Lanek and Kazuma searched the streets nearest the gate, both cautious about going too deep into the city. Lanek figured that the stronger monsters and sheer quantity of creatures would go up the closer they got to the center of the city and the opening to the original Ashen Depths. Not to mention that both companions felt better sticking closer to the gate in case they needed to flee.

  As they walked, Lanek hefted club he had found and used [Identify].

  Huh, is that what it’s called? I just thought it was a club or cudgel. At least this weapon isn’t cursed.

  Whenever they would pass an open building, Lanek would make a quick search of the structure. He ended up leaving the contents alone as the buildings mostly contained skeletal bodies, clothing that wouldn’t fit him or that was in rough shape, or bedding that he no longer needed.

  Despite the advances made by this city, it didn’t appear that the people of Caelis had access to many books. Either that or the books were too valuable to leave behind and were among the things the evacuees took with them. This could be a problem, the only books I’ve seen so far are at the guild and I’m not going back there today.

  The pair wandered for an hour and Lanek was starting to wonder if the city was just not that densely infested when Kazuma alerted on something to the south. Trusting his companion implicitly, Lanek ducked into the closest alley and kept an eye on the cat. After a moment, Kazuma shifted into his mist form and floated to roof of a building across the street from Lanek.

  When Lanek made to follow, he felt a strong pulse of caution and alarm from the cat. The message was clear: stay. Crouching back into the alley and into the shadows, he waited.

  He didn’t have to test his patience for very long before he heard several pairs of footsteps slapping on the cobblestone streets and the sounds of guttural speech. At least, Lanek assumed it was speech, though he couldn’t understand a word of it.

  Rounding a corner and striding into view were a trio of gray-skinned goblins. They seemed slightly larger than the forest goblin he had encountered before but not as well-equipped. These goblins had simple spears with stone heads and clubs. Lanek used [Identify] on the creatures.

  The ash goblins continued down the street, completely oblivious to the intruders. Lanek kept his eyes glued to Kazuma and waited for the cat to make a move. Once the enemies stepped into the street between Kazuma’s perch and Lanek’s alley, the cat yowled loudly.

  The sudden noise from above caused all three creatures to spin toward the mist cat and raise their spears. Not wanting to waste the element of surprise, Lanek burst from cover and closed with the nearest goblin. The goblin heard him coming and had already begun to turn when the kanabo crashed into the side of its head with sickening crunch. The corpse crashed to the ground, alerting the other two ash goblins.

  In a surprising act of coordination, only one of the goblins turned to face Lanek. The other goblin would not take its eyes off of Kazuma, following the cat as it jumped to street level and circled the monster.

  Turning quickly, Lanek barely managed to deflect a spear thrust from his opponent with his left arm that was wrapped in Sanguineus’ chain. Now that Lanek was facing a goblin that was fully aware of him, he found them to be far better fighters than he expected. His foe was patient, stabbing quickly, and stepping back before Lanek could get within striking distance. Despite the System’s description, the ash goblin was clearly intelligent enough to use his weapon’s superior reach to keep Lanek away.

  From the screaming and noise coming from the other goblin, Kazuma clearly had everything under control. Lanek could see the ash goblin begin to grin as it realized that it had the upper hand. It began to pressure Lanek, thrusts coming at him rapidly. He could feel cuts and gashes adding up along his arms and legs from the onslaught, only barely able to use the kanabo and chain to avoid a mortal blow.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  Every new gash and lost drop of blood seemed to energize the monster, causing it to pick up its pace. Every blocked strike would trigger a feeling of discontent on his left arm, growing until he could feel Sanguineus’ rage at being used as a mere shield. Distracted by Sanguineus, Lanek failed to block in time to stop a sweeping strike from the spear completely, causing the haft to slam into the side of his head.

  Lanek staggered back in a daze with his vision blurry. The goblin laughed gleefully and pulled the spear back for a final thrust. So focused on his imminent demise, neither Lanek nor the goblin noticed the chain unwrap itself from the human’s arm. Before Lanek could comprehend what was happening, his left hand flicked out, launching the chain toward the goblin. The monster only had a moment to look stunned before falling to the ground, Sanguineus’ blade driven into its throat and already draining the corpse.

  Falling into a seated position in the middle of the street, Lanek regarded the whip. Gone was his confusion, replaced with a feeling of dread. I didn’t do that. I COULDN’T do that. Can this thing control me?

  He was pulled from his reverie by a concerned nuzzle from Kazuma. Lanek looked past the cat and saw the corpse of the final ash goblin covered in wounds with its throat ripped out.

  “Good job, you’ve got a bit of red on you, though.” Kazuma shifted into his mist form while the goblin’s blood remained in liquid form, falling through the mist and onto the street. Kazuma reformed while giving off a feeling of supreme smugness. “Show off.”

  The cat started to chuff, then cut himself off to rush to Lanek’s side and support him when he nearly collapsed attempting to get up. Kazuma pushed Lanek toward a nearby building to rest and hide. Not able to remove the whip while it was feeding, Lanek simply left it in the street.

  There’s an answer to one of my questions about this world. Leveling up does NOT heal me. A bit much to hope for, but oh well.

  While he rested, Lanek saw a notification waiting for his attention.

  That’s nice and all, but how did I get that? My body moved on its own.

  He heard a quiet chuff from Kazuma trying to get his attention. Lanek followed the cat’s gaze and saw that the three bodies were gone, leaving behind some items. He foolishly surged to his feet at the thought of monsters spawning loot and promptly began swaying as his injuries caught up with his excitement. Kazuma looked at him in disapproval before walking over to the items.

  Lanek ignored the clubs and spears the monsters had left behind, focused on the other treasures before him. Kneeling down, Lanek found a handful of coins and two small vials filled with colorful liquid. Shrugging, Lanek pocketed the coins. Maybe they’ll be useful someday.

  Turning to the vials, he utilized [Identify].

  After a quick glance at his HP, Lanek downed both vials, bringing his HP from 55 to 75. Damn, that goblin took two-thirds of my health. I really need to learn how to fight better. A basic damn goblin, a TRASH mob in most RPGs nearly put me down!

  He regarded the weapons left behind by the goblins and found himself wondering if the coins and potions were actually in the goblins’ possession or if they had simply spawned on the creatures’ death. Lanek sighed in exasperation. Would there be no end to these questions?

  He turned to the chain whip and considered leaving it in the street. However, he tossed that idea aside as the whip seemed to be the only weapon he had a proficiency in and it had saved his life. Lanek was still wary of the thing, though, and so was Kazuma if his growling at it was any indication.

  Sanguineus pulsed at him. He could feel it calling to him. He felt its exultation at the kill and its dissatisfaction with how it had been used thus far. The pulses became more overwhelming, almost hypnotic in nature. Lanek could feel [Etheric Presence] alerting him to something, but it could provide him with nothing concrete. No visual cues, links, or presences. Nothing.

  Lanek gripped Sanguineus and found that all his fears were validated. The world around Lanek went red, his body froze, and all he could hear was a dreadful voice full of malice uttering a single damning word.

  MINE.