Chapter 10: Carnage
Leon Grant stood on the creaking wooden bedframe, the precarious structure now teetering after the brutal skirmish it had endured. With a sharp pull, he yanked his firefighter's axe free from the goblin's skull below, its lifeless body finally succumbing to death.
Suddenly, a faint light emerged from the goblin's corpse, darting toward Leon. Before he could react, the glowing wisp entered his body.
What was that?! Leon froze for a moment, scanning himself. No immediate changes or pain. He decided to shelve the question for later—if he survived, he'd investigate.
Reaching for his rucksack, he stuffed food supplies and tools into it. Thankfully, no blood had seeped into the pack during the battle. Slinging it over his shoulder, he hurried to the next room, placing the bag down in a safer corner. The other four goblins needed to be dealt with—fast.
Returning to the slain goblin's body, Leon picked up one of their crude stone-tipped spears. He used his combat knife to cut off the bindings holding the stone tip in place. Tossing the dull stone away, he strapped the knife securely onto the wooden shaft.
Longer weapons mean better reach.
The makeshift spear was an upgrade—a razor-sharp knife at its end instead of a blunt rock. Its slight curve gave it an edge for piercing and slashing. With the spear finished, Leon stationed himself near the window. Peeking through, he observed two groups of goblins scouring the nearby buildings.
He crouched down and worked swiftly, tightening the rope that secured the knife to the pole. The new spear was sturdy enough, and its edge gleamed ominously in the dim light.
Weapons ready, Leon descended the stairs as quietly as possible. He had tracked one of the goblin groups into a nearby building. Entering cautiously, he spotted movement—two goblins were already coming downstairs, their chatter echoing in the narrow stairwell.
Leon couldn't make it up the stairs in time, so he crouched in the dark recess of the first floor, hidden in the shadows under the staircase.
The goblins ambled downward, each holding various items looted from the upper floors. Leon took a deep breath, letting the first goblin pass.
Always take out the rear first.
When the second goblin reached the bottom of the stairs, Leon launched himself upward. In one swift movement, he lunged forward with his spear, driving it deep into the goblin's chest.
"Gahhkk!"
Blood poured from the wound as the goblin gurgled in agony, clutching at the spear.
The first goblin whirled around at the sound, eyes wide with terror as it saw its companion skewered. Before it could react, Leon kicked the dying goblin off the spear, yanking the weapon free in one fluid motion.
The remaining goblin shrieked, dropping its loot and even its weapon in panic.
Perfect opportunity.
Leon bolted forward, closing the distance in two strides. The goblin tried to flee, but Leon's spear pierced through its back, emerging from its chest. Blood sprayed as the goblin staggered and fell to its knees.
It turned its head weakly, staring at Leon with terrified, glassy eyes as blood dripped from its mouth. Leon, cold and calculated, pulled the spear free and turned to face the commotion.
The other two goblins had heard the fight and now emerged from the building opposite him. Their crude stone-tipped spears were raised, and they barked guttural threats.
Leon planted his feet, gripping the spear tightly in both hands. His body tensed as he dropped into a combat stance.
No time to waste. Letting them surround me is a death sentence.
The goblins began circling him, looking for an opening. Leon knew better than to wait. He roared, startling the goblins momentarily, and charged the one directly in front of him.
The goblin snarled and lunged forward, but it was too short—barely reaching his chest. Leon's spear struck first, knocking the goblin's weapon aside with a sharp twist.
"Thwack!"
The spear stabbed into the goblin's shoulder, sending it howling in pain.
Before Leon could withdraw the weapon, the goblin clamped its clawed hands around the spear, preventing him from pulling it out.
The goblin's cries alerted its companion, who prepared to flank Leon.
Leon had no time to wrestle for the spear. With a frustrated grunt, he let go of it and reached for the firefighter's axe at his hip.
The goblin froze, eyes wide as Leon raised the axe high.
Too late.
"CRACK!"
The axe cleaved through the goblin's neck with brutal efficiency, nearly decapitating it. Blood gushed as its body collapsed, lifeless.
As before, a faint glowing wisp emerged from the fallen goblin and shot into Leon's chest. He winced but had no time to process the sensation.
The last goblin, witnessing the slaughter, dropped its weapon and bolted.
No survivors.
Leon retrieved his spear from the corpse, giving chase. The goblin was fast, its stubby legs pumping furiously. But Leon was faster.
Closing the gap, he hurled his spear with all his might.
"Thud!"
The weapon struck true, impaling the goblin's leg. It screamed, tumbling to the ground.
Leon caught up moments later, pulling the axe from his belt once more.
"Please no!"
The goblin shrieked in its guttural tongue, dragging itself backward, but Leon was merciless.
"This is survival."
The axe fell, silencing the creature forever.
Breathing heavily, Leon stood over the corpse. Another faint wisp of light emerged, entering his body.
What is that energy?
The answer would have to wait. For now, Leon scanned the horizon, searching for signs of more goblins—or worse.
If any reinforcements came, he needed to be ready.