The ogre's roar shook the entire clearing. Birds burst from the nearby trees, flying away in panic as the massive creature stepped forward. Its heavy footsteps crushed branches and leaves beneath its enormous weight. Alex felt the ground vibrate slightly.
This thing is huge… Up close, the ogre looked even more terrifying than he imagined. Its gray skin was thick and rough, covered with scars from past battles. Muscles bulged across its arms and chest like solid stone. And the massive wooden club in its hand looked large enough to crush a horse. Bren reacted instantly.
"Formation!" he shouted again.
The two shield warriors stepped forward immediately, raising their heavy shields and forming a defensive line. The archer moved behind them and prepared his bow. Kael stood slightly to the side, observing calmly. Alex took position near the back, gripping his dagger tightly. His heart pounded in his chest.
This was easily the most dangerous monster he had ever faced. Without hesitation, he activated Analyze.
Enemy Detected
Ogre — Level 10
Threat Level: Very High
Special Traits:• Extreme Strength• Thick Hide• High Endurance
Weakness (Partial):• Slow Turning Speed• Vulnerable Eyes
Alex swallowed.
"Level ten…"
That was far beyond anything he had fought before. Even the Goblin Brute had only been level six. The ogre raised its club high and charged forward.
"Brace!" Bren shouted.
The monster swung the massive weapon downward.
BOOM!
The ground exploded with dirt and stone as the club slammed into the earth. The shield warriors barely managed to block the impact, their shields absorbing most of the force. Even so, both men were pushed backward several steps.
"Damn it!" one of them growled.
The ogre roared again and swung its club sideways. The warriors quickly jumped back as the weapon smashed into a nearby tree trunk.
CRACK!
The thick tree snapped in half like dry wood. Alex's eyes widened.
"That's insane…"
The archer fired his first arrow. The arrow flew through the air and struck the ogre's shoulder. But instead of piercing deeply, the arrow barely sank into the thick skin. The monster barely reacted.
"Too tough!" the archer shouted.
Bren rushed forward with his sword.
"Then aim for its joints!"
He slashed at the ogre's leg, striking the back of its knee. The blade cut into the flesh, drawing dark blood. The ogre roared angrily and kicked forward. Bren barely dodged in time.
"Fast for its size," Bren muttered.
Meanwhile, Alex studied the monster carefully. The system had already identified two weaknesses.
Slow turning speed.
Vulnerable eyes.
But reaching its eyes would be extremely dangerous. The ogre swung its club again. This time the attack came toward Alex's side of the clearing.
"Move!" one of the warriors shouted.
Alex rolled across the ground just as the massive club slammed into the dirt beside him. The shockwave knocked him onto his back.
"Okay… definitely don't get hit," he muttered.
He quickly stood up and moved behind the ogre. From this angle, he could see something interesting. Whenever the ogre attacked, its movements were powerful but clumsy. It took a moment to recover before swinging again. Alex activated Analyze once more. The system confirmed it.
Weakness Confirmed:
Heavy Attack Recovery Delay
Alex smiled slightly.
"That's the opening."
The ogre raised its club again and attacked the shield warriors. Both men blocked the strike together, though the impact forced them to their knees. The monster leaned forward slightly. Recovering from the heavy swing.
That was the moment Alex had been waiting for. He dashed forward. Using all his speed, Alex jumped and slashed his dagger across the back of the ogre's leg. The blade cut into the joint. The monster roared in pain. Its leg buckled slightly.
"Nice hit!" Bren shouted.
But the ogre reacted instantly. It turned and swung its massive arm toward Alex. Alex barely ducked under the attack. The creature's fist slammed into the ground behind him. Dust exploded into the air. Alex rolled away quickly.
"Still too dangerous…"
Kael finally moved. Up until now, he had been watching the battle carefully. Now he stepped forward. His movements were smooth and controlled.
"You're doing well," Kael said calmly to Alex.
"Just stay alive."
Alex frowned.
"You planning to help?"
Kael smiled faintly.
"Of course."
The ogre roared again and raised its club. But this time, Kael moved faster than anyone expected. He dashed forward like a shadow. In a single motion, he drew a slender blade from beneath his cloak. The sword flashed.
SLASH!
The blade cut across the ogre's arm. Dark blood splattered across the ground. The monster howled in fury. Kael jumped back lightly. Alex stared.
"…Okay."
That was definitely not the movement of an ordinary adventurer. Even Bren looked surprised. The veteran grinned slightly.
"Well now… looks like we've got some real fighters here."
The ogre stomped forward again, furious and wounded. The real battle had only just begun.