The remaining goblins, their initial bloodlust replaced by raw fear, tried to scatter. But Noah was relentless. His movements were fluid and precise, fueled by years of training and a newfound sense of purpose. With each swing of his black sword, another goblin fell, their forms dissolving into wisps of dark smoke.
The battle was over in a matter of seconds. Noah stood panting in the center of the chamber, the chilling silence broken only by the rhythmic drip of water somewhere deeper within the dungeon. He had faced his first challenge within the artificial labyrinth, and he had emerged victorious.
Taking a moment to catch his breath and assess his surroundings, a thought struck Noah. The goblins, though weak individually, had appeared strategically placed. This wasn't just a simple combat trial; it was a test of efficiency. Perhaps the key to completing the first floor wasn't just defeating the goblins, but doing so quickly.