Chapter 27: Fighting A Troll (edit)
Amukelo's breath came in ragged gasps as he forced himself to his feet. His body screamed in protest, bruises and cuts making every movement a struggle. His ribs ached from the impact of the fall, and his palms stung from the raw skin scraped against the cliffside. Each step was a battle against pain, but he pushed through, leaning against a nearby tree for support.
As he tried to steady himself, a deep thud echoed through the air. Amukelo froze, his heart skipping a beat. He turned slowly, every instinct screaming at him to run, but his legs refused to obey. His eyes widened as he saw the troll lumbering toward him. The massive creature was in terrible condition. It dragged one leg awkwardly, its broken arm hanging limp at its side. A branch jutted from its belly, and its movements were sluggish and uneven. But it was alive.
Amukelo's breath quickened as fear gripped him like a vice. He staggered back a few steps, his eyes darting between the troll and his surroundings. The creature's guttural growl sent shivers down his spine, and he felt the familiar weight of terror settle in his chest. He tried to focus, to think of a plan, but the pounding of his heart drowned out every coherent thought.
As the troll advanced, Amukelo kept retreating until his back hit something solid. He turned his head to see the jagged edge of the cliff behind him. Panic surged through him. There was nowhere left to go.
The troll raised its massive club, its small, beady eyes locking onto Amukelo. His legs trembled violently, refusing to move. His sword hung limply in his hand, useless in the face of his paralyzing fear.
"Move!" he whispered to himself, his voice barely audible over the troll's heavy breathing. "Move!" He clenched his teeth and slapped his leg, desperate to will himself into action, but his body betrayed him.
As the troll loomed closer, Amukelo shut his eyes tightly. His voice cracked as he whispered, "God... is this it? Did I fail? Did I break my promise to her... just like this?"
He clenched his fists, the image of his mother flashing in his mind—a memory of her warm smile, her hopeful eyes, the quiet strength she had always carried. For a moment, a crushing sense of failure washed over him, threatening to consume him entirely.
Then came the sound of the club smashing into rock.
Amukelo's eyes snapped open in fear, his entire body trembling. He expected pain, an end to his struggles. But instead, he saw the troll's club embedded in the cliffside just inches from where he stood. The impact had caused the troll to lose its balance, its massive frame swaying as it struggled to right itself.
The realization hit Amukelo like a jolt of lightning: It's in worse shape than I am.
The troll yanked its club free with a grunt, turning back to Amukelo. For a brief moment, Amukelo saw the weariness in its movements, the unsteadiness of its stance. The fear that had paralyzed him began to ebb away, replaced by something else—resolve.
He drew a deep breath, his grip tightening on his sword. His heart was still racing, but now it beat with purpose rather than panic. "I can do this," he muttered to himself, his voice gaining strength. "It's hurt... more than I am. I can do this."
The troll, regaining its footing, roared and raised its club again. Amukelo didn't wait this time. As the massive weapon came down, he dove to the side, narrowly avoiding the devastating blow. The ground where he had stood exploded in a shower of dirt and debris.
Rolling to his feet, Amukelo slashed at the troll's leg as it tried to recover. The blade bit into its thick flesh, eliciting a roar of pain. The troll swung its club in a wide arc, but its movements were sluggish and predictable. Amukelo ducked under the swing, stepping back to create distance.
The troll staggered, its balance faltering again. Blood seeped from the wound in its leg, mixing with the dirt beneath it. Amukelo readjusted his stance, his body still trembling but his mind clear. He was breathing heavily, but this time it wasn't from fear—it was from determination.
He gripped his sword tightly, his knuckles white, and took another deep breath. The image of his mother's smile filled his mind again, but this time it wasn't a source of despair. It was a reminder of why he fought, why he had come this far. He wouldn't let this creature end his journey.
As the troll turned to face him again, Amukelo met its gaze with a steady resolve. He whispered, "I'm not dying here." Then, louder, he shouted, "Come on!" The troll roared in response, raising its club for another attack.
Amukelo's legs no longer felt weak. His arms no longer wavered under the weight of his sword. He was ready.
Then as the troll rushed at Amukelo, he rushed back at it, and as it swung its club, Amukelo evaded the hit, but by doing so he stumbled. The troll tried to utilize it by raising his leg and bringing it down. But Amukelo rolled to the side, and evaded it in last moment. The troll lost balance slightly from it, what gave Amukelo enough time to get on his legs, and once he did, he slashed across its limping leg. This made the troll fall to its knee, and it swung its club backward. But Amukelo evaded it, and then moved to its front, and closing distance he drew out his dagger, and stabbed it in its eye. It roared with pain, and it swung wildly its broken arm. Amukelo didn't expect this, and was caught off guard. He was hit by it broken arm, and even though it was way weaker then usually it would be, Amukelo was still send rolling back. He coughed, trying to get up as the troll managed to get on its leg. It was limping slowly towards Amukelo. But before it could get to him, Amukelo managed to raise.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone