**[Status Screen]**
---
**Goblin's Dungeon**
*Summary:* Long ago, a prosperous realm of goblins ruled these lands. However, after a devastating territorial war against an enemy race, they were defeated and forced to take refuge in the depths of this dungeon. Over the years, they isolated themselves from the outside world, becoming even wilder and more desperate creatures, protecting their last stronghold with all they had.
---
Jon huffed, rolling his eyes. "Seriously? Sounds like the plot of a low-budget RPG game."
Gwen frowned, clearly puzzled. "RPG? What's that?"
Jon realized his mistake and quickly changed the subject. "Oh, nothing. Just an old term I heard once. Let's focus on what's ahead."
A new window popped up:
---
**You've entered the Goblin's Dungeon. Would you like to form a party?**
*Options:* Yes | No
---
Both chose "Yes," solidifying their partnership in dungeon exploration.
---
The atmosphere grew denser, and the sounds of the dungeon became more audible. Gwen, trying to light the way, approached a torch on the wall. However, before she could ignite it, a green shadow leaped from the darkness. A goblin, with wild yellow eyes, wielded an improvised shield and a rusty dagger, lunging straight at her.
Jon, acting on instinct, shot an arrow that found its mark in the goblin's forehead. The creature fell to the ground, lifeless, just inches from Gwen. The goblin's blood splattered, staining Gwen's clothes.
She stood frozen for a moment, looking at the goblin's body. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she quickly wiped them away. Concerned, Jon approached and tried to offer a comforting hug, but Gwen gently pushed him away.
"I'm fine, Jon," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "I was just caught off guard. They look so much like humans."
Jon nodded. "I know. It's different hunting animals and facing something that resembles us so closely."
Gwen, trying to regain her confident stance, said, "Let's not let this ruin our hunting day. Let's keep going."
Jon looked at her, noticing her trembling hands and still somewhat frightened eyes. "Are you sure?"
She nodded. "Yes. We'll just... be more careful next time."
Jon smiled. "Of course. And, Gwen? You're amazing today, doesn't even seem like the little girl from before."
Gwen had an annoyed smile on her face. "Just shut up, Jon. Let's move on."
The adrenaline still coursed through Jon's veins after the goblin encounter. As Gwen lit a nearby torch, he leaned against the cold dungeon wall, allowing himself a moment of introspection.
In his mind, numbers began to align. '3 experience points for a single goblin,' he pondered. 'If we consider that Melisa's quest will give me 100 experience points, and if we keep this pace, facing about 50 goblins per day...'
He quickly calculated. 'That's 150 daily experience points from goblins alone, plus the 100 from the quest. 250 points per day. In four days, that's 1000 points. If there are no setbacks, and if we can maintain this pace, in less than a week, I should reach level 10.'
But, even as the numbers looked promising, Jon knew that the reality of the dungeon was far more complex. Hunting outdoors offered the freedom to choose their battles, to regroup and plan. Here, in the dark and confined depths, every corner could conceal a deadly danger.
He was pulled from his thoughts as Gwen approached, the torch in her hand casting dancing shadows on the walls. "You alright, Jon? You seem distant."
Jon smiled, attempting to lighten the mood. "Just running some calculations and making plans."
Gwen chuckled, yet there was an underlying tension in her voice. "Well, thinker, we need to keep going. And please, try not to get lost in thought while we're here. Almost getting hurt earlier was enough for me."
Jon nodded, acknowledging the truth in Gwen's words. "Alright, Miss Perfection, where were you all this time?"
"Tsk, goofball!" the girl exclaimed, but there was no anger in her words; she knew Jon was just trying to cheer her up after noticing her earlier demeanor.
The dungeon's darkness was pierced only by the dim light of the torches Jon and Gwen held. The silence was almost tangible, broken only by the sound of their cautious footsteps. They walked side by side, bows in hand and daggers hanging from their belts, ready for any threat.
Suddenly, a shrill scream tore through the silence. A goblin, with wild eyes and sharp teeth, leaped out of the shadows, rushing toward them. Gwen, in a reflex, drew an arrow and fired. But to her horror, the arrow veered off, only hitting the goblin's shield.
Seizing the distraction, the goblin lunged at Gwen. Seeing the danger, Jon yelled in frustration and threw himself in front of her, attempting to intercept the goblin. The two fought fiercely, Jon desperately trying to keep the goblin's dagger at bay. In a swift move, he managed to disarm the goblin, but not before feeling the blade of the dagger tear through his arm.
"How can this little green thing be so strong?!" Jon yelled, more as a vent than anything else.
Seeing Jon injured, Gwen rushed to him, concern filling her eyes. "Jon! Are you alright?"
With his arm bleeding, Jon looked at Gwen, frustration evident in his eyes. "What happened to you? I get that you're distracted, but we can't afford to let our guard down here!"
Clearly shaken, Gwen mumbled, "I'm sorry, Jon. I just..."
Jon cut her off, still angry. "It's okay. We just can't make mistakes here." He sighed, "Sorry for shouting."
Gwen nodded, eyes welling up. "Let's get out of here." Seeing her friend's state, Jon suggested calling it a day; their little venture had gone well enough, considering the gamble Jon took by invading the place.
Strangely enough, on that day's hunt, Jon, who usually lagged behind in kills, managed to slay 15 goblins, while Gwen only took down 10.
As the two made their way back to the dungeon entrance, Jon tried to lighten the mood. "I'm starving. This place is awful. Let's find something decent to eat once we're out of here, what do you think?"
Gwen offered a faint smile and sheepishly murmured, "Sounds like a plan."