After several minutes of wandering through the ruins in search of new prey, Algeni noticed movement between a group of collapsed columns.
The faint light filtering through cracks in the ceiling partially illuminated two green figures patrolling near a pile of broken stone and rubble.
Without wasting a second, he activated the HUD once again.
Goblin Shaman Apprentice Level: 4
Strength: 4
Defense: 5
Speed: 12
Mana: 19
Special Ability: Can cast Fireball.
“Fireball…” Algeni muttered as he narrowed his eyes.
“If that goblin can really do that, I’d better be careful unless I want to end up looking like roasted chicken.”
He shifted his attention to the second monster.
It was nothing more than a Level 2 Goblin Warrior, with no special abilities.
Algeni quietly began to think.
One mistake…
That was all it would take to lose his life.
After carefully considering every possibility, he finally reached a decision.
Without making a sound, he burst forward.
His sword flashed through the air.
The Goblin Warrior barely had time to react before it collapsed lifelessly onto the stone floor.
The shaman reacted instantly.
A blazing sphere of fire formed between its hands.
The next moment—
The Fireball shot toward Algeni.
BOOM!
A violent explosion echoed throughout the ruins, and flames briefly illuminated the ancient sanctuary.
Dust and smoke filled the corridor.
The goblin shaman stood motionless.
Convinced it had won.
But…
As the smoke slowly began to clear…
Algeni was still standing.
Parts of his clothes had been scorched, and small burns covered portions of his body, but he remained on his feet.
Before the shaman could cast another spell—
Algeni lunged forward.
His sword sliced cleanly through the monster.
The goblin collapsed instantly.
Algeni let out a long breath.
“I honestly didn’t think that plan would work.”
“Using the warrior’s body as a shield turned out to be a pretty good idea.”
The system immediately responded.
Congratulations!
The user has advanced from Level 3 to Level 4.
Congratulations on reaching Level 4.
New Skill Unlocked
Sword Mastery
Allows the user to wield a sword with the skill of a master swordsman.
“My first skill…”
Algeni smiled as he admired the sword in his hand.
“I should test it out by killing a few more goblins.”
Hours slowly passed.
Minute after minute.
Battle after battle.
Algeni continued hunting Level 3 and Level 4 Goblins throughout the endless ruins.
With every fight, his movements became smoother.
His strikes became faster.
More precise.
The Sword Mastery skill steadily refined his technique, making each swing cleaner than the last.
Eventually…
He reached Level 9.
Looking down at another defeated goblin, Algeni couldn’t help but smile.
“The goblins aren’t much of a threat anymore.”
“And now that the system has helped me learn all of their weak points, taking them down has become even easier.”
Another notification appeared before him.
Congratulations!
Upon reaching Level 9, you have been granted a new skill.
Danger Detection Warns the user of incoming danger before it occurs.
“That’s an incredibly useful skill.”
“Now I’ll have something that warns me about traps or attacks I can’t see.”
“That is not all,” the system added.
“You have also earned the title Goblin Slayer for defeating twenty goblins.”
Title Earned Goblin Slayer
Effects:
All goblins will instinctively fear the user.
Goblins will avoid confronting the user directly whenever possible.
“That’s useful.”
“At least I won’t have to worry about goblins anymore.”
He looked around at the battlefield surrounding him.
The bodies of countless goblins lay scattered across the ruined floor, silent proof of how far he had come since awakening in this mysterious sanctuary.
Then he frowned.
“But how am I supposed to level up now?”
“I’ve already killed twenty goblins…”
“And I’m only Level 9.”
Silence settled over the ancient ruins once again.
Algeni stared into the endless tunnels stretching beyond the collapsed walls.
The darkness ahead felt different now.
Heavier.
More oppressive.
He tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword and let out a slow sigh.
“If these goblins barely give me any experience anymore…”
“I’ll have to find something stronger.”
His words echoed through the forgotten corridors before fading into silence.
For the first time since arriving in this strange world…
He realized that the goblins were no longer the real threat.
And just as that realization crossed his mind…
A strange sensation slowly began spreading throughout the ruins…