The ogre's roar echoed through the forest, shaking the leaves of the surrounding trees. Blood dripped from several wounds across its massive body. Its leg trembled slightly from the deep cuts Bren and Alex had inflicted, and one eye was partially blinded by the slash across its brow.
But the monster was still standing. Still dangerous. Bren wiped sweat from his forehead and tightened his grip on his sword.
"Alright," he said, breathing heavily. "We finish this now."
The two shield warriors moved forward again, raising their battered shields. One of them still limped slightly from the shockwave attack, but he forced himself into position. The archer prepared another arrow. Kael stood calmly beside Alex.
"You nearly reached its eye," Kael said quietly.
Alex exhaled.
"Nearly isn't good enough."
Kael's faint smile returned.
"It will be next time."
The ogre lifted its club again and charged forward with a furious roar.
"Hold the line!" Bren shouted.
The shield warriors braced themselves. The club came crashing down.
BOOM!
The impact forced both warriors backward, but this time they held their ground. The monster leaned forward again after the heavy swing.
"Now!" Bren shouted.
The archer fired immediately. The arrow shot through the air and struck the ogre's shoulder joint. The creature howled and stumbled slightly. Bren rushed forward. His sword flashed across the ogre's injured leg once more.
SLASH!
The cut reopened the earlier wound. Blood sprayed across the grass. The ogre roared and tried to kick Bren away, but the injured leg buckled. For the first time since the battle started— The monster dropped to one knee. Alex's eyes widened.
"This is it!"
The system interface flashed again.
Enemy Condition Critical
Mobility Severely Reduced
Alex didn't hesitate. He sprinted forward. Kael moved at the same time, almost as if they had planned it together. The ogre tried to stand again, but its wounded leg couldn't support the weight. Bren stepped in front of it and slashed across its chest, drawing the monster's attention.
"Over here, ugly!"
The ogre roared at him and swung its massive arm. Bren barely dodged. But that distraction created the opening Alex needed. Alex ran straight toward the monster. This time, he didn't aim for its leg. He aimed higher. He jumped onto the ogre's bent knee and pushed himself upward.
The massive creature tried to grab him again. Too slow. Alex climbed onto the monster's shoulder. The smell of blood and sweat filled the air. The ogre turned its head toward him, its remaining good eye glaring with rage. Alex raised his dagger.
"This ends now."
With all his strength, he drove the blade straight into the monster's eye.
STAB!
The ogre let out a horrifying scream. Its entire body convulsed violently. Alex jumped away as the monster staggered backward. The ogre swung its arms wildly, blind and enraged.
"Back!" Bren shouted.
Everyone retreated quickly. The giant creature stumbled forward, roaring in pain. Then its legs gave out. The massive body crashed into the ground.
THUUUD.
The forest fell silent. For a moment, no one moved. Then the system screen appeared in front of Alex.
Enemy Defeated
Ogre — Level 10 Eliminated
EXP Gained: Massive
A powerful surge of energy rushed through Alex's body. He felt stronger instantly. The system flashed again.
Level Up!
Level 7 Reached
Strength +2Agility +1
Alex breathed heavily as the adrenaline slowly faded.
"…We did it."
Bren looked at the fallen ogre and let out a long breath.
"Well done, everyone."
The shield warriors dropped their guards in relief. The archer lowered his bow. Kael walked over to Alex.
"You landed the final strike," he said calmly.
Alex shrugged slightly.
"Team effort."
Bren approached them with a grin.
"That was one hell of a fight."
He looked at Alex more carefully.
"You're stronger than most beginners I've seen."
Alex rubbed the back of his neck.
"Still learning."
But while the others relaxed after the victory… The system flickered again. Another message appeared.
Hidden Objective Completed
Boss Execution Detected
Bonus Reward Available
Alex blinked.
"Hidden objective?"
Before he could read further— The message disappeared.
But deep inside the system… Something had changed again. Something that would soon begin revealing itself.