I woke up earlier than usual.
The sky was still dark, but I could already feel the tension in my chest.
Today was the day.
As I was doing my morning routine, someone approached me.
"Yo! First time I've seen someone else up this early," he said, stretching beside me. "You working out? Mind if I join? Oh, by the way, I'm Hanz—a swordsman."
I just nodded.
He started copying my movements, both of us silent as we warmed up under the faint light of dawn.
By sunrise, everyone was awake.
Some were eating quickly, others were checking their weapons or praying quietly.
Minji asked Hyun Woo if he was ready.
He smiled faintly. "Yeah. Let's all stay alive, okay?"
Then his face turned serious.
"Just don't go too far. Stay near me as long as you can."
Samuel stood up and gave out the final plan.
"The archers will ignite their arrows and fire at the Ogre's base. Once smoke spreads, it'll block their vision. Warriors—move in close and slay everything that moves. Mages—attack non-stop. Burn the whole nest if you have to!"
Everyone shouted in unison.
And just like that, the battle began.
Flaming arrows soared through the air, igniting the Ogre camp.
Smoke spread fast, covering the entire battlefield.
Then—heavy footsteps echoed.
The first Ogre charged out from the flames.
Nine feet tall, muscles like boulders, and eyes glowing red.
Level 30.
Just right.
I sprinted through the smoke, activating Flash Step (B-Rank).
My body blurred as I closed the distance and aimed for its neck—
—but my sword wasn't strong enough to slice through.
"Tch!" I clicked my tongue and activated my next skill.
Crimson Blade (A-Rank).
My weapon glowed bright red as energy surged through my arms.
I spun, slashing across the Ogre's neck.
A clean cut—blood sprayed like a fountain.
I only had 30 seconds while my blade burned with power.
I dashed between monsters, cutting down four Ogres before my strength faded.
But then, a thunderous roar shook the ground.
From the far side of the valley, a fifteen-foot Ogre appeared—massive and covered in scars.
"Boss monster!" someone yelled.
The giant Ogre stomped down, using a B-Rank Jump skill.
The impact sent shockwaves through the battlefield, crushing six people instantly.
The earth split, trees snapped in half, and the sound was deafening.
"Keep attacking!" Samuel shouted.
"Mages—aim for the eyes! Blind it!"
Fireballs and lightning rained down, striking the Ogre's face.
It roared in pain but didn't fall.
Then its body began to glow.
A-Rank Skill: Regeneration.
"Damn it!" Marco yelled. "It's healing!"
Samuel gritted his teeth and raised his sword high.
"B-Rank Skill – Paladin's Light of Strength!"
A wave of golden light spread across the battlefield.
Everyone's attacks grew stronger — 20% more damage.
I charged in again, aiming for its leg.
Each slash tore flesh, but the Ogre barely flinched.
My sword finally cracked.
"Whaaaa!" I shouted, slashing with everything I had until my blade shattered.
The Ogre roared again — a massive AOE shockwave erupted from its mouth.
The ground trembled, dust exploded everywhere, and one by one, we fell to our knees.
The world around me blurred.
The only thing I could hear… was the sound of that monster breathing.