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 22: Winning Two Against One

Chapter 22: Winning Two Against One

“I thought this confrontation would end quickly since you’ve been on the defensive since the beginning, but I never expected you to put up such a good fight and entertain me like this.”

“Well, thank you.”

Though I’ve been barely holding on, constantly defending myself, it’s not enjoyable in the least. But… as I watch Ophelia wielding her sword, I feel her nobility and beauty.

Even though I must focus solely on defense, there have been a few moments where I couldn’t help but be captivated by her presence, causing my movements to momentarily pause. 

Ahaha… I hate to admit it, but she’s undeniably one of the main heroines of “The Ugly Orc Strikes Back.”

However, that doesn’t mean I’ll forgive her for insulting Ilse.

“Already finished, Your Highness Ophelia? Well, as you can see, I’m still standing strong, untouched.”

I aimed to provoke her with those words, but deep down, my arms, abs, and legs were all screaming in agony, begging for mercy.

“Oh, really? How intriguing! In that case… let’s see if you can endure this!”

“!?”

Ophelia positioned her greatsword horizontally, widened her stance, and exerted every ounce of strength in her body. Could this be her ultimate technique, Stormbreaker?

“Behold the power of Ophelia of Brinth! With my entire being, I shall cleave through everything! Brace yourself!”

With unwavering determination, she channeled her fighting spirit into her entire body, focusing it specifically into her greatsword. A deafening cry escaped her lips, resonating with the force of an unstoppable force—a lion’s mighty roar.

This was the moment of truth. I braced myself, prepared to face her relentless strike head-on.

“STORM… BREAKER!!”

“!”

While shouting the name of her deadly technique, Ophelia swung her greatsword. 

Fear coursed through my veins, causing me to clench my teeth tightly, their audible click betraying my anxiety.

And then…

“Uaaaaaaahhhhhh!?”

The impact launched me high into the air, a helpless victim of Ophelia’s devastating strike.

This was the true power of Stormbreaker—an ability that wreaked havoc on all units within a three-square radius of Ophelia, propelling them a staggering ten squares away. It was a sword technique that left no room for mercy.

As I soared through the air, my gaze fixed upon Ophelia, her unwavering stance holding the weight of her swing.

With this…

—Victory is ours.

“!?”

Amidst the gathered crowd of spectators, a girl with vibrant blue hair emerged, none other than my cherished partner, Ilse. Swiftly and deftly, she closed the distance between herself and Ophelia, skillfully entangling her opponent’s legs and sending her crashing to the ground.

“…It’s over.”

Now in control of the situation, Ilse retrieved a concealed dagger from beneath her uniform and held it poised before Ophelia, who made no attempt to resist and remained utterly still.

—Thud.

“Agh!?”

As I was forcefully slammed into the ground from behind, a cry involuntarily escaped my lips.

Though I managed to execute a breakfall, the impact from such a height still hurt, you know?

This very scenario highlights the importance of regularly practicing fall techniques from the height of a three-story building. Neglecting such training could prove fatal. Ah, once again, I can witness the fruits of Ilse’s dedicated training… !?

“Extra Heal!”

All of a sudden, a delightful voice accompanied by a radiant light engulfed my body. Huh? What’s happening? Could this possibly be…?

“Ufufu, how are you feeling?”

As I turned around, I found the mischievous saint, wearing a soft smile, standing alongside her loyal companion, the holy knight Batista.

“Um… what’s going on?”

“Well, falling from such a height and enduring the powerful blow from Her Highness Ophelia could have been fatal.”

Ah, I see. So, the saint used her healing magic for my sake.

Although, employing an advanced spell like “Extra Heal” feels a bit excessive. After all, my only injury was a bruise on my back.

“But why did you bother helping me? I’m known as the ‘Ugly Orc’…”

“It was purely coincidental that I happened to be nearby. Just a stroke of luck.”

The sly saint’s smile held a hint of mischief. While she claimed it was mere chance, there seemed to be a calculated demeanor beneath her composed expression.

..As a sly saint, she must have some ulterior motive, but for now…

“T-thank you very much for helping me.”

“Ufufu, you’re most welcome. But Your Highness Ludwig, is everything alright over there?”

“Huh? Over there? …Wait, what!?”

Ilse is about to finish off Ophelia right now!

“W-waitttttttt!”

Bowing hastily to the mischievous saint, I sprinted toward Ilse and Ophelia with all my might, shouting at the top of my lungs.

“! Louie-sama, are you alright?”

“The saint used healing magic on me, so I’ll be fine. But more importantly, there’s no need for any further intervention.”

Restraining Ilse’s hands, I tightly grasped the dagger she had turned around with. Phew… she nearly took her life… That was a close call.

“…I can hardly believe it, but both of you… were you planning this from the start?”

Responding to Ophelia’s gaze with her piercing golden eyes, I silently nodded, confirming her suspicions.

Indeed… Ophelia’s ultimate skill, “Stormbreaker,” possesses immense firepower and a formidable effect. However, it also comes with a weakness. After inflicting massive damage and launching the enemy into the air, Ophelia is left immobilized for two turns.

As a former player in my past life, I was well aware of this and focused solely on defense, aiming to provoke her into using this technique… or rather, it was my only viable strategy. If I had foolishly initiated an attack, I would have been struck down by her greatsword, and the one-on-one battle would have ended abruptly.

And there is one more thing. Ophelia did say something to us.

“Is that so? Then how about a two-on-one with your attendant, Ilse, included?”

Hence, by capitalizing on the immobilization caused by “Stormbreaker,” Ilse, a skilled warrior herself, can effortlessly overcome Ophelia.

However…

“Hey… isn’t this cowardly?”

“That’s true. Initially, it was meant to be a one-on-one duel between Ophelia-sama and the ‘Ugly Orc,’ wasn’t it?”

“It’s despicable, cowardly, and exactly what a wretched ‘Ugly Orc’ would resort to.”

…Well, I did anticipate that it would come to this. Nevertheless, it feels quite underhanded.

I had to defeat Ophelia at all costs. It was a matter of protecting Ilse’s dignity and honor.

“…Get lost…”

A male student murmured from among the spectators.

“That’s right! Coward, just get lost!”

“There’s no place here for the ‘Ugly Orc’!”

““Get lost! Get lost! Get lost!””

Those words turned into a loud uproar, and the shouts of “get lost” echoed throughout the training grounds. Ahaha, get lost? Well, the place I’d be going is the same dormitory as all of you.

Although I’m putting on a facade of composure and forcing a wry smile, incidents like this really take a toll on my mental state. That’s why I disliked social media even in my previous life.

At that moment…

“SILENCE!”

“”…””

Silence followed Ophelia’s deafening scream, easily overpowering the voices of the spectators.