Chapter 6: The Beastial Forest

Chapter 6: The Beastial Forest

Upon arrival, our initial task involved promptly establishing a camp. Anticipating a stay of one to two weeks, we had already procured essential supplies during our city visit.

Once the camp was set up, we wasted no time and embarked on our hunting expedition. While the remaining knights assumed the duty of guarding the camp against potential thieves. As for the four knights accompanying us, they formed a protective circle. Though positioned at a distance, their vigilant gaze remained alert for any imminent threats, ensuring they didn't disrupt our hunting endeavors.

For your information, the pair of knights encircling us exhibited above-average ranks, while the younger and leaner one, Kevin, held the rank of Master. Similarly, the knight accompanying me also possessed Master-level ranks.

Walking alongside Valentina, Mary trailed behind me, and Christine followed in Valentina's wake.

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After continuous minutes of uninterrupted walking, we eventually stumbled upon a low-level wandering beast. Our presence remained concealed from the unsuspecting creature as we hid within the bushes.

Observing the monster—The creature presented itself as a diminutive figure with green skin, featuring sharp teeth and claws while wielding a knife. However, as I stared at the creature, the system's words suddenly popped out of my sight. My focus on the creature then swiftly changed toward the notification.

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[Race: Goblin]

[Rank: Low]

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Before I could register my surprise inwardly, considering it was my initial encounter with a monster, a diverse range of status indicators materialized behind the goblin, hidden from my view. Suddenly, seven goblins emerged from the trees, bringing the total count to eight.

"They seem to be foraging for food. Perhaps their tribe is nearby,"

Mary who was beside me murmured discreetly. While Valentina who is positioned next to me, had a fierce glint in her eyes.

Initially, the sight of goblins triggered a sense of danger in my mind, but soon, I found myself dismissing such thoughts and criticizing my feelings for even fearing such pieces of trash.

Witnessing them, a feeling of superiority overwhelmed me, and a single thought echoed in my mind,

‹ These creatures are not worth my time. Why do you sense danger? ›

It's unexpected because Alfonso fears nothing except his father. Yet, it's advantageous because it means I won't feel anxious or shake in fear when facing these creatures. Well... it's not as if I'd tremble like a coward anyway.

That's because even I don't have the mentality of Alfonso. I would have confronted the danger and attempted to battle these monsters no matter the situation.

‹ Courage isn't the absence of fear; it's facing your fears even when you're afraid. ›

I'm not feeling afraid if I'm being honest... This situation is just reminding me of how I lived in my past... Surrounded in danger... The feeling where it's your first time again.

"..."

Soon, I pushed aside my contemplations and directed my attention to the immediate surroundings when I realized I was musing about something in the old days.

However, as soon as I was present again.

Valentina, who was by my side, promptly sprinted toward the goblin we had identified.

—STAB—

With a stab, Valentina swiftly pierced the heart of the defenseless green creature, leaving it unable to move or evade. The goblin's body was then cleaved in two, releasing a vivid sapphire liquid.

Witnessing her, I also quickly reacted. I then tightly held onto my sword and rushed towards a rushing goblin that had noticed Valentina. Seizing the opportunity to earn points and strengthen myself, I attacked while the enemies were still taken aback. With powerful knights nearby, the situation felt secure.

Meanwhile, I could hear Mary's worry behind me.

"My Lord..."

Signifying that she was surprised by my sudden approach toward the goblin. But I quickly dismissed her and soon—

—SLASH!!!—

The sound of flesh being slashed by my sword reverberated.

Caught by surprise, the green creature was beheaded in an instant.

—Splurt!!!—

—Splurt!!!—

"..."

The creature's blood spurted from its body, and its blue liquid stained my face. Despite the disgust, I gracefully employed my handkerchief to wipe it away. Strangely, it felt less repulsive than touching a commoner, but that was inconsequential at the moment—I had another approaching goblin to deal with.

As the enemies ran toward us they displayed wide grins when we launched our attack, speculating that they must be perceiving us as mere kids. I found amusement in their perception, and as they eagerly approached, I casually picked up a speck of dirt. Meanwhile, Valentina charged towards another goblin, resembling a knight in action.

And as for Valentina earlier— I could see her expression revealed surprise when I suddenly engaged in attacking.

‹ Well... I can't blame them ›

After all, Alfonso had never engaged in such activities before—hunting goblins and what he considered to be insignificant. I assumed that Alfonso accompanied her primarily to monitor her knight friend, Kevin, out of jealousy while she continued to enhance her strength.

Why wouldn't Alfonso be insecure? If you compare the two of them, Alfonso is a disappointment and Kevin is a talented guy.

Now embodying Alfonso, the situation might appear peculiar.

Goblins, typically dismissed as insignificant creatures unworthy of his attention, were not deemed adversaries by him. Engaging with these creatures would be an insult, and he saw no reason to fight such disgraceful entities.

But now he is trying to engage with these disgraceful entities?

That's why their surprise was expected, but I remained indifferent to their reactions.

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Valentina's Side

Meanwhile, Valentina quietly pondered because of Alfonso's actions lately.

‹ Was he so affected by my words last week? ›

She asked in her head. She speculated that ever since she told Alfonso he was a disappointment, he must now be trying to show off himself.

Realizing this, her disdain for him only grew stronger.

‹ Arrogant Asshole! ›

She cursed inside, criticizing how arrogant he was before quickly disregarding his existence. Such a pitiful and horrible guy should not be paid attention to.

Because of her racing thoughts she then soon eradicated the two goblins in an instant that was approaching.

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Alfonso's POV

Approaching the goblin with my hand armed with dirt, I composed myself, and as soon as the enemy reached my range. I quickly threw the dirt towards the goblin's eyes.

Which screeched in pain as a result and mindlessly swayed its sword.

After exploiting the dirt to blind the enemy, I took advantage of the opportunity to charge my sword and drive it towards the goblin's head.

—Spruck!!!—

The sound of my sword piercing through echoed – indigo blood oozing from its head, as its eyes lost all signs of life.

"Filth!"

I whispered in disdain as I cast a brief glance at the goblin before me.

"..."

Taking note of my surroundings. The trio of goblins that launched an attack had already fallen to Valentina's superior strength and skills. Presently, she engaged in combat with the remaining goblin.

Knowing she would swiftly finish her opponent, I promptly moved to engage the goblin before me, aiming for additional points.

Before attacking, I first, seized the sword from the goblin I had just defeated and accurately hurled it toward the other goblin, creating a distraction.

The green creature tried to deflect the sword but after it did, another flying rock came running through his face.

—Thud!!!—

With a loud bang, the rock collided with his face.

"Squeak!!!"

The green creature emitted a painful groan as it fell, and before it could recover, I swiftly severed its hands and thrust a sword into its heart.

—Stab!—

Not satisfied with the result. I took some precautions and circled my sword passionately and plunged it deeper. Not an ounce of mercy could be seen.

However, the goblin was already dead, then soon a notification appeared.

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[Ding!]

[You have killed three goblins]

{+2 points} {+2 points} {+2 points}

[You leveled up!]

Level: 2 [Low]

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Noticing the notification. Quickly, I extracted my sword and swung it to cleanse it of blood.

—Splash!—

The blue liquid scattered across the verdant terrain, and I nodded in contentment.

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