Author Notes (Rewrite – 18/05/2021):
Well, that's all for now, folks! I hope you enjoy the chapter of this new story since I had to work extra hard in this.
Perhaps it's too lazy and kind of third-rated compared to other works but I can't help but feel a small sense of confidence. It may not be the best but you know the saying: "Roma wasn't built in a single day."
I'd like to give many thanks to the author Anco since he supported me during the initial stages and gave me a few ideas for the plot. In fact, the system I'm using is a tribute to his work; "Is it wrong to crawl my way back home, one dungeon floor at a time?" Excellent fanfic in my opinion and if you haven't read it, I recommend you to give it a chance.
Also, I'd like to point out that I'm looking for Beta-Readers to help me since English is not my native language and my proficiency with it can't be cataloged on the same tier of an Expert or a Native English Speaker. If any of you are interested, please send me a PM.
Chapter 1
「That Time I woke up in a Fantasy World 」
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It quickly became clear to me that I woke up in a place that I wasn't supposed to be in.
How, you ask? Well, the first clue was that I know for a fact that I saw green glass everywhere and the sun was bathing my face with its shiny, if a bit annoying, rays.
Sitting up, I looked around me. Just as I assumed, I was in a field in the middle of who knows where with no one else. There was a deep, green forest behind me but I just need a glance to know it would be a foolish move to enter there.
What the heck happened?
I was pretty damn sure I was in the library. Did someone drugged me and then decided to throw me in a grass field as part of s sick prank? It wouldn't be the first time anyway but still, just how long did I sleep.
Either way, it's too late to complain about my unusual circumstances. I need to pull myself together and check my body to make sure no one snatched one or two organs from my body. If I found something missing then, whoever has done this will have a really awkward talk with me.
I may be no Mel Gibson or Jean-Claude Van Damme but I knew how to throw a decent punch thanks to the constant beating I took from my boxing lessons.
Hmm… so far so good, and it seemed like my limbs were working just fine. There was no numbness in my moves, no fever, no feeling as if my stomach wanted to turn itself inside out either.
"Ok, now that I know there is nothing wrong with me physically, I guess it's time to call 911 for an ambulance. You can't be too careful with these things." I mumbled in mild annoyance as I reach down to find my phone in my pants' secret pocket… only to stop when I found that my phone was gone.
Not only that though, the pants I was wearing felt kinda odd too.
Looking down at myself, my mind went blank.
"What. The. Fuck."
Instead of the casual and stylish clothes my fashion expert older sister brought me, I was wearing what were essentially medieval garments. I blinked a few times just to make sure this wasn't a hallucination (and secretly wished it was) but my expectations were betrayed when I realized that, yep, someone stole my belongings and replaced them with this shitty excuse of Renfest clothes.
Right now my new wardrobe consisted of a short-sleeved, navy-blue shirt, light brown pants barely held up by a rope for a belt, and a pair of dark leather boots on my feet. Not the most stylish piece of garments, but at least it looks clean enough to not be labeled as a vagabond of sorts.
But how come these clothes fit my body so smoothly, despite the fact it was my first time wearing them?! Who was the freak who got my measurements? And why did they think it was funny to left me here?!
This rise more than a few red flags. I demand answers!
DING!
At that moment, as if responding to my pleading tone, I heard I voice in my head along with a translucent, holographic screen appearing in my field of vision.
[Congratulations my young, virgin fellow! It's a pleasure to deliver this message as a parting gift for your journey! Rejoice, boy! You were chosen to become the newest holder of the [Gamer Mode] as well as the lucky fellow that will soon travel to another world! The land of the Gods, Hot Women, and Amazing Adventures! The world of Danmachi!
A small warning though, grind your levels, skills, and traits as much as possible otherwise you'll find yourself in a tough position when you encounter End-Game Bosses and Major Threats!]
What.
[But before you can start your adventure, first you need to complete the Tutorial to know the basics so you won't end up like a headless chicken waiting to be slaughtered by the first monster you run into.]
What.
[Geez, do I have to explain everything to you? Aren't you a top-grade college student soon to be engineer, Mr. "I'm-Too-Cool-For-A-Girlfriend"? In all fairness, I was expecting you to figure things out by now.]
"Well, excuse me for being unable to properly process the bullshit in front of me! It's just my first time dealing with a R.O.B and whatnot." I snarled with a fierce glare, not willing to let this shitty guy mess with me any longer. "Also, you unceremoniously dropped me in the middle of nowhere after taking the liberty of replacing my clothes when I was unconscious." I added with a frown at the fact this being literally has its way with me.
I didn't know what was worst, the fact that I got forcefully Isakei'd or that the being responsible for this has looked at my naked form at full display without even asking for a date. For all intent and purposes, I should be suing them for sexual assault and kidnapping.
[Yikes, you are a snarky type, aren't you? That tongue of yours seriously needs to be checked.]
"Oh, pardon my foul language, but if you didn't realize, I ain't fond of being kidnapped." I rolled my eyes with a grunt.
Don't get me wrong, in fantasy series and shounen fiction, being Isekai'd is like a dream for most Geeks and Otaku since not only it serves as a testament to prove the existence of the supernatural, but also signify you can get the chance to become something akin to a hero of sorts.
I was well-knowledgeable when it comes to these things, and I can totally see how appealing the idea is at first glance.
However, there are a few things one must not overlook.
What would my parents think if one of their children disappeared?
What about the life I had back on Earth?
Was I forcefully removed from my world and sent here to become an unwilling pawn in some jackass' game? Why me and not somebody else?
What's the purpose behind this stunt?
If it depended on me, I would use the Instant Transmission trick to return the library and do my damn best to forget this encounter ever happened.
Naturally, nothing in life was that simple.
[Hmp! How rude of you to catalog this as kidnapping, but I guess you have a point.
However, I'm truly sorry to confess returning to your world is not so simple. After all, you're my "Chosen One" and that's an undeniable fact I can't overlook.]
"I should've guessed you'd say something like that." I grunted with a scowl on my face, trying my best to not shot a hateful glare at the hovering screen this jester uses as a medium to communicate with me.
Quite frankly, this sounds less than some crappy prophecy thing you see in most Light Novels and Anime series, and more like a stunt pulled by a cosmic entity who simply wants to avoid absolute boredom. I have seen enough TV shows to know that.
"Let's see, you want me to go on a journey to find to become a Hero or Dark lord so you can enjoy a new form of entertainment to satisfy your personal desires of watching your own Real-Life Isekai adventure. Am I wrong?" I summarized this theoretical plot with a blank tone.
[My! Congratulation for assessing your situation so smoothly, my boy! A bit of a shame you don't see the whole picture but I applaud you for having such a clever mind!]
"Right..." Rolling my eyes at the overly dramatic, not-so-subtle foreshadowing in this whole conversation, I decided to ask the most important question. "And it's safe to assume you cannot send me back home, right?"
[You are being too stubborn, you know that? Here you have the chance to become something more and live a life full of adventures in a new world full of marvels and mysteries yet to be revealed, yet you are willing to throw this opportunity overboard for a boring at your original world?
From what I can understand, most guys of your age should be delighted and blissfully accepting the deal without a second thought.]
"If you haven't paid attention, I was a working adult back in my world and have a lot of responsibilities. Not to mention I have loved ones back home who would be quite worried the moment they realize I was kidnapped." I replied without batting an eye, raising way too many good reasons about why I should return.
Like seriously, this guy just kidnapped me from my world and now expects me to play along as if nothing happened? The hell with that bullshitting, twisted logic!
[… It seems like you won't drop the subject, huh? Very well, I guess I can do something about it. Sometimes, it's better to throw a bone to the dog from time to time to maintain it motivated.]
"Hey, I'd appreciate it if you stop looking down at me and get to the point. I don't have all the damn day, you know?" Grunting in mild annoyance, I urged this being to start making sense.
It was bad enough that I was being treated as a fancy toy for its enjoyment. I don't need it to start playing fucking mind games.
[Very well. The task I give you is simple.
Here, in this world, there is a massive, underground maze-like labyrinth known as the [Dungeon]. It's an ancient construct with a semblance of sentience that has the ability to "spawn" monsters. The threat it represents to the people of this world is so great, that the Gods descended and allied themselves with the mortals and nature spirits to subjugate it.
However, no one was able to reach the "Final Floor" in many centuries despite how many blessed people have tried to raid it to unravel the mysteries it holds. As such, there is no God, Spirit, Human, or Demi-human in this world with knowledge about its lowest levels, and speculation was born.
Some people think it's a weapon created by an ancient race to wipe out all life on the planet, others think it is the remnant of a fallen civilization. Several theories exist and yet nothing is certain.
Your mission here is to unravel such mysteries and reach the End of the [Dungeon].
Complete this task and you will be granted a reward beyond imagination.]
… That sounds like the plot for a rather famous fantasy book series. For some reason, I got the feeling I heard about it somewhere. A coincidence, perhaps?
Hmm, at first glance it seems like an impossible task but at this point, I have nothing to lose if it means I can go back to my world. There is a possibility that this is but a bluff created to force me to play along with this little project of the "Jester" — yeah, I decided to call it that.
Either way, unless this world has something akin to interdimensional traveling spells or dimensional traveling devices, this was my best bet.
Moreover, it's not like I can refuse the offer to begin with. If reading comics and myths had taught me something, is that higher-beings like the gods were petty creatures with fragile egos and extremely volatile at best.
With that line of thinking, I decided to play this little game… for now.
"Very well… I accept the deal."
[Excellent choice, my boy! Now we can start with the real game. I shall give you a short summary of what abilities you have at the moment.]
"Geez, this feels so much like the tutorial of an MMO RPG." I couldn't help but comment sarcastically, rolling my eyes at the theatrical, flamboyant attitude of this asshole.
[… That tongue is quite sharp, isn't it? Then again, I guess there is no helping to that since that snarky side of your makes you way more interesting than a certain prudish, naive kid blessed by the author's bullshitting plot armor.]
"Who are you talking about?"
[No one you need to worry about.]
Ok, that's not suspicious at all.
[Anyway, as I already told you when I first appeared, you have been granted the [Game Mode], which is a special power that allows grow stronger and gain different abilities like magic in an almost superhuman way.
And the best part is that you will get tons of chances of becoming a living legend. You're in the world of Danmachi! This is the land of Gods, Hot Women, and Adventures for a reason!
Use this power wisely, my boy. It will save your life in the future!]
So you mean to tell me I was the possessor of something similar to the Gamer System. Well, it's not something so bad considering how utterly broke that power was since all its users are capable of attaining levels of strength and power far beyond that of a mere mortal.
"But what the hell is a Danmachi? Is it the MacGuffin of this world by any chance?" I couldn't help but ask no one in particular, raising an eyebrow at the strange word.
[Now, the [Game Mode] has several functions that will allow you to increase your power, wealth, and overall chances of survival. And right now I'll introduce you to the basic features from the get-go.
The first one is the [Status Window (Game Mode)], which features your main stats, including your Health and Mana Pool as well your Name, Title, and whatnot. It also lets you see all Skills and Spells you have. To open it, just say the words "Status" via mental or vocal command.]
Hmm, kinda like an RPG. How surprising.
"[Status]" I did what they told me, and sure enough, the new screen burst open before my eyes.
DING!
[Status Window Menu]
(GAME MODE STATUS)
Name: Aaron Mehrtens
Race: Human
Title: [N/A]
Job: [N/A]
HP: 500
MP: 100
STR: 10
END: 10
AGI: 10
DEX: 10
INT: 10
Physical Damage Reduction: 0%
Magic Damage Reduction: 0%
Attribute Points: 0
Money: 1,000 Valis
(SKILL LIST)
[Passives Skills]
· NONE
[Active Skills]
· NONE
(MAGIC SPELLS)
· [Fireball]
· [First Aid]
· [Wind-Cutter Blade]
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For the first couple of seconds, I stared at it owlishly, not out of sheer surprise but rather intrigue. "Welp! That's a bit more detailed than I initially thought." Looking at it with a new sense of interest, I adopted a thoughtful expression.
[As you can see, there are several sub-features that are an intrinsic part of the [Status Window], hence why the actual screen displayed in your field of vision is subbed as "Status Window Menu."
First, you have your standard Status page where you can find basic information about your build like the "Stats" and other minor characteristics. Nothing too flashy, all things considered, but still important nonetheless.
The second sub-feature is but a list of all acquired aptitudes and techniques you have learned. For more detailed information, just tap the "(SKILL LIST)" button.
Thirdly, you have another list, but this one reflects all available magic spells you can cast at any given time as long as you have enough MP. Additionally, the amounts of spells are very limited because the maximum number of "slots" you have is three and, generally, it won't increase regardless of your level. For more detailed information, please tap the "(MAGIC SPELLS)" button on the screen.
Pretty straightforward if I say so myself, but still handy in most situations, considering each one of the "Sub-features" are closely related to your build depending on which characteristic you're looking in.]
Huh, that was a rather informative description, that's for sure.
Let's see what we got.
We have the classic HP and MP bars, which are the numerical value of my overall health and mana capacity. As expected, the numbers are quite low.
STR obviously translates into strength. My muscular capacity to exert physical force for lifting capabilities and striking force. Very straightforward.
The END stat most likely is endurance. Probably is related to either my physical defense or Health Pool or perhaps a combination of the two. It must give me a more resilient body against physical attacks.
Then we AGI, agility. Again, pretty straightforward. The greater this stat becomes, I turn swifter, faster, and more agile.
And INT must be for "Intelligence." I suppose it's associated with my mana capacity and spells efficiency, and maybe it can also grant me a greater intellect (which I doubt).
If there is a Stat that got me a bit confused was the DEX. I mean, isn't dexterity the same as agility? Perhaps it's related to critical attacks rate or accuracy? Well, it's not so bad if that's the case. A defined specialization for each Stat is good I guess.
Additionally, I got a feature that informs me how much money I have at the moment and it unknowingly provided a new piece of information about this world; its currency.
Valis, huh? Why does it sound so oddly familiar? It's probably nothing…
This "Job" thing... I suppose it may be something akin to a Class System of sorts but with a different name. That seems to be the logical answer. Several RPGs have it and if this power really works with the same principles then my theory is plausible.
It all looks good and dandy but could someone explain to me what the heck is up with my skill menu?!
"As a newbie, I was bound to be labeled as a weakling with no special powers or useful skills but, don't you think this is a bit too much? Even a basic, low-grade skill will be helpful." I said with a small frown, staring at the screen with silent contempt.
There is literally nothing on my skill menu! Not even a crappy, third-rate [Skill]. Nada.
Not having skills either means those come directly from the [Job] System or that I need to complete certain Quests to acquire them. There is the possibility that I may gain some merely by repeated actions or constant exercises but I got the feeling that's not the case at all.
I must figure out the methods to obtain skills fast, otherwise, I won't be able to survive in this unknown environment. What would happen if I run into a Boss Monster or an antagonistic group of people with no [Skills] to back me up in a fight? Wait, don't answer. I will die of course!
Perhaps I should ask the Jester?
"Hey… Can you tell me how to unlock new [Skills]?"
[Sorry, I can't do that. The deal was that I would tell you the basic information in this low-level tutorial. Intermediate knowledge is too much for you right now and while I'd love to help you to increase your chances of survival, you won't grow properly if I keep holding your hand.]
Well, it was worth the shot.
"And what about my magic? How come I have no skills but can use magic. I mean, I have never played the magician role in my life."
Honestly, it doesn't make sense for someone from a world with no magic to suddenly gain the aptitude to use spells. Pardon me for being a spoilsport but you gotta understand I can't afford being used as a mindless pawn.
[As I said, I cannot divulge too much knowledge and wisdom to you. It's your duty to acquire those things by yourself.]
Right… Of course.
"Man, what a headache. I just want to go home!" I moaned with bemusement.
[Hey! At least you filled all your spell slots without many problems and have useful magic on top of that. In my opinion, you have an overwhelming advantage against most people and monsters]
"I guess you got a good point there." I mumbled with a troubled expression. No matter how much I wanted to argue, I couldn't deny the truth in its words.
Magic is basically the original cheat power and more than often, a single magic caster can become a dangerous entity provided it has enough mana. Just see how OP the likes of Ainz Ooal Gown, Index, or Zelretch are.
Sure, my spells are probably the most basic of the bunch but they could save my life so long as I don't run into an antagonistic Master Magician.
Also, I have magic!
"Ok, fine. I'm willing to admit having magic is pretty damn cool on itself."
[Good to know we're on the same page. Now, the second feature is the inventory box, also known as the [Bottomless Vault], which is your own pocket dimension where you can store all equipment, weapons, accessories, and items you come across in your journey.
Additionally, the [Bottomless Vault] is divided into two separates features: [Equipment Screen] and [Item Box]. One is focused on gear equipping mechanic while the other is the inventory for all unused items, equipment, and gathered materials.]
Ah, the classic inventory box where you can put all your belongings without any worry about someone trying to steal them. And from the looks of it, I got infinite storage on top of that! How broken can something like that get?! I could literally use it as my personal Gate of Babylon, except I won't be able to throw swords and other weapons as if it's an omnidirectional Gatling gun any time soon without the proper set of skills.
And if it puts all items stored into a temporal stasis then all food and meals I store will not rot, which is very advantageous when exploring uncivilized areas like forests, deserts, or even snowfields. Not to mention there is a chance that by mastering the usage of my [Equipment Screen] I could earn a special skill to shift between battle equipment and casual clothing. Such a skill could save my life.
That's extremely useful and so damn versatile! Let's try it!
"[Bottomless Vault: Equipment Screen]."
[Equipment Chart Menu]
Head: (Empty)
Body (Layer 1): Common Navy-Blue Shirt
Body (Layer 2): (Empty)
Arms: (Empty)
Left Hand: (Empty)
Right Hand: (Empty)
Legs: Common Pants
Feet: Common Leather Boots
Uwah…! This is so much like Dark Souls gear systems. It even has a character sheet that displays my whole body in a holographic form. It's a perfect image of the original in every aspect… Though, it's quite disturbing to see my own body from this perspective.
In that instant, I noticed 2 things about my body that disturbed me.
Firstly, and basically, the most worrying fact, is that I looked younger. I wasn't exaggerating when I say my "body" looks like that of a teenager.
The second is that I was short as hell. Granted, that one wasn't all that surprising considering I wasn't the tallest fellow back at school until I got my growth spurt.
"Uhhh… Care to explain what I'm seeing?" I asked with an owlish expression.
[It's nothing you need to worry about. You can say this was a side-effect of sorts, given your unique circumstances. However, you don't have to worry too much about it since, after all, you are still human — a short one, but a human nonetheless.
And before you ask, I can't modify your body to match your mental age. You are stuck in this form for the time being until your body grows naturally.
The bright side is that you're fairly cute for a kid so ladies will woe at you so long as you keep your sassy mouth shut… But I guess that's impossible. Oh well.]
"Do you realize that I'm a grown-up man? What's the point in reliving the awkward moments of my teen ages?" I replied with a deadpan tone.
How humiliating!
It was bad enough back on Earth since I got constantly teased because of my height. And now you tell me I have to bear that torture once more! Some scars are still fresh, you know!
[Now that we covered the basics, your objective is simple. Raise your level, obtain new abilities and skills and conquer the [Dungeon]. By doing so, you will be freed from my influence.
And as a final, parting gift, here are some words of wisdom.
This world is not for weak-willed, spineless prudes. Only the strong survive. Those who cannot make great sacrifices or overcome the trials of life are bound to die in the dirt and be forgotten phantoms no afterlife or death god would want to take.
Remember those words, sonny.]
"Right. I got it." Nodding in acknowledgment, I gave it a lazy smile and a thumb up.
Shortly after that, the hovering screen disappeared in a swirl of light particles before fading into nothingness.
What a flashy way to go. How much pompous can this guy get?
"Ah, well. Now that the asshole is gone, I can start exploring the wilderness and with some luck, I'll find traces of civilization." I mused with a swift nod while inspecting my surroundings with my gaze.
As I mentioned earlier, the area I woke up in was an immaculate field of green grass located at the outskirt of a deep forest of sorts. There was no sight of a rural town or a large city so far, just miles of green hills and whatnot.
However, I could see some traces of a road for old carriages. It was not paved with stone or cement and there was no checkpoint or building in the area, just pathways made of lines of uneven yellowish ground.
I think it was more a ridgeway than a proper route. An ancient type of road that exploits the hard surface of hilltop ridges for use as unpaved, zero-maintenance roads.
"Damnit, no paved roads in this area are not a good sign." I hissed in mild annoyance.
Roads make a crucial contribution to the economic development and growth of nations and bring important social benefits. Additionally, they provide connectivity among neighboring countries and cities.
If you find one then you're bound to find a relatively safe route to civilization. And the better the maintenance they have, the more advanced the civilized settlement is and the greater the influence it has.
Even if this world was filled with medieval-themed countries, which were known for their rudimentary infrastructure, the formula is the same.
No pathways means this area was probably governed by the animal kingdom… and since this was a fantasy world with monsters… I was bound to find one of those hideous bastards soon enough in the wilderness.
Oh, shit.
Wildernesses were home for monsters in any fantasy setting!
"Grrr…!"
I whipped around to come face to face with an ugly, monstrous green face with elongated ears and eyes with no iris or pupils staring at me with a vicious grin while drooling disgustingly at my form. It's like a predator gazing at its next prey.
It was a goblin, albeit a very ugly goblin covered in rags and rusty plate metal. Yep, this confirms I really am in a fantasy world.
And now the ugly thing is charging at me, swinging its short sword madly in an attempt to kill me. I guess I should draw my own weapon and defend myself.
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Hold on, do I even have a weapon to begin with?!
I reached my hand around my waist, hoping to find something useful for this situation… and found nothing.
Such misfortune!
"Gyaaahh!"
Oh crap, here it comes. Ok, don't panic! Think rationally and analyze the situation with logic. Look at any possible variable present in this scenario and find the best possible solution using the tools in your possession.
First, there is a goblin trying to kill me. That's painfully obvious and a bit unnerving to say the least. However, once I calm my nerves the fight itself isn't that frightening. Sure, the guy is ugly as fuck and possibly far nimbler than I.
Cause point, it jumped at me like a mad beast swinging it chunky blade in a vertical slash.
SWOOOSH!
"Ghu…!" I barely dodged that attack by taking a quick jump to my left side. It appears like this little fellow is indeed agile and perfectly capable of doing a mad sprint.
Nevertheless, its moves were easy to read and the usual berserker rush it employed to attack me was way too straightforward. If an amateur like me could telegraph its strikes, the poor guy must be unskilled. Still, the goblin has the upper hand because it possessed a weapon and I, on the other hand, am barehanded.
Fighting against a sword fighter is quite difficult regardless of the size of the opponent. At the end of the day, a bladed weapon was a dangerous tool for killing. Even a simple kitchen knife could end your life if you aren't careful enough.
Thankfully, I was quite experienced when dealing with knife wielders considering how many mock fights my mom forced me to engage in the past so I won't be a prudish bitch at the streets. Not like I was an MMA expert or something like, I just knew how to stall my opponent until I found the chance to go for the killing blow.
"Kyaaahhh!"
Ah, here it comes. Unorthodox Hellish Training Regime, don't fail me now!
This time, the goblin is going for a stab move and charged at me in a vicious dash, letting aside any caution and prowling with a mad glee in its eyes… Well, that's kinda disturbing.
"Too bad your short height will be your doom." I said with a small smirk as I took my stance and grabbed the sword wielding arm with both hands, placing my two feet firmly on the ground to not lose my balance at the recoil from the goblin's jump assault.
The monster let out a cry of anger as it prepared to bounce and try to bite my head. Sadly, for the green-skinned monster, I wasn't gonna let it do whatever it wanted and counterattacked.
I raised my left foot swiftly, my target was exposed and my leg flew straight at it.
Special Move: Nut Cracking Kick!
POW!
"G-Gyaaarrrgh!" The goblin let out a pained cry as it eyes widened on gigantic proportions and fell on the ground holding its jewels in agony.
Not waiting for it to recover its tempo, I picked up the short sword and used the flat side to hit the back of its head several times until it stopped moving. I didn't kill it if its moving chest was anything to go by.
'Well, I guess that's it. The goblin lost its blade and is suffering from a serious case of blue ball thanks to my stunt, probably won't move for a while.' I thought with a light hum as I pondered what would be my next move.
I mean, the enemy is down so maybe I should start running away from here as fast as possible. I wasn't gonna kill it because… well, it's a goddamn sentient being and this wasn't a game but real life. Senseless slaughtering of humanoid creatures was not my thing.
"Guugyyaaa…!"
"Huh?"
My head snapped at the floor and much to my surprise I found the ugly monster… still laying in the ground holding its family jewels, glaring at me with a gaze full of pure raw hatred.
Weird, if that little bastard wasn't the source of the noise then what—
SNIKT!
"Gaaah..!" I hissed in pain as I felt something sharp cutting through my flesh and instinctually jumped to the other side while holding my damaged lower back. Fortunately for me, whatever it was didn't wound anything important. It seems to be a clean cut, therefore I just have to worry about possible infection and minor bleeding.
How did I get hurt out of blue? Well, that's quite simple.
"Gigigi…!"
"Ghahyaa!"
There was another goblin hiding in the grass field.
"You piece of shit…!" I snarled with an enraged growl.
The laugh of that trashy creature was getting under my skin and my anger was past the melting point. Oddly enough, while it's irritable voice was annoying, I wasn't angry at the new goblin but at me and my own carelessness.
It was stupid and naïve of me to think that the first goblin was a lone wolf. I thought it was a simple loner that decided to hunt alone by itself and this is my reward. Granted, I wasn't an expert in goblins' hunting tactics but I should've guessed they relied on group fights and underhanded tricks to take on larger creatures.
That was the usual plan most weak animals use to prey and it makes perfect sense for goblins to use that tactic.
Goblins are physically weak when compared to an adult human and their bodies weren't sturdy enough to withstand the full might of a blunt attack since their constitution usually was on par with human children or small teenagers.
Most goblins were savage scavengers by nature and didn't have the discipline or even the intelligence to train or develop fighting skills and techniques. Therefore, to make up for their lack of physical might, most goblins relied on large groups.
"Tsk…! Being careless almost doomed me…"
To think that one misstep and I almost get killed by a goblin of all things. I grew too complacent and underestimated the situation. What an idiot!
Stupid!
I'm pretty sure my teeth were about to break due the pressure I was putting on them. Even my fist was turning white.
""Ggigigi…!""
Now the two of them were mocking my own carelessness and stupidity. Goddamn it! I want to kill those bastards so much but my own morality is getting in the way.
Ah, how pathetic I was.
BAM!
Guh! Another strike from the back?! And this time from a blunt weapon on top of that. I didn't realize it sooner but now I was a bit battered and used the sword I stole to support my crouching body. I must look pathetic.
I could hear their steps as they walked at my direction, wearing those shit-eating grins as if they're about to kill easy prey. Huh, there was even another goblin rising from the grass that joined its two friends. I bet he was the one who swung the club earlier… and it was sporting that insufferable smile too!
Who knew that the Jester's parting words carried so much weight even though I never put my whole trust in them. The strong survive while the weak perish. The Law of the Jungle indeed.
Such words were too alien for me to fully understand them. Any man from the modern world who never experienced war or a life full of struggles would never get the gist of it.
It's not like I would just sink in my own depressive thoughts like a sissy but man, I should've taken the Jester's words more seriously if I knew that even a goblin pack would cause me so much trouble. Damn it!
"""Gyagahahah…!"""
Ah, they are already a few feet away from my unsightly form and if their bloodthirsty grin were anything to go by, they're most likely thinking in how delicious my flesh would taste.
And each single one of them was mocking me with those infuriating shit-eating grins!
"…!"
Tsk! What the hell am I even doing here, letting those fuckers get their way with me?! Man up, idiot. You either kill them or become a new human dish.
At that moment, I saw the goblins running straight at my fallen form and were about to sever my limbs with the blunt, but still deadly blade, cripple me with that club, and sunk their hideous teeth into my body.
However, unlike last time, I no longer felt hesitation and my objective was clear.
I took a step forward as the adrenaline rushed through my veins, ignoring the pain and letting out an animalistic roar. I didn't care anymore about the odds. I'm gonna slaughter these little shits one by one.
The first one to enter in my field of vision was the club wielding goblin, it aimed at my legs and swung the blunt weapon savagely at a blinding speed.
I couldn't just swing the blade and make a strength contest with the club. It would damage the blade or even shatter it.
Taking that into account, maybe I should dodge instead, but with this battered body, I wasn't willing to take my chances. Most likely, my speed has decreased considerably.
Thankfully, the sword wasn't heavy and its small size was optimal to allow me do the next logical action.
So, I swung my arm in a wide arc and as my limb moved, I calculated the exact moment to do my move and lessen my grip on the sword.
SWOOSH!
That's right. I threw the bladed weapon at the goblin. The sharp blade sunk in its head and the neck supporting his skull snapped wildly at the sudden attack.
THUD!
Headshot!
I couldn't celebrate now though, I still needed to take care of the two remaining rapscallions— which were visible shaken by the dead of their comrade. I couldn't blame them, my knife throwing was a bit scary.
Now, that doesn't means I am a ninja. It's just that the adrenaline and anger boosted my arm strength and the blade itself has the right size, sharpness, and thickness. The impact got enough force to crack a human skull or even pierce it. A mere goblin wouldn't survive that.
But let's not get so sidetracked. I killed one, two more to go.
"Grrooaaahh…!" I forced my body to make a sprint as I dive to the ground to take the club from the corpse and use it to smash the head of the blade user goblin with all my might.
The little shit jumped backward to avoid the strike but I didn't let it have a room to breathe.
"Don't think you'll get away!" Roaring like a beast, I pushed my lower limbs to their limit.
Suddenly, my legs burst with newfound strength and my body became far swifter than before. Letting out a war cry, I ram the goblin in a furious rush. The boost itself wasn't all that great, but the sudden increase in my body's speed caught the little bastard off guard.
Putting all my body weight, I pinned the beast into the grassy floor.
Acknowledging it was at a disadvantage, the green-skinned piece of shit tried to stab me with its blade but I was faster. Using a wrestling move, I formed a half-decent leglock around its armed limb to stop its movements.
Then, I proceeded to apply pressure on the goblin's arm. Considering our size differences and the fact I possessed far greater strength, the results of my actions were obvious.
SNAP!
"G-GRAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!"
I broke its arm in an instant with almost zero resistance. Next, I kick the pinned goblin's face to knock him out and took his weapon from his crippled limb. The injured, trashy monster groaned in agony as my boot impacted its face as it rolled on the ground, bearing a pained expression while it held its arm.
"Gigyaahhh!"
Oh, the other goblin wanted to save its comrade and jump at me. How stupid.
Calculating its speed and trajectory, I raised my legs and stroke the idiot with a double kick. Normally, this type of counterattack won't do better than buying me a few seconds if I fought an adult man, but my enemies were these midgets with poor physical defense, so it was rather effective.
It fell on the dirty ground, its face striking the grassy floor, visibly stunned.
Knowing it was no threat for the moment, I took the chance to finish it off. Getting up rapidly, I took the club and short sword, and made my way to the crouching bastard holding its dirty face as it tried to recover from my counter.
Moaning in bemusement, the goblin rose from the ground as it prepared itself for bouncing at me in a mad rush to gut me. However, the only thing it could do was receive my knee on its mandible and fell on the ground once more.
My follow up attack stroke next.
SWOOSH!
Mercilessly, I used the short sword to sever its weapon-carrying arm with an overhead slash with all the strength I could muster. The blood splashed and burst from the injury. My hands got some red liquid but I ignored and instead, I looked at the agonizing goblin with a gaze full of contempt and cold hatred.
"G-Gyaaahhh…!"
I saw the fear in its eyes. Perhaps now it understood it was a bad idea to attack me and was silently pleading for mercy with its shaking gaze.
"…"
Naturally, I ignored it.
BAM!
Firmly grasping the club, I smashed it in its thick skulls with an animalistic roar. The flesh was spread on the floor and grey matter stuck in my clothes and face.
The warm feeling of the blood was fresh, invading my skin with each strike, but I didn't stop. I kept smashing it with the club. Using way more strength with every single blow. By the time I finally stopped, the head of the goblin was no more.
Letting out a deep sigh, I shifted my gaze to the remaining goblin with cold eyes. The visage of its pathetic, crippled state was unsightly. I didn't have sympathy for this creature that dared to end my life. That midget was nothing but a little mouse playing the role of a cat.
"G-Gyahh…!" The green-skinned monster was shaking and took a step back, its face looking back and forth to the corpses of its comrades as if anything it has seen was but a back joke. Alas, having a broken arm and two of its friend killed serves as a rather cathartic wake-up call.
When realization came to its face, it took the most logical option… and started running away from me.
"How futile…" I muttered with a scowl as I took a bloodstained blade from the headless body. Relaxing my muscles, I fixed my gaze to my intended target, readying my stance as I let out a growl. "You will die here, idiot." Mumbling with a cold and emotionless tone, I threw the short sword like a dart.
THUD!
A clear shot. The blade sunk in the lower back of the goblin. Its body fell on the ground but it was awfully clear the scumbag was still alive and trying to escape from my grasp.
I wasted no time and chased after it. This time, however, I walked at a slow pace.
When I was already behind the goblin, I grabbed its thin neck and ugly face with both hands… and snapped its neck. It tried to fight back, but it was useless.
SNAP!
The goblin died quietly.
"Finally, it's over." Sporting a bitter smile on my face, I let out a tired sigh as my body reached its limit. The adrenaline was fading, the embers of my rage died and I was starting to feel the pain from my injuries.
My butt hit the bloodied ground with a 'thud' but I couldn't care less. I was just relieved to be alive after such an intense battle.
Then it hit me—
"Ah, I killed them…" I realized as my eyes widened slightly, and with disgust rising in my gut, I watched my bloodstained hands in horror.
I killed the goblins. I slaughtered them mercilessly and without any regard of their lives. Granted, they were monsters, but their bodily structures were so similar to that of a human.
The thought that I murdered something so akin to a human shook me to the core.
"It was the only choice…" I mumbled quietly as I stared at the blue sky with a bit of melancholy. "I guess my path will become even more dangerous from now on."
My adult mind worked at high speeds. Different scenarios ran through my mind. None of them pleasant or particularly funny. But each one has something in common. In each one of those scenarios I saw my dead body helplessly gazing at the abyss like a pathetic husk of a coward.
Stop.
Shaking my head with a solemn expression, I rose from the ground and stared at the horizon, where I found the coaster city.
I have to make up my mind.
Monsters, I could kill them. At least those that attacked with killing intent.
There is no room for remorse when dealing with these kinds of creatures.
In order to survive, I have to adapt to this new environment and learn the do's and don'ts. It was the first step to take if I wanted to get back to my world.
"I guess there really is no escape for me, huh?" I huffed with a sardonic, emotionless chuckle as I stared at the dead bodies of my attackers. "Perhaps I should do something about them and loot the corpses." Mumbling to myself, I pondered about my next move.
BURST!
Just then I noticed that the lifeless husks of the goblins… disintegrated in clouds of black ashes, leaving behind three small crystals.
"…" Staring at the thin shards dumbfounded, I couldn't help but voice my surprise. "Ok, color me intrigued. What the heck is this?"
The fact that monsters become ashes when you kill them was quite a shock, I'm not gonna lie. And those crystals were interesting objects, maybe they are similar to drop items or perhaps something else.
Well, I couldn't found out unless I ask an item-maker or a magician. If they are valuable crafting materials, then my money problems will be solved. I doubt any drop items from low-level monsters like goblins can be considered top-quality products though, but it's worth the shot.
"Money is money at the end of the day, so it hardly matters." I hummed with a decisive nod, gathering the shards from the dirt and sending them directly to my inventory.
[Mysterious Shards has been sent to the [Item Box]! (x3)]
Hmm, it seems like the Inventory doesn't has appraisal functions to analyze the stored objects. Or perhaps it's linked to the user's own knowledge? I have no clue but it hardly matters. I couldn't get information out of the crystals.
I wanted to know more. Well, there is a possibility I could "unlock" the description by gaining knowledge about the items themselves.
"Grrr…!"
A low growl stopped my train of thought as I turned my head to the side, where I found another small group of chubby goblins glaring at me with resentful gazes. They were wielding similar weapons to their fallen brethren; short swords and clubs made of junk and bone.
[QUEST ALERT!]
"First Fight at the Wilderness"
This world, while having so many marvels throughout its lands, oceans, and skies, is still a merciless place full of dangerous beings and calamities. Those weak-willed are fated to die and be forgotten while the strong may arise and claim the glory.
In order to be a step closer to your ultimate goal, you must realize this and act accordingly.
Objective: Kill all the enemies.
Extra Objective: ?
Rewards: +5 Stat Points, Random Weapon, "Status Recovery"
Extra Reward: ?
Failure: Death
WARNING: Any attempt to escape or ignore the [Quest] will warrant a penalization!
"… Hehehe… Of course. Of course you want me to fight." I chuckle with contempt.
First I got snatched from my world without a word of warning just because some asshole up there decided to mess with me. And now it was threatening me if I refuse to engage in combat.
Right now, I have to face this trial before me and retake my life. And if I have to kill monsters then it can't be helped.
"Yeah… LIKE HELL I HAVE!"
That asshole just took my life away from me and then deemed me as its so-called "Chosen One." Basically making me into some sort of glorified lap dog whose existence only serves for its amusement!
Who the hell does it think it is?!
And the worst part is that this was not the first time someone decides to manipulate me as if I was some doll to play with!
Overwhelming rage and indignation took over my mind.
The next thing I knew, I saw a red veil and my mind went blank.
DING! DING! DING!
[ACKNOWLEDGEMENT!]
The embers fading burst into a sea of flames!
The thirst for blood and carnage, the desire for slaughter of the enemies has been manifested. A power born from anger, merciless wrath, and unfathomable rage!
Recognition granted!
Skill: Blo—
(?)
It started like any other day in the forest for them.
Lurking in the shadows waiting for a new target to appear so they could ravine in their flesh and uses their remains to craft weapons for hunting. Follow the prey quietly and waiting for the best moment to bounce and kill them.
They weren't the strongest by a long run, or the most skilled ones though. In fact, their power pales in comparison to the Original One and they acknowledge it. No matter how much they tried, the gap between abilities and physical might was impossible to overcome in the first place.
However, they didn't despair at all. For they knew their strength came from numbers and not individual power.
It was a lesson engraved in their very "soul" by the Original One ever since it reached the surface.
With that in mind, they used underhanded tactics to steal weapons from any mortal stupid enough to think they could take them on. Learning the abilities the Original One developed in all battles it engaged after reaching this aboveground world.
It didn't have the flashiest techniques nor the strongest magic its siblings possessed, but with time and patience it learned the art of combat to a certain degree.
And that very same knowledge was transferred to its "children."
If it weren't to the "Reproduction Toll", they could become a fearsome force worth of recognition. Alas, life in the aboveground world was too difficult and sacrifices were made just to maintain the pack's survival.
No, it doesn't matter. What matters the most was that they were alive and ready to complete their duty… whatever that duty was, that is.
But now a new threat for their survival has shown its fangs before them.
Normally, they wouldn't think so much about it because most of those threats were small fries that underestimated them because they were goblins… only to fall against the overwhelming numbers they possessed.
And lo and behold, this time wasn't the exception of the rule either.
The person was anything but impressive. The clothes wrapping their body weren't reinforced or combat-focused gear. His side was bloodstained, product of a small wound one of their kin stroke. And the only weapons within their grasp were the rusty, poor-quality arms the pack stole.
Body frame-wise… This human was short and, while the muscles beneath the clothes seemed solid and full of healthy vigor, they looked weak and unsuited for rough combats at first glance.
All in all, the person before them was the epitome of "Average" to a T.
Sure, it killed three of their soldiers but that hardly mattered in the grand scheme of things when they have a few dozens of comrades. Soon enough they will slaughter this threat, this lowly and ill-prepared human child and ravish their flesh and organs in a banquet.
At least that's what they thought until a few seconds ago.
CHILLS!
A gust of cold winds was suddenly invoked from the human.
It wasn't magic, not entirely at least.
It was… different. And it didn't even harm them physically, since it was more like a normal breeze.
Surely, it shouldn't be something to worry about.
Then why they all felt like they should run as fast as possible from this human?!
Just when they were starting to ponder about this feeling, the human child spoke in an even, emotionless tone that hides the barely contained rage within his soul.
"I don't care how many you are and what weapons you possess. I couldn't care less if you know how to fight either." He muttered, his golden bangs shadowing his eyes and his body shivered ever so slightly. "All of You will Die here Anyway." Letting out an inhuman growl, he lifted his gaze and glared them with those icy-cold, cobalt-colored orbs.
That was the last drop.
They needed to eliminate him at once!
"G-Gyaaahhhhh…!"
One of them knocking an arrow to his bowstring, drew and fired.
It was a crude, stone-headed arrow but it could the deed like any other projectile. And they were close enough so it was unlikely that the human could dodge the arrow.
That way of thinking was not wrong.
Too bad the goblin was a terrible archer and has his strength drained by the "unknown wind."
And because of that, the arrow's flight was clumsy and slow.
"Hmph."
As if showing off how much of a third-rate was the goblin archer, the human cut the projectile midair with one swift swipe of his rusty short sword— a sword that manifested out of thin air.
"Graahh?!"
Incapable of comprehending the events before their eyes, the group of goblin grew even tenser. Nevertheless, one brave goblin leaped at the human in an attempt to take him out with a surprise attack, forgetting the fact they were on his line of sight.
BAM!
"GAYOU—?!"
Before he could even come close enough to deliver the sword strike, the golden-haired child manifested another weapon— a breaking club— out of thin air and bashed it into the goblin's head with a mighty blow.
THUD!
The goblin tumbled to the ground, his head fractured and his neck snapped due the sheer force of the strike.
As if to add some salt to the wound and showing zero sympathy for the fallen enemy, the human callously kicked the corpse out of his way and stepped closer to the goblin pack.
"One death… Now, let's see. Ah, so there was a potion in my inventory. Quite the beginner package, huh?" The cobalt-eyed child grunted, looking at the empty space without care before snapping his fingers and, shortly after that, a strange-looking glass bottle manifested on his hand, much to the goblins shock. He then proceeded to drink its contents nonchalantly, never taking his eyes away from the goblin pack. "Ok, MP refilled. Who goes next?" He said dispassionately as he threw the bottle behind him.
The human's shallows words and lax behavior made the goblin archer to snap as the green monster began to panic when he felt the gaze of the human on him. He tried to shot another arrow in hopes to get a clean shot.
But the human child was faster.
SWOOSH!
With a suddenly motion of his sword-wielding arm, the human launched his bladed weapon like a dart and the sharp edge penetrated the soft skin of the archer's belly and he fell in a pool of his own blood, letting out agonizing cries before silently dying.
"Just like I thought, you vermin are squishy as hell. I suppose I should've seen that coming. Oh well." Cobalt orbs stared at the now dead goblin with a sneer, and the human made another weapon appear in his free hand.
Those mocking words make some members of the goblin pack snap in indignation and rage.
Who the hell does this human think he is to mock them? This was a clueless child with no form or technique in his fighting style. A brutish prude whose fragile ego was shown with each deprecating word he sprouts.
Compared to them, who lived for strife and killed on a daily basis, he was nothing!
"G-GRYAAAAHHH!"
They charged at the human with their weapons in hands, ready to strike down the threat by overwhelming him with numbers.
However, there was another thing that they didn't take into consideration.
"[Wind-Cutter Blade]."
The human has magic.
SLASH!
"G…Gya-kuh…!"
It happened so fast yet everyone could see it.
A strange gust of wind different from the "unknown wind" come into existence and coated the human's blade, dozens of rapid-circling sharp knives enveloping the sword increasing its sharpness and attack power.
And with a fluid, yet untrained, swing the human slashed through the five goblins' flesh and muscles as if they're made of butter, leaving dismembered and gutted corpses as the proof of the efficiency his magic has for monster slaying.
It was a terrifying spectacle for the goblins. Not only they had witness the human use some strange abilities like the depowering wind-aura and weapon projection thing, he made quite the show with a chantless magic spell of all things!
That was it! They needed to retreat, NOW!
"Like hell I'd let you." As if reading their minds, the human muttered those words with his casual, emotionless tone. Then he held a free hand at them, after dismissing the weapon it was hold, and used one more of his tricks under sleeve. "[Fireball]!"
BOOM!
The next thing they knew was that a burning, hellish sphere of fire was launched at them, creating an explosion that consumed their small bodies in a scorching inferno.
Agonizing and battered, the remaining goblins who survived the assault of the flames tried to escape… but their enemy— their predator wouldn't allow it.
"I think was clear… All of You will Die here."
"Gyaaaahhhh…!"
Moans and inhuman screams echoed shortly after hearing those words as the human proceeded to slaughter their entire pack, going as far as to allow some to escape so he could kill the goblins hiding in their hideout within the forest.
All those countless years of surviving adventurers and mercenaries were for naught. Their past victories were rendered null when this being descended to their dominion
That day, the goblin threat endangering the roads of this field and the entrance of the forest was no more.
That day, a grim reaper in human form claimed their lives.
← To be Continued
Author Notes (Rewrite – 18/05/2021):
AND! CUT!
Well, how was it?! Good? Bad? So-so?
Honestly, after reading the first version I kinda was disappointed with the quality since it lacked action, was all talk, and no fights. How the heck was I expecting to give you guys the motivations to read if all I did was put words upon words of worthless babblings? I admit I was too naïve when thinking it has the worthiness of a story inspired by other works with excellent quality.
That's why I made some modifications and added a few things like the Skills and Magic feature into the System, as well as the elongated battle against the goblins. I wanted to give it a more meaningful ending because, let's face it, a piss-poor brawling contest with three goblins wasn't the best parting gift for you guys, hence why I made this tribute of a certain fantasy-genre anime series with goblin slaying fights.
Hope you liked it! Don't forget to comment and give me lots of reviews! As you know, reviews are the fuel for the tank we, the authors, possess within our souls!
By the way, I'd want to thank my Beta-Reader for his assistance! Thank you so much for your help!
Beta Reader: GrimmSoul1
Without anything else to add, I bid you farewells!
