4 I'm just looking.

Simply looked towards the remaining goblins. Slowly and carefully, they were approaching him with drawn swords.

'I should have some skills or abilities, where can I find them? "SKILLS? ABILITIES? EQUIPMENT?" Shit, shit, shit, how do I access it? Fuck I'm a bloody genius, not reading the commands! Maybe "COMMAND SKILLS!? Huh... SYSTEM SKILLS".'

Suddenly, a holographic pop-up appeared before him:

[You have used the SYSTEM command. Do you wish to set up voice commands for easy access to your character's information? ]

In the corner of his eyes Simply saw one of the goblins switch his sword for his short bow. Grabbing an arrow, he pulled the now string, aimed and fired at Simply. The arrow sailed through the 10 meters separating them in an instant. While at the same time another window popped up. Simply threw himself to the right, dodging the stone tip within a split second.

" FUCK"

[Please watch your language when addressing the system. We advise you to take a break if you are feeling frustrated or emotional. Would you like us to book an appointment with your nearest psychologist? ]

"No thanks. I'll handle it myself. Alright, you guys also want to play?" In response, the goblins let loose a volley of stoned tipped wooden shafts. Yes, a volley. The two other goblins had followed their pier after seeing their range advantage.

"Fine let's play!"

Shifting his body to the left, two arrows sailed by him, embedding themselves into an old oak tree. The final one had missed its initial target, however, its target had moved into its path. A simple flick of his wrist caused his sword edge to intercept the flying object, breaking it.

Simply's left hand subconsciously entered his pocket. One hand wielding a sword, another resting in his pocket, while intercepting all arrows sent his way, emitted a dominating aura which affected the goblins.

[Your actions are too dominating to the weak-minded goblins! You instil fear.]

The goblins appeared to have been paralyzed. Defenceless, Simply makes quick work of them. Dispatching them with three well-placed thrusts.

[Critical Hit. Increase damaged dealt.]

[You have killed a goblin. EXP +25]

[Critical Hit. Increase damaged dealt.]

[You have killed a goblin. EXP +25]

[Critical Hit. Increase damaged dealt.]

[You have killed a goblin. EXP +25]

[Achievement unlocked: "Domination!"]

Instil fear in weak-minded creatures with your presence only. Unlock Aura Trait.

[Congratulations on unlocking your aura trait. An aura is a mysterious form of passive magic that can be controlled to influence living beings.]

'Interesting. A mechanic that rewards badassness. Why do I have a feeling that I'm going to abuse it!? But more importantly, loot time!'

Simply placed his hands on the first corpse and got greeted by a pleasant loot window.

[Scimitar received]

[Patched leather armour]

[Goblin ear received]

[5cc received]

After repeating the process three more times, he had received a grand total of four sets of chipped copper scimitars, warm goblin ears and armour that smelled of rotten eggs, and three sets of short bows. The coins totalled 28sp (silver) and 36cc (copper), which brought his fortune to 3.16gp (gold). Virtum Entertainment had announced the starting conversion rate to be 1gp = 10 euro.

Pocketing his loot, Alex headed further in.

---

Crude wooden palisades protected tents of all shapes and sizes. Standing out, in the centre of the camp, was an elegant light green tent. Its entrance was guarded by two heavily armoured soldiers. The forest had lost this domain under the goblin's axes. The camp was filled with goblins, some repairing damaged gear while others adding to the colourful environment by pitching new tents. Large groups of goblins were practising military drills under brutal Hobgoblins. While smaller squads patrolled the perimeter.

A patrol passed by a massive tree happily chatting about the newest report from the scouts. A new batch of 'soft-skinned' had arrived. This time females had come along. The commander was finally going to send the entire legion... a fortnight from now the breeding season would begin.

Unbeknownst to them, a shadow above them smiled.

---

"Back so soon!? Did you cry for your mummy!?"

"Nah he just hid in the bogs! After all, he's just all talk."

Without even glancing at the guards, Simply headed straight towards the side room. The door opened before he could knock. Awkwardly he retracted his hand back. A rigid face inspected him.

"I have urgent news. You may not want mummies kids to hear it." Speaking loudly enough for everyone in the tavern to hear. The guard's faces flushed scarlet.

"Come inside"

Stepping inside, a strong aroma of peat and tobacco smoke hit him. The small dining table was packed with parchments and official documents. The captain sat down, motioning Simply to start his report.

"I destroyed a scouting party that ambushed me a kilometre north of the settlement. Following this, I adopted a more stealthy approach. I came across a large goblin camp. I reckon that they possess a fighting force of five thousand goblins give or take. The officers seemed to be hobgoblins, five of which I spotted running drills with their troops. The commanding officer is constantly surrounded by his guards of heavily armed hobgoblins. I did not find any siege weapons but I did see a few giant wolves which I believe to be wrogs. The defence of the camp is quite good. A palisade surrounds the camps while archer towers overlap their firing range. I believe they may have taken over one of our forward bases as the layout is very similar to this settlement. The tents do not appear to be goblin-made. They are too... colourful and joyful. I'd say they are battle trophies of the 'legion', as they call themselves. Making them battle veterans. Finally, I overheard multiple patrols discussing the newly arrived 'females' and a breeding season, which sounds like an orgy, after a full-on attack against us. The attack seems to be in a fortnight. "

The captain seemed to have aged a decade.

"Do you have proof?"

"I don't have any physical proof of the scouting report, but I do have the four goblins' ears of my ambushers. If that helps."

"Well, at least it proves that you are quite skilled at the sword. After all, fighting outnumbered is tough... Alright, I'll pass on the information to my higher-ups. Here is your reward."

Simply caught a heavy pouch and a rolled-up parchment.

"10gp for finding the location, 5gp bonus for detailed information and 40cp for the goblins killed. I included a letter of recommendation if you wish to join the militia."

[Quest Complete ]

You have successfully completed your assignment with flying colours. Eternal Landing can now prepare a better counterattack against the goblin legion. Your action has contributed to the expansion of the Eternal Empire in this new land. Furthermore, you accomplished it without relying on anyone while being under-levelled. You have been noticed. Exp +2000, Eternal Empire Point +10, Eternal Landing +50.