The kobold scout's howl was a sharp, piercing sound that echoed through the forest. Isaac's eyes narrowed as he realized the consequences of the alert. A patrol, or worse, a larger force, could already be on their way. He had no time to waste.
The scout, still unaware of how outclassed it was, crouched low, baring its fangs in a threatening snarl. Isaac, however, was done playing games. With a sudden burst of speed, he closed the distance between them, flames flaring around his fists.
The kobold barely had time to react before Isaac struck. His first punch ignited the creature's torso, and before it could howl again, a fiery uppercut ended its life. The scout crumpled to the ground, its body smoldering.
---
[Kobold Defeated Acquired: 5 SP]
[Status Panel]
Health (HP): 230/250
Mana (MP): 80/150
---
Isaac wiped his hands, his gaze darting toward the surrounding trees. He couldn't linger. Moving swiftly, he climbed the nearest sturdy oak, his movements quiet and deliberate. From his perch, he scanned the forest floor, his sharp eyes tracking the faint glow of approaching footsteps.
A group of kobolds emerged from the underbrush, their numbers greater than Isaac had anticipated. Six in total, they moved with an unsettling cohesion, forming a protective semicircle around a taller figure in the center—their leader.
The kobold chief was larger than the others, its scarred hide a dark shade of brown. It carried a crude, yet imposing spear tipped with jagged iron. There was a feral intelligence in its glowing yellow eyes, and its presence seemed to embolden the lesser kobolds, their postures more aggressive, their movements more coordinated.
Isaac's gut tightened when suddenly his System screen suddenly shows up.
---
[Enemy Analysis]
[Kobold Chief – Level 10]
Abilities: Alpha Command (Enhances morale of allies, imposes fear on weaker opponents)
Health (HP): 500/500
Mana (MP): 200/200
---
Isaac exhaled slowly 'Why didn't you tell me you could scan enemies to'
[Host Never Asked]
Isaac sigh maybe he should ask the system more about its feature.
After analyzing, the Chief was bigger than the rest of the cohort. The chief was significantly stronger than its underlings, and its Alpha Command ability could complicate things. But the cohort's strength was also its weakness—they relied too heavily on their leader.
Isaac adjusted his position on the tree branch, his eyes narrowing as he tracked the group's movements. The kobolds sniffed the air and examined the scout's remains, growling in agitation. The chief barked an order in its guttural language, and the cohort fanned out in search of their attacker.
Isaac waited until one of the kobolds strayed too far from the group, its crude spear dragging through the underbrush as it sniffed at the ground.
He leaped silently from the tree, landing behind the creature with practiced ease. Before it could turn, Isaac struck, his iron brass knuckles igniting on impact.
The kobold crumpled with a muffled yelp, its core shimmering faintly in its chest. Isaac grabbed the core, pocketing it quickly before retreating back into the shadows.
---
[Kobold Defeated Acquired: 5 SP]
---
The remaining kobolds began to grow uneasy, their movements erratic. Another strayed too far in its nervous search, and Isaac struck again, using the same methodical precision. This time, he grabbed the kobold from behind, his flames flaring briefly to silence its struggles.
---
[Kobold Defeated Acquired: 5 SP]
---
By the time the cohort noticed their dwindling numbers, only four remained, including the chief.
The chief's growl rumbled through the clearing, its sharp eyes scanning the trees. Its grip on its spear tightened as it barked another order, its Alpha Command ability activating.
---
[System Alert: Alpha Command Detected – Minor Fear Resistance From Gevurah's Purging Flame Activated]
---
Isaac felt a faint chill, a prickle of unease at the edges of his mind, but he shook it off. His skill provided enough mental resistance to counter the fear, though he knew the same wouldn't apply to other cadets in his position.
The remaining kobolds rallied, forming a tighter formation around their leader. They moved cautiously now, their weapons raised, their eyes darting nervously through the shadows.
Isaac circled them, his movements silent and deliberate as he waited for an opening. When one kobold lagged slightly behind the group, he struck.
Dropping from a low-hanging branch, he delivered a powerful punch to the kobold's back, the flames from his brass knuckles searing through its hide. The creature fell with a strangled cry, and Isaac disappeared into the underbrush before the others could react.
---
[Kobold Defeated Acquired: 5 SP]
---
The remaining three kobolds were visibly shaken now, their growls tinged with panic. Even the chief seemed unsettled, its eyes narrowing as it barked frantic orders.
Isaac smirked. The once-coordinated group was falling apart.
Isaac decided to take a more direct approach. Igniting his fists, he emerged from the shadows, his fiery brass knuckles casting an eerie glow in the dim forest.
The kobolds froze for a moment, their instincts battling against their fear of the chief. The largest of the three lunged at Isaac, its crude axe aimed for his torso.
Isaac sidestepped the attack with ease, countering with a flaming uppercut that sent the kobold flying backward.
---
[Status Panel]
Health (HP): 220/250
Mana (MP): 60/150
---
The second kobold hesitated, its spear trembling in its grip. Isaac took advantage of its hesitation, closing the distance with a quick dash. His fist connected with its chest, the flames burning through its armor as it collapsed.
---
[Kobold Defeated Acquired: 5 SP]
---
The final kobold, emboldened by the chief's bark, swung its club wildly. Isaac ducked under the swing, countering with a rapid series of punches that left the creature crumpled at his feet.
---
[Kobold Defeated Acquired: 5 SP]
---
Now it was just Isaac and the kobold chief. The leader snarled, its yellow eyes blazing with fury as it gripped its spear tightly.
Isaac didn't move, his stance calm and steady as he assessed the creature. He could feel the exhaustion creeping into his limbs, his mana reserves dwindling from the repeated use of his flames.
---
[Status Panel]
Health (HP): 210/250
Mana (MP): 40/150
---
The chief let out a guttural roar, charging at Isaac with surprising speed. Its spear thrust forward in a powerful strike, aimed directly for his chest.
Isaac sidestepped at the last moment, the spear grazing his side. He winced as pain shot through him, but he didn't let it slow him down.
---
[Status Panel]
Health (HP): 190/250
---
He countered with a fiery punch to the chief's side, but the creature's thick hide absorbed much of the impact. The chief snarled, swinging its spear in a wide arc. Isaac ducked under the swing, using the momentum to land a powerful kick to the creature's knee.
The kobold staggered, its balance faltering. Isaac seized the opportunity, delivering a flaming uppercut that sent the creature reeling.
Before it could recover, he leaped forward, his fists igniting in a final burst of energy as he struck the chief square in the chest.
The kobold chief roared one last time before collapsing, its body smoldering.
---
[Kobold Chief Defeated Acquired: 50 SP]
[You have Level Up 2x]
Based stats doubled
SP rewarded: 300
[Increase Synchronization With 'Isaac The Flame Warden' To 20%]
---
Isaac stood over the fallen leader, his breathing heavy as he wiped the sweat from his brow. The clearing was silent once more, the bodies of the kobolds scattered around him.
He crouched down, harvesting the chief's core—a larger, more vibrant gem that pulsed faintly in his hand.
---
[Kobold Core 5x & Kobold Chief Core acquired]
---
Isaac put the core in the inventory, counting the total points he got 75 points from the kobold but the points for chief core is unknown, maybe when the test is finished he could ask the instructor.
After counting, Isaac eyes scanning the forest for any sign of movement but there was none. Isaac didn't notice from that it was already night, tired Isaac found a large tree and found balance in one of the branches
"What a tiring, well at least I level up" Isaac then open his Status Panel
---
[Status Panel]
Name: Isaac
Level: 8
Health (HP): 300/300
Mana (MP): 170/170
System Points (SP): 590
[Skills]
Gevurah's Purging Flame (Rare)
Description: Channel flames to enhance physical attacks and deliver explosive strikes. Grants minor resistance to fear and chaos.
Buff: Infernal Discipline: Boosts focus during combat.
Tiferet's Radiant Mantle (Epic)
Description: Cloak yourself in golden light to heal minor wounds and shield against mental or physical attacks. The light can also dazzle and disorient enemies within a short range.
[Synchronization Progress]
Isaac the Flame Warden: 20%
Isaac the Dawnbringer: 20%
[Equipment]
Iron Brass Knuckles (Basic): Lightweight and durable, ideal for close combat. Durability: 5/50.
-----
Seeing the cracks and wear on his iron brass knuckles, Isaac knew they wouldn't last much longer. He considered buying a replacement but dismissed the thought for now. The exhaustion from the day's relentless combat weighed heavily on him, and his body craved rest more than anything else.
"I'll handle it tomorrow," Isaac muttered, tossing his battered weapon aside.
Collapsing onto his makeshift bedding, he let out a slow breath. His muscles ached, and his mind replayed the battles in vivid detail.
"What a tiring day," he thought, his eyelids growing heavy. Despite the fatigue, a flicker of anticipation stirred within him.
This week held promise—a chance to grow stronger, to rise above the challenges. And with that thought, Isaac allowed sleep to claim him, eager for what lay ahead.
In one of the tree a tiny bird was watching Isaac Silently.
----
A/N: If you like my book so far, please leave a review or comments and if can leave a powerstone for motivation ;)