Chapter 288: Ashura’s Fist

The Chimera Orc slightly increased its speed and closed in. The seven knights couldn’t stay frozen in place forever. They scattered and surrounded the Chimera Orc from a distance, but couldn’t make a move.

The Chimera Orc had four legs, arranged in a cross pattern. One might think it would be cumbersome to walk like this, but surprisingly, the Chimera Orc mastered it. It could instantly respond to attacks from any direction.

With its long-reaching two large trees and remaining three arms, the Chimera Orc could freely strike or grab. Each of its attacks was deadly. The war god had no weaknesses.

Its front mouth curled up, and its right eye distorted into a crescent shape. It was a cruel smile of a predator toying with its prey. For those who had been turned into unrecognizable forms, unable to find any future or hope, the moment they tortured and killed the weak was the only time they felt alive.

The small fries stared back with their weapons ready, but merely swinging the large trees or taking a step made them flinch and dramatically increase the distance. This ridiculous display of fear restored the dignity of the orcs.

They were being looked down upon. Realizing this, the knights, especially Gerhardt, felt their blood boil, but they didn’t launch any reckless assaults. However, in their hearts, they simmered with dark emotions, determined to kill the creature.

Such standoffs were disadvantageous for those under pressure. With time, their stamina and mental strength were worn down. The Chimera Orc seemed to be winning by simply taunting the opponents. The urgency to do something increased, further draining their strength.

After about five minutes of staring, Lutz suddenly remembered.

…What happened to its wrist?

He had slashed it roughly in half during their earlier clash. If Lutz’s magic sword, “Kyouka Suigetsu,” had taken effect, the orc’s unique regeneration ability would be sealed, and the spread of fungal infection would be suppressed.

Lutz focused his gaze on the Chimera Orc’s arm. The wrist wound was still bleeding steadily. However, the creature didn’t seem to mind. The amount of bleeding was minimal for a wrist cut, likely due to the fungus clogging the wound.

…It’s not working?

No, if that were the case, the wound would have closed by now. The next possibility was that the Chimera Orc hadn’t noticed the anomaly in its body. It was possible that its pain receptors weren’t functioning properly due to its transformation into an aberration.

…Is that even possible?

He wasn’t sure. But looking at that form, it wouldn’t be surprising if its bodily functions were severely compromised. Either way, they had to take a gamble at some point. The Chimera Orc, swinging the large trees and teasing the knights, might change its mind and launch a full-scale attack at any moment.

Lutz scanned the surroundings and, upon confirming Josel’s presence nearby, hurried over to him.

“Josel-san.”

He quickly briefed Josel that one of the Chimera Orc’s wrists might be breaking, and although Josel seemed hesitant, he nodded firmly.

“Understood. I’ll take on the first blow.”

To infiltrate the enemy’s guard, they had to somehow deal with the initial blow of the large tree. Accepting or avoiding it was an incredibly dangerous task. Everyone here knew well that being struck by such a thing meant death.

“…I’m sorry to leave it to you.”

In a dark tone, Lutz said, and Josel responded with a faint smile.

“Don’t make that face. I wasn’t just staring at that unpleasant mug. I have a little plan. I don’t plan on dying here.”

“Josel-san…”

There was still a hint of doubt in Lutz’s voice. Josel had both reliability and danger; he seemed willing to sacrifice himself if necessary.

“I have to make it back alive. Probably for the same reason as you.”

“I see. In that case, you can’t die.”

With an incongruous smile for the battlefield against the aberration, the two nodded to each other.

“What about your mentor?”

“Gerhardt-san is on the opposite side, so I don’t have time to consult him. It’s okay; he’ll join us if we leap out.”

“I see…”

“He wouldn’t miss a chance to punch someone he dislikes, would he?”

“That’s true.”

This time, Josel readily agreed.

“Well then, let’s go. I’ve had enough of that ugly mug.”

With determination, they moved forward.

Josel casually walked forward, holding the Night Killer in his right hand.

The Chimera Orc soon noticed this strange man and grinned. It felt like peeking into a tank and pondering which fish to eat, only to see a lively fish jumping right in front of you.

Neither rushed nor panicked, they simply walked slowly, closing the distance.

Josel’s sword couldn’t reach, but the large tree could easily reach, entering that unreasonable and deadly distance.

The large tree swung down with a growl. If it were a downward strike from above, one might be able to dodge sideways, but a sweeping blow was a different story.

In a human-to-human fight, one might be able to parry, but this was a battle between humans and giants. Blocking with a sword meant death.

It was a sweeping blow drawn in sufficiently, making it difficult to dodge backwards.

“Come, Night Killer!”

Josel gripped the Night Killer and invoked wind magic. The wind wasn’t strong enough to topple a giant orc, let alone the Chimera Orc. Josel knew this best. That’s why he aimed his sword not at the Chimera Orc, but at his own feet.

Josel’s splendid figure, not inferior to the orcs, floated up lightly. In the next moment, the large tree passed through where he had been with momentum.

“Fool…”

The Chimera Orc quickly recovered from its surprise. It was because it hadn’t finished off its target in one blow. It had five arms. It could attack as many times as it needed. The enemy was a fragile creature that would die with just one hit.

As it lifted another large tree, a shadow swiftly leaped in. It was Lutz, sheathing the Kyouka Suigetsu and gripping the handle.

The chimera orc mocked Lutz inwardly. Had he already forgotten what happened the last time he launched a series of attacks like that?

Then, let me remind you once again. The chimera orc clenched its fist tightly.

That was its intention.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter