Chapter 36: Chapter 36: Spellcasting

Duke and his group remained utterly still in the bushes, not making a sound. Only when the two-headed ogre disappeared into the distant forest did Vivian give them a signal, and they began to slowly retreat. They had figured out the situation here, and their top priority was to take the information back and then discuss countermeasures. From what they observed, the two-headed ogre was evidently "recruiting", amassing power. Once the two-headed ogre had gathered enough forces, it was likely to expand its territory, inevitably causing troubles for the neighboring Maple Hill County. After Duke and his group had distanced themselves from that valley, they gradually increased their speed to make their escape. A sudden stench wafted from ahead, and Vivian, who was at the rear, frowned and warned, "Be careful!" But it was already too late; Beck, at the forefront, noticed that the two-headed ogre had somehow appeared ahead, with a burly goblin standing behind it. Beck immediately sensed danger, stopped, and was about to retreat. The two-headed ogre's mouths opened and uttered something, then raised its massive club and swung it down hard. The movement seemed slow, but was actually very quick. Beck was still attempting to retreat and hadn't fully moved when the club struck him right on the head. The two-headed ogre withdrew the club, leaving behind a bloody, indistinct body, with bits of hair and flesh stuck to the club. The bloody scent spread instantly, and the two-headed ogre seemed to revel in it, both heads starting to grin foolishly.