The orc Big 'Un, a standout amidst the war-hungry Greenskin horde, boasted unparalleled combat prowess. Driven almost entirely by instinct, the Big 'Un sensed the looming threat from behind. Despite its colossal frame, it pivoted with surprising agility, Avi's blade already pressed against its chest.

Yet, the sword's tip found no purchase on the Big 'Un's form, its body encased in crude yet impenetrable iron armor, fashioned with rugged craftsmanship but formidable resilience. As steel clashed against iron, sparks erupted, and the Big 'Un, with blood-red eyes ablaze, raised its massive war blade in a swing that rivaled that of an Imperial Greatsword Knight. Had Avi not evaded in time, he'd have been cleaved in twain.

"You no strong, puny 'Umie," the Big 'Un growled, its thick fingers jabbing toward itself. "Me tribe, strongest thug. You no strong. 'Umie, weak!"

"Is that so," Avi retorted, adjusting his stance while delivering swift strikes. Yet, the Big 'Un deflected each blow with disdainful ease.

"Blast it, this brute's as tough as they come, and that armor, how does he even move in it?" Avi felt himself falling behind in the skirmish. Engaging the Big 'Un head-on was futile; he must exploit his agility and tactics to triumph. But the Big 'Un's blade cleaved through the air like a scythe, every swing a deadly threat.

Avi danced on the edge of the Big 'Un's reach, scouring the surroundings for any advantage.

"WAAAGH—! You like goblin, keeping stupid!" The Big 'Un, frustrated by the elusiveness of its prey, grew increasingly frenzied. Its strikes quickened, the air vibrating with each swing. With every motion, shrubs and trees trembled in its wake.

"Exhaust him? Not a chance," Avi mused. "The Big 'Un is a seasoned warrior, enduring and experienced. One misstep, and I'm a corpse. The margin for error is slim."

Retreating aimlessly was futile. Avi racked his brain for alternatives.

As he pondered, the clash of weapons from Rafe's battle provided a backdrop of reassurance.

Unlike Avi, Rafe's prowess was tailored for combat. While victory wasn't assured, he stood a fighting chance against the Big 'Un.

The precision of the Big 'Un's movements belied its size and strength. Avi found himself continually forced back. Then, as he snapped a twig underfoot, inspiration struck—a cunning gambit formed.

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Fixing his gaze on the Big 'Un's right arm, Avi feigned a dodge as the blade descended, tumbling backward to the ground. As he rose, he locked eyes with the towering behemoth.

"But your days are numbered."

Avi's focus honed in on the vulnerable spots of the Big 'Un's exposed throat, armpits, and face, meticulously noting each detail.

"Die, you fool—!" The Big 'Un's strange cry pierced the air as it raised its sword. Avi swiftly flung a clump of mud from his left hand into its face, causing the Big 'Un's swing to veer slightly off course. The rough blade grazed Avi's scalp, slicing off a few hairs in passing.

"Damn it, do you know how important hair is?!" Avi leaped up, both hands gripping his sword, and brought it down with all his might toward the Big 'Un's neck, managing to sever only a third of it.

Despite this, the blow was enough to make the mighty Big 'Un stumble and fall, presenting an unmistakable opening.

As Avi raised his sword, poised to deliver the finishing blow to the Green's neck, nearly as thick as his thigh—

"Boss, don't kill him!" Covered in blood and dirt, Rafe stumbled over, another battered and unconscious Big 'Un lying behind him.

"What?" Avi had no time for further inquiry, immediately stepping back several paces to avoid a potential counterattack from the Big 'Un beneath him. However, the creature merely grunted, attempting to readjust its head with its hands, utterly unconcerned about Avi's next move.

"Sh... Shoot, why's my head... crooked?" The Big 'Un mumbled, trying to straighten its neck. The scene struck Avi as both comical and horrifying.

"Quick, finish him!" Rafe, seeing the Big 'Un reaching for its sword, shouted urgently.

"Damn it, what do you want?!" Avi exerted all his strength and finally severed the Big 'Un's neck entirely. The head, almost as large as a bull's, tumbled to the ground with a heavy thud.

"What the hell are you up to, changing your mind every other second?" Avi wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Are you kidding me?"

...

Half an hour later, Avi finally pieced together the situation.

"In simple terms, these Greenskins grow from spores shed by dead Greenskin bodies, much like wild Greenskins?"

"More or less. That lug is a fierce fighter, but once he starts fighting, he babbles like a fool, seems like all he knows is how to brawl and take a beating."

Rafe gasped for breath, then continued, "I—uh, I only understood a few words. They sprouted from the ground not knowing what to do, so they began wandering around. They gathered a bunch of people, dug a hole, and ended up here."

"These few Greenskins dug such a huge hole??" Avi's eyes widened like brass bells. "Are you sure?"

Rafe scratched his head. "There are probably some snotlings left, but along the way, they killed and beat up a few for fun. They're probably all dead by now."

"Why did you want me to leave them? To have babies? By the way, would the spores shed by the Big 'Uns also turn into Big 'Uns? Damn, these Greenskins are really like moss, I can't figure out if they're animals or plants."

"They just love to fight, that's all. There's no one left in the hole." Rafe said, "Boss, just let them go. Maybe someday they'll bring more Greenskins to seek revenge on us. Wouldn't that be something? Damn, just thinking about it gets me excited!"

"My partner... could he really become a Greenskin someday?" Avi pondered this question seriously.