Roarrr!
The Nightmare Goblin charged, a hulking blur of green fury. With adrenaline coursing through him, Alex sidestepped the lumbering beast with surprising agility. He hadn't expected his real body to move so well, but the muscle memory from countless battles fought in the game seemed to guide his limbs.
"Focus fire on its eyes!" he yelled, the words tumbling out instinctively. He knew a boss like this often-had weak points, and the glowing red orbs seemed the most vulnerable.
Lyra, ever the skilled archer, didn't need much convincing. Two arrows, fletched with feathers as white as winter snow, whistled through the air. One found its mark, burying itself deep into the Nightmare Goblin's fleshy brow. The creature roared in pain, momentarily faltering in its pursuit of Alex.
Captain Amelia and Gregor, veterans of countless battles, reacted with a mix of surprise and admiration. Amelia, her initial skepticism evaporating, barked orders. "Gareth, Garath, flank it! Use your blades to keep it occupied!"
The twin knights, a whirlwind of coordinated movement, charged towards the Nightmare Goblin from opposite sides. Their short swords flashed in the fading light as they danced around the hulking creature, drawing its attention away from Alex.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Alex focused his will on the shimmering inventory window that only he could see. He desperately needed a weapon.
"Sh*t, I need a weapon!" he thought, frustration rising.
Then, a notification popped up: [You received Novice Dagger in your inventory]
His eyes scanned the options, but they landed on the unavailable "Novice Dagger." With a mental nudge, he attempted to select the Shining Dagger, but nothing happened.
A surge of panic flared. He didn't have time to figure out the limitations of the system. He desperately needed a weapon, any weapon.
Suddenly, another notification flickered: [Novice Dagger equipped]
Relief washed over him. It wasn't the ideal weapon, but it was something. He reached into the empty space at his hip, expecting to feel the familiar weight of a dagger.
However, to his surprise and the utter astonishment of the Elara Knights, Alex's hand seemed to grasp at nothing. For a bewildered moment, it looked like he was simply holding onto thin air. Then, with a shimmer of light, a simple but sturdy dagger materialized in his grasp.
The Elara Knights stared, mouths agape. They had seen magic before—spells woven with intricate gestures and spoken incantations. But this? This was something entirely different. Alex had conjured a weapon out of nowhere, defying the very laws of physics they understood.
He drew the dagger, its polished surface catching the last rays of the setting sun. It felt real and surprisingly comfortable in his grasp. A surge of confidence, a bizarre mix of game knowledge and newfound physical prowess, washed over him.
The Nightmare Goblin turned its head as Lyra's arrow briefly stunned it, its eyes blazing with new rage. It let out a bloodcurdling scream, focusing its attention back on Alex, the lone figure standing defiant with a blade drawn.
Alex took a deep breath, his heart hammering in his chest. This was it. The first real fight in this new world. He raised the dagger, the memory of countless battles fought and won flooding his mind. He wasn't just some scrawny nobody anymore. He was an adventurer, and this was his first step on a path fraught with danger but also brimming with possibility.
With a battle cry that echoed through the silent forest, Alex charged towards the Nightmare Goblin, ready to face the unknown.
The Nightmare Goblin, momentarily stunned, roared in frustration. It whipped its head around, searching for the source of the searing pain in its eye. Its gaze landed on Alex, the lone figure standing defiant with a dagger grasped seemingly from thin air. The goblin's rage intensified, a guttural growl escaping its maw as it charged, its thunderous steps shaking the forest floor.
Alex, his heart pounding a frantic rhythm against his ribs, knew a dagger wouldn't be enough against this monstrous creature. He desperately scanned the translucent interface, hoping for a miracle. The "Novice Dagger" remained frustratingly unavailable, but a new option flickered into existence: "Basic Combat Techniques." With a silent prayer, he selected it.
A surge of information flooded his mind—a torrent of footwork patterns, attack sequences, and defensive maneuvers. It was overwhelming—a combat library downloaded in a heartbeat. He barely had a moment to process it before the Nightmare Goblin was upon him.
He scrambled backwards, narrowly avoiding the creature's razor-sharp claws that swiped through the air where his head had been a moment ago. The memory of a dodge maneuver from the downloaded information flickered in his mind. Instinctively, he twisted his body, rolling to the side just as the goblin's massive foot slammed down where he stood. The force of the blow sent a tremor through the ground, and Alex winced, feeling the sting of displaced earth against his cheek.
Raaah!
He scrambled to his feet, the dagger feeling ridiculously small in his hand against the hulking monstrosity. Adrenaline coursed through him, pushing away the fear that threatened to paralyze him. He remembered the information about weak points—goblins, even these monstrous ones, shared some anatomical similarities with their smaller kin. Focus on the eyes, it said.
"Here it goes!"
Lyra, ever the skilled archer, saw the opening and let loose another arrow. This time, the projectile found its mark, embedding itself deep in the Nightmare Goblin's fleshy shoulder.
"Kwuack!?" The creature bellowed in pain, momentarily distracted. Alex seized the opportunity, launching himself forward with a surge of newfound agility.
He darted towards the goblin's side, weaving between its lumbering attacks. The downloaded techniques flickered in his mind, guiding his movements. He dove under a sweeping claw, rolled through the space between its legs, and came up behind the beast. This was it. The moment of truth.
He lunged forward, aiming the dagger for the base of the goblin's exposed neck. But the creature, sensing his presence, whipped its head around with surprising speed. Its glowing red eyes met Alex's, filled with primal fury. In that split second, the goblin opened its massive maw, revealing rows of jagged teeth dripping with fetid saliva.
Alex reacted instinctively. He twisted his body, the downloaded maneuver taking over, using the momentum of his lunge to vault over the goblin's head. He landed hard on the creature's back, clinging desperately to its leathery hide. The stench of sweat, rage, and something far worse assaulted his nostrils.
The Nightmare Goblin screeched in surprise, bucking wildly in an attempt to dislodge him. Alex held on for dear life, his knuckles white with exertion. He needed to find a way to exploit his newfound knowledge—a way to turn the tables on this monstrous beast.
His eyes darted around, searching for an opening. Then he spotted it—a pulsating red orb nestled on the back of the goblin's neck, radiating a faint heat. It had to be its weak point, the core of its monstrous transformation.
With a surge of determination, Alex dug his dagger into the creature's back, using it to anchor himself as the goblin thrashed. Ignoring the searing pain that flared in his arm from the goblin's rough hide, he focused all his energy on the glowing orb.
"This is it," he muttered, his voice barely a whisper above the roar of the wind and the goblin's enraged screeches. He closed his eyes, picturing the countless finishing moves he'd executed in the game. The memory of a critical strike against a similar boss monster surged forward.
He drew in a deep breath, then plunged the dagger downward, aiming for the pulsating orb with all his might. The world seemed to slow down for a moment. There was a piercing silence in place of the goblin's thrashing.
A burst of blinding light erupted from the point of impact, engulfing both Alex and the Nightmare Goblin. The forest floor trembled, and a shockwave ripped through the trees, sending fallen leaves swirling into the air. When the light subsided, Alex found himself sprawled on the ground, his ears ringing. He sat up slowly, his body aching, and looked around in a daze.
"I-It's… I finally did something," he stammered, his voice hoarse. Disbelief mingled with a surge of relief that washed over him like a cool wave. He had faced a monstrous creature, a real-life boss fight, and somehow, he'd emerged victorious.
The Nightmare Goblin was gone. In its place lay a pile of smoldering ash, the faint stench of burnt sulfur clinging to the air like a mocking reminder of the beast. A wisp of smoke curled skyward, carrying with it the final embers of the creature's rage.
Alex pushed himself to his feet, his legs shaky and weak. He glanced back at the Elara Knights, expecting to see awe and admiration etched on their faces. Instead, their expressions were a curious mix of shock, confusion, and... fear?
Captain Amelia was the first to speak, her voice tight. "That's good, young man," she said, her words clipped. "You finished the goblin." But her gaze flickered between Alex and the pile of ash, a crease of unease etched between her brows.
Lyra, ever the pragmatist, remained silent, her hand hovering near her quiver, and her eyes narrowed in a way that sent shivers down Alex's spine. The twin knights, Gareth and Gareth, stood frozen, their identical faces etched with a mixture of awe and apprehension.
The silence stretched, broken only by the crackling of the dying embers at Alex's feet. The victory he'd tasted moments ago began to sour. What was wrong? Hadn't he just saved them? A knot of unease tightened in his stomach. The interface, his only source of comfort in this strange new world, offered no explanation.
He opened his mouth to speak, to ask what was wrong, but the words died on his tongue. Something had shifted. The air crackled with a strange tension, and a cold sweat prickled at Alex's skin. He wasn't sure what he'd done, but one thing was clear: defeating the Nightmare Goblin had just made things a whole lot more complicated.
Alex cleared his throat, trying to project an air of nonchalance despite the tremor in his voice. "Well," he said, a touch too loudly, "glad I was here, or else anything could have happened, right?" He puffed out his chest, attempting to strike a heroic pose. However, the ache in his entire body and the singed leather of his new cuirass served as a stark reminder of the near-death experience he'd just barely survived.
The Elara Knights remained silent, their gazes lingering on the smoldering ash with a mixture of apprehension and something Alex couldn't quite decipher. Captain Amelia finally broke the tense silence, her voice laced with a hint of suspicion.
"Indeed," she said, her eyes locking with Alex's. "Anything could have happened. But tell me, young man, how exactly did you manage that?"
Alex faltered under her scrutiny. The casual act he was trying to pull off was starting to feel flimsy. "Uh, well," he stammered, "a little bit of luck, a good sense of timing, and..." He trailed off, searching for a plausible explanation. Glancing at the translucent interface hovering in front of him, a desperate idea came to mind.
"No, what I mean is..." Captain Amelia cut in, her voice sharp. "How did you get that dagger out of thin air?"
Sweat prickled at Alex's skin. He knew these were real people, not NPCs, and they wouldn't understand anything about systems or inventories.
"It's, uh, a special magic I've learned in... a great desert! Yes, in a great desert!" He lied, hoping it sounded convincing. The Elara Knights, however, didn't appear entirely convinced. Captain Amelia raised an eyebrow, her gaze unwavering.
Alex's heart hammered against his ribs. The lie felt heavy on his tongue, but he couldn't reveal the fantastical truth. Captain Amelia's piercing gaze held his, and he forced a smile that felt more like a grimace.
"A great desert, huh?" Gregor, one of the twin knights, finally spoke. His voice was laced with disbelief. "Those are perilous places, filled with scorching heat, sandstorms, and creatures that wouldn't hesitate to turn a man into a midday snack. How in the world did you even get there, lad?"
The question hung heavy in the air. Alex felt trapped. He couldn't explain how he'd "gotten" to the desert – it wasn't a place he'd physically traveled to. But admitting his strange ability would only heighten their suspicion. He wracks his brain for another explanation.
"Well, you see," he began, his voice barely a whisper, "it wasn't exactly a planned journey. More like... I got lost." He winced internally at the lame excuse.
Lyra, the ever-observant archer, let out a humorless scoff. "Lost in a desert and emerged with a knack for conjuring daggers from thin air? Quite the tale, young man."
Alex felt a bead of sweat roll down his temple. He was digging himself deeper with every word. He glanced at the interface hovering in front of him, but it offered no guidance on how to navigate this social predicament.
Suddenly, Captain Amelia stepped forward, her expression unreadable.
"Enough with the theatrics," she said, her voice firm. "We can discuss the details later. For now, it seems we owe you a debt of gratitude. You saved our lives."
Relief washed over Alex, a wave so powerful it almost knocked him off his feet. He hadn't expected such a concession, especially after his flimsy lie.
"Just doing my part," he managed, forcing a shaky smile.
[Quest Updated: Elera's Savior (Incomplete)]
The quest window flickered before him, the title changing from "Mission Completed" to a more realistic "Incomplete." A flicker of unease replaced a small portion of Alex's relief. He hadn't saved the entire village, just a small patrol. Technically, the quest wasn't wrong.
"We should get back to the village before nightfall," Captain Amelia continued, her gaze sweeping over the smoldering remains of the Nightmare Goblin. "There's much to report, and you, young man, will be a key part of that report."
Her words sent a shiver down Alex's spine. He had a feeling this was just the beginning.
Alex, his body still buzzing with the adrenaline of the fight, nodded to Captain Amelia. Though a prickle of unease ran down his spine at her cryptic words, a sense of accomplishment warmed him. He'd faced a real monster, and he emerged victorious. Glancing at the blank interface, he wished for a hint of what came next, but for now, he focused on the task at hand.
The trek back to Elera was cloaked in an uncomfortable silence. The Elara Knights maintained a wary distance, their eyes flickering between Alex and the smoldering remains of the Nightmare Goblin with a mix of apprehension and grudging respect. Lyra, ever the pragmatist, kept a watchful eye on him, her hand constantly hovering near her quiver.
As dusk began to paint the sky with hues of orange and purple, the silhouette of Elera Village emerged in the distance. A cluster of wooden houses nestled among rolling hills, it exuded a peaceful charm that contrasted starkly with the monstrous encounter they'd just faced.
"There it is," Captain Amelia finally said, her voice low. "Home." But the lack of warmth in her tone betrayed a sense of unease.
As they approached the village gates, a commotion stirred within. Villagers rushed about, faces etched with worry. A young boy, no older than ten, darted towards them, his eyes wide with panic.
"Captain Amelia! You're back! Thank goodness! We thought..." His voice trailed off, his gaze landing on Alex with a mixture of curiosity and fear.
"What is it, Jory?" Captain Amelia kneeled before the boy, her voice calm despite the tension in her eyes. "I have no time, Jory," she said, her voice firm. "For now, we need to go to the guild. We have much to report."
Alex followed Captain Amelia's lead, a knot of curiosity tightening in his stomach. The guild, a building he hadn't noticed before, loomed ahead in the center of the village square. It was a sturdy structure built of rough-hewn timber, with its windows glowing with warm lamplight. Villagers, previously bustling about in panicked disarray, parted like waves before them, their eyes wide with a mix of relief and bewilderment as they acknowledged the returning patrol.
Inside the guild, a scene of controlled chaos unfolded. Maps were spread across tables, littered with markers and parchment scraps. A group of men and women in leather armor, their faces etched with concern, huddled around a central figure—a wizened old man with a long, white beard that flowed down his chest like a waterfall.
Captain Amelia cleared her throat, her voice cutting through the murmur. The room quieted instantly, all eyes turning towards her and Alex.
"We have much to report," she began, her gaze unwavering. "Including the encounter with a Nightmare Goblin outside the village walls."
A collective gasp rippled through the room. Whispers erupted like a sudden wind, faces turning pale with a mixture of fear and disbelief. The wizened old man, whom Alex presumed to be the guild leader, stepped forward, his gaze piercing.
"A Nightmare Goblin, you say? Captain, are you certain?"
"There's no mistaking it, Master Eldrin," Amelia replied, her voice firm. "And this young man," she gestured towards Alex, "was instrumental in its defeat."
All eyes turned to Alex once more, the whispers intensifying. He felt himself shrink under their scrutiny, the weight of their gazes a tangible pressure. He glanced at the interface, hoping for some guidance, but it remained stubbornly blank.
Master Eldrin approached him, a flicker of curiosity sparking in his aged eyes. "Tell me, young man," he said, his voice surprisingly gentle for such a formidable figure. "How did you manage such a feat?"
Alex hesitated, his mind searching for an explanation that wouldn't reveal his fantastical abilities. He looked back at Captain Amelia, silently pleading for some kind of signal. She met his gaze with a hint of understanding, a flicker of something that might have been sympathy.
The air crackled with tension as Alex stammered, his voice barely a whisper. "I, uh..."
Before he could finish, a booming laugh erupted from one of the Elara Knights. Gregor, the larger of the twins, clapped Alex on the back with surprising force, nearly sending him sprawling.
"This kid, he claims he hails from a Great Desert!" Gregor boomed, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Lost and learned desert magic, that's his story, ain't it lad?"
Alex, caught off guard by the sudden attention, sputtered incoherently. He shot a panicked glance at Captain Amelia, hoping for some kind of intervention.
Amelia's face briefly showed a hint of irritation before it quickly changed to amusement. "Gregor," she said curtly, her voice sharp enough to cut through the tension. "Perhaps we should allow the young man to speak for himself."
Gregor, sensing the shift in mood, withdrew his hand with a sheepish grin. "Just having a bit of fun, Captain," he mumbled.
Alex, his heart still pounding from the unexpected assault, cleared his throat. He knew he couldn't keep up the desert lie, not in front of this entire gathering. But revealing his true abilities was out of the question. He needed a new explanation, something believable yet vague enough not to raise further suspicion.
He took a deep breath, trying to project a sense of confidence he didn't quite feel. "There's more to the story than a simple encounter," he began, his voice surprisingly steady. "Things… things that are beyond explanation here and now." He gestured vaguely around the room, hoping the theatrics would add some weight to his words.
Master Eldrin, his gaze never leaving Alex, stroked his long white beard thoughtfully. "Beyond explanation, you say?"
"Indeed," Alex continued, bluffing his way forward. "But rest assured, I mean no harm to Elera. In fact," he added, a spark of defiance lighting his eyes, "I believe I may be the key to solving the recent problems plaguing your village."
"Well… Just curious because we've heard that nightmare goblin is A Rank, just curious, you know?" says Master Eldrin. "If you have a secret, it's okay."
Master Eldrin stroked his long white beard thoughtfully, his gaze unwavering from Alex. "Well, young man," he rumbled, his voice surprisingly gentle for such a formidable figure. "Captain Amelia informs us you were instrumental in defeating this Nightmare Goblin. An impressive feat, considering they're categorized as A-Rank threats." He paused, a flicker of curiosity dancing in his aged eyes. "If you have a secret method, that's perfectly alright. We wouldn't want to pry into matters beyond our understanding."
A wave of relief washed over Alex. Master Eldrin's words were a lifeline, a way out of revealing his true origins. He could play on the idea of a secret technique, something these villagers wouldn't comprehend.
Master Eldrin excused himself with a curt nod. "Wait here for a moment," he instructed the room, his voice firm yet respectful. The murmurs started again, but this time they were laced with a newfound respect for Alex.
Master Eldrin returned quickly, a pouch dangling from his hand. He stopped in front of Alex and extended the pouch. Inside, the glint of bronze coins caught the lamplight.
"A token of our gratitude," Master Eldrin said, his voice gruff but sincere. "Twenty thousand bronzes for your service. And welcome to Elera, stranger. We may not understand your methods, but your actions speak volumes."
Hurray!
A hush fell over the guild as Master Eldrin presented Alex with the pouch. The weight of the moment hung heavy in the air. Then, a single clap erupted from the back of the room. It was Gregor, the larger of the Elara twins, a wide grin plastered on his face.
The sound acted as a spark, igniting the tension in the room. A cheer erupted from one of the women in leather armor, a sound that quickly spread like wildfire. Soon, the entire guild was on its feet, a cacophony of cheers and shouts echoing through the rafters.
Alex, overwhelmed by the sudden display of gratitude, could only stand there, a wide smile breaking across his face. He might not have understood the rules of this new world, but in that moment, amidst the cheers and the warmth in their eyes, he felt a sense of belonging.
***
The night had fully descended upon Elera. The last sliver of orange had bled from the sky, replaced by a vast expanse of twinkling stars. Alex, his body finally unwinding from the day's adrenaline rush, perched himself on a sturdy barrel outside the guild. The once-bustling square was quiet now, save for the occasional murmur from within the building and the rhythmic chirping of crickets.
He clutched the pouch of coins in his hand, the weight a tangible reminder of the day's events. He still couldn't quite believe it. Facing a monster, saving a village. A small smile played on his lips. Maybe this new world wouldn't be so bad after all.
"Well… 20,000 Bronze? Hmmm," he mused, running a thoughtful hand through his hair. "If I remember correctly, this village has rooms for rent around 5k a night... fair enough."
A soft cough startled him from his calculations. He whirled around, hand instinctively darting towards the dagger strapped to his hip, only to relax when he saw Captain Amelia standing behind him. She was clad in her usual leather armor, the moonlight glinting off the polished metal breastplate. A faint smile played on her lips.
"Seems you've made quite the impression, young traveler," she said, her voice laced with amusement.
Alex flushed, shoving his hand back into his pocket. "Just doing what needed to be done, Captain."
Amelia chuckled softly. "Indeed. But that doesn't diminish the feat. Master Eldrin was quite impressed, you know. Not many folks manage to take down an A-Rank threat, especially with such… unconventional methods." Her gaze flicked towards the hilt of his dagger, a knowing glint in her eyes.
Alex felt a bead of sweat roll down his temple. He couldn't tell if she suspected anything, but the way she kept mentioning his tactics made him nervous.
"Speaking of methods," Amelia continued, her tone turning serious. "You mentioned being from the Great Desert, right?"
"Y-Yes," Alex stammered, his mind racing. He couldn't reveal the truth about his origins, but perhaps a slight deflection would work. "It's a harsh land, Captain. One where survival often demands...."
Well thecnically Alex used his character 'Acomalaka' that is level 600 and the highest-level monster are at the great desertm well so he's not 100% lying.
"My parents," she repeated softly, her voice barely a whisper. "They… they perished on an expedition into the Great Desert years ago."
The air hung heavy with unspoken emotions after Captain Amelia's sudden revelation. Alex stared at her, momentarily speechless. The carefree amusement he'd glimpsed earlier was replaced by a flicker of raw pain in her eyes, a vulnerability he hadn't expected.
A knot of sympathy formed in Alex's stomach. He couldn't imagine the pain of losing his parents, especially in such a harsh environment.
"I... I'm so sorry to hear that, Captain," he stammered, his voice sincere.
Amelia offered a wan smile, a hint of the amusement returning to her eyes. "Thank you, young traveler. It was a long time ago." She paused; her gaze fixed on the distant horizon where a few stars twinkled brightly. "But tell me," she continued, her voice regaining its usual strength, "what is the Great Desert truly like? Is it as scary as the rumors say?"
Alex hesitated. The truth about the fantastical creatures and landscapes of the Great Desert in his world wouldn't translate here. He needed to be careful, to choose his words wisely.
"It's a vast and unforgiving land, Captain," he began, choosing his words carefully. "A place of extremes – scorching heat by day, bone-chilling cold by night. Survival is a constant struggle, and resources are scarce." He paused, picturing the vast sand dunes and vibrant oases from his memories, trying to translate them into a believable description for Amelia. "But amidst the harshness, there's also a strange beauty. Sunsets that paint the sky in a thousand colors, oases teeming with life, and a sense of untamed wilderness that both exhilarates and terrifies," Alex says while trying to remember everything that he saw from the game.
Amelia listened intently, her eyes reflecting the distant starlight. "A strange beauty, you say?" she murmured, a hint of longing lacing her voice. "Perhaps one day, when the time is right, I'll see it for myself."
"Anyway," Alex began, scratching the back of his neck sheepishly. "It's already night, I was wondering... perhaps there's a cheap room for rent nearby?"
Captain Amelia's lips quirked into a small smile. "There is the usual inn," she acknowledged. "But considering your contribution to Elera today, I believe more comfortable accommodations are in order."
Alex's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You mean...?"
"You could rest in my house for a day, if you want," Amelia offered, her voice surprisingly gentle. "It's the least we can do after your valiant effort."
A wave of unexpected warmth washed over Alex. The thought of a warm bed and a roof over his head after a long day filled with adrenaline and uncertainty was highly appealing. He hesitated for a moment, unsure how to respond. Accepting a stranger's hospitality, especially someone like Captain Amelia, felt strange, yet undeniably tempting.
"I... that's very kind of you, Captain," he finally stammered, his voice laced with a hint of surprise. "Are you sure? I wouldn't want to impose."
Amelia's smile softened further. "Nonsense," she said, her voice firm yet reassuring. "You've done more than enough for Elera today. Besides, it wouldn't be right to leave a hero to fend for himself in an unfamiliar village, would it?"
There was a playful glint in her eyes that disarmed some of Alex's apprehension. He couldn't deny the subtle pull towards this woman, a mixture of respect for her authority and a spark of something he couldn't quite define.
"Alright, then," he agreed, a hesitant smile gracing his lips. "I wouldn't refuse your offer, Captain."
Amelia chuckled softly. "Excellent," she said, her voice laced with satisfaction. "Let's get you settled in then. My house is just a short walk from here."
She turned and began to lead the way, her steps purposeful yet graceful. Alex followed close behind, his boots crunching softly on the dusty path. The weight of the pouch of coins in his pocket felt insignificant compared to the unexpected turn his night had taken. He was a stranger in a strange land, yet for the first time since arriving, he didn't feel entirely alone. A sliver of hope flickered within him, a hope that perhaps, just perhaps, Elera wouldn't be just a temporary stop but the start of something new, something exciting.
< Chapter 4 > Fin.