Part Sixty-Three

The Orc General had lost one of its greatswords somewhere, which was really convenient for me. I was going to have enough trouble dealing with just the one sword, I didn’t need to have two to worry about.

“Oink!”

“Hrng!”

*Clang!*

We wasted no further time in attacking each other. It started with an overhead swing, one which was fully capable of cutting me in half. I dodged to the side and slashed at its wrist, but the armor repelled my blade. It then tried to punch me with its empty hand, but I saw it coming. No way was I going to let it hurt me the same way as before.

I ducked under its arm and slashed at one of the spots where its armor was broken, cutting through the rotten skin beneath it like butter. Aside from a small grunt, the General didn’t react, simply swinging its sword in a wide arc. I blocked the crude slash by crossing both of my swords, but the impact sent me backwards.

So I’m still outmatched in terms of strength, and it barely reacted to being cut. Maybe the necrosis affected its nerves? If so, that’ll make it harder to kill. And since it’s wearing all that armor, it’ll be hard to use Grudge Magic on it. Guess I’m doing this the hard way.

I charged at the Orc General again, but this time I activated Beast of the Nightmare. I ducked under the wide sweep of its blade, and forcibly thrust the white sword into the Orc's knee. I’d filled it with enough mana to use [Rot] three times and used [Seize] on it. The blade pierced through its armor and leg, and came out the back. And once [Seize] took effect, the Orc staggered as it lost feeling in its leg.

“OIIIIIIIINK!”

Just as I was sure I’d won, the Orc General released a mana shockwave that blew me backwards again. This one was much more intense, as it hit me so hard I flew into the barrier surrounding us. It felt like hitting a brick wall.

Damnit, I thought I had it there! I forgot that it could do that, but at least my sword’s…still…in. Oh fuck.

I’d looked up, only to see the General had pulled my sword out of its leg and flung it away. And that a strange heat haze was surrounding it. Even worse, the wound I’d just inflicted was already healing.

S-shit! How the hell did it do that!? This has to be the effect of a Skill. I don’t care how strong you are, no wound that bad should heal so quickly. Even Kalia’s magic takes longer than that!

The wound was already completely healed by the time I stood up, though the heat haze had disappeared too. But now I had a new problem. My best chance of piercing its armor was now on the other side of it, and there was no chance it was going to let me reclaim it so easily.

It looks like even the effect of [Seize] was healed. It isn’t having any trouble moving. But, it can’t heal the damage caused by Miasma, or it would’ve by now. So that means I can still win this. I just have to figure out how.

“OIIIIIIIINNNK!”

Here it comes!

It came barreling at me like a bulldozer, its sword serving as the plow. I wasn’t going to be able to block it with only one sword, but I had a nice little surprise for it.

*Clang!*

“Oink!?”

Hahahah, bet you didn’t think I had a backup weapon, did you? After the battle with Finnél, I’d realized my fighting style had become dependent on using two weapons. Losing either sword in the middle of a fight would impact how well I’d perform. So to remedy that, I’d stuck three weapons, including the Desecrated Sword, into one of my E-Rank bags just for this exact scenario.

While the Desecrated Sword wasn’t as good overall, it did have one advantage over the Twin Swords. The sword possessed the Skill: Cursed Blade+, of which the Twin Swords only had the base version. And since I’d already injured the Orc General with the white sword, the effect of Cursed Blade+ could take effect. The Orc immediately sagged under the effects of the amplified curse it was experiencing.

Even though its wound was already healed, it hadn’t done anything for the curse sapping its strength. Cursed Blade was best used by dealing multiple cuts, slowly draining the opponent of their strength. The improved form would slowly amplify the effects of nearby curses applied by Cursed Blade, including those that originated from other weapons.

Of course, this all had one major drawback. I had to actually use the Desecrated Sword, meaning I’d have to switch out one of the Twin Swords. But since they were so much better than it, I hadn’t actually used this combo until now. Most of the monsters I fought rarely lived long enough for the curses to make a difference in the battle.

“Oiiiiiiiinnnnk…”

Ahahaha, this is what you get for underestimating me! If you thought I’d use the same tactics as last time, then you’re sorely mistaken! Your hateful glare and resentful moan are only making this better!

But it wasn’t like it would lose all of its strength instantly. It immediately realized that attrition was not its friend here, and launched a hurried offensive at me. It not only swung its sword with the intent to decapitate me, but it also mixed in punches and kicks as well. I used my superior agility and speed to avoid or parry each attack, all the while allowing Cursed Blade+ to continue whittling away at its stamina.

While its armor did prevent me from making full use of Grudge Magic, it also slowed the Orc down a fair bit as well. Before, the creature had been fast enough that I couldn’t escape from it even while using Beast of the Nightmare. Now, I’d be able to outrun it even without using the Skill.

*Clang, clang clang!*

And I wasn’t just passively waiting for it to weaken. I kept attacking the areas where its armor was already damaged with the intent to continue injuring it. Even if the flesh was rotten, I could still pile on more curses, further sapping its strength.

You know, it’s been awhile since I had to fight in this overly evasive manner in a one-on-one fight. I think the last time was probably the Nightmare Doppelganger. I think that shows just how much I’ve grown, but it’s still not enough. This will eventually work, but it is far too slow. What if the next time I try this, my opponent has a trump card? No, I need power that can overwhelm an opponent of even this caliber.

“OiiiiiiiiiNK!”

My continuous taunting had finally driven the Orc to the point where it screamed in rage. I’d already seen that it was easily enraged the first time we fought (though I had set it on fire), so I’d been fighting in a way to slowly provoke it, and it had finally worked. Though maybe it worked too well.

*Tshhhhhhh! Clatter clatter!*

The General released its third mana shockwave, but this one wasn’t targeting me. It was aimed at its own armor. The powerful impact caused the already brittle metal to finally shatter, sending metal fragments in every direction. Several of them pierced through my armor and gouged my flesh. I somehow avoided any serious injuries, but I was bleeding in at least three separate spots. And…

“OIIIIIIIIIINK!”

Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit! Now liberated from its armor, the Orc General was no longer being impeded, and could freely attack me. I barely dodged the first swing, and had to catch the second with my swords. But while I was trying to keep myself from being guillotined, the General used the fact that I was momentarily stuck to kick me in the chest, sending me flying again. I hit the ground hard, knocking the wind out of me. If it weren’t for the bonuses from Beast of the Nightmare, I probably would’ve passed out.

Tch, I’ve though this before, but this Skill’s only weakness is its short activation time. If I can kill a monster in a minute, then it’s perfect. But if I can’t, then it only serves to drain my mana faster. I’ve got just enough left to use it twice, maybe thrice, but that’s it. Better make the most of it.

I figured we were a close match when I was under the effects of Beast of the Nightmare, but since it didn’t last all that long, it was a short-lived stalemate. I needed a way to tip the scale towards me. Since it had destroyed its armor, Grudge Magic was back on the table. About half of the Orc General’s skin was rotted or otherwise scarred, but there were plenty of opportunities to weaken it. Additionally, I could also reclaim the white sword, but the Orc was being careful to keep me away.

By the way, I could see the other mercenaries through the barrier, though my view was somewhat distorted. The rest of the monsters had apparently been dealt with, so everyone was completely focused on me. Reactions varied from interest, to fascination, to concern. I won’t say who showed what.

“OIIIIIIIIIIINNNK!”

Yes, yes, you’re very angry, I understand that. You don’t have to scream at me! Game plan time Michael. I’ve got to finish this soon. I’m going to bleed to death before my curses weaken it enough, so it’s time to change tack. My best bet is to reclaim the white sword and use it to repeatedly wound it. I think whatever it used to heal itself must use a shit-ton of mana, so it shouldn’t be able to do it too many times. But how to get to the sword?

My Skills won’t save me here. Nor will any gimmicks or items I could think of in time. The Orc’s simply too strong for such tactics to work. I can’t overpower it, so I’ll have to outmaneuver it. And I think I know how.

With a plan finally settled on, I locked eyes with the General. I was aiming for a single decisive clash, one which would spell the end for the loser. I was planning on using all of my mana for this, step-by-step. Though first I renewed the effects of Beast of the Nightmare. I needed every bit of strength I could get.

“OIIIINNK!”

Tired of waiting, the Orc General rushed at me, its greatsword swooshing through the air. The monster had yet to learn, large telegraphed attacks wouldn’t work on me. I slipped below the blade, and ducked between the General’s legs. Rolling to my feet, I cloaked the Desecrated Sword in as much Aura as I could, and used both hands to thrust the blade into the Orc’s exposed foot. The Aura-cloaked blade sliced through the rotten flesh and muscle, and pierced through to the ground, anchoring the monster there for a precious few seconds.

My first gamble had succeeded. After I dodged a hasty backswing, the way to the white sword was clear. With both of the Twin Swords, I knew I had what I needed to win this fight.

A sharp crack from behind alerted me to the fact that the General had managed to snap the Desecrated Sword, freeing itself in the process. While I’d hoped the sword would hold for another minute or two, I wasn’t all that worried. Getting the white sword had been the hardest part of my plan.

The two of us circled each other for a minute. The General was being cautious of me, as it had caught on to the power of the Twin Swords. Without its armor, there was no way the Orc could protect itself from both of their abilities. Black or white, one sword was going to kill it.

“Time to die pig.”

This time it was I who rushed forward. I sent a single [Rot] ahead of me, which the Orc blocked with its sword. I’d expected it to do that, as the spell had merely been a ploy to keep it from using the superior reach of its weapon, a fact it realized far too late.

Loaded with the remainder of my mana, the white sword plunged through not only its sword, but the Orc General’s torso as well. I wasn’t sure if I’d pierced its heart, but the wound would prove fatal nonetheless.

“Ooooiiiink.”

Even caught as it was, the monster wasn’t content to just lay down and die. It struggled against me, attempting to bring its arms up to strangle me. But I’d planned for this as well.

“Like I said pig, die.”

Quick as a whip, I brought the black sword up, and slit the pig's throat. Blood spurted into my eyes, but I didn’t blink or otherwise break eye contact with the Orc. As the last of its blood drained away, the light began to fade from its eyes, though the hatred it felt was there to the very end.

“oi-oi-oooooiiiiiinnnnk….”

With a final, gasping breath, the Orc’s life finally came to an end. All of the strength left its body. I pulled my swords clear of it, and staggered a few steps backwards from the corpse. I wasn’t dropping my guard just yet. If it was really dead, then I’d know soon enough.

::Individual has won the Duel. Converting loser into equipment……Adding bonus from Dungeon Protocol V77……Adding bonus from opponent's Mid-boss status……Conversion complete. Acquired Title: Unavenged.::

The Orc General’s body and weapon broke into particles of light, which then began to coalesce into a small sphere in front of me. More and more particles were added to the mix, growing the sphere larger and larger.

I had to be honest. I had great expectations for this reward. Not only was the Orc General a powerful opponent, but those bonuses were sure to make it even better. I could potentially get an item that was better than the Twin Swords. I was so preoccupied with the possibilities, that I’d completely failed to notice that I’d gotten a new Title.

With a small crack and a flash of light, the sphere burst apart, leaving a pile of cloth in its place. I picked it up with bated breath, barely managing to breathe, only to gasp when I saw it. Like before, it tickled my aesthetic senses, which might say something about my personality now that I think about it.

To describe it quickly, I’d say it was a jet-black trench coat, though it would hang to about my knees. It looked like it was made of leather, but felt like regular cloth. How that was possible was beyond me. It also had multiple pockets, as any good coat must, but it also had several loops meant for hanging weapons on. I couldn’t tell how they would work just by looking at them, but it might mean I wouldn’t need to fiddle with weapon belts anymore.

And to put the cherry on top, it had a large hood, one which would probably let me wear a helmet even with it up. While I immediately fell in love with it, and knew I’d be wearing it all the time if I could, I also knew that if I saw someone else wearing it, I’d think of them as extremely suspicious.

But it wasn’t just the appearance that endeared it to me. I felt this connection with it, similar to what I felt with the Twin Swords. I didn’t know why, but I wanted to use it, even if it made me more suspicious than I already was.

Wow, this is. I don’t even know what it is! I’m almost scared to Analyze it. What if its effects aren’t as good as its appearance? I’d be heartbroken. Here goes.

Coat of Dark Wrath

Rank: B

Restriction: Must possess an affinity for Grudge Magic

Effect: Slightly improves all abilities, Strengthens resistance to Grudge and Miasma, Strengthens the effects of Grudge Magic,

Equipment Skill: Dark Wrath

Description: A coat made from the hide of a special Orc General. Because the specimen it was made from died while filled with a great deal of hate and anger, the coat is soaked in Grudge, rendering it nigh unusable for most. Anyone who tries to wear it without tolerance for Grudge, will slowly poison themselves.

Upgrade Requirements: Mid-size Dread Core

Miasmic Orc Hide

3 Small or 1 Medium Gems of Hatred

I love it. I absolutely love it.

It was no wonder that I felt a connection to it. Now that I knew what to look for, I could feel the traces of Grudge coming from it. It wasn’t anywhere near the levels within the black sword, but it was definitely there. Though I had no idea what two of the items required for its upgrade were.

With the battle over, and my reward granted, the barrier had served its purpose, so it started to fade away. Several people ran over to me as soon as it was completely gone.

“Hold still Michael! I’ll have you fixed up in a jiffy!”

“Okay, I don’t think I’m going anywhere.”

The blood loss was finally catching up to me. Add in that I may have a few fractures, and was suffering from the intense recoil of Mana Exhaustion, and I certainly wasn’t feeling fine.

“Haha! I should’ve known that you’d be able to put on such a spectacular display! Ah, if only I’d thought to bring a camera, so I may record and re-watch that fight again and again.”

Oi, not this guy again. I thought he was going to leave me alone, so why does he keep popping up in the most unfortunate places? Look, you’ve successfully weirded out Alicia, though that’s not that hard to do.

“Ugh, go away weirdo. I’m in enough pain without your weirdness added to it.”

“Hm, very well! I shall be over there if you need me!”

And then the weirdo left. Why he just gave up after being so persistent earlier was worrying. I knew that it wasn’t going to result in anything good.

“Who’s that guy Michael? He seems familiar somehow?”

“I, I don’t know. We fought one of those Golem War-machines together, and then he just started talking about all this destined crap. It’s really irritating.”

“Heh. Alright, you should be good now. Please try to stop getting hurt so often.”

“I make no promises.”

I somehow managed to stand back up, though the trembling in my limbs meant that I wouldn’t be fighting anytime soon. All the adrenaline leaving my system left me as weak as a newborn calf. And I had the vague suspicion that my day was about to get a little more annoying. Braddock was coming towards me, most likely with the intent to interrogate me.

Time to start lying my ass off.