Mercenary Systems: The Eternal Life
Chapter 13 The Resilient Orc Fighters

I ran with the shield swinging on the left and the spear steadily pointing forward parallel to the shoulder height on the right.

When the distance was close enough, I unhesitatingly did a jiggle with the spear pulled back to be thrown with all my might towards the orc warrior right at his heart.

THE CLANG!

But, as expected, the spear throw was successfully dispelled using the side of the stone axe because the orc fighter had just managed to break away from the black hand winding.

My attacks didn't stop there.

I immediately grabbed the slightly bounced Light Metal Spear. Using the shield in the other hand, I thickened myself due to the difference in body weight and power. I did not expect to push back the orc warriors with my own strength, but I managed to regain my spear.

"WOOOOOOH!!!"

The orc fighter, because his movements had been crippled, he seemed to become even more furious.

One time to dispel the swing of his stone axe with a shield, my left hand became numb to it. However, I can counterattack using a spear in the right hand. It managed to land a shallow puncture attack that hit the left shoulder of the orc warrior, but it seemed that the orc warrior was not so bothered on his wound.

The orc warrior had of course been in a position ready to swing his stone axe.

Since it was impossible to repel his attack, I immediately rolled to the left. However, my position was harmed because it was impossible to re-dodge the attacks of the returning orc fighters.

Once again, the scene where many black-colored hands sprung from the shadows that were beneath the orc warriors was again witnessed by me at a much closer distance.

The stone axe that was about to swing stopped.

I saw the body of the orc warrior tremble, its protruding muscles contracting wildly until it was clearly visible on the surface of its dull green skin. Clearly, the orc warriors were again trying hard to escape from the black hand.

This time, I didn't move away. Positioning myself before the orc warriors for five steps or so, I mounted the fighting horses.

Sacred Shield released. Later,

One, two, jump!

Both hands held the Light Metal Spear tightly which was above my head, the spear eyes facing forward. My body continued to move forward, until I finally used all the energy I had to plunge the Light Metal Spear right into the heart of the orc warrior. The spear did not manage to penetrate all the way to his back, but the spear eye that had the length of one arm under an adult was consumed by the puncture wound, his body was really thick.

I immediately jumped back with both legs thrust on the belly of the orc warrior.

The fight should have ended, that's what I thought. I casually picked up the Sacred Shield lying on the ground. That was when the witch shouted.

"HEY! BEHIND YOU!"

The orc warrior, not letting go of the spear that was still raining down on his chest, immediately swung his stone axe at a much faster and stronger speed. I managed to repel the attack, lucky to be in time to position the Sacred Shield forward.

But, I bounced so hard that I hit a tree.

My view became a little blurry.

"OHAW! UHUK!"

My spine feels like it's been crushed. My body's limp. To lift the Sacred Shield alone, or even to be able to stand alone was difficult.

Knees shaking.

"Ugh..."

Not yet able to catch a breath, the orc warrior swung his stone axe right at the rib cage, crumbling the bone on my right arm for receiving the attack directly.

I, who had difficulty moving, was bounced off by the attack helplessly. Banging from one tree to another, my body ended up slumped with a face that was set on the ground.

There is no energy to look.

I really don't understand myself. Since when have I become more courageous? Even in the face of death, I was undaunted. Was it because I had expected death? I, don't know. But, this time, death will really come.

In fact, not long ago I managed to get out of my annoying comfort zone, it's a pity that my life will soon be over.

Well, at least I showed a cool side in front of a woman for my last breath.

I think it's cool.

The end of my life, I guess, wasn't bad either.

"Haah..," my eyelids felt heavier. Maybe because I don't have a lot of energy, just to keep my eyes open can be difficult.

My fate is clear. So, I closed my eyes to feel comfort for the last time. Perhaps the tolerance of pain had exceeded his capacity, making me no longer feel my own body. That's good, than I should feel pain in my last breath.

Ah, true. What's the fate of that witch woman, huh? I hope he survives. Or, it's even better that an orc warrior faces his death with me.

After all, his heart had been pierced through by the strike of the spear thrust.

I can only hope that the orc warrior is indeed only using the remnants of his power to not make him face death alone. A kind-hearted orc warrior might invite me to go into death with him.

Thinking about it, I laughed in my heart.

***

At that time, night.

The sky was not covered in clouds, showing the colorful glitter of stars, forming an intricate pattern.

A fireplace drives out the cold air around it, and such intruding insects that like to suck blood to make itchy skin, mosquitoes. Burning grains of ash danced over it, before disappearing out of nowhere.

AAUUU...

The sound was heard in the distance.

Unperturbed by the sound, a woman sitting facing the fireplace once in a while let out a slow sigh. He hugged his folded legs, letting his chin lean lazily over his knees. His eyes were complicated, filled with various emotions.

No one knew what was on his mind, other than himself.

That woman is not alone.

There was a man lying by the fireplace. His eyelids were closed, maybe he was sleeping. Near the man, lay complete armour and a shield, which could be confirmed to belong to the man.

Meanwhile, the woman who was sitting in silence was wearing a robe dominated by red. The part that covered her chest as well as the interior of her dress that appeared between her thighs was white, or perhaps the part that covered the chest was the same dress. For the part that covered his shoulders was blue, a kind of protector. A combination of clothing colors that make it look sweet. Also, do not forget on his waist there is a brown belt, in line with the color of his gloves.

There was no one else there, other than the two of them.

The night was getting late, but the woman remained in the same position. Did he not feel any aches or anything like that to not move for hours? That's a pretty strange sight.

He eventually changed his position, no longer hugging his knees, but his legs remained slightly folded to form a blunt angle. After staring at the sky for a while, he let out a long sigh. Then, his eyes turned toward the man lying down. The look in his eyes this time was more indicative of feelings of sadness and guilt.

The wind blew fiercely, coming from the darkness of the forest to blow the chestnut strands of brown hair cheerfully, as if trying to cheer him up.

Some leaves were carried by the wind, only passing by without greeting, which again disappeared into the darkness of the night. Maybe they were also entertaining the woman in their own way.

"Basic strange man. Why did you endanger your own life just to help me. While I, the one you helped, was instead." she did not continue.

He smiled sadly, back in his thoughts. At a glance, his dark blue irises seemed to emit a red glow.