The monster did not wait any longer. It charged. Despite its imposing mass that made the ground crack under its heavy steps, its speed was surprising. It covered the distance in a fraction of a second. It brought down its axe in a destructive horizontal movement aimed at Gerhman’s waist.

Gerhman leaned back. The blade passed a few centimeters from his torso. The power of the blow caused a gust of wind so violent that it made the torches in the room flicker. The edge pulverized the air in a high-pitched whistle. Without losing his balance, Gerhman spun around in a perfect backflip and put some distance between them.

Without wasting time, with a leap, Gerhman reduced the distance again. He threw a right straight punch. His fist was charged with a thin layer of black mana. The impact against the orc’s armor produced a dull metallic sound. Korgar only took one step back. The monster absorbed the blow without flinching and, with a backhand movement, struck Gerhman with the handle of his axe.

The impact was brutal. Gerhman was thrown against one of the blue fire basins. The metal of the basin twisted under the shock with a sinister creaking. He fell back to the ground. A sharp pain pierced his left side. Korgar gave him no respite. He threw himself on him by bringing down his axe once again.

Gerhman rolled to the side just in time. The axe sank into the stone floor and dug a deep furrow there. Rock shards flew in all directions.

The fight became difficult for Gerhman. Korgar clearly dominated him. The orc was taller, heavier and above all more powerful. Each axe blow forced Gerhman to retreat or dodge at the last moment. Gerhman attempted a new attack. He jumped and threw a mana-charged kick towards his opponent’s head. Korgar blocked with his forearm protected by the armor. The shock made the air vibrate around them.

Korgar retaliated immediately. He raised his axe high above his head and brought it down in a vertical arc. Gerhman crossed his arms to parry. The force of the blow forced him to bend his knees. His boots slid on the ground.

"You are strong, I admit it, but against me you are worth nothing," sneered the orc showing his fangs.

Korgar chained the blows. He struck with the edge, then with the back, then again with the edge. Gerhman parried as best he could, but each impact sent waves of pain throughout his body. A blow from the handle hit him in the stomach. He doubled over. Another blow hit him in the shoulder and made him spin around. Blood was now flowing from several wounds. It stained his torso, his arms and his face.

Gerhman was breathing hard. His vision began to blur slightly. He spat a trickle of blood on the ground.

"You are strong... stronger than I thought," he murmured between his teeth.

Korgar burst into a cruel laugh.

"Obviously! I am Korgar the Breaker! No human has ever defeated me!"

The orc threw himself on him again. He swept the air with his axe in a wide circular movement. Gerhman jumped back, but the tip of the blade cut his thigh. The pain was sharp. He placed one knee on the ground for a moment. Korgar took advantage of it. He delivered a violent kick that sent him rolling several meters further.

Gerhman got up with difficulty. His body was covered in blood. His clothes were torn in several places. Sweat mixed with blood on his forehead. He wiped his face with the back of his hand.

Korgar walked towards him slowly this time, sure of his victory. His heavy steps still made the ground tremble.

"Look at yourself, human. You can barely stand. Your blood flows like water. It’s almost too easy."

Gerhman clenched his fists. He concentrated the little mana around his arms. A black aura enveloped his forearms. Korgar charged once again. He raised his axe for a decisive blow.

Gerhman blocked the weapon by crossing his arms. The black mana absorbed part of the force, but the impact was still terrible. His bones cracked under the pressure. The pain went up to his shoulders. The shock sent him spinning backwards. He hit the wall violently. Dust and pieces of stone detached and fell around him.

He slid along the wall and remained seated for a moment, out of breath. His breathing was labored. Each breath burned his lungs. Blood flowed from his mouth and nose. His arms were trembling after blocking this last monstrous blow.

Korgar approached with a calm step, the axe resting on his massive shoulder.

"You are weak." he said

Gerhman looked up at him. Despite the pain and fatigue, he refused to lower his gaze. He spat a little more blood.

Around them, the room seemed darker. The blue fire basins continued to burn, casting dancing shadows on the walls covered with ancient runes. The air was filled with a smell of blood, broken stone and sweat.

Korgar stood at a good distance from him, looking at Gerhman’s miserable state. During the fight, not once had he taken a hit. It makes you wonder how he had gotten here.