Meanwhile, the ogres grew increasingly desperate. They attempted to surround Arthur, using their bodies to shield the second class ogres. Their movements became rougher, more aggressive, yet also more coordinated.
The commander quickly saw their intention.
"Don't let them reach him!" he shouted.
The squad tightened their containment.
Ryn moved again without being told, intercepting an ogre that tried to push past the formation. His strikes were sharp and efficient, driving the monster back step by step.
Arthur continued his work.
He no longer felt the pressure from earlier. The fear, the tension, the chaos that once filled the battlefield had faded. What remained was focus.
He watched and felt the flow of tainted mana in the air and moved with it, striking at the precise moment each time a second class ogre attempted to gather power.
Each interruption weakened them.
Each failure broke their rhythm.
And slowly, the overwhelming threat they once posed faded.
