["I am going to qualify no what!" said with a huge motivation, but right now he was clinging to a tree like some desperate monkey.] The systems voice would not shut up.
"Just what is your problem!?" Lucas shouted, sitting higher in the tree glaring down at the mana beasts prowling the forest floor. Clearly He had enough of the systems chatter.
[Nothing… just wanted to say you're a scaredy-cat and can't exactly be called a 'man.']
"That's crossing the line!" Lucas yelled. After a deep breath he muttered under his breath calming down.
"But… you can't really blame me, can you? You saw those creatures too, right? Their stats are way above mine, they're casting spells like it's nothing, and- oh yeah! one of them literally just threw a fireball while I don't even know a single basic spell!"
[IDK. Don't ask me.]
"Yoouuuu!" Lucas groaned, running a hand through his hair.
"I guess… I can't really blame you after all. Fine. It's my fault for being weak. No… wait… maybe it's the fault of this body's actual owner!"
[Since it's yours now, you have to train it. Make yourself strong. Why blame others when this vessel is your responsibility?]
Lucas rolled his eyes hard he was afraid they would get stuck. "Sometimes I swear… you're not a system guide or a helper. You're just… a sarcastic burden!"
[Thank you.]
"That was not a compliment!"
Lucas sighed, looking down at the forest floor. Clinging to a tree like some squirrel is not going to help him survive the next five days. He needs food, water and some way to avoid getting destroyed by mana beasts. Descending is dangerous. Necessary.
Slowly Lucas let himself slide down the trunk landing lightly on the forest floor. Everywhere He looked trees stretched in all directions. He had gone into the academy forest far from the gates.
"Gods… I'm starving," Lucas said, holding his stomach. "It's been seven hours since the test started, and I haven't eaten a thing. If I don't find food soon… I'm not surviving this."
Then in the distance his eyes caught a glint of red and purple. Berries. Bright, plump, begging to be eaten.
Lucas's deadpan expression instantly lit up. A grin spread across his face from ear to ear. "FOOD!" Lucas yelled, breaking into a run.
Just as Lucas neared the berry bush, he froze. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted movement.
A goblin, crouched behind the bushes shoveling berries into its mouth. Watching the view Lucas's fists clenched in rage.
"The… Fuck!?" he hissed, ducking behind a tree. "That rotten beast! He's going to eat everything, and I'll be left with nothing while I starve to death!"
[So… what now? Battle it for food?]
Lucas rubbed his hands together contemplating. Sighing he shook his head. "Nah… I'll probably find more on my way."
Then suddenly Lucas felt an invisible hand clamp around his body. he froze, eyes "Huh? What!?"
[Task: Kill the Goblin (E rank) 0/1]
[Penalty: Immediate Death if not completed]
"Are you joking?" Lucas yelled as he now has no choice. He has to fight the goblin or die.
He gritted his teeth as he spotted a stone nearby. Lifting it with both hands he inched slowly toward the goblin crouching low behind the bushes. 'Okay… okay… slowly… I got this,' he muttered under his breath focusing every ounce of courage.
Fate as always seemed to have other plans as his foot snapped a stick with a loud crack. "Shit!" he hissed, eyes widening.
The goblin whipped around instantly green eyes glinting claws raised. The goblin hissed, skidding back to create distance teeth bared in a snarl.
Lucas froze, the stone slipping from his trembling hands. He raised his hands helplessly.
"Hey there… sorry dude, I didn't mean to interrupt your snack… It's just—uh… hey, wait, why am I even talking to him?"
[Because you are an idiot.]
Lucas groaned. Perfect. Just perfect.
Before He could plan anything further the goblin dashed toward him with speed claws slicing through the air. Lucas barely had time to react. His eyes widened as the creature closed the distance in a heartbeat. He swung his arm to dodge. It was not enough. A sharp claw raked across his forearm blood spurting instantly.
"Aarrgh!" pain shot through Lucas making him stumble backward.
The goblin sniffed the blood on its claws. Smirked, its eyes glinting with sadistic delight. Lucas's chest tightened with terror as adrenaline surged. He turned to run. The creature was impossibly fast materializing in front of him like a shadow.
Summoning the shred of courage Lucas swung his fist. "Take thi—"
The goblins claws were faster. Another slash tore across Lucas's chest. Pain exploded through his body as he collapsed, shaking violently.
"Aaaarrgghh! Stop! Please, stop! I beg you! It hurts, it really hurts!" He crawled backward, tears stinging his eyes as blood dripped from both his arm and chest. "Please… anyone! Someone help me! Please!"
'No… this… this can't be it… I don't want to die… not like this…'
The goblin crouched over him smirking, claws raised for the strike. Lucas's eyes flicked downward noticing the creatures foot inches from his face a small opening, his only chance.
With a roar of desperation Lucas kicked the goblins leg hard as he could. The creature toppled forward landing on top of him. Pain shot through Lucas as their heads collided. He used the momentum. Blood trickled from the goblins head and the creature groaned in confusion.
Lucas ignored his throbbing skull. This was his only chance. Clambering on top of the goblin Lucas unleashed a flurry of fists. "There! There! Take this!" His hands cut through the air striking again and again. Pain lanced through Lucas's knuckles as they began to bleed. But he did not stop. The goblins resistance faltered it was barely conscious.
Spotting a stone nearby Lucas wasted no time. He lifted it with shaking arms. Hurled it with every ounce of strength he had left. The stone smashed into the goblin's skull with a crack and the creature went still.
Lucas collapsed onto the ground chest heaving. Blood coated his arms and clothes pain burning through him like fire. "I guess… this is it for me…" he whispered, closing his eyes unable to hold himself up longer.
_______________________
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
_______________________
[Congratulations Lucas has successfully defeated the goblin.]
[+5 Experience → 5/40 for Level 2]
[Stats Increased]
[Mana: 10 → 15]
[Strength: 4 → 5]
[Agility: 3 → 5]
[Defense: 5 → 6]
[Stamina: 7 → 9]
[Reward Acquired: Whisperfang]
Type: Weapon – Dagger
Rarity: Uncommon
[Player Health Regeneration, in progress…]
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