The Silver Curse – Volume 1, Chapter 3: A Test of Strength
The Path to the Goblin Nest
The morning sun barely peeked over the horizon as Yuto adjusted the strap of his sword and stepped onto the dirt road leading out of Valkris. The parchment in his hand detailed the location of a goblin nest about an hour's walk from the town—a simple extermination quest, but a necessary step to solidify his status as an adventurer.
The chill of the morning air helped sharpen his focus. He was still adjusting to the idea that he had been transported to another world, but there was no time to dwell on the past. This world demanded strength, and he needed to prove he had it.
He had barely left the town gates when a familiar voice called out behind him.
"You really are going alone."
Yuto turned to see Mira leaning casually against a wooden fence, arms crossed. Her sword rested at her side, and the smirk on her lips showed equal parts amusement and intrigue.
"I told you I could handle it," Yuto said simply.
Mira pushed off the fence and walked toward him. "Most rookies would at least try to form a party, even if they're confident. You're either very strong or very stupid."
Yuto sighed. "And which do you think I am?"
She chuckled. "Guess I'll have to wait and see."
A Predator in the Shadows
The goblin nest wasn't far, tucked between thick undergrowth and twisted trees. The air smelled of damp earth and rot, a clear sign that the creatures had been there for a while. Yuto crouched low behind a fallen log, scanning the area.
Three goblins lingered outside the entrance—short, green-skinned creatures with jagged knives and hollow, beady eyes. They chattered amongst themselves in an unintelligible language, oblivious to the silent predator watching them from the trees.
Yuto exhaled slowly, steadying his grip on his sword. His body tensed, his instincts sharper than he remembered from his past life. Something about this world made him feel… different.
Stronger.
The rings on his fingers pulsed faintly as he moved.
With a swift motion, he launched forward.
First Blood
Before the goblins could react, Yuto's blade cut through the air. His sword struck the first goblin's throat, severing it in a single, clean stroke. The creature gurgled, dropping its weapon as its body collapsed.
The other two goblins shrieked in alarm, one lunging toward him while the other stumbled back. Yuto sidestepped the attack with ease, his body moving on instinct. His blade came up again, slicing into the goblin's side. It let out a choked scream before collapsing onto the dirt.
The last goblin turned to flee, but Yuto was faster. He drove his sword forward, piercing its back. The creature convulsed, then stilled.
Silence returned to the forest.
Yuto pulled his blade free and exhaled. The fight had ended almost too quickly. He glanced down at his hands—no trembling, no hesitation. The rings glowed faintly before dimming once more.
Was it the rings? Or was this just who he had always been?
He had no time to dwell on it. If there were goblins outside, there would be more inside.
Inside the Nest
The tunnel leading into the goblin den was cramped and dark, the air thick with an earthy, rancid scent. Yuto moved cautiously, his ears straining for any sign of movement.
Then he heard it—low snarls, guttural chattering.
Rounding a corner, he saw them. Five goblins huddled around a crude firepit, their backs turned to him.
Perfect.
Yuto stepped forward, silent as a shadow, and swung.
End of Chapter 3