Today we're hunting for the first time after our [ EvolutionRank Up ] to hobgoblins.
Since we'll be testing the performance of our new bodies in real combat for the first time, I'm a little nervous.
Today, the first prey we encountered were humanoids with dog-heads and fur all over their bodies, there were two of them. I don't know where they got them from, but they were equipping rusted armors with equally rusty long-swords. I decided to name this monster, [ Kobold ]. From observation, it seems like kobolds are higher than goblins in rank and are at about the same rank as orcs.
If we include the equipment, then compared to the orc we ate, they're probably of an even higher rank. In terms of physical strength, orcs would normally win, but kobolds are superior in terms of speed and agility.
These two traits are embodied in the kobolds.
If it were the 'us' from before, we would've retreated immediately, or more accurately, used my abilities to avoid the fight altogether.
However, this time, with Gobumi-chan's accurate, poison-coated stones as support, Gobukichi-kun and I attacked the kobolds from the front.
Excluding myself, who has become a [ Variant ], Gobukichi-kun's combat ability increased significantly thanks to his equipment. His cudgel was reinforced by wounding shells around it, his shield reinforced with shells and he wore a new leather body armor reinforced with shells. On the other hand, the kobold had only a rusted breastplate armor and a rusty long-sword. Gobukichi-kun won against the Kobold in a head-on collision.
[ EvolutionRank Up ] is scary, isn't it?
Someone who was weak only just yesterday turned into a great warrior the next day.
Gobukichi-kun received some minor injuries, so he had Gobumi-chan treat them using some of our medicinal herbs. After Gobujii told us about these medicinal herbs previously, we stocked some of them.
In the meantime, I took the opportunity to dismantle the kobolds. On the waist of one of them hung a small bag carrying three stones. Using my [Appraisal] ability, I discovered that they were called [ Fire Spirit Stones ]. Apparently non-sentient low-level fire spirits dwell within the stones, I pocketed them, then started stripping the kobolds off of their armor and hung the two rusty longswords on my waist.
From the corpses, I took the heads, the hearts and the right arms. Gobukichi-kun and Gobumi-chan split the rest between themselves evenly.
The meat left an impression as it had a strange texture. Although the taste was subtle, it was still delicious.
Ability [ Kobold Language ] learned
Ability [ Predict ] learned
As I thought, kobolds are stronger than the average hobgoblin. The reason why Gobukichi could win was because of the difference in gear quality. On the other hand, I could win due to my numerous abilities and combat experience.
Also, after eating the three fire spirit stones.
Ability [ Pyrokinesis ] learned
I gained the ability to produce and control fire. In the natural world, it's hard to overcome this advantage. With this, I can finally make grilled meat, I thought…
After that, we hunted some Horn rabbits, then returned.
Today, the tribute my goblin servants gave me were Horn rabbits mixed with Armored tanukis which surprised me. "These guys, they're finally growing up…" I mused to myself. I think I'll give shell-reinforced shields in the future to the goblins who manage to hunt Armored tanukis.
For the evening meal, I grilled the meat the others brought, and we had a barbecue party.