You know it's going to be a rough day when your system roasts you before you even step into a damp cave reeking of goblin sweat.
[System Notification] "Pathetic Summoner Ryou, please try not to die today."
"Can you stop—" I started.
[No.]
I adjusted my worn cloak, staring at the cave entrance like it owed me money. The Slime Duo wobbled beside me, letting out determined "Pyo! Pyo!" noises. The Flame-Tuft Rabbit flicked a spark, showing off. The Leaf Slime wiggled its leafy ears in solidarity. Sproutling stood with arms crossed, leaf tail twitching, as if it were our party's tiny general.
We had taken a Goblin Nest Subjugation quest from the guild, paying 20 copper per goblin and a bonus for the boss. I needed the money for bread, soap, and maybe a not-cracked window.
Mostly, though, we needed the EXP.
The cave was dark, damp, and smelled like old socks dipped in mud. The Flame-Tuft Rabbit lit the path with gentle sparks, casting shadows that made the slimes wiggle nervously.
We didn't go far before we found the first goblin: small, green, gnawing on a bone, looking confused when it saw us.
"Flame-Tuft, distract it. Leaf Slime, bind."
"Fwi~!" Spark!
"Pyo!" Vine whip!
The goblin screamed, dropping its bone, only to get body-slammed by the Slime Duo in a perfect Gooey Combo chain.
[Goblin defeated. +12 EXP.]
I scooped the copper coins it dropped while the slimes did a tiny victory dance.
We advanced, finding goblins in pairs, practicing:
Leaf Slime would entangle a leg.
Slime Duo would bounce from opposite sides.
Blue Slime would follow up, getting braver with each slam.
The system dinged with each victory.
[EXP +12] [EXP +11] [Loot: 3 copper, a bent spoon.]
I was so proud, I almost forgot the system existed.
[Reminder: You are still pathetic. Progress: Slight.]
"Thank you for your constant support," I muttered.
[You're welcome.]
🧭 Deeper In: The Mini-Boss Appears
We found a larger cavern where torchlight flickered.
There, a Goblin Brute twice the size of the others, muscles rippling, holding a spiked club, glaring at us with tiny yellow eyes.
[Goblin Brute – Mini-Boss – HP: 150/150]
It roared, charging.
"Formation!"
The Slime Duo launched forward, using Gooey Combo to hit its legs.
"Leaf Slime, bind!"
Vines wrapped around its ankles, slowing it. The Flame-Tuft Rabbit shot small sparks, distracting it just enough.
The brute swung its club, knocking the Leaf Slime away with a heavy thunk.
"Leaf Slime!"
It wobbled back up, leaf ears flicking in anger, rejoining the fray.
Sproutling leapt, using a sharpened stick like a spear, jabbing the brute's hand.
"Now!"
The Slime Duo and Blue Slime body-slammed the brute's knee. The brute staggered, losing balance.
"Flame-Tuft, Ember Pop!"
"Fwi~!"
A small burst of flame exploded near the brute's face, making it roar in pain and confusion.
I focused, activating Summoner's Mark.
[Skill: Summoner's Mark activated. Party stats +5% near Summoner.]
The brute raised its club again, but the Leaf Slime's vines tightened, while Sproutling jabbed its side.
"Gooey Combo, finish!"
The Slimes launched in sequence, hitting the same spot with increased force.
The brute fell to one knee, then forward, collapsing with a final growl.
[Goblin Brute defeated. +30 EXP.]
[Loot: Brute's Club, 12 copper coins, Goblin Fang.]
The cave was quiet except for the slimes' soft "Pyo! Pyo!" celebration and Sproutling wiping sweat off its brow dramatically.
I picked up the copper and the club, which was nearly my size, and slung it across my back.
[Level: 3 (74/300 EXP)]
I smiled, despite the system's "still pathetic" in the corner of my eye.
We had cleared the cave, defeated our first mini-boss, and returned to town with copper clinking in my pouch.
At the guild, the receptionist blinked at our muddy, tired, slime-covered crew.
"Oh, you survived?"
"Barely."
[Quest Complete. Reward: 70 copper + Brute Bonus 20 copper.]
The slimes cheered with tired "Pyo!" noises while the Flame-Tuft Rabbit dozed off on the counter. The Sproutling nodded solemnly.
We returned to our shed—soon to be replaced by a real room—and I lay on the straw mattress, the system's faint glow illuminating the dark.
[You're still pathetic, but less so.]