“Fal’tah fe'a, skin kine nect el ti'll trav vikl dur piers tam heko carrrit”. Upon the leader's command, the two minions obediently settled down and retrieved hidden knives, which caught me by surprise as I hadn’t noticed them around their legs. They approached the boar and began the gruesome task of skinning and dismembering it. Meanwhile, the leader made his way back in the direction they had come from, presumably to seek assistance in transporting the spoils they had acquired. I couldn't help but be impressed by the skill and efficiency with which the two goblins were skinning the boar. Their precise movements and meticulous attention to detail showed that they were experienced in this task. It was evident that they had done this many times before, as they worked swiftly and methodically, taking the time to ensure every inch of the boar's hide was carefully removed. I speculated that the goblins possessed a skill in skinning that allowed them to perform the task with such expertise. The boar's hide appeared to be exceptionally tough, and their knives effortlessly sliced through it, I assumed they would be done in about two hours.

I weighed my options carefully, contemplating the best course of action. It seemed there were two logical choices before me. The first was to remain concealed, utilizing my 'hide presence' skill and waiting until the goblins finished their task and their leader returned to collect them and the items. However, this option carried the risk of attracting more goblins and increasing the chances of being discovered due to the increased number of eyes and noses to sniff me out.

The second option was to consider a more aggressive approach and attempt to eliminate the two goblins before their leader returned. It was a risky move, but it could potentially eliminate the immediate threat and allow me to run back to my safe zone.

I pondered these options, Considering the dangerous nature of the area and the potential risks involved, running through the night didn't appear to be the wisest option. The darkness, unfamiliar terrain, and potential encounters with other creatures or hazards made it a risky endeavour.

In addition to the immediate risks and uncertainties, another factor weighed on my mind: the fate of Brandon's body. I felt a strong inclination to give him a proper burial, as a way to honor him and his contribution to my growth, even though neither of us could have foreseen the events that transpired. The thought of leaving his body in the hands of the goblins unsettled me, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that it was my responsibility to ensure he received a respectful farewell. This added another layer of complexity to the decision I had to make.

With the weight of these considerations, the decision leaned heavily towards staying rather than risking a hasty confrontation or leaving Brandon's body behind. The logical and compassionate sides of my mind aligned, urging me to wait, maintain my hidden presence, and ensure a proper farewell for Brandon once the goblins finished their task. To increase my chances of survival, I decided to invest my essence points into leveling up my "Hidden Presence" skill. I could only hope that the rate of skill leveling didn't follow the same exponential pattern as my own level progression.

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2

Hide Presence

Uncommon

1

0/100

2

Hide Presence

Uncommon

2

0/200

2

Hide Presence

Uncommon

3

0/400

2

Hide Presence

Uncommon

4

0/800

2

Hide Presence

Uncommon

5

0/1500

Upon investing my essence into leveling up the skill, I could immediately sense a transformation taking place. It was as if a newfound understanding of how to breathe, blend in, move, and observe my surroundings without drawing attention had been unlocked within me, reaching level 5 seemed to unlock extra knowledge. The experience was both incredible and surreal. I couldn't help but wonder what further enhancements awaited me as the skill progressed. It seemed that at higher levels, it had the potential to render me virtually invisible to those lacking keen perception or specialized tracking abilities. The possibilities were intriguing, and I couldn't wait to explore the full extent of this skill.

I invested a total of 1,500 essence, which left me with 1,880 essence, to level up the skill to level 5. To my surprise, I discovered that reaching level 6 would only require 1,500 essence instead of the previously assumed 1,600. This turned out to be the most substantial purchase I had made thus far in my journey.

The skill upgrade instilled a newfound sense of confidence within me. Knowing that I possessed the means stay undetected filled me with a reassurance I hadn't felt before. It bolstered my belief in my ability to survive not only the current situation but also future challenges that lay ahead.

The lack of knowledge regarding the current time began to pose a significant problem for me. Without any means of measuring time or access to daylight, I felt disoriented and unable to keep track of the passing hours. It made planning and decision-making more challenging, as I had no frame of reference to determine how much time had elapsed or how much time remained until daybreak, based on my estimation, it seemed that the goblins had arrived at around 3 a.m., and approximately an hour had passed since then. They were about halfway through the task of skinning the boar, as time passed, I grew indifferent with the situation. I knew that as long as I remained hidden and didn't make any sudden movements, the goblins wouldn't be able to detect me. The levels in "Hidden Presence" provided me with a sense of security, knowing that I had become nearly invisible to their perception. I stayed tucked away on the branch, patiently waiting for the goblins to finish their task.