The Longest Day (XI)

"Beast!!"

Seeing his companion fall, the other man immediately launched a counterattack against Guk, continuing to slash alternately with his twin blades.

This time, it finally worked.

The alloy edge of one weapon cut into the ornate armor on Guk's forearm.

The leather lining split at once, and the runes, finger bones, shells, and bead strings decorating it scattered across the ground. At the same time, the oil hose connected to the joints snapped.

Lubricant gushed out, running down the cut and dripping constantly from the edge of the heavy gauntlet.

"Ha, another one looking to die."

Guk let out a low roar that made Ava's insides tremble.

He swung his fist in retaliation against the Civic Temple soldiers, forcing his opponent back step by step through the bloodstained courtyard lit by fire.

With the final blow of a string of savage attacks, he broke off the upper half of his opponent's left-hand scimitar with his bare hand, then tore open the sturdy exoskeletal armor and carved a deep gash into the man's chest.

At that moment, two more Temple warriors burst into the courtyard.

The first enemy raised a broad-bladed war sword and immediately moved to flank Guk.

The second turned toward Ava. Curiosity first appeared on his young face, then gave way to undisguised hatred.

"The news was right! Greenskins really do like these winged things!"

Guk frowned. Ignoring the three people surrounding him entirely, he instead looked toward Ava.

He had told Ava that she could go wherever she wanted, because he would keep her safe.

And he would defend that promise.

Guk snorted and summoned all the agility and strength his armor granted him, leaping like a beast pouncing upon its prey.

The three enemies before him nearly stood there awkwardly, stunned by the sudden disappearance