The First Trial

"What odd jobs do you need me to do?" Leo asked, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and hope.

"Yes, yes," the contractor replied, adjusting his collar with urgency. "As you know, humans aren't typically renowned for their strength. However, some among you have shown extraordinary abilities that rival even low-level vampires. It's quite remarkable, considering that even some common vampires lack such prowess."

He leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "We have villages scattered throughout the region that produce champions—individuals we send to the front lines. We've decided to hire strong humans to defend these villages from low-level monsters. Not only will you be paid, but this method can also accelerate your freedom from slavery."

Leo's brow furrowed. "But why not have your vampire guards do this?"

The contractor chuckled softly. "Those guards are reserved for emergencies against werewolves. They train daily to enhance their strength and don't have time for routine tasks. Instead of wasting potential on menial work, we prefer to utilize capable humans like you. And don't worry—you won't have to stay in the village if you don't want to. There's an adventure guild specifically for humans where you can take quests and earn money."

He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I've heard it's possible for a strong human to evolve into a low-level vampire. Once you achieve a certain rank in the human adventure guild, you could transfer to a vampire guild where you'll face even tougher monsters and earn more."

Leo's eyes widened with intrigue. In his mind, he thought about the implications. It sounded reminiscent of the system he knew. "But why can a human become a vampire?" he asked the system directly. It responded, "When you reach level 10, you'll receive a special gift called 'World Knowledge,' which will reveal everything."

"Do you accept this offer?" the contractor asked, enthusiasm shining in his eyes. "I can even send someone with you to help you gauge the strength of the monsters you'll face. They'll provide pointers to ensure you're fully prepared."

"Yes, but can I have a goblin-related mission?" Leo requested eagerly.

"You're in luck. Your first mission involves goblins. They're weak—slightly above weak compared to you," the contractor said with a grin. Leo felt a rush of excitement. Goblins weren't formidable foes, and he understood the importance of taking things step by step in his quest for strength.

The guard who had escorted him to the mansion was now assigned to lead him to the mission site. As they walked, Justin spoke, his pace brisk. "If you move quickly, you might just free yourself today and join the adventure guild."

Though Leo felt a flicker of skepticism about the guild, he pushed it aside. "If you help me find enough monsters to defeat, I'm sure I can earn my freedom today."

"By the way, what's your name? I feel strange talking to you without knowing it," Leo asked, glancing sideways.

"Good point. My name's Justin, but my code name is Silver," the guard replied casually.

"Silver?" Leo echoed, unsure. "I'm not sure I should know your code name."

Justin shrugged. "It's fine. Just don't go blabbing it around; it could lead to consequences. What about you? I heard slaves are identified by numbers, but some choose names. Is that true?"

"Yeah, that's true," Leo admitted. "We're usually identified by numbers, but I chose the name Leonard for myself. I think it's good, don't you?"

"Sure, it's fine," Justin replied with a hint of sarcasm. "Not sure why you're so cheerful about it, though."

As they continued on their path, the forest thickened around them, the air filled with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant animal calls. Suddenly, Justin stopped, raising a hand. "We're close. Goblins tend to lurk around here. But be careful—they're slightly intelligent. They might set traps or try to outsmart you."

Leo felt his heart race with anticipation. He could sense the weight of the moment, the thrill of the unknown.

Just then, a rustling noise erupted from the underbrush, and a trio of goblins emerged, their green skin glistening in the dappled sunlight. They cackled maliciously, brandishing crude weapons—rusty daggers and makeshift clubs.

"Get ready!" Justin shouted, stepping back to let Leo take the lead.

With a deep breath, Leo summoned his strength. The goblins charged, their eyes wide with greed and malice. The first goblin lunged at him, dagger poised to strike. Leo sidestepped, feeling the rush of air as the blade narrowly missed him. He countered with a swift kick to the goblin's midsection, sending it sprawling to the ground.

The second goblin came at him from the side, swinging its club with a fierce shout. Leo ducked low, feeling the wind from the swing above him. He spun around, delivering a powerful punch that connected with the goblin's jaw, knocking it off balance.

But before he could celebrate, a fourth goblin joined the fray, leaping out from behind a tree. Leo barely had time to react as the creature swung a club, striking him hard in the shoulder. Gritting his teeth against the pain, he pushed through and retaliated with a solid knee to the goblin's gut, sending it crashing to the ground.

"Watch out!" Justin yelled as two more goblins emerged from the shadows, bringing their numbers to six. They were smaller but ferocious, their beady eyes glinting with malice.

"Leo, focus!" Justin urged, his voice steady. "You can take them!"

Leo felt the adrenaline surging through him. He shifted his stance, determination flooding his veins. He charged at the nearest goblin, dodging a wild swing from its club, and delivered a powerful uppercut that sent it reeling.

The remaining goblins were closing in, emboldened by their numbers. Leo glanced at Justin, who was observing from a distance. "Keep moving, don't let them surround you!" Justin shouted.

With renewed focus, Leo sprang into action, weaving through the goblins with agility. He dodged another swing and struck back with a series of punches and kicks, taking down one goblin after another. He was in a rhythm now, his body moving fluidly, a combination of instinct and training guiding him.

He ducked under a swipe, then leaped to deliver a flying kick that knocked one goblin to the ground. Two more rushed him, but Leo spun, using their momentum against them. One goblin collided with its ally, both tumbling into the underbrush.

Panting but undeterred, Leo faced the last two remaining goblins. They hesitated, exchanging wary glances. Sensing their fear, he charged with a fierce roar, closing the distance between them.

With swift movements, he sidestepped a clumsy attack and landed a punch squarely in one goblin's face, sending it sprawling. The last goblin, now terrified, turned to flee, but Leo was faster. He tackled the creature, pinning it to the ground.

Breathing heavily, Leo rose, surveying the chaos around him. The forest was silent save for his ragged breaths and the distant rustle of leaves. He had defeated all six goblins.

"Not bad for a first fight," Justin said, clapping him on the shoulder with a mix of respect and surprise. "You handled yourself well."

"Thanks," Leo replied, still catching his breath. "But this is just the beginning. I want to get stronger."

Just then, a loud rustling echoed through the trees, and Leo's heart sank. From the shadows emerged a horde of goblins—at least thirty of them, their eyes glinting with malice and cunning. They surrounded Leo, brandishing their weapons, ready to attack as a unified force.

"Stay behind me!" Justin commanded, stepping forward. Leo watched in awe as Justin summoned a dark energy around him. With a swift motion, he unleashed a wave of power that surged toward the goblins.

The energy exploded upon impact, sending goblins flying in all directions like leaves in a storm. The force was overwhelming; Leo shielded his eyes as the blast illuminated the clearing.

When the dust settled, the ground was littered with the remnants of the goblin horde, their bodies sprawled and unconscious. Leo stood frozen, astonished by the sheer power Justin had displayed.

"See? This is why I handle the heavy lifting," Justin said, turning back to Leo with a smirk. "You did well, but always remember that intelligence and strength can come from unexpected places."

Leo nodded, absorbing the lesson. "I understand. I still want to train more. I want to be like you one day."

Justin smiled, placing a hand on Leo's shoulder. "With that attitude, you just might. Now let's collect what we can and head back. You're on your way to freedom."

So gather the right ear of as much goblin's as you can that are exchanged for money by the adventure guild.

As they gathered their spoils, the system chimed in Leo's mind. **"Daily Quest has been completed."** 

Leo felt a rush of excitement as the notification continued. **"Daily Quest Completed: You have received 4 attribute points and increased to Level 2."**

A smile spread across Leo's face. He could feel the changes coursing through him, a surge of energy igniting his senses. His body felt lighter, his muscles more defined. He had actually grown stronger.

He glanced down at his hands, flexing them in wonder. His speed had increased, he felt more powerful, and his stamina surged like a tide within him. 

With a newfound sense of purpose and strength, Leo looked out into the forest, ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. This was just the first step on his journey to freedom and greatness.