I safely arrived at my previous location. When I scanned the place the Goblin is still where I last saw it. Without making any loud noise I investigated the surroundings to make sure that it is truly alone. I took my time and thoroughly scanned the area.
When I confirmed that it have no allies nearby I returned to my previous spot to think of a plan. I don't posses any sort of weapon on me which is a big problem. A random tree branch surely is useless against this monster. With it's muscular build I bet that smashing it with a tree branch will not even tickle it.
After considering every scenario I came up with a decent plan.
"I hope that this will work." I murmured as I picked up an arm length tree branch.
I carefully choose the place where I can initiate my plan with a higher success rate. What I need is a nearby lush tree where I can completely hide myself. It should also be surrounded with tall grass.
Finding the perfect spot took some time. Holding the branch I climb the tree soundlessly. When my preparations were done I took a calming deep breath then tossed the branch in the bushes below the tree. It made a loud crackling sound, enough to get the Goblins attention.
As expected the monster got up and walked towards the noise. I held my breath and stayed still as it cautiously approached my position. It's every step caused my heartbeat to rise. Unlike my last opponent this monster is more intimidating and the aura it emits is dangerous.
Eventually it arrived below the tree I'm currently in, a perfect spot for my plan. I silently activated my skill, Harden, on my right foot before jumping off the tree.
*crash*
It's defensive barrier easily broke. My kick caused a dent on it's shoulder and sent it crashing down the ground. I also landed, rolling for a bit before regaining my footing. When I looked back at the Goblin it was already up.
"What the" I blurted out loudly. I was surprised that the monster can get up right away after taking that kind of damage.
It was looking at me with it's sharp eyes. The next thing I knew it was charging towards me. Closing the distance between us it immediately launched an assault.
Its fist was fast. I didn't have a chance to dodge with the sudden development. I, however, somewhat instinctively lifted my arms to block the attack.
*bang*
The force dragged me back for almost three meters. My arms went numb from the impact. I was expecting my arms to break but surprisingly I was fine. Though I feel them throbbing it is still within my pain tolerance. I guess my investment on defense is paying off.
Knowing that I could take it's attack head on boosted my confidence a little.
The monster didn't continue attacking. It's left hand is holding it's right shoulder which it used to attack me. I can't clearly see it but it seems to have swollen. Maybe it did took some damage
"#$@*$&" it said full of rage. Though I couldn't understand what it said I felt the hatred within it.
Now I understand why I didn't receive too much damage earlier. With a shoulder in that condition I bet it couldn't even exert half it's strength.
I was about to attack but the monster was faster. A fearless monster indeed. It closed the distance between us in an instant.
Right after it threw a right punch which I dodged It followed up with a left hook right away. Although I narrowly dodged it's attack it grazed my face a bit. That instant contact caused my face to bleed.
'What a sharp punch' I thought as it's attack continued.
It's frenzied barrage of attack seems to be endless. I started to tire and lose focus while dodging. Some of its attack started to land directly at me which extremely hurts. It's right punches does not pack a lot of force but the impact from it's left hand is devastating. I even felt a rib or two crack because of it.
I wanted to slip an attack as well to interrupt it but I couldn't see any opening. Tired as hell from dodging I curled my body to make my defense tight. I plan to take it's attack head on and tire it out. It's a gamble: will my defense last or will it's stamina run out first.
*bang*bang*bang*
The sound of impact echoed in the forest. The force from it's attack started to drag me back little by little.
'How long will this last' I thought as I felt my arms throbbing from the blows. I used Harden on my right arm to neutralize the damage from it's left but the skills duration is almost up.
*thud*
Unknowingly I was being pushed towards a tree. I was startled when my back touched something and caused a momentary gap in my defense.
As if its awaited moment had arrived the monster stopped it's punches and suddenly took a step back. It's leg turned red and caused the airs temperature to rise. Then a dreadful attack came rushing towards me.
The aura it emitted was frightening and it sent shivers throughout my body. All kinds of warning signal was sent to my brain telling me to dodge no matter what but it was already too late.
I instantly used Harden on my left hand to intercept the attack and hastily jumped sideways as much as I can.
*bang*
My defensive barrier easily broke and the force sent me flying. I was thrown a distance away and crashed on the bushes.
Thanks to the dust cloud from my trail the monster could not properly locate me. I can hear it thrashing about, eager to end my life.
I activated Hidden and choose to erase my physical presence. Though moving my body hurts, specially because of my broken left arm, I compelled myself to drag my body away from this place.
When the effect of the skill was about to run out I laid beneath the bushes to hide.
*huff*huff*huff*
A minute passed but I can still see the monsters frenzied way of searching for me. The noise is slowly getting nearer and it will inevitably find me.
I can run and hide somewhere far away but the monster already know of my presence. If it calls it's companions and search for me then my death is only a matter of time.
'I need to kill it.' I thought as I made up my mind.