Boom!
I slam my fist on the ground, sand flying in all directions. I could hear the soldiers' screams – orders, I assumed – echoing in the distance.
「Skill 'Instinct' is warning you」
A chill runs up my spine. Arrows flew in from above, I hastily dodge them. Redirecting the mana from my right hand into my left leg, I jump out of the newly formed pit.
In theory, this should have been easy. Dismantling the 「Reinforcement」, gathering the necessary mana, redirecting the flow into my left leg, and activating the spell again, was all I needed to do. Though it may sound like a lot; compared to my previous hurdles, this was nothing.
In my overconfidence; I currently find myself in a wall. It seems the spell was not adjusted properly, leaving me embarrassed and humiliated. It hurt a lot.
Willing mana into my arms, I push outwards. I had to lessen the output in order not to launch myself backwards, giving the goblins time to regroup.
「Skill 'Instinct' is warning you」
I turned around at the sudden chill, my eyes locked with a dozen marksmen. I leapt to the side, dodging the cluster of arrows; though not all of them. A couple of accurately-aimed arrows hit me, lodging itself onto my shoulder hip and shin.
Coating my legs with mana, I dashed forward. My target was a stalagmite big enough to use as a cover. Before I could do so; however, the stalagmite shifted. I stopped in my tracks, flummoxed.
Well, that's not normal
The animated pillar of earth twisted, dislodging itself from the ground. The missile floated above the ground, it's sharp, twisted tip pointed at me.
This is a little overkill, I thought a bit comically. No matter how I thought about it, they were going overboard. Even if I was a bit unusual, I was still just one intruder. Looking behind the towering pillar of earth, I spot the goblin mage's disheveled form. She was concentrated to the point of insanity, her previous cheerful demeanor gone entirely. I saw myself reflected in her eyes – as far away as she was.
Despite the oncoming danger surrounding me, I let my mind wander. I was most likely being referred to as a 'monster' or 'bastard' right about now, my sudden appearance nothing more than a disturbance in their otherwise peaceful lives. Still, I was confused.
Why are they so aggressive?
Even though I had done practically no damage since I got here, they were more than ready to send dozens of soldiers to take care of me. At first, I thought it was a primal instinct, their genes wired to attack anybody different.
But that was wrong.
The first time I saw them, they were completely peaceful. Each one cared and loved each other in their own way. Everybody had different roles and duties that they tended to, each one no less important than the other. While this could have attributed to being the same species, I doubt it was just that. Looking back at the mage's group, I spot a goblin wearing silver-plated armor. It was the same guy that talked to the female goblin after his companion got pissed off and ran. He took his helmet was off. I gazed into the man's eyes.
So that's what it was
Dislodging the pierced arrow in my shoulder, I gather mana from my surroundings. It seems the blue mana was depleted, the amount I gathered was significantly less than before.
That just makes it easier then
Previously, I had too much mana to work on. This resulted in the overload of power that nearly killed me twice. But now that the surrounding mana has been consumed to near-exhaustion…
I gather the rare strips of blue mana all around me, enhancing my body. This was something I couldn't do before – lacking the necessary control and understanding of mana that I was. The pillar of earth spun faster and faster, turning into a drill.
「Skill 'Instinct' is warning you」
My nerves screamed at me to flee and run, I agreed with them. Still, I chose to stay. Planting my feet on the ground, I face the gigantic drill. This obstacle was something I would have to conquer and overcome, stubborn as I am. As if in concert to my determination, phrase appeared in my mind:
With a heart full of fear…
With nerves full of fright…
I stand at the peak, gazing at the far-off horizon.
The words permeated within me, enhancing my senses. My vision cleared, the current danger my only focus.
The towering pillar of earth flew in my direction. I stretched out my hands, grabbing the tip. The flying spear connected with my fingers, pushing me back. Despite the mana coating my body, the spell was still too much. My hand burned from the heat , eventually peeling off my skin.
「Skill 'Instinct' is warning you」
The soldiers noticed the opening; and continued their barrage. Arrows pierced my back and legs, weakening my posture.
Still not enough
After seemingly an eternity of pain, the barrage stopped. During this, the pillar still continued it's offense. It seemed everybody here was dead-set on killing me. I had to reciprocate.
Shifting my body to the side, I let go of the pillar. The mage shouted something, hurriedly trying to cancel her spell. It was too late.
Screams filled the cavern, the previously omnipresent mystery of the labyrinth replaced by the curses of the dying soldiers. I didn't look back. There was no need to. I already knew full well what the results were.
My eyes locked with the female goblin. Her disheveled and exhausted form made her look like more of a witch than a mage. Suddenly, she pointed at me. I hurriedly put my arms up in defense, the mana coating them completely gone. Still, nothing came. Instead, what I heard next completely shook me to my entire core:
"W-Wahhhhhhhh…..!"
She was crying.