Goblin hunters have a keen sense of smell and hearing. Their slow march is a sign that they are cautious of whatever is killing their scouts.
There were two intruders. He was not sure of the danger levels they possess. As a hunter, the goblin was aware enough that in such hunts, patience is key.
But hearing the fading retreating footsteps made them frantic. The prey is fleeing, with its companion suddenly gone. So he ran, they ran!
The hunter was in the rearmost of the group watching for any ambushes in place. But the goblin hunter is insufficient. What they don't know is that they just passed by one of the so-called prey they are pursuing. Under his Arcane Stealth, Wally watched the goblins pass by him, with apathetic ease...
With a cunning smile, Wally unleashed his magic on the unaware goblins.
A hail of bluish glow assaulted them from their rear, the one place he is tasked to guard.
Then, they were slaughtered.
...
That was easy. Talents are more of passive skills, and they only occur on chances. But in this world, such talents are a little bit different. I can consciously use them~ well, at the expense of more magic resources. I feel the almost invisible loss of MP to increase a fold.
I must say, the trade is worth it. My multi-cast on top of the arcane bolt packed a hell of a punch.
Multi-cast allows magic to be cast multiple times at the same time. It is the extreme version of double-cast. In the game, it is between 4 to 7 times. But in this world, it looks like I can surpass that, which I instinctively did against the poor goblins. I made a dozen arcane bolts, which frighteningly I thought will collapse the cave.
I ran towards Kieffer's direction afraid that he might have gotten into trouble.
And there, I saw. A bloodied Kieffer, his only fist marked with blood. Opposite him, is his fallen foe, a goblin scout.
Kieffer's breathing is ragged, but his eyes are filled with spirit. I tossed a vitality potion to him.
I nodded at him, then ushered him to follow me with a grunt. We then proceeded our way without question.
...
Kieffer is angry. At himself, for not stopping his sister's insistence ongoing in that cave; to his compatriots that didn't even think of the possibilities of failure; and to the fucking goblins that caused him pain.
So, Kieffer dared to venture forth, eager of venting his hatred to the waiting goblin in their rear. With the eyes bestowed to him by the magic caster, he felt no fear. And from his side, came the goblin scout with a rusty dagger in hand. He already long knew that this hateful critter was waiting for him, but he feigned ignorance.
Kieffer was prepared for the goblin's assault. With a single breath, he dodged then counterattacked with the heaviest punch he can muster. The goblin was knocked to the ground, but Kieffer wasn't left unscathed proven by the wound he suffered in his abdomen. It was only a graze, but tetanus remains.
Kieffer sat overtop the goblin, with both of his knees pinning the monster's shoulders. Then he punched it again~ and again~ and again~ and again~ his only fist dripped red, but he didn't care. He wanted to vent, so he vented.
His rage, regret, and overwhelming emotions weighed on his mind. He channeled them all to his fist. His breath is ragged but he persisted. Some bones stuck to his fist, the blood splattered everywhere, and then the goblin's life was no more.
Still, Kieffer continued to smash the already smashed head. He is only hitting the dirt at this point, but he is too blinded by his rage. Tears and snot litter his face as he roars like a madman.
Finally, when Kieffer consumed all of his stamina, he finally stopped. The magic, Arcane Clarity, is still in effect. He looked at the bloody mess he created. He can't help but reveal a joyful smile.
Kieffer heard footsteps, when he looked, he was met with Wally's pitying expression.
"Am I that pitiable?" Kieffer inwardly asked himself. He touched his left stump, spirit ultimately filling his being, his convictions.
Wally tossed a vitality potion at him, which Kieffer caught in ease. He drank it, then followed the wizard, as they continue on their descent into this weird cave.
Kieffer's curiosity is strong. That's why it is quite impressive for him to hold all of it back. He has many questions at the back of his mind.
Just who is this Wally?
Is he from the magic guild?
Are all magic casters this strong, especially given his age?
Can I also become a magic caster? Maybe under his tutelage?
Questions after questions occupy his mind.
"I am sorry, but this is kind of selfish of me..." Kieffer's voice trailed. Wally remained quiet. Kieffer took it as a good sign.
"Can you please teach me magic?" Wally abruptly stooped walking. He turned around and looked at Kieffer's eyes. There was inquiring and curiosity from Wally, Kieffer nervously waited for Wally's answer.
"Maybe."
Huh? That's not an answer at all. Kieffer disappointedly slumped his shoulder as ally turns around and continued their journey.