The map given by the receptionist was far from accurate.
Whatever map had been prepared was based largely on assumptions rather than an actual visit to the site to verify the terrain and confirm their location.
That was why, the deeper Bran ventured into the forest, the more difficult it became to determine where the goblins were hiding, or even where that scream had originated.
*Rumble*
The cloud rumbled above him, indication that it might rain soon.
He remained cautious. There was no telling what kind of monster might be lurking deeper within the forest, nor whether it possessed the intelligence or ability to lure unsuspecting prey into its territory.
Bran had considered the worst possibilities, and one of them was becoming increasingly difficult to dismiss. He could be walking straight into a monster’s trap.
While running he asked for his current stats,
[Strength: 8/10
Speed: 6/10
Endurance: 10/10
Perception: 6/10
Lumina: 190/275
Fatigue: 2/10]
At present, he was making his way through the forest with his Assassin class constantly active, which meant his Lumina was steadily draining even though he wasn’t actively using any additional skills.
Earlier, he had also activated Stealth, and that had consumed a considerable amount of Lumina in a short period.
He still had plenty remaining, but that did not mean he could afford to be careless. Every ability he used reduced the reserves he might need later, especially if he encountered something far more dangerous than the goblins he had come looking for.
For now, Bran’s greatest advantage was that he still had the choice to retreat.
There was no reason to throw his life away merely because he had ventured this far. If the situation proved beyond what he could handle, he would withdraw and return after making proper preparations. Whatever was waiting ahead, risking his life without a clear purpose was not worth it.
"Gaaaah! Help! Help me!"
Bran halted beside a tree, his head snapping toward the left.
Through the dense cluster of trees, he caught sight of the source of the screams. A woman was being dragged toward a cave by more than five goblins, their rough hands gripping her arms and legs as they hauled her across the forest floor.
The cave itself was remarkably difficult to spot. It was little more than a narrow opening concealed beneath the thick, tangled roots of an ancient tree, its entrance covered in patches of moss and vegetation. Without the woman’s desperate screams to draw his attention, Bran could have walked past it without ever realizing there was a hollow hidden there.
"What are they trying to do?" he muttered, narrowing his eyes as he cautiously moved closer.
Among the goblins was one that stood noticeably taller than the others. Its build was broader as well, and its skin was slightly darker. Unlike the rest, which seemed focused solely on dragging their captive toward the cave, this goblin appeared to be directing them, barking crude orders whenever one of the others slowed down.
The woman was in terrible condition. Blood stained her clothes, and several injuries were visible across her body. She struggled desperately against the goblins, but whatever strength she had left was not enough to free herself. Despite her resistance, they continued dragging her toward the cave until they finally pulled her inside.
Bran’s expression hardened.
He did not know much about goblins, but what little he had learned was enough to make his thoughts turn grim. Goblins were creatures driven by primitive desires, and their hunger did not always concern food.
Depending on the circumstances, that hunger could take other, far more disturbing forms, including a desire to mate.
And judging by the woman’s condition and the way the goblins were dragging her into that secluded cave, Bran had little reason to believe they intended anything harmless.
He took a deep breath and made his choice.
There was little doubt that this was the cluster of goblins he had been sent to hunt. However, the quest had never mentioned the presence of a highborn goblin commanding them.
Unlike the ordinary goblins, highborns possessed considerably greater intelligence and strength. They were capable of understanding commands, coordinating their actions, and, more importantly, forcing the lesser goblins under their control to fight as a unified group.
If Bran decided to confront them, he could no longer rely on the strategy he had originally planned. Luring the goblins away one by one or trapping them individually would be far more difficult with an intelligent creature directing their movements. The moment the highborn realized what he was doing, the entire group could descend upon him at once.
On the other hand, he had gained some experience from hunting monsters already. This could be an opportunity to put that experience to the test. And if the highborn goblin was captured or killed, it would undoubtedly fetch a considerable number of credit points.
’This is difficult...’
Bran was still weighing his options when, without warning, the system issued another notification.
[Quest generated]
[Task: Hunt the goblins and save the woman]
[Reward: 300 CP, Blood Reaper (A-rank)]
[Note: Additional rewards might be granted based on performance]
"...."
Bran stared at the notification in silence.
The choice he had been struggling with suddenly became rather simple.
He was going to test his limits and earn whatever that A-ranked thing was.