Another Future (Part 2)

"Boss?"

Grak growled between ragged breaths:

"Run... I don't think this can kill him."

Guk rose to his feet while Grak gripped his axe handle tightly, preparing to strike again.

The monster twitched as it staggered forward through the pool of blood, leaving scarlet footprints across the floor.

"Run!"

Grak urged Guk on, but the monster had already begun to accelerate.

The boss could only lower his body and gather all his strength into his battle-axe.

"AAAAGH!"

Yet he failed to hit his target. Pain and fury seemed to strengthen that monster. With its intact arm, it slammed Grak hard to the ground, then bent down to rain heavy blows upon the Ork sprawled there.

Grak hastily rolled aside, dodging a crushing strike that shattered the floor.

But he could not find an opening to get up. He could only lie there and barely swing his axe at the monster with his left hand.

This time, the red Guk caught the axe.

Its enormous armored palm seized the battle-axe cleanly and firmly. Though blood and mucus poured from its mouth, it lowered its head to stare at Grak and spat out several sinister dark words.

Eerie fire surged down the axe, engulfing the entire weapon in red-and-yellow flames.

The flames quickly spread over Grak's left hand and forearm, burning away flesh and blood amid frenzied, blinding light.

"Damn it!!!"

Grak howled sharply. The monster was avenging its severed arm; it was a predator toying with its prey.

Guk picked up his warhammer from the ground and, without hesitation, charged between them. He brought his axe down upon the red Guk's elbow, stopping the baleful flames from spreading further.

Grak had saved him by severing that monster's arm. Guk had also resolved to repay him. If he ran now, then he