[Class 1 Disaster: Goblin Invasion
Description: A small number of low-level monsters, [Goblins], have invaded, often targeting villages near monster borders. Even newly awakened heroes can handle them easily.
While they might not seem like a major threat, [Goblins] are among the most destructive races in human history. So, hero, please ensure the safety of the innocent people around you.]
This is the description of the [Goblin Invasion] that Anyi received from [The System] in his previous life. [Class 1 Disasters] are trivial to a hero chosen by [The System]. However, for ordinary people in this world, even a [Class 1 Disaster] can pose a grave threat to a village of just a few dozen residents.
Every day, small villages are destroyed by monsters.
Anyi will never forget the fateful hours that forever changed his life. The night the monsters invaded, the peaceful village was transformed into a sea of flames. Ruthless monsters trampled the villagers, who were too weak to defend themselves. Everything was destroyed, and their homes burned to the ground. Along the roads, flickering fires and broken bodies became the new normal.
The once peaceful village, dotted with green grass and filled with life, now held a morbid beauty. Empty, smoking ruins and the nauseating smell of blood permeated the air. The monsters, resembling demons from hell, held torches and carried human heads and broken bones. The village was destroyed, leaving behind only death and devastation. Father, mother, sister... the children, the elders—all were gone.
Some people may have misunderstood because of the chronicles, Anyi's survival was not solely due to his extraordinary abilities. It was also a result of pure luck and the actions of others.
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"Anyi, Anyi...?" Annie's voice suddenly snapped Anyi out of his musings.
"Huh?" Confused by the interruption, Anyi turned to look back at her.
"I called you several times, but you didn't pay attention. What 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, revenge consumed Anyi. For ten years, he dedicated himself to exterminating monsters, determined to prevent further tragedy. He lost count of the women who expressed their feelings for him—commoners, nobles, even heroines. He either refused or ignored them outright. He had no time or inclination for love.
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"Tomorrow is your birthday. Is there anything you would like?" Annie asked with a sweet smile, "If I know what you want, I can prepare it in advance!"
Anyi replied, "I want world peace."
Annie: "..."
While carrying the medicine basket, Annie occasionally glanced at Anyi. Her confusion about finding an appropriate birthday gift was evident as she mumbled to herself, "What birthday gift should I give him? It's really hard to decide...!"
Without a 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'll be an adult. I must congratulate you properly." Her voice was firm and resolute, showing her determination to give Anyi a proper birthday celebration.
While the age of eighteen might seem late to be labeled an adult, this game-like world's setting dictated that it constituted adulthood.
"...There's nothing worth celebrating," Anyi said, shifting his gaze to the side, a complex light flashing in his eyes.
"You are not allowed to say that! Your birthday is definitely worth celebrating!" Annie exclaimed. "You are exceptional in every way but so humble. You are also the most talented swordsman in our village. Your birthday is definitely worth celebrating."
"I am a genius, as it should be."
Annie raised an eyebrow and said in a playful tone, "Don't you find it strange that those words came out of your own mouth?" Her question was half-teasing, half-genuine, showing curiosity and surprise at Anyi's response.
Anyi remained unruffled, stating simply, "I don't 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 replied, "...I take back what I just said about you being too humble. It's best not to be too arrogant. There might be a genius swordsman out there more talented than you..."
Anyi responded with a calm smile and firmly said, "No. If there are swordsmen out there more talented than me, then this world... will be in danger."
"I'm starting to not understand what you're saying..." Annie's mind was full of question marks.
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Thirty minutes later
The two arrived at the herb-gathering location. The designated area for collecting herbs remains consistent, meaning it will always replenish with new herbs.
To clarify, picking herbs isn't as effortless as simply pressing 'F' or 'E' to interact with them like in a game. Finding the herbs involves searching for their growth area, specific location, and then confirming the collection spot. Once this is done, the actual harvesting process takes several hours to complete.
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Some hours later - Sunset has come
The sunlight streaming through the swaying branches and leaves cast a beautiful scene on the ground. Under normal circumstances, this would have been a scene of joy and beauty.
But in this forest brimming with monsters, the crimson light only 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 focused on picking medicinal herbs. While she was busy gathering the final ingredients, she didn't notice the threat that was drawing closer.
Anyi, under the pretense of boredom, finished warming up for the impending battle. As he had anticipated, no matter how early or late they set out, Annie would always be busy picking herbs until dusk, while the [Monster Invasion] event typically took place at night. It was said that they happened to discover the monsters, but it would be more accurate to say they found themselves in the path of the invasion.
Rustling sounds began to echo in the forest. The time was approaching. The events that led to Annie's tragic death in the previous life were about to begin...