"Guha!"
"Yes, yes, gugugaga to you."
As I pierced another goblin's head with my spear, I dashed to my left, where another one was preparing to ambush me. With the 30-day period for the quest nearing its end, the monsters' levels had risen significantly. I had been correct in my assumption that as I approached the completion of the quest, more difficult challenges would arise to stop me.
This goblin was exactly that challenge.
[Goblin Shaman - Lv.32]
The level of these little green creatures was higher than before, as I had never encountered one with more than a level 22. However, that wasn't the only difference. Previously, the shamans' attacks were simple; they would debuff me until I could be overwhelmed by the rest of the group. But that never happened since I could easily perceive their spells with my [Mana Sense] and dodge them. The only time I allowed myself to take a hit, the spell's power was lackluster, likely because they relied on stacking multiple debuffs.
This shaman was different. Instead of waving its stick to curse me, it was ready to cast a fireball directly at me. I didn't give it the chance to complete its spell. The moment I reached it, I focused on striking its heart, ignoring the incoming fireball.
Though these green pests, adorned with head coverings like Indians, were more powerful than before, they were still physically stunted. Their speed had improved slightly compared to a week ago, but it was just enough for me to perceive the attack and begin to move. Unfortunately for the shaman, that slight movement wasn't enough to save it.
The thrust of my spear was perfectly aimed, just a few centimeters off from delivering a lethal blow. It bubbled blood from its mouth and glared at me hatefully, but I managed to kill it, as indicated by the blue screen that appeared in front of me. However, it had time to execute something unprecedented.
The little fireball, once floating nearby, was now hurtling straight toward me. I didn't panic; instead, I raised my hand and cast a [Mana Shield] in front of me. Since the shaman hadn't fully formed or empowered the spell, the fireball crashed into my shield and dissipated in motes of flame.
The danger had presented itself, but with the years I spent training my skills—despite my growth being stunted earlier—I was still more powerful than these foes. It was not just a matter of levels and stats; it was a matter of skills. I recognized this after defeating a pack of wolves, with the alpha being level 41. It had been easier, not because I was over-leveled, but because I was over-skilled, even with my martial arts still constrained by my less-than-ideal body.
I gathered the bodies in my inventory, especially the Shaman's, as I wanted to check for anything interesting inside—it's the only one capable of using mana. Just before I returned, my [Danger Sense] flared.
[Danger Sense Lv.11→12]
It warned me to move from my spot. Instead of dodging, I jumped.
*Thud*
Where I had just been standing, an arrow was now lodged in the soil. I looked in the direction it came from and saw another green pest, this time armed with a small bow and a quiver full of arrows.
[Goblin Archer - Lv.29]
As it notched another arrow and prepared to aim at me again, I decided not to give it any more time. Instead of engaging in melee, I took a stance and threw my spear at it. Unlike the Shaman, this goblin was surprised by the attack and rolled to the side, causing the spear to graze its shoulder as it passed by.
Dashing forward, I attempted to press the attack, but my [Danger Sense] flared once more, forcing me to jump back again. This time, a goblin dressed in camouflaging clothes was lunging at me with a knife aimed at my heart.
[Goblin Phantom - Lv.28]
I recalled that these goblins were the reason Nat hated assassins and anyone with stealth skills in the original novel. Thanks to my [Calmness], I remained composed. As the goblin began to hide behind some trees and obscure its mana signature, I retrieved an item from my inventory and threw it.
With all the monster bodies in my inventory—both dismantled and intact—I had accumulated an abundance of materials I wasn't sure how to dispose of. I could sell them in the [Shop], but the selling price wasn't worth it. So, I kept them for experimentation.
I stored meat, blood, and organs, planning to utilize them in the future when I acquire or buy a skill for potion-making or some alchemical processes. I also kept the bones to craft weapons. Though I had a skill for weapon maintenance from years ago, I had recently acquired a new skill, [Bonecrafting], which I leveled up to level 6.
Having the skill was helpful, but since it was low-leveled, I was left with only three simple bones that had sharp ends. They weren't very impressive in terms of aesthetics or durability, but they were usable thanks to my Marauder Pathway skills.
Using a sharpened bone, I pierced the goblin's foot, then threw another one, landing a headshot just as the archer notched a second arrow. Activating [Hyperstride], I dodged the incoming arrow and lunged onto a tree behind him, finishing him off with a [Mana Arrow] to the head.
The notification popped up, and I noticed I still had over 800 MP, and I had finally reached 300k Shards. Encountering two new enemies in a single day and being in a territory just outside the goblin area was unusual.
After using [Decryption] to find the information I needed, I decided to take a nap before continuing. I was curious to see how this ecosystem could withstand such a disturbance; perhaps I could complete the quest in less than 30 days. And wouldn't that be good news? I feel I'm reaching my wit's end.
I miss Yuki. I miss my grandpa. I miss chatting with my friends, Tsurayuki's incredible ideas, and Kyouya's allegations of making a harem for himself.
I want to return.