The moment the first goblin fell, the entire clearing erupted into chaos. The remaining goblins screeched loudly, their sharp voices echoing through the trees. The creature closest to Alex lunged forward, swinging a crude dagger wildly.
Alex stepped back quickly, raising his own blade. The goblin's attack was clumsy. Too slow. Alex sidestepped and slashed across the creature's arm. The blade cut through its rough skin, and the goblin shrieked in pain.
Before it could recover, Alex drove the dagger forward into its chest. The goblin collapsed instantly.
Enemy Defeated
EXP Gained
"Two down," Alex muttered.
But the other three were already charging toward him. One carried a wooden spear and jabbed it forward with surprising speed.
Alex barely managed to dodge. The spear scraped across his leather armor, leaving a shallow mark.
"Okay… that was close."
The goblins were weaker than the wolves he had fought before, but they were more aggressive. And more reckless. Another goblin jumped at him from the side, trying to tackle him. Alex reacted quickly, kicking the creature away before it could grab him.
The goblin tumbled across the ground but quickly scrambled back to its feet.
Alex activated Analyze again.
Goblin Warrior — Level 3
Threat: Moderate
Goblin Scout — Level 3
Threat: Moderate
Goblin — Level 2
Threat: Low
Three enemies left in the clearing. But something bothered Alex. The system quest required eight goblins. He had only seen five so far.
"Which means…"
Before he could finish the thought— A loud rustling sound came from the trees behind him. Alex spun around just in time to see two more goblins rushing out of the forest.
One carried a rusty sword. The other held a crude bow.
"…great," Alex sighed.
The archer goblin immediately pulled an arrow from its quiver. Alex reacted instantly.
He rushed forward before the goblin could aim properly. The arrow flew past him and struck a tree trunk instead.
Alex reached the archer in seconds. One clean strike with his dagger ended the threat.
Enemy Defeated
But the swordsman goblin attacked immediately. The rusty blade swung toward Alex's head. Alex ducked and rolled forward, narrowly avoiding the strike.
When he stood again, the other goblins had surrounded him.
Five enemies remained.
Alex exhaled slowly.
"Alright… new plan."
Instead of attacking wildly, he stepped backward toward the overturned merchant cart. That forced the goblins to approach from only one direction. Now they couldn't surround him. The first goblin rushed forward.
Alex slashed quickly. The creature fell.
Enemy Defeated
Another goblin leapt toward him with a spear.
Alex grabbed the shaft and twisted it sideways. The goblin lost its balance.
One quick stab ended the fight.
Enemy Defeated
Three left.
The remaining goblins hesitated now. Their confidence was gone. They had expected an easy fight. Instead, their group was being cut down one by one. The goblin scout suddenly shrieked loudly. A warning call. Alex's eyes widened slightly.
"That can't be good."
From deeper in the forest… Something answered the call. A louder roar echoed through the trees. The system screen appeared instantly.
Warning
Stronger Enemy Approaching
Scanning…
Alex tightened his grip on the dagger. The three remaining goblins grinned wickedly now. Their fear had vanished. Because help was coming.
The system finished its scan.
Goblin Brute — Level 6
Threat: High
Alex stared at the new notification.
"…You've got to be kidding me."
The trees ahead shook as something large pushed its way through the forest. Moments later, a massive goblin stepped into the clearing. This creature was nearly twice the size of the others. Its muscles were thick, its skin darker, and in its hand it carried a heavy iron club. The Goblin Brute glared at Alex with burning red eyes. The smaller goblins shrieked excitedly behind it. Alex slowly raised his dagger.
"Well…"
He took a deep breath.
"…this just got a lot harder."