[Current Status: Getting Closer to Becoming a True Adventurer]
Location: Goblin Clearing, Silverbrook Outskirts
System Assistance: STILL LOCKED (10 Hours Left)
Mood: Determined but Terrified
---
Yuuto’s grip tightened on his sword.
He had no choice but to fight—again. The world didn’t care about his fears or his inexperience. In fact, it seemed to relish in watching him struggle.
The first goblin had been an accident—a stroke of luck. The second had been a close call, but now, with two more goblins lurking nearby, Yuuto knew he had no time for excuses.
Celia floated beside him, watching with a smirk.
"You gonna get serious now, or what?"
Yuuto shot a gre at her. "How about you stop mocking me and give me some advice?"
Celia fluttered her ethereal hands, brushing away his frustration. "Advice? Oh please, where’s the fun in that? Just swing your sword, idiot!"
Yuuto resisted the urge to yell. Instead, he took a deep breath, stepping into the clearing.
The goblins had scattered for a moment, but two of them had stayed behind, lingering just out of sight.
"Let’s make this quick," Era said. She unsheathed her bde, her eyes sharp as ever. "I’m not babysitting you all day."
Yuuto nodded, more determined than before. "Right."
---
[The Goblin Ambush]
Yuuto stepped forward cautiously, trying to make as little noise as possible. The st thing he needed was to alert the goblins early.
The forest around them was eerily silent, only the occasional rustle of wind in the trees breaking the stillness.
Suddenly, a rustle in the bushes caught Yuuto's attention. His heart skipped a beat. He gripped his sword tighter.
"They're here," Era whispered, her voice calm, but there was a hint of excitement in her eyes.
Yuuto could see the first goblin, a small, rat-like creature with jagged teeth and a wicked grin, creeping out of the foliage. Its eyes locked onto Yuuto, and the goblin’s mouth stretched into an evil grin.
The second goblin appeared from the opposite side. It was slightly bigger, with a crude club in hand. It moved with an unpredictable, jerky gait, making it clear that it wasn’t afraid to fight dirty.
Era took a step back, positioning herself to watch from a distance. She didn’t say a word, but the look in her eyes told Yuuto everything. This was his fight.
Yuuto swallowed hard, trying to ignore the lump in his throat. "I can do this," he whispered to himself, "I have to."
---
[Yuuto’s First Kill]
The smaller goblin lunged first, screeching as it brandished a rusty dagger.
Yuuto’s heart nearly stopped. His body moved before his mind could catch up, and he instinctively raised his sword to block the attack.
The csh of metal was deafening. Yuuto staggered back, the force of the goblin’s attack sending a jolt through his arms.
But he didn’t back down.
His sword was still in his grip. He was still standing.
He swung at the goblin, his movements clumsy but desperate. The goblin tried to dodge, but it was too slow—Yuuto’s sword cut across its side with a sickening thud.
The goblin howled in pain, its grip on the dagger weakening.
"Not today," Yuuto muttered under his breath, "This time, I’m winning."
Before the goblin could react, Yuuto lunged forward, his sword aimed for the creature’s throat. THWACK!
The bde pierced the goblin’s flesh, and the creature let out a final, gurgled cry before slumping to the ground.
Yuuto stood frozen, staring at the dead goblin. The rush of victory mixed with a wave of nausea.
"I did it…"
---
[Era’s Approval]
Era’s voice broke the silence. "Well done." Her tone was cool, but there was no mistaking the genuine approval in her eyes. "You’ve got the basics down. But don’t get cocky—there’s still the other one."
Yuuto turned, his heart still pounding, his hands trembling slightly. The second goblin was watching him from the side, its yellow eyes burning with fury.
The goblin raised its club. Its guttural growl filled the air as it charged.
This time, Yuuto was ready. "Let’s finish this!"
---
[The Final Showdown]
The goblin charged with unnatural speed, swinging its club in a wide arc aimed straight for Yuuto’s head. Yuuto barely had time to react.
"Shit!"
He ducked just in time, feeling the rush of air as the club missed by mere inches.
Without thinking, Yuuto countered, sshing horizontally at the goblin’s legs. His bde cut deep, and the goblin screamed, its knee buckling as it staggered back.
"Now!" Era shouted.
Yuuto, hearing her command, pushed forward with every ounce of energy he had left. He drove his sword into the goblin’s chest.
The goblin gurgled, its eyes wide with surprise and rage, before it colpsed, lifeless.
Yuuto stood there, panting heavily, his sword dripping with goblin blood.
He had done it.
---
[System Notice]
You have killed a Goblin!
You have leveled up!
10 Exp
You have completed your first quest!
---
Yuuto blinked at the System Notice. "I actually did it. I killed two goblins. I’m not completely useless."
Celia floated beside him, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, wow. Two whole goblins. Maybe you’re not the worst adventurer after all."
Yuuto rolled his eyes. "Thanks for the encouragement, Celia."
But inside, he felt a sense of accomplishment. For the first time, he wasn’t just some guy lost in a game world. He was a fighter.
Era approached, wiping the blood from her sword. "Not bad. You might actually survive this job."
Yuuto gave a nervous grin. "I hope so."
---
[Celia’s Surprise]
As the three of them began to head back to Silverbrook, Celia suddenly looked at Yuuto with an expression that was—almost—genuine.
"You’re not completely useless, huh?"
Yuuto raised an eyebrow. "Wait, did you just compliment me?"
Celia scoffed. "Don’t get too excited. It’s still just a goblin kill."
Yuuto couldn’t help but ugh. "I’ll take it."
---
[End of Chapter 6]
