I quickly hide in the bushes before the goblin notices me. As it moves closer to the river, I decide to use stealth to approach—it might not be alone, and I need to assess my surroundings before striking.
I tread carefully, ensuring not to make a sound. It's not the goblin running away that I'm worried about—it's the possibility of others nearby or even a camp. I haven't tested my full capabilities here yet, so there's no need to take unnecessary risks.
A notification pops up, signaling a new skill acquisition, but I push it aside and ask J to disable skill notifications during combat.
I return my focus to my prey.
At about five meters away, positioned behind its back, I take note of its disgusting appearance. Damn, this monster is ugly. And the smell? I can't even begin to describe it.
Above its head, its name and HP bar glow—Goblin.
I ready myself and activate {Rabbit Agility}.
With a burst of speed, I jump forward, aiming directly for its head with my fist, planning to use {Hardened Fist} mid-strike.
The moment I leap, the goblin reacts, turning around and unsheathing its knife.
In those few seconds—just as its blade clears the scabbard—my fist is already in front of its face. I strike.
A loud crack echoes as its bones give way beneath my attack.
I prepare for another punch, but before I can swing again, the goblin collapses to the ground.
A notification appears:
[Congratulations on killing an Lv.2 Goblin! +10 EXP][Level Up!]
"Eeeeh? What? Was it really that weak, or am I just too strong?"
Before I check my updated stats, {Heightened Senses} activates—instinctively, I dodge to the right.
A split-second later, an arrow embeds itself in the ground where I had just stood. Poisoned.
I quickly scan the area and spot three more goblins.
One wielding a short sword
One with a bow
One carrying a club
The bow-wielding goblin hangs back while the other two charge toward me.
Thinking fast, I climb onto a tree branch and hide.
The sword and club goblins reach the base of the tree and—expecting me to be there—swing their weapons blindly.
I take the opening.
Jumping down, I activate {Hardened Fist}, delivering a devastating blow to the sword-wielding goblin. Then, without hesitation, I seize its sword and strike the club-wielding goblin mid-swing.
My DEX and AGI stats are clearly far superior to theirs.
Before I can catch my breath, {Heightened Senses} activates again—an arrow whistles past me, grazing my left shoulder.
A notification from J follows:
[You have been poisoned. Status Effect: -5 HP every 3 seconds]
I grit my teeth, gripping the goblin's stolen short sword.
Staying in motion, I charge toward the archer, weaving unpredictably to avoid being an easy target.
Another arrow flies—dodge!
Once in range, I throw the sword with all my strength.
It misses the goblin's chest but hits its left foot instead, rendering it immobile.
It lets out a scream—but I don't give it time to react. Closing the remaining distance in seconds, I strike straight for its head.
The goblin falls, lifeless.
"No time to rest—I'm still poisoned, and this thing doesn't have an antidote on it."
Luckily, I remain calm, thanks to my Gamer Mind, which keeps me focused.
"J—how much for an antidote?"
"Lesser Anti-Poison Potion, 8 WP, sir. Confirm purchase?"
"Confirm."
[Purchased: Lesser Anti-Poison Potion (8 WP)][Consumed: Lesser Anti-Poison Potion][Poison status effect removed]
I exhale in relief. Surviving my first battle was tougher than expected—even with OP abilities, experience still matters.
I also purchase a bandage for 1 WP to treat my wound.
After gathering the goblins' crystals and weapons, I store them in my inventory and eat some of the fruits I had collected earlier.
Then, I continue searching for shelter.
Fifteen minutes later, I find a cave hidden behind a waterfall.
Judging by the belongings inside, it once belonged to the goblins I killed.
I immediately toss everything out—I'm not sleeping on a bed that a goblin used—but I keep a few arrows I find there.
Venturing outside again, I collect leaves to craft a primitive bed.
Afterward, I gather wood to start a fire and even construct a crude door for the cave entrance.
As the sun finally sets, I receive a Quest Completion Notification.
Satisfied with my progress, I open my Status to see my rewards.
[Status]
Name: Sora
Race: Human (Mortal)
Bloodline: None
Level: 3
EXP: 15/100
HP: 240/240
MP: 100/100
STR: 90 (+20 per level)
DEX: 90
VIT: 90
AGI: 95
INT: 90
WIS: ∞
Skills (Passive)
Instant Mastery (???? Realm) Lv. Max: Instantly acquire and master any skill or ability.
Fit Body (Mortal Realm) Lv. Max: +10 STR, +10 VIT, +5 AGI
Martial Arts (Mortal Level) Lv. Max: +15% damage, +15% reaction speed, +10 DEX
Agile (Mortal Realm) Lv. Max: +10 AGI
Wooden Skin (Mortal Realm) Lv. Max: +15% defense
Herbalist (Mortal Realm) Lv. Max: Basic knowledge of herbs and their uses
Battle Instinct (Peak Mortal Realm) Lv. Max: Sense incoming attacks and enemies within a 4-meter radius
Hunter (Mortal Realm) Lv. Max: Conceal presence and increase damage by 10% while in stealth (Does not work on intelligent lifeforms)
Abilities (Active)
Hardened Fist (Mortal Realm) Lv. Max: Punch deals +30% extra damage (Cooldown: 3 sec)
Rabbit Agility (Mortal Realm) Lv. Max: Increase speed by 7% for 120 sec (Cooldown: 20 sec)
Shadow Strike (Mortal Realm) Lv. Max: Can be activated while in stealth for +50% damage (Cooldown: 2 sec)
"Wow... A little danger, but huge rewards. This is the life."
I feel exhaustion creeping in.
"I'll continue tomorrow. Goodnight, J."