a swift motion.
Disarmed and defenseless, Josh fell to his knees, clutching his side. Blood trickled down his temple, mixing with the dirt on his face. He looked up at the towering figure before him, his vision blurring. "Maria... I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice choked with sobs. "I thought I could do this. I thought I could save you."
The Orc tilted its head, almost curious. "Maria? Who is that? Your kin?"
Josh nodded weakly, his gaze dropping to the ground. "My sister... she's sick. I just wanted... to get enough money to help her. I thought... maybe this was my chance."
The Orc let out a low growl, its expression unreadable. "Foolish boy. You risked your life for another? Why? The weak should fend for themselves or perish."
Josh clenched his fists, anger and despair mingling in his chest. "You wouldn't understand. She's all I have left. I... I can't give up on her."
The Orc scoffed. "And yet here you are, groveling before me. Your resolve is meaningless without strength. You're nothing but prey, waiting for the slaughter."
Josh closed his eyes, his tears falling freely. He felt the Orc's presence looming over him, its axe raised high. This was it. This was the end. He had failed Maria, failed himself. All he could do now was hope she would somehow find a way to survive without him.
As the axe came down, time seemed to slow. The relic in Josh's hand pulsed with a blinding light, its warmth spreading through his body. The Orc froze, its eyes widening in shock. The light enveloped Josh, shielding him from the killing blow.