Sunset

[ Class 1 disaster: Goblin invasion

Description:

Some low-level monsters [Goblins] attack, often occurring in villages near the border with monsters.

Even if you have just become a hero, you can solve it easily.

Although they may not seem like a major threat, the [Goblins] are one of the races that has caused the most damage to humans throughout history. So, hero, please make sure to protect the innocent people around you from them. ]

This is the description of the [Goblin Invasion] that Anyi got from [The System] in his previous life. [Class 1 Disasters] are nothing to a Hero chosen by [The System]. For ordinary people in this world, even a [Class 1 Disaster] can cause a village with a population of dozens to face terrible disasters. 

Every day, small villages are being destroyed by monsters. If this were included in the statistical information on the website, it would be reflected by constant increases in the "Number of Deaths" by +1 +1 +1 +1... every day.

In Anyi's memory, he will never forget those fateful hours that forever changed his life. The night monsters invaded, the peaceful village was transformed into a sea of flames. The ruthless monsters trampled the villagers, and the weak villagers couldn't defend themselves. Everything was destroyed, their homes burned to the ground. Everywhere along the road, flickering fires and broken bodies made up the new normal. 

The peaceful village, once scattered with green grass and filled with life, now had a morbid beauty. Empty, smoking ruins and a nauseating smell of blood. In the village, those monsters resembled demons from hell, holding torches in their hands while carrying human heads and broken bones. The village was destroyed, leaving behind nothing but death and devastation. Father, mother, sister... the children, grandchildren, the respected elders, the comrades who fought alongside the soldiers, they were all gone.

In the [Sword Hero] records, some may have misunderstood that his survival was only possible due to his extraordinary abilities, when in reality his success was also the result of pure luck and the actions of others.

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"Anyi, Anyi...?" As Anyi reflected on his past, Annie's voice suddenly snapped him out of his musings.

"Huh?" Confused by the sudden interruption, Anyi turned his head to look back.

"I called you several times but you didn't pay attention. What were you thinking at that time? Were you thinking about some beautiful girl in the village?" Annie teased.

"Your beauty surpasses anything else I've seen today. I truly believe you are the most beautiful girl in this village." Anyi spoke with calm conviction.

In his past life, nothing but revenge filled Anyi's eyes. For the next ten years, he spent the majority of his time exterminating monsters in an effort to prevent further tragedy. He forgot the number of women who expressed their feelings towards him, even commoners, low-status, high-status, ordinary, and even heroines. He either refused or ignored them outright. He doesn't have the time or the mood to fall into this thing called love.

"Tomorrow will be your birthday. Is there anything you would like?" Annie asked with a sweet smile. "If I could know what you want, I could prepare it in advance!"

Anyi: "I want world peace."

Annie: "..."

While carrying the medicine basket, Annie occasionally tilted her face to glance at Anyi. With no luck in finding an appropriate birthday gift, her confusion was clear to see as she mumbled to herself: "What birthday gift should I give him? It's really hard to decide...!"

Without the slightest trace of emotion, Anyi said sharply: ''It's okay not to give a gift. There's nothing I want."

Annie turned around, her attitude shifting from playful to serious. ''That won't work. Starting tomorrow, you will be an adult. I must congratulate you well." Her voice was firm and resolute, making it clear that she was determined to give Anyi a proper birthday celebration.

While the age of eighteen may be too late to be labeled an adult in this world, the game's setting dictates that it constitutes adulthood. 

"...There's nothing good to celebrate." Anyi moved his gaze from the front and looked to the other side, a complex light flashing in his eyes

"You are not allowed to say that! Anyi's birthday is definitely worth celebrating!!" Annie exclaimed. "You, everything is good, but you are so humble, so clearly outstanding. You are also a talented swordsman in our village, your birthday is very worth congratulating."

"I have talent, that's natural."

'Because I am the [Sword Hero].'

Annie raised an eyebrow and said in a playful tone: "Don't you find it strange that these words came out of your own mouth...?" Her question was half-teasing, half-questioning, and her tone showed genuine curiosity and surprise at Anyi's response.

Anyi remained unruffled, stating simply: "I do not think so. There will be no one more talented than me in this world." He seemed completely certain and confident, not the least bit bothered by Annie's question.

Annie said: "... I take back what I just said about you being too humble, it's best not to be too arrogant. Maybe there will be a genius swordsman out there who is more talented than you..."

Anyi responded with a calm smile and firmly said: "No. If there are swordsmen outside who are more talented than me, then this world.... will be dangerous."

"I'm starting to not understand what you're saying...." Annie's mind was full of question marks.

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30 mins later

Two people arrived at the location to collect the herbs. The specified location for the collection of herbs is usually unchangeable, meaning the area will always replenish with new herbs.

To be clear, picking herbs is not as effortless as an in-game action of simply pressing 'F' or 'E' to interact with it. The herbs' growth area, specific location, and collection location all require time to search and confirm. Once this is all done, then one harvest takes several hours to complete.

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Some hours later - Sunset has come

The sunlight streaming through the branches and leaves gently swaying on the ground cast a beautiful scene. If viewed under normal circumstances, this would have been a scene of joy and beauty.

But this is a jungle brimming with monsters, so the crimson light merely adds to the unease and tension already permeating the area. Darkness symbolizes unknown danger, and the approaching sunset heralds its inevitable arrival.

At this time, Annie was still focusing on picking medicinal herbs. While she was busy gathering the final medicinal ingredients, she didn't notice the threat that was getting closer.

To stave off boredom before the battle, Anyi chose to use it as an excuse to warm up his body. As he had anticipated, no matter how early or late he go out, Annie will always be busy picking medicinal herbs until dusk, while the [Monster Invasion] event typically takes place at night. It's said that the two people happened to discover the monsters, but it would be more accurate to say that they found themselves in the path of the monsters invasion.

Rustling sounds began to sound in the forest, time was approaching. The events that led to Annie's tragic death in the previous life are about to begin...