Kuber, though untrained as a fighter, had learned some basic moves from Alvin. Surrounded by a pack of blood-thirsty goblins, it was time to put his skills to the test. Growing impatient after waiting for a while, the goblins began to close in on Kuber and Alvin, their weapons pointed menacingly.
"I'll take the left side, and you handle the right, Alvin," Kuber said, his trembling hands still firmly gripping the knife.
Alvin nodded, accepting Kuber's suggestion, and took control of the right side. Trusting each other with their backs, they prepared for the imminent confrontation. Inexperienced as he was, Kuber lunged at a goblin with his knife, aiming for its head. But before he could react, Kuber was struck by the goblin's staff, nearly causing him to faint.
Shrieking in pain, Kuber managed to throw his knife at the goblin, hitting it in the heart. The goblin fell instantly, giving Kuber an advantage in the fight.
Ding!
[You have successfully slain a goblin]
[You have leveled up — Level 1]
[You have gained access to your status screen]
—————
[Level] – 1
[Name] – Kuber Walton
[Title] – Traitor's Son, Goblin
[Lifespan] – 21/84 years
[Class] – None
[Unique skill] – Appraisal (S)
—————
[Attributes]
[Strength] – 3
[Agility] – 3
[Stamina] – 4
[Energy] – Locked
[Wisdom] – 8
—————
[Skills] [Inventory] [Shop]
—————
As the holographic screen appeared before Kuber in the midst of the battle, a surge of power welled up within him. However, losing his focus, Kuber was pierced by a spear from behind, fortunately not receiving a fatal injury.
Reacting swiftly, Kuber grabbed the staff from the fallen goblin and lunged at the spear goblin who had attacked him. But reaching the goblin proved difficult due to the presence of the other goblins, feeling threatened by Kuber's actions.
"Young master, you should run while I hold them off," Alvin said, concern evident in his voice.
"No, Alvin. I will fight alongside you here. I can't lose my most loyal subordinate."
Stepping back, Kuber swung his staff, aiming to throw off the spear-wielding goblin's balance. With a powerful blow, Kuber succeeded, striking the goblin's head and causing its demise with a single hit.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Alvin, who had experience in special forces, had already slain three goblins. Only six goblins remained.
However, Kuber, injured as he was, struggled in the fight. Gasping for air, he continued swinging his staff, forcing the goblins to keep their distance.
As the situation started to deteriorate, Kuber decided to rush at the goblins again. He knew that if the battle dragged on, he and Alvin would be at a disadvantage. Gathering his thoughts and resolve, Kuber lunged at a goblin with a rusty sword, aiming for its leg.
Goblins, being a lower species than humans, were more brutal but lacked strength and agility in comparison. Unable to defend itself from Kuber's swing, the goblin fell to the ground, providing an opening for Kuber. Seizing the opportunity, Kuber snatched the rusty sword and stabbed the fallen goblin, causing the remaining goblins to become wary and retreat into the forest.
"Are you okay, young master? Do you need help?" Alvin asked, looking at Kuber with worry. Surprisingly, Alvin appeared unscathed despite the battle.
Feeling dizzy from blood loss, Kuber grabbed onto Alvin's shoulder to regain his balance. "I think I can make it, Alvin. I just need to stop the bleeding."
Alvin took a handkerchief from his pocket and applied pressure to Kuber's wound. "Ah, those cheeky little things. They fled as soon as they sensed danger." Covered in goblin blood, Kuber felt disgusted by the smell.
Suddenly, the smell of blood attracted another creature—a snake-like monster that rushed toward Kuber. Its colorless eyes and scaly body made it a menacing sight.
"Young master, I can see something approaching us. It's blurry, but a hostile being," Alvin informed Kuber, who lay in pain on the ground.
"What... Are you sure about that, Alvin? We're already in a difficult situation. We might end up as food for some monster."
Kuber couldn't help but worry about their safety. He was injured, and Alvin was left alone to defend them. It seemed like this beast would be the end of Kuber Walton.
As the creature drew closer, its snake-like body became clearer, its hard blue scales shining brightly in the sunlight.
"Young master, we can't stay here and die. Let's leave this place," Alvin said, lifting Kuber onto his back and running deeper into the forest.
"Leave me, Alvin. There's no way we can outrun that thing, especially with you carrying me. You can escape on your own."
Kuber couldn't help but feel terrified at the thought of death. However, even if he were to die, he didn't want Alvin to perish with him.
"No, young master. I have seen you grow up for so many years. How could I leave you behind to die a cruel death?" Alvin's eyes filled with sadness and regret for not being able to save his beloved young master.
The snake-like creature closed in on Kuber and Alvin with each passing moment. Kuber had never been this close to death before. Holding his breath, he prepared for his untimely demise. Just a meter away from him, the creature opened its mouth, ready to devour Kuber.
Regret filled Kuber's heart as his life flashed before his eyes. "I'm sorry I couldn't take care of you properly, Alvin."
"It's alright, young master. My family has served yours for four generations. How could I not have fulfilled my duty?"
Alvin's arms trembled with fear, but a serene smile crept onto his face as he prepared himself for their end. Both of them had lost hope of survival.
However, to their surprise, a young lady slashed the snake monster's neck in a single strike with her sword. Blood spurted into the air, staining the lady's clothes.
"Argh! What a nasty thing! Do you have a tissue or something for me to clean myself?" the young lady asked. Her blonde hair, jade-like face, and melodious voice gave her an otherworldly aura.
"Let me down, Alvin." Kuber stood on his feet, applying pressure to his wound to stop the bleeding.
Following the lady's request, Alvin removed his suit and handed it to her. "Here you go, young lady. You can use this to cover yourself for now."
"Thank you, mister. What's your name?" the lady asked, grateful for Alvin's help.
"I am Alvin Lewis, a butler who serves under young master Kuber." Alvin
politely pointed toward Kuber, introducing him to the young lady. "He is Kuber Walton, heir to the Walton family and my master."
The young lady looked at Kuber, pausing for a few seconds. "Quite a unique name you have, Mr. Kuber Walton. I am Flora Braveheart." She extended her hand toward Kuber for a handshake.
Approaching her cautiously, Kuber hesitated but decided to shake hands with her. After all, even if she had any ulterior motives, Kuber wouldn't be able to defend himself.
"Nice to meet you, Flora Braveheart," Kuber said, trying to force a smile despite the pain. "My name is unique because my mother is from India, and my father is American, you see."
"Oh! No wonder you have such a name." Flora took out a blue herb from her inventory and gave it to Kuber. "You should take this. It can heal you, but there may be some side effects."
Kuber couldn't hesitate to take the herb at that moment. It was clear that Flora didn't have any ulterior motives. Kuber took a small bite of the herb and felt some relief from the pain.
"Is this some kind of anesthesia?" Kuber asked after experiencing the herb's effects.
"It's not anesthesia; it's a healing herb. It can't instantly heal you in its raw form, but it will gradually help you recover," Flora explained, alleviating Kuber's concerns. However, he found it strange that Flora knew about these herbs despite being in the area for only a few hours.
"Anyway, let's not waste time standing here. I know of a safe place. Would you both like to come with me?" Flora asked, wearing a serene expression.
"Yes, please lead the way, Miss Flora," Kuber replied without hesitation. Feeling the effects of the herb, Kuber stopped applying pressure to his wound and was now able to move more comfortably.
As they walked toward the safe place, Kuber summoned his status screen and contemplated it. What caught his attention was his unique skill, "Appraisal." As soon as he thought about appraisal in his mind, another holographic screen appeared before him.
—————
[Level] – 3
[Name] – Flora Braveheart
[Title] – Paladin of the Sacred Order, Transmigrator
[Lifespan] – 23/87 years
[Class] – Paladin
[Unique skill] – Seraphic Sword Wave (SS)
—————
"Huh!" Kuber couldn't help but wonder about this sudden new information he had received. Was this something normal or unique to him? Many questions swirled in Kuber's mind as he stared at the screen before him.