Chapter 16: Clash with the Goblins
The night forest stirred as glowing red eyes flickered within the shadows.
A guttural growl echoed.
Grrrhhh…!
From the bushes, a hunched figure crept out—green skin, sharp teeth, a crude wooden club in hand. Its presence was feral and bloodthirsty.
[Target: Goblin – Level 4]
Shin swallowed hard. His heart pounded, but he tightened his grip on the dagger.
> "This is it. My first real battle…"
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The First Strike
The goblin screeched and lunged at him. Shin sidestepped, Qi surging into his muscles. His body moved faster than normal, the 〈Iron Vein Tempering〉 reinforcing his speed.
Slash!
The dagger cut across the goblin's chest. It roared, stumbling back. Shin pressed forward, his strikes fueled with desperation.
A second goblin appeared from behind, snarling with a crude spear. Shin ducked, spinning his body as his Qi flared.
Bang!
His elbow smashed into the goblin's face, snapping its neck.
[Goblin Defeated – Level 4]
Reward: +40 Spiritual Energy
The system's voice echoed, filling Shin with a rush of exhilaration.
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The Swarm
But there was no time to breathe.
The forest erupted with howls as four more Level 4 goblins charged at once.
Shin's eyes narrowed. "Damn it… they're coming all at once."
Qi circulated rapidly in his meridians. His dagger flashed, slashing one goblin's throat. Another swung a club, smashing against Shin's shoulder—but the Defensive Amulet flickered, absorbing most of the impact.
He grimaced. "If I didn't have that amulet, my bones would've snapped…"
Adrenaline surged. He roared, forcing his body beyond its limits, his muscles hardening with the Body Tempering Technique.
With a flurry of blows—dagger thrusts, punches, and kicks—Shin cut down the remaining goblins one after another.
[4 Goblins Defeated – Level 4]
Reward: +160 Spiritual Energy]
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The Stronger Ones
Shin wiped blood from his cheek, panting. "Six down… four to go."
The shadows stirred again.
Three goblins stepped forward, their aura heavier, their bodies bulkier.
[Target: Goblin – Level 5 ×3]
Shin's expression hardened. These were stronger. Faster. Smarter.
One hurled a spear. Shin twisted, the weapon grazing his side. He hissed, blood trickling.
"Not good…"
The goblins circled him, coordinating. Their snarls filled the night air.
Shin steadied his breath. His Qi flared brighter, his soul sense vibrating faintly.
> "If I lose focus, I die here."
The battle was only beginning…
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✨ End of Chapter 16 ✨