In the crisp morning light, John cautiously protruded his head from behind the dense foliage, his keen eyes scanning the surroundings of the forest. His senses heightened as he identified a nearby base, a modest hut constructed from interwoven leaves and slender twigs. Encircled by towering trees and rugged stones, it seemed inconspicuous, yet harbored an ominous aura.
Contrary to John's expectations, the inhabitants weren't human; they were diminutive green creatures with elongated noses and ears, their bald heads topped by bloated stomachs.
"This is a goblin base," intoned the authoritative system voice, cutting through the tension.
John nodded in acknowledgment, squatting on a sturdy branch to maintain his concealment. Beside him stood Kageko, a formidable ally in this encounter.
Meanwhile, Mark, deemed a non-combatant, had been left behind in the base. He was instructed to remain hidden until John's return, emphasizing the importance of patience in the face of potential danger.
"There are only three of them – the lord and two of its minions, a common miner and a wood collector," Kageko asserted, her eyes unwaveringly fixed on the base.
"If I leave this unchecked and let it fester, it will undoubtedly come back to haunt me in the future," John contemplated, his mind racing with strategic thoughts. "So, all I need to do is eliminate them all?" he inquired.
"Not recommended. Eliminating only the player will allow you to recruit the surviving characters," the system voice interjected.
John nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Thanks, miss 'definitely not a tutorial,'" he remarked wryly. "The miner and wood collector are non-combatants. That implies the player is the sole threat."
"What is your plan, my Lord?" Kageko inquired.
John rose from his seat. "Perhaps I can engage the player in a one-on-one confrontation. I believe my stats are superior," he declared confidently, a glint of determination in his eyes.
Kageko scrutinized John, a subtle confusion shadowing her eyes like wisps of mist.
"What?" inquired John, his lips curved into a smile.
"I just noticed, my lord," Kageko paused, "you don't seem afraid or exhibit any hesitation to embrace a battle to the death."
John chuckled, the sound echoing with a hint of enigmatic amusement. "The truth is, I was born without the capacity to fear confrontation and the possibilities of getting hurt. Even if I desired to, I am incapable. It's both a blessing and a curse."
"That is quite strange," mused Kageko.
John's smile deepened, carrying a meaningful undertone. "Yes, it is indeed strange." He donned his white mask with deliberate calmness. "Stay here. I shall return. Perhaps."
With a swift and assured movement, John leaped from the tree.
John stealthily approached the goblin base, a clandestine mission fueled by determination. The earth beneath his bare feet absorbed the soft echoes of his cautious steps, each one a testament to the gravity of his pursuit.
In the distance, the unmistakable sounds of goblins at work permeated the air. A goblin strained under the weight of a colossal boulder, its efforts resonating as a symphony of determination. Simultaneously, another industrious goblin diligently gathered wood branches, creating an atmosphere teeming with frenetic activity.
As John advanced, the makeshift townhall loomed ahead, a hub of goblin life. His senses heightened, he detected a subtle shift in the ambient noise – the distinctive presence of the goblin he sought. Cloaked in shadows, it emerged before him.
[Player (0)]
Before John stood a status board, a seemingly innocuous interface concealing the intricacies of the game.
Yet, it revealed nothing exploitable.
The stark zero emblazoned on the board signaled that this player, for all their efforts, had not yet vanquished a single opponent.
John's eyes narrowed as he caught sight of the goblin's hunched figure, engrossed in a feast of fruit beside a modest hut.
A colossal goblin, defying norms with its towering stature and formidable muscles, possesses dark green skin, a shade deeper than usual, commanding attention even when seated, marking it as an unmistakable force to be reckoned with.
John drew his gleaming sword, its radiance capturing the goblin's attention.
The goblin, upon spotting John, emitted a shrill scream, brandishing a primitive wooden staff.
"Nothing personal," John uttered with a cold indifference, his gaze unwavering.
A symphony of goblin cries echoed as the creature unleashed a fiery onslaught. A ball of fire hurtled toward John, its languid pace betraying its imminent demise.
With the augmented prowess of the Ephemeral Blade, John effortlessly sidestepped the fiery projectile, his movements fluid and precise. "A mage," he remarked, advancing confidently toward the perplexed goblin.
The goblin's piercing scream echoed through the dark cavern, intensifying as it unleashed Fireball once more, a desperate attempt to halt John's determined advance.
Analyzing the situation, John astutely remarked, "Fireball appears to be its sole long-range offensive skill, suggesting that its other abilities are either close-quarters combat or utility-oriented."
Undeterred, John invoked Thunderstrike, infusing his blade with a vivid blue electric charge that crackled with potent energy. The azure hue mirrored the color of his formidable sword, amplifying the intensity of his impending assault.
Bracing himself, John crouched low, a calculated preparation evident in the pause that followed. With resolute determination, he surged forward, his every movement a testament to his mastery of the blade.
The sword, adorned in the pulsating glow of blue electricity, emitted a resonant hum as John closed the distance with the frantic goblin. Charging ahead, he executed a swift swing, directing the electrified blade toward the vulnerable neck of his adversary.
As John approached the goblin, poised for confrontation, the mischievous creature cunningly initiated Smokescreen, shrouding both combatants in an impenetrable veil of obsidian darkness. Within this enigmatic realm, the goblin unleashed a ferocious Claw Attack, its razor-sharp talons finding their mark on John's shoulder, inflicting a grievous wound.
Yet, the aggressive maneuver proved to be the goblin's unintended revelation. The retaliatory strike had unwittingly betrayed its concealed position amidst the swirling ebony haze. Unfazed by the sudden assault, John, armed with a sword crackling with electricity, deftly maneuvered within the thick smoke, delivering a precise and powerful blow that cleaved through the goblin's form.
A cacophony of thunderous slash resonated in the obscured battlefield, accompanied by a small yet potent explosion of electric energy. The goblin's arm, now severed, spiraled away in a gruesome spectacle. A visceral cry emanated from the defeated creature, its anguished wail echoing through the dissipating Smokescreen.
Undeterred, the wounded goblin attempted a desperate retreat. However, John, attuned to the subtle nuances of the surrounding chaos, keenly sensed the fleeing adversary. The rhythmic cadence of the goblin's hurried footsteps guided John, ensuring that escape remained a futile endeavor in the wake of his relentless pursuit.
John crouched low, his muscles tense as he whispered the incantation, "Thunderstrike." The air crackled with energy as his sword became a conduit for a vibrant blue electric spark, illuminating the surrounding. Swift and thunderous, he surged forward, relentlessly pursuing the escaping goblin.
In a flurry of motion, John closed the gap with a powerful slash, the sheer force of his attack leaving no room for the goblin to evade. The clash was brutal, the goblin's attempts to elude futile against John's relentless pursuit.
With a single decisive blow, the goblin's head was severed, rolling across the ground like a macabre tumbleweed. The battle concluded with a resounding victory, the stillness that followed punctuating the intensity of the confrontation.
Standing amidst the aftermath, John faced the lifeless corpse of the defeated goblin. His eyes betrayed no emotion, devoid of sympathy, compassion, or guilt – only an unsettling void. Though human in appearance, the true nature of John remained a mystery.
Breaking the silence, John spoke with an eerie calmness, "Your sacrifice will be put to good use." His words hung in the air as he sheathed his sword, a gesture that marked the end of the violent spectacle.
The echoes of the battle lingered, leaving behind the enigma of John's nature, a human with a chilling aura of something more.
John activated Healing Touch and healed the minor wounds on his shoulder.
"Congratulations on eliminating a player."
"You have received rewards: one Ascension Orb, one Skill Draw, one Equipment Draw, and one Character Draw."
"And, due to slaying the player, you also receive the skills they acquired from the Gacha."
"Fireball (Common): Launch a weak ball of fire towards the target."
"Claw Attack (Common): Attack the target using your claws."
"Smokescreen (Common): Cloaks the user in smoke, aiding stealth and evasion."
John smiled. "Not bad."
He picked up the staff the goblin was holding.
"Staff (Common)."
John fixed a steely gaze upon the goblin's lifeless form sprawled before him. "Don't mind me," he uttered with a cool confidence, his words cutting through the stillness of the aftermath. Employing a nonchalant grace, he deftly rolled the goblin's body with the casual press of his foot.
His keen eyes scanned the fallen creature, and as he methodically sifted through its belongings, two gleaming items emerged.
"Ring (Common)."
"Ring (Common)."
With a critical gaze, he observed the lone staff in the goblin's possession. "Two rings and only one staff? You had an exceedingly unfortunate draw, my friend," he remarked, addressing the lifeless goblin's seemingly ill-fated choices.
"You did it, my lord," Kageko acknowledged with a tone that held a mix of awe and respect as she approached John.
The air carried the weight of accomplishment as John responded, "It was more challenging than I anticipated, but I handled it."
As if on cue, the remaining two goblins made their presence known. The intensity in their eyes betrayed a mixture of curiosity and fear as their gazes darted towards the lifeless form of their former lord.
The first goblin clutched a bundle of wood branches tightly, only to hastily release its grip, creating a cacophony as the wooden load crashed to the ground. Not to be outdone, the second goblin struggled with a cluster of boulders, which it promptly abandoned, letting the heavy rocks scatter around.
Puzzled by the goblins' sudden submission, John questioned himself, "What now?" With a decisive gesture, he removed his mask, revealing an expression of intrigue.
The two goblins instinctively knelt before John. "My lord," they declared in unison, acknowledging him as their newfound master.
Observing their unexpected ability to articulate, John quipped, "Oh, they can speak, huh?" A sense of curiosity lingered in his voice.
The system voice chimed in, "You've always been able to communicate with other players and characters. The player merely chose not to engage with you earlier."
Accepting this revelation, John nodded and directed his attention to the kneeling goblins. "Rise, my new subordinates," he commanded, raising his hand in a gesture of authority. "You can now liberate your minds from this place and your former master. Serve me faithfully, and you shall be duly rewarded."
John turned his back on Kageko and the goblins, striding purposefully towards the dense forest, the path leading to his fortress.
"We will serve you with our lives, my lord," the two goblins declared simultaneously, their voices echoing with unwavering loyalty.
Kageko trailed behind, her eyes reflecting nothing but profound respect for her lord.
As they entered the confines of the base, John, Kageko, and the two new goblins were met with Mark's exuberant greeting.
Examining the newcomers with keen interest, John identified them. "The miner goes by Abobo, and the wood collector is named Bano," he remarked with a hint of disappointment. "Too bad I can't alter their names," he added with a shrug.
John commanded the two goblins to return to their respective duties.
"You called for me, my lord?" inquired Mark, his posture one of humble subservience, eyes ablaze with anticipation.
Seated on a rugged boulder, John, with a grave countenance, began unraveling the mysterious underpinnings of their existence. "The system dictates that the Builder Class stands as the bedrock, a rare and paramount foundation within one's stronghold. Upgrading you is not a mere desire; it's an imperative necessity."
Raising his hand, John revealed a circular stone, its dimensions mere fractions of his thumb yet radiating an ethereal allure. The stone possessed a kaleidoscope of colors, shifting with each passing second.
"A veritable Ascension Orb, my lord," Mark exclaimed, awe evident in his widened eyes. "Such a magnificent gift befalls one as lowly as me, undeserving yet grateful for this grandeur."
A sly smirk crept across John's face as he uttered, "You deserve it." He confidently accessed Mark's status board, emphasizing, "This upgrade will not only serve your interests but also enhance the capabilities of the entire base. Moreover, both Kageko and I will be absent most of the time, entrusting you with the vital task of defending the base in our absence."
Without a trace of hesitation, John decisively pressed the upgrade button. In an instant, Mark was engulfed in a blinding, luminous radiance.
"This is the utmost privilege, my lord," Mark proclaimed, acknowledging the magnitude of the transformation.
The process of ascension commenced, radiating an aura of power and change.
"Initiating character ascension."
"Processing..."
"Processing..."
Mark, now in the midst of this transformative journey, expressed his unwavering loyalty, declaring, "To fail you will never be an option. The world shall bear witness to your greatness, and I shall spare no effort in ensuring the realization of your every goal."
"Character ascension has been completed."
"Character subclass acquired: Base Guardian (Uncommon)."
The thick smoke dissipated, unveiling Mark in its wake. His countenance gained prominence, each feature etched with determination. Mark's once malnourished frame underwent a metamorphosis, evolving into a formidable powerhouse of muscle.
Mark's physique underwent a remarkable transformation as his arms swelled with newfound strength, attaining a robust and bulky form. His neck, once thin and weak, now stood as a testament to his might, solid and unyielding.
The sheer power emanating from his torso was evident, obliterating the fabric of his tunic top as if it were mere paper succumbing to the force within. Not only did his muscles expand, but Mark also experienced a significant increase in height, towering over John as a symbol of his newfound physical prowess.
Confronting John, Mark stood with a blend of respect and pride emanating from his demeanor. "I'll ensure the safeguarding of the base in your absence," Mark declared with unwavering resolve. "I'll obliterate any threat that dares to approach."
A resonant voice echoed, "For acquiring an Uncommon character, you have been awarded 10 stat points."
"Character: Mark has acquired a new skill."
"Arcane Bolster (Uncommon)."
"The Base Guardian harnesses arcane energy to enhance the offensive prowess of himself and allies within a limited radius around him. This localized burst increases attack strength and speed, ensuring formidable defense against threats within a specific range for a limited duration. This skill can only be used within the vicinity of the base."
John nodded with a confident smile, assuring Mark, "Certainly, you will, Mark. There's no doubt about it."
Reveling in John's vote of confidence, Mark's face lit up with joy. Despite his imposing exterior, he exuded a gentle demeanor, akin to that of a colossal yet amiable puppy.
Sensing the chill in the air, Mark instinctively shielded his bare torso with his hands. "It's a tad chilly around here."
In response, John offered a lighthearted suggestion, "Why not gather some leaves and fashion yourself a makeshift attire?" His laughter resonated.
•••••
Player#42069
NAME: John Smith
PLAYERS ELIMINATED: 1
ASCENSION ORBS: 0
HP: 130
MP: 130
•••
[STATS]
VITALITY: 13
STRENGTH: 13
INTELLIGENCE: 13
AGILITY: 13
DEXTERITY: 13
AVAILABLE STAT POINTS: 10
•••
[SKILLS]
PLAYER EXCLUSIVE SKILL: Gacha Fusion.
COMMON: Healing Touch, Fireball, Claw Attack, Smokescreen.
UNCOMMON: Thunderstrike.
•••••