The Ugly Orc Strikes Back ~ Reincarnated as the Cruel Crown Prince of a Twisted Doujin Eroge with No Happy Endings, But as an Inexperienced Guy, Cruel Play is a Hopeless Challenge, So I'll Give My Best to Break the Flags and Strive for Survival ~ - Chapter 21: I'm Scared and Want to Run Away, But...

Chapter 21: I’m Scared and Want to Run Away, But…

After finishing the day’s classes, I returned to the dormitory with Ilse. 

Of course, it was to retrieve the weapon that I alone needed for the duel with Ophelia.

“Hehehe… The time has finally come to unsheathe this sword.”

I took out the two swords stored deep in the closet, lifting the corner of my mouth. Yes… this is my exclusive weapon, the “Dual-Blade Sakura.” I had it custom-made, making full use of the privileges of being the Crown Prince.

The name is derived from… well, it’s the name of a weapon I used in a hunting game I played in my past life. I was a dual-wielder in that game. It’s a pity I can’t go berserk in this world.

“As I’ve said before, Louie-sama, I think a defensive style relying on shields would suit you better…”

“Nah, I don’t like one-handed swords or lances.”

“Sigh…”

I find it enjoyable to indulge in hobbies like this, and the dual-blade style tickles my inner chuunibyou.

“Anyway, let’s hurry to the training grounds. It would be vexing if people thought we ran away.”

Suppressing the strong desire to run away right now, I smiled at Ilse.

“…Louie-sama, you need not worry. I will protect you even at the cost of my life.”

“No, I won’t allow you to sacrifice your life like that.”

Besides, it’s my duty to protect. Although, it’s only to intercept Ophelia’s attacks.

Ugh… That muscle-heas heroine will definitely not hold back…

“Louie-sama…”

“I-It’s nothing! Let’s go quickly!”

I took Ilse’s hand, who was looking at me with concern, and we hurried to the training grounds where Ophelia awaited.

◇

“Hou… You came without running away.”

In the center of the training grounds, Ophelia laughed fearlessly, using the hilt of her greatsword as a substitute for a staff.

By the way, what’s with all these people?

There are definitely several times more students than the ones in the cafeteria during lunch break… No, maybe the entire school is here?

“…It’s just that they want to see Louie-sama being crushed by that woman, isn’t it?”

“Please, don’t say things that make me feel sad.”

I pleaded softly to Ilse, whispering in her ear without changing my expression.

I knew that there wasn’t a single ally here, but when faced with it directly, my heart feels like it’s breaking.

“Oh? Those two swords at your waist… Quite something.”

“You recognize them?”

“Of course. As someone who lives by the sword, I wouldn’t overlook a weapon of that caliber.”

In the game, Ludwig’s training was to indulge in pleasure.

But… yeah, I knew it, but Ophelia still looks strong. I want to run away.

“Well then, shall we begin?”

Ophelia drew her sword from its sheath and assumed an upper stance. Her golden eyes were shimmering brightly.

“Ilse… Stay back.”

“Louie-sama, please don’t push yourself too hard…”

Leaving those words behind, Ilse silently distanced herself from me and blended into the crowd.

Ahaha… Even if I’m told not to push myself, there’s no choice but to do so. 

Otherwise… I won’t be able to defeat the “Crazy Princess Knight” right in front of me.

“Fuh…”

Taking a deep breath, I also unsheathed the Dual-Blade Sakura.

“Now… Come at me!”

“Well said!”

At my words, Ophelia took a large step forward.

“Haahhhhh!”

With a fierce roar, Ophelia charged at full speed.

Her overwhelming presence makes my knees tremble, and even my face involuntarily twitches into a smile. What’s going on?

“Hmph!”

—Screeeeeech!

I intercepted Ophelia’s sidewise swing of her greatsword with my dual blades. 

It feels like I’m about to be blown away by an incredible force, but I managed to hold my ground somehow.

The results of the special training I did with Ilse to lose weight are clearly being put to good use. Or rather, it’s highly questionable how training for weight loss is connected to improving combat skills.

“Heh… hehe… I didn’t expect you to withstand my full-power attack.”

“Ahaha, yeah… I’m surprised too.”

In contrast to Ophelia, who lifts the corners of her mouth with delight, I feel my spine freezing with fear. 

Even the hands gripping the swords are tingling from that last strike, as if they’re about to let go.

By the way, why is it that I, the “Ugly Orc” who was just a mere ornament in the game’s battle section, am actively fighting like this? 

In the game, the heroines and the mob units should be protecting me…!?

“Aaaaaaah!”

Without giving me a moment to think, Ophelia unleashes an unrelenting barrage of attacks. Wow… how can she swing such a heavy greatsword like it’s a twig…

—Clang! Cling!

The clash of metal resounds throughout the training grounds as the greatsword and the sword collide. Normally, I should have a faster attack speed, but I can’t counterattack at all.

Nevertheless, all I can do is endure these attacks. That’s the only way to defeat her.

It’s been about five minutes since the start.

Ophelia is starting to show signs of fatigue, perhaps due to swinging that heavy sword continuously. 

As for me? Well, I’ve been exhausted since a while ago, but what can I do?

“Fuh… haah…”

“…?”

As Ophelia stops her rapid attacks and creates distance, she takes a deep breath.

“Hehe… You’re the first one to withstand my attacks like this.”

“I see.”

I give her a brief response, smiling subtly.

Honestly, what I really want to say is, “Can’t we stop here?” with all my might. However, if I were to do that, it would only leave Ilse insulted, and everything would be left unresolved.

That’s why… we have no choice but to defeat her.