Pretty sure the Behemoth killed you if you were just holding down the attack button. ;p

But you're over simplifying your experience. If you don't get buffs, the demo will wreck you. If you only get modest buffs, the game is going to be rough and you'll need to dodge and take advantage of parrying or counterattacking. Only with max buffs will you breeze through the game pretty easily. Though at night goblins, wolves and Magictek soldiers all attacking you at once even with max buffs will require you to pay attention and dodge and react. The Magictek soldiers have a one shot move that you need to dodge or parry otherwise you're dead if a party member doesn't save you.

It is very easy to get in over your head in the game.