The fight progressed, as the second class ogres attempted to gather mana again, but Arthur shut them down each time with clean, efficient strikes. No panic. No rush.
Just timing.
At some point, the outcome became obvious.
The first class ogres fell one after another under the combined assault. The second class ogres, stripped of their advantage, were forced into direct combat where the captain's power overwhelmed them with his heavy attacks.
The last one roared desperately before the captain's axe silenced it for good.
When the final body hit the ground, the cavern went quiet once more.
But this time, the silence felt different.
It wasn't heavy.
It was electric.
For a second, no one moved.
Then someone let out a loud shout.
"We did it!"
Laughter followed.
Weapons were raised in the air. A few explorers pumped their fists, adrenaline still coursing through them.
What had once felt like a disaster waiting to happen now felt like nothing.
Not easy.
But controlled.
