Chapter [7] Strategic Mind

Two goblins were sitting in the streets after consuming the flesh of some humans and drinking their blood, making it appear as though they were enjoying a fresh wine.

Both of them were Normal Goblins wearing polished armor.

Shattered bones were scattered nearby along with pieces of decaying flesh, indicating that this was the Goblins first victims.

-Flicker Flicker!

The flickering streetlights shone on them, alternating between darkness and brightness. They rubbed their stomachs and appeared to be communicating in an incomprehensible language.

One of the Goblins growled "Argh?"

Almost as if it was asked a question, the other one growled back in response, "Grhh!"

As they exchanged growls, they were unaware of something hidden in the shadows, moving closer each time the street light flickered.

-Step Step

The approaching footsteps drew near enough for the goblins to finally detect, as their heightened senses make it challenging to sneak up on them.

They swiftly responded and tried to reach for their small bone daggers that were placed on the ground beside them.

"Not so fast!" I shouted.

-STAB

But before they had the chance, I pierced one of the goblins in the throat with a sharp knife that had a silvered edge, making it go straight through like butter, right where the goblin's armor didn't cover.

Blood spurted out onto the ground as I pushed the body aside causing the goblin to moan in agony and clutch its neck, which now had a large hole, while the other goblin had time to get his daggers.

"Hmph. I was too slow, and way too noisy."

I muttered to myself as I turned around to confront the second goblin.

Its veins bulged from its forehead as it displayed its sharp, widely spaced teeth. It was clearly angry that I had harmed his friend.

It rushed towards me with its small blades, trying to get closer by speeding towards me with the Rapid Movements Skill and aiming to strike me.

However it was unaware that I could keep up with its pace.

By also using Rapid Movenents, I managed to avoid the attack just in time, catching the Goblin off guard.

While the Goblin was in the middle of lunging, I took the opportunity to swiftly cut off its head in one powerful strike.

-SLICE

I sliced him, but unfortunately he managed to block in time.

My slice was too slow, and even if it did hit the goblin's neck, it would be too shallow of a cut.

"My fighting skills are still way too poor."

The Goblin tumbled to the ground, shocked as he saw his daggers slip from his hands. While trying to block my attack, he instead lost his fingers in the process .

I said to myself while walking towards towards the goblin, "On second thought, I might not be too bad."

The goblin reached it's arms out to me as if it was begging for mercy, while his previously angry growls turned into groans of pain.

It's face was filled with confusion and horror. It was probably thinking how a human could use skills of a monster, as something like that should be impossible.

If someone were to look at this situation right now, you'd think I were the monster...

I gripped onto my knife as I gazed down at the Goblin.

"Stupid goblin... I'm sorry but I need to level up."

-Stab!

I walked up to the goblin and plunged my weapon into its heart. I observed as it desperately struggled to cling to life until it ceased moving.

I drew out my knife and it completely shattered. "And that was the only one I had left..." I sighed.

[Level up! 7 > 8

+4 Stat Points

+40 coins]

"That was quick, how long have I've been at it now?"

"Probably around two hours, give or take. I''ve just been killing as much goblins as I can to level up."

And now that's done, it leaves me with only an hour left to kill that Goblin Champion.

[Name: Yejin Choi

Level: 8

Class: Adaptive Savant

Health: 140/140

Strenght: 15

Speed: 18

Defence: 14

Mana: 140/140

Skills: Analyse(E), Adapt(E)]

While looking at my profile screen, I couldn't help but observe that every time I leveled up and improved my stats, I could feel my body changing and adapting to match the updated stats

"Is this also because of my Adaptive Savant Class?"

Examining my physique, I noticed increased muscle definition and lifted my shirt to reveal more prominent abs, now resembling a visible six-pack that had been less noticeable previously.

"I have definitely gained some muscle and I look more athletic," I remarked to myself.

Could it be because I balance both strength and speed, rather than favoring one over the other? If that's the case, I must tread carefully. I don't want to prioritize strength and look like a 600 pound steriod using body builder.

Thinking about it now, that won't suit me at all.

Anyways...

I think I'm ready. I mean my stats are pretty decent and I think I'm beginning to really get a handle over my skills.

[Skills: Analyse(E rank)]

First off, the Analyse Skill functions exactly as its name implies. I am able to analyse and replicate the abilities of any individual I select, but only after I have survived after a prolonged time against the skill and comprehended the skill in question.

I'm guessing it'll level up from E Rank, which means it become more efficient the more it upgrades too.

[Adapt(E)]

Next, there is the Adapt Skill. In simple terms, it is a passive ability that provides me with a few seconds of foresight during combat.

It may only be a brief moment, but being quick and reacting promptly to attacks is very useful, which is why speed is my strongest attribute. I anticipate that this Skill will also become even more effective as it upgrades over time.

With all that combined with my new method of stealthily killing the goblins, I was able to quickly level up and gain Leaderboard Points.

[Leaderboard Points]

#1 - Chun Chun (35p)

#2 - Womaniser (24p)

#3 - Fuji(21p)

#4 - Seo Jun (18p)

#5 - Anonymous(15p)

See more...]

I succeeded in surpassing others and reaching the top 5 as well, which is good, although my goal is not solely focused on earning the most points.

Focusing on leveling up quickly, increasing my stats, and getting new skills makes Leaderboard Points seem like a significant distraction. It can be a way to divert attention from what truly matters amongst the players.

While others may be concentrated on scoring points, my main focus is to take advantage of my situation as much as possible. This tactic consistently outsmarted players in the Enhanced Adventure.

But now that I have significantly inscreased my levels, it is time to kill the Goblin Champion and secure my own win.

But I can't just charge in like before, I have to remember that it's strength is far superior to mine.

One hit can be lethal.

I need to be more smarter, set traps, and exhaust him until he becomes too weary...

"Well, we'll just see how it goes."

Because my previous knife was no longer usable, I retrieved the two daggers that belonged to the Goblins and started heading towards the Goblin Champion.

With my mind prepared, plan in mind and my strength increased, I feel like it should be possible.