After contemplating for a while, I made the decision to accept the quest, knowing that I would have to train rigorously to overcome the challenges that awaited me in the dungeon.
Time skip.
Inside a small, modest house, beads of sweat rolled down my forehead as I practiced hand-to-hand combat. Although I was still a beginner, I had managed to grasp the basic movements and techniques. Ever since I acquired my peculiar power, I found that I only needed a few hours of sleep, and using a status recovery item would restore my energy to its fullest.
In my determination to succeed, I devoted myself to daily training, pushing my body to its limits. Hours were spent watching instructional videos on various combat techniques, both armed and unarmed. Given my limited financial means, I resorted to using kitchen utensils as makeshift training weapons. A small knife served as a suitable substitute for a dagger, given its size and weight.
Each day, after completing my training, I would take a refreshing shower and consume a nourishing meal. Feeling revitalized, I reached into my inventory and retrieved the key that had been bestowed upon me. Inserting it into the lock, I turned it, and to my surprise, the door swung open to reveal a mysterious dungeon. Without hesitation, driven by curiosity and a sense of adventure, I stepped forward into the unknown, and as the door closed behind me, I felt a surge of anticipation.
Sighing audibly, I cautiously ventured along the dimly lit path of the dungeon, my steps deliberately soft to avoid attracting any unwanted attention. After a mere four minutes of exploration, I encountered my first formidable opponent.
Standing before me were a group of goblins, their ranks identified by their displayed level.
[Goblins]
[Level 2]
HP: 100
-----------------------------
MP: 10
____________
Strength: 4 Vitality: 10
Agility: 3 Intelligence: 1
Sense: 3
_____________
Studying the goblins' stats, I quickly deduced that their overall abilities were inferior to mine. However, I noted that they wielded crude clubs, a weapon I lacked. Taking advantage of their limited senses, I strategized, hiding behind a large rock until one of the goblins passed by. Once it was out of sight, I emerged stealthily, positioning myself behind the unsuspecting creature. Summoning every ounce of strength within me, I delivered a swift and powerful punch directly to its head.
The impact was significant.
[Critical damage: 15]
The goblin's HP visibly decreased, and it appeared dazed. Without a moment's hesitation, I unleashed a barrage of punches, targeting the goblin's head with precision and intent. My goal was to exploit the stun effect, rendering the goblin defenseless. Blow after blow rained upon the creature until, finally, it succumbed to the assault. In response, a message from the system appeared before me.
[You killed a goblin]
[Goblin loot has dropped]
Curiosity piqued, I approached the fallen goblin and carefully searched its possessions, looting the club it had carried as well as the meager sum of 10 gold coins. Curiosity consumed me as I inspected the wooden club in my hands, seeking information.
[Wooden club]
[Item rank: Common]
[Description: A wooden club that deals 10% more blunt damage]
Recognizing the club's potential value, I swiftly equipped it, confident that it would serve as a valuable asset in my future encounters within the dungeon. Armed with newfound resolve, I ventured deeper
into the labyrinthine corridors, my senses heightened, and my instincts honed.
From that point onward, my encounters with the goblins followed a similar pattern. I would position myself for surprise attacks, always aiming for their heads to exploit the stun effect. Though it may not have been the most honorable approach, survival took precedence over nobility. My life was at stake, and I refused to rush headlong into danger without a clear plan.
"Status," I murmured, curiosity gnawing at me. I desired to assess my progress and ascertain my current state.
[Status]
Name: Kento Tatsu
Level: 2
Fatigue: Full
Job: N/A
Titles: N/A
HP: 205
-----------------------------
MP: 10
____________
Strength: 11 Vitality: 11
Agility: 6 Intelligence: 11
Sense: 11
_____________
Remaining points: 11
Observing my status, I felt a surge of satisfaction. My efforts had paid off, evident in the growth of my attributes. However, the true test awaited me. I yearned for a genuine challenge, one that didn't rely solely on exploiting the goblins' weaknesses.
Despite the risks involved, a surge of adrenaline coursed through my veins, tempting me to abandon caution and engage in a fair fight with the goblins. I knew the potential consequences of such an impulsive decision, but the call of battle resonated within me. I couldn't deny the primal desire to test my skills against these foes.
Reluctantly, I acquiesced to my inner yearning, venturing out into the open. Soon enough, a goblin spotted me and rushed forward, brandishing a menacing machete.
"Shit," I muttered under my breath, acknowledging the pointed weapon in the goblin's grasp.
The goblin swung its machete toward my chest, but I deftly evaded the strike. Reacting swiftly, I utilized the wooden club that had served me well until now, delivering a forceful blow to the goblin's head. The impact was so powerful that it shattered the club into pieces.
[You have killed a goblin. You gain 10 EXP]
The sound of the club breaking caught the attention of nearby goblins, and within moments, five of them were charging at me with murderous intent. Unarmed and with adrenaline surging through my veins, I swiftly seized the fallen goblin's machete, equipping it without hesitation.
Assuming a focused stance, I sprinted toward the incoming goblins, their swords swinging recklessly. Two of them held back, relying on bows and arrows to attack from a distance.
Utilizing my height and agility to my advantage, I concentrated my strikes on their heads, aiming for quick and lethal dispatches. Amidst the chaos, pain suddenly shot through my shoulder as two arrows found their mark.
[-15 damage]
[Bleeding status effect applied]
[Player will lose 5 HP every second]
A curse escaped my lips as the pain intensified, and the sight of my own blood flowing only heightened my resolve. I decapitated one of the goblins, employing its lifeless body as a temporary shield against incoming arrows. With an axe kick, I struck another goblin's head with such force that blood spurted from its nose. Before it could regain its composure, I swiftly impaled it through the brain with my dagger, leaving the blade embedded there, and quickly procured a dagger from its lifeless grip.
[You have killed a goblin. You gain 10 EXP]
The remaining goblin charged at me fearlessly, swinging its sword with reckless abandon. Agile and alert, I
sidestepped the attack and swiftly sliced through its neck, severing its head in one fluid motion.
[You have killed a goblin. You gain 10 EXP]
Gasping for breath, I took a moment to assess my surroundings. The lifeless bodies of goblins littered the floor, a testament to my survival and tenacity. The pain in my shoulder remained, a constant reminder of my vulnerability.
With every challenge conquered, my confidence grew, and my determination solidified.
The dungeon held more secrets, treasures, and opponents awaiting me. Though the path ahead was treacherous and fraught with dangers, I pressed on, eager to explore the depths and unravel the mysteries that lay hidden within.
And so, with the taste of blood still on my lips, I ventured deeper into the heart of the dungeon, prepared to face whatever trials awaited me, knowing that my destiny was intertwined with this enigmatic realm.