The Village

Darkness fell, shrouding the path ahead of them in black. Using the cover of night, they headed towards the distant smoke. As they approached, they noticed a few tall towers with 2-3 small-level goblins guarding them with a distance between them, preventing anyone from getting too close. The group carefully observed the surroundings, looking for an opportunity to proceed.

Under the cover of the night, they approached the tower where a goblin was stationed on each of the three sides, but no one was watching behind them. Around the tower, several fallen logs were scattered, likely abandoned midway by the goblins who had been trying to carry them back.

Lucius stopped and pondered their situation. It would be challenging to proceed without alerting the guards. While Talon could kill one of them, the rest of the group might not be able to climb up and eliminate the others before the silence was broken by the shriek of the dying goblin.

Observing the goblins, Lucius noticed they seemed a bit sleepy and not particularly serious about their duties. It gave him an idea. They quickly returned to the log storage area and picked up two logs. Using some dirty cloth, they tied the logs together to create a makeshift barrier.

With the logs in hand, they went back to their previous position near the tower. Kevin whispered, ''You sure this will work?'' as they peered at the tower from behind the logs, hoping their plan would provide the element of surprise they needed.

''No idea, but there are similar logs all around this area. It seems they drop them and continue in the morning. We can try,'' Lucius explained, uncertain of the outcome. The group lined up, each person lifting the log slightly off the floor and crouching behind it. With cautious baby steps, they approached the tower where the goblin was stationed.

The goblin appeared half-asleep, lazily glancing around in different directions before closing its eyes for a brief rest. When the goblin turned away, the group took advantage of the opportunity and moved a few meters forward before stopping again, repeating the process to slowly make their way closer to the tower.

The goblin continued to look around, unaware of the group's stealthy approach. The log they carried looked so similar to the others scattered around the area that it didn't raise any suspicion. With each cautious step, they made progress, slowly closing the gap between them and the makeshift outpost.

After an hour of painstakingly slow movements, they successfully reached a position directly behind the outpost, having evaded the goblin's notice.

Turning their heads, they could see the goblins looking in three directions, but none of them looked toward their home. With the outpost behind them, they now had the goblin village within their vision, and the distant sounds of the bustling village reached their ears despite the late hour.

They had arrived at the outskirts of a goblin village, where around 100 huts were scattered. Surprisingly, the village had no walls, and goblins were occasionally wandering around between the houses. It seemed that the goblins were not particularly concerned about security, as they didn't see any guards patrolling.

It seemed that the majority of the goblins in the village were asleep, as indicated by the dim lights from the fireplaces inside the huts. The village was a dreary sight, with all the huts looking similar—small, old, dirty, and with grass on the ceiling and walls, which were ripped with stains of blood and mud.

However, amidst the small and worn huts stood a striking contrast—in the center, a small house, five times larger and much cleaner, made with logs and thatch. It appeared to be in a new condition, and two smaller versions of it stood nearby.

Lucius suspected that the strongest goblin would be staying in the grand house at the center of the village. However, he refrained from staring too long, aware that they needed to be cautious. Instead, they approached a small hut on the outskirts of the village, where a normal goblin was soundly sleeping.

''When we kill the goblins, make sure you hit the brain in one hit. If you hit the heart, there is a chance it will cry out and wake the others,'' Lucius whispered, gesturing to the others to wait.

Entering the hut in silence, Lucius took out his sword and towered over the sleeping goblin. With a swift and precise motion, he pierced its brain, causing its eyes to jolt open briefly before it died silently. The system rewarded him with +10 EXP and +1 Gold for the successful kill.

Calling the group into the hut of the dead goblin, he whispered, ''I suggest we split up with me and Lily going alone and Kevin and Talon together. We will meet here in an hour, any opinions?''

''This... I don't think it's a good idea,'' Kevin voiced his concerns. ''Why do you want to break up the group and split in this dangerous area, Lucius?'' Talon also questioned the decision.

''It's for the EXP,'' Lily chimed in, with Lucius nodding in agreement.

''We have been together for a long time, and while we are strong together, it's also holding back our progress,'' Lucius explained. ''There are times to be together to fight stronger enemies, and there are times to take advantage of opportunities and gain experience.''

Talon wanted to speak up again but was stopped by Lucius. ''I am not your babysitter. I made that clear when we left the gate. In this world, we have to get strong. Lily understands it, and so does Kevin, but his character is weaker,'' Lucius said, turning to look at Kevin with an apologetic gaze. Kevin nodded, understanding that he was not as mentally strong as the others.

''This is an order, Talon. If you are afraid, follow Kevin and don't kill any,'' Lucius continued. ''Don't go to the center; only target level 3 and below. Good luck.'' With that, Lucius and Lily walked out of the hut, each going in different directions.

''He is right, let's go. We are holding them back,'' Kevin said, pulling Talon along as they aimed for the hut next to them. Lucius and Lily had left the easier targets around the outskirts, while they ventured deeper for better rewards but also greater risks.

As Lucius walked past a few lower-level goblin huts, he knew that he needed to target the level 3 and 4 goblins to gain the most experience. He felt a sense of worry and guilt over what he had said to Talon, but he knew it was necessary to emphasize the importance of levelling up.

His recent skill acquisition had taught him the significance of levels, and he understood that reaching level 5 would allow him to use the skill without any drawbacks, except for the mana consumed.

Finally, he arrived at his destination – a hut slightly larger than the rest, housing a [Strong Goblin Lvl 4]. Like a grim reaper with his sword in hand, he rushed in silently, moving like a ghost.

Pointing his sword, he activated 'Empowered Luster,' causing the blade to faintly glow with mana. In one swift motion, he pierced the goblin's head, ending its life. The system rewarded him with +50 EXP and +5 Gold – this was just the beginning of his journey to grow stronger.