Chapter [8] Failure, Yet Again

[Time Left until Tutorial Level ends: 40minutes]

With every passing minute and second, the tension grew higher.

It took some time, but I eventually located the Goblin Champion.

It moved to a different place, likely in pursuit of humans for food. Even though I could have gone around it to Jung-gu, it wouldn't have been worthwhile.

If I continue with my current Stats, I won't able to set a solid foundation for future actions that may be beneficial for whats to come next in this apocolypse...

I crouched down behind a broken and out-of-service school bus, attempting to remain silent as I peered through openings and crevices to catch clear views of the Goblin Champion.

The Monster appeared to be sleeping deeply on a heap of trash, its noisy snoring similar of a raging volcano erupting.

"Grrrr.... Grrrr ... Grrr..."

I have spent the past 20 minutes here, trying to devise a strategy to effectively kill the monster.

What happened to my old plan?

That plan was no longer relevant when I noticed that the Goblin Championship had actually become more stronger than before.

Oh, I forgot to say this, didn't I?

Yes, monsters also have the ability to increase their levels.

[Goblin Champion (Boss)

Level: 10

Health: 290/290

Strenght: 29

Speed: 11

Defence: 23

Skills: Intimidate(E)]

"It went from level 8, to level 10 and plus it got a skill too."

That is a troubling skill I'll have to deal with...

The strength will also be a problem, but it won't matter since it's too slow to keep up with me.

"Must have killed a decent amout of humans so far, meaning while I was gaining experience and getting stronger-"

"It was doing the same."

I whispered quietly, making sure the monster wouldn't hear me due to its unnaturally sharp senses.

Maybe I underestimated it's intelligence.

I'll have to be extra careful now.

I can't hesitate anymore, it's time to take action now or I'll lose out on a valuable opportunity.

I'll just have to go for a different strategy...

-Tremblee

I glanced at my arms and noticed they were trembling with anxiety, making it difficult for me to grip my blade firmly.

I guessing due to the previous experience with that thing, my body is experiencing trauma and is naturally urging me to avoid it.

I inhaled deeply, saying "Whooow..." and exhaled deeply, saying "Whewww..." in an effort to calm myself as I tried to push away my anxiety and held onto the daggers firmly.

"This isn't the time to run with my tail between my legs!"

Using the Rapid Movements Skill, I swiftly dashed forward, resembling a quick blur as I leaped from garbage to garbage. Going behindthe sleeping Goblin's neck.

-STABB

I thrust the two daggers into the Goblin's neck, and this time the blades did not break like they had when I used my knife. The daggers penetrated into its neck.

[Goblin Champion's health: 290 > 285 (Critical Hit!)]

Blood sprayed in all directions as the blades pierced its dense flesh. However, the stab was too minor to be considered a successful strike.

It's defences are really something else...

"ARGHHHH!"

The Monster let out a loud cry of agony as it woke up, trying to extend its hand towards the back of its neck where it was unable to reach due to its short and thick arms.

I couldn't help but smile at the golden opportunity.

-STAB!

[Goblin Champion's health: 285 > 278 (Critical Hit!)]

I started repeatedly stabbing its neck with all my strength, over and over.

-STAB!

[Goblin Champion's health: 278 > 265 (Critical Hit!)]

Again.

-STAB

Goblin Champion's health: 265 > 257 (Critical Hit!)]

Again and again.

-STAB STABB!

[Goblin Champion's health: 257 > 242 (Critical Hit!)]

[Goblin Champion's health: 242 > 210 (MASSIVE Critical Hit!) (Bleeding)]

Critical Hit after Critical Hit, I relentlessly thrust my weapon into the creature, determined to defeat it in this moment.

As I plunged my daggers deep into its body, the blood stained the blades red. I held on tightly to the massive Goblin as it thrashed in agony, unsure of how to shake me off.

Suddenly, there was a change in the situation as the Goblin abruptly stopped moving and its cries of pain came to a halt.

"It's going to use a Skill!"

Recognising what was about to happen, I jumped off its neck by using the daggers to push myself backwards.

The vibes shifted as a sense of danger emanated from the Goblin, moving towards me in waves. It seemed like the Goblin's presence was permeating every fiber of my being.

-Tremblee

The hairs on my skin started to stand up, and my body began to tremble uncontrollably making me start to feel weak.

I could feel the fear creeping in, my heart pounding in my chest as adrenaline coursed through my veins. Every instinct in me was screaming to run, to get away from whatever danger was lurking with that Goblin. But I couldn't move, couldn't even think straight as the panic consumed me.

[The Goblin Goblin uses Intimate Skill.

All your Stats are now decreased by 25%]

[Time until it original Stats return: 3:00]

[Strength: 15 > 11

Speed: 18 > 13

Defence: 14 > 10]

All my Stats drastically decreased.

"Dammit! This is bad."

[Analysing your Opponent's Skill: Intimidate...]

Oh right, my Analyse Skill! This is the perfect time to use it.

[Analysis completed!

This Skill enables the user to emit a powerful aura that instills intense fear in those who are easily scared or weak-minded, and reduces the stats of opponents who is lower in level by 25%.]

If I can copy the Goblin's Skill immediately that would be nice.

[Not yet able to replicate Skill.]

I frowned when I saw this.

"Just like my luck!"

The Goblin Champion faced me, and its appearance made it seem like I was battling a terrifying beast while I felt like a mere common dog.

The Goblin quickly approached me with increased speed, appearing swifter than earlier due to my decreased Stats

But even though I can't replicate it's Skill yet, I still have something up my sleeve.

[Passive Skill - Adapt is working.]

I evaded the approaching strike just in time before it could reach me by swiftly moving out of the way, thanks to my special Passive Skill that grants me the ability to foresee a few seconds into the future, enabling me to dodge the attack.

"Even if it decreased my Stats I still have a chance against you, ugly fuck!" I shouted to the Goblin Champion, raising my middle finger in the midst of dogding.

However, the Goblin Champion did not pause to let me catch my breath before swiftly attacking me once more, almost as if it was reacting to my disrespectful behavior.

"Ugh!" I struggled.

-Leap!

Using my Foresight, I predicted his next move and once more evaded before he could make contact. It seemed like he was aiming to turn it into a battle of stamina.

It will make the most of the remaining 3 minutes and transform this into a game of cat and mouse.

The Goblin Champion charged towards me aggressively, swinging its fists like a wrecking ball. Although it missed with each strike, I could still feel the rush of air as its fist came dangerously close to me.

[Time left until original Stats return: 2:30]

"I just need to hold on for a little longer!"

I strained myself as I repeatedly dodged and dodged time after time, causing my muscles to start feeling tense.

My body is struggling to adjust to the newfound strength the systems brings and the abilities, pushing it beyond its limits and causing physical strain.

I can feel the a fatigue coming in, and plus I can't spam Rapid Movements either. I have to use it only when absolutely necessary right now

This isn't looking too good...

Can I replicate the Skill yet?

[Not yet able to replicate Skill.]

Oh for crying out loud!

-Whooshh

The Goblin approached me once more, this time leaping into the air to deliver a powerful strike.

Just as he was about to get to me, I quickly used Rapid Movements to escape right before the Goblin crashed down onto the ground with the force of a falling boulder, breaking the ground beneath it.

-POUNDD!

I finally had a moment to relax and catch my breath after the Goblin Champion had to regain its balance after it's vigorous attack.

"Huff...Huff."

I was breathing heavily, with my chest pounding, trying that my stamina was almost depleted.

I found it challenging to stay upright as I shifted back and forth in an attempt to maintain my balance.

I don't want to die... I can't give up now!

Not right now, not when I've pushed on so far.

A surge of energy overcame me as I recalled the sensation of death. I pushed my fragile human body to its boundaries, making an effort to stand tall and concentrate on the danger looming ahead.

"I've only got 1 more dodge in me until I pass out from fatigue."

[Time left until original Stats return: 40seconds]

I breathed in and out a few times as the Goblin faced me once more, preparing for its next attack. Its fiery eyes shone like lasers in the dusty air, peering at me from its imposing figure.

"Calm done Yejin.. Calm down."

"Only less than 40 seconds left. I can do this."

The Goblin Champion rushed towards me, moving directly ahead with a forceful and powerful stride that shook the ground with each step, leaving deep imprints in the ground.

-BANG BANG BANG.

Each step as it nears sounds like explosive bombs.

Alright, I just need to to dodge. No wait-

With my my Foresight, I could see that this assault was a distraction, a ploy to deliver a powerful kick at me.

The Goblin approached me in the exact manner I had predicted using my Foresight. The initial punch turned out to be a feint, as it attempted to slyly catch me off guard with a lower kick.

Okay, now all I need to do is dodge.

Wait... Why isn't my body moving?!

I tried moving my legs, but they wouldn't budge an inch. Almost like it was anchored to the ground.

In that instant, the Goblin's kick swiftly approached my face, and I experienced a sense of loss.

-BOOM

The Goblin delivered a powerful kick that sent me tumbling across the ground, repeatedly hitting my body against the unforgiving surface.

I collided with some rubbage that prevented me from being propelled even farther by the Goblin's attack.

[Your health: 140/140 > 35/140 (HUGE Critical Hit!]

I rested against the rubbage with my back, feeling intense pain throughout my body that made it feel as if every bone was broken.

I couldn't muster the strength to shout out.

Dam it all... Look how pathetic I look.

Did I make a mistake? I must have overused the Rapid Moments Skill and the consequences, leaving me unable to move.

Then to make things worst, my eyelids started to get heavy, feeling weighed down.

I struggled to keep them open as I fought against the overwhelming urge to sleep. My vision blurred and my head drooped forward, the exhaustion consuming me. I tried to shake myself awake, but it was no use.

"The fatigue... I'm passing out " I muttered in a strained voice.

If I pass out here, then that monster will kill me.

Come on body...move!

With one final, futile effort to move my body, my eyes began closing.

This is failure, yet again.

I'm so tired...

With my eyes shut, I found myself surrounded by boundless darkness as my thoughts wandered off into a profound sleep.

Was this really the end?