Jack's heart pounded as he crouched low, hidden among the dense foliage near the cave entrance. The sight of his colleagues being dragged inside the cave had left him with a sense of urgency and determination. He knew he had to act, but he also knew that a direct assault would be suicidal. The goblins were too numerous, and he was still recovering from the mana backlash that had left him weakened. Stealth and strategy would be his only allies.
As the day wore on, Jack meticulously observed the goblin guards stationed around the cave entrance. They were well-organized, with sentries posted at key points and regular patrols moving through the area. Each guard carried a crude weapon—mostly spears and clubs—and wore armor made from mismatched pieces of leather and metal. Jack noted the positions of the guards, the frequency of their patrols, and the timing of their shifts. He needed to be precise in his actions to avoid detection.
With the sun beginning to set, Jack formulated his plan. He decided to use guerrilla tactics to thin the ranks of the sentries, creating confusion and weakening the goblins' defenses. His goal was to create an opportunity to rescue his colleagues without engaging the entire force of goblins. It was a risky plan, but it was the only option he had.
The first step was to eliminate the sentries quietly and efficiently. Jack moved stealthily through the underbrush, his ghillie suit blending him into the surroundings. He had fashioned a crude weapon from a sturdy branch, sharpening one end into a makeshift spear. It wasn't ideal, but it would have to do. He also carried a small pouch filled with rocks—improvised projectiles to create distractions if needed.
Jack's first target was a lone goblin sentry positioned on a rocky outcrop overlooking the entrance to the cave. The goblin seemed alert but bored, its attention waning as the night wore on. Jack approached cautiously, using the cover of the trees to stay hidden. He positioned himself behind a large boulder, waiting for the right moment. As the goblin turned to look in the opposite direction, Jack struck. He lunged forward, thrusting his makeshift spear into the goblin's neck. The goblin gurgled, its eyes wide with surprise and pain, before collapsing silently to the ground. Jack quickly dragged the body into the underbrush, hiding it from view.
He took a moment to catch his breath, his heart racing from the adrenaline. One sentry down, but there were still more to go. Jack moved on, sticking to the shadows as he navigated around the perimeter of the cave. His next target was a pair of goblins standing guard near a cluster of bushes. They were chatting in their guttural language, seemingly unaware of the danger lurking nearby.
Jack knew he couldn't take both of them out at once without making noise. He needed to separate them. He reached into his pouch and pulled out a small rock, then tossed it towards a nearby tree. The rock hit the tree with a sharp crack, drawing the attention of the goblins. They exchanged glances before one of them moved to investigate the noise. As the goblin approached the tree, Jack circled around, positioning himself behind the remaining guard. He struck quickly, driving his spear into the goblin's back. The goblin gasped, trying to cry out, but Jack clamped a hand over its mouth, silencing it as it died.
The second goblin returned, its confusion turning to horror as it saw its fallen comrade. Jack acted swiftly, launching himself at the goblin before it could react. They grappled briefly, but Jack's surprise attack and the goblin's shock gave him the advantage. He drove the goblin to the ground, finishing it with a quick thrust of his spear.
Two more sentries down. Jack felt a grim satisfaction, but there was no time to dwell on it. He dragged the bodies into the bushes, hiding them as best he could. He wiped the sweat from his brow, his mind racing with the next steps. He needed to keep moving, to take out as many sentries as possible before the goblins realized what was happening.
Jack's next target was a patrol of two goblins making their rounds near the cave entrance. They were more alert than the others, their eyes scanning the area for any signs of trouble. Jack waited until they were out of sight of the main camp, then followed them at a distance. He needed to isolate them, to take them out without alerting the rest of the goblins.
He spotted a narrow path that led off into the woods, away from the cave and the main group of goblins. It was the perfect place for an ambush. Jack hurried ahead, positioning himself in the dense underbrush near the path. As the patrol approached, he waited, every muscle tensed in anticipation. When the goblins were just a few feet away, he sprang out, attacking with a flurry of blows. He stabbed the first goblin in the chest, then swung around to strike the second in the head with a heavy rock.
The second goblin staggered, blood streaming from its head, but it managed to let out a yell before Jack silenced it with a final blow. The cry echoed through the forest, and Jack knew it would draw attention. He quickly dragged the bodies off the path, hiding them as best he could, then retreated into the woods. He needed to stay ahead of the goblins, to keep them off balance.
As he moved, Jack could hear the sounds of the camp stirring. The goblins were becoming agitated, the guards on high alert. They had found the bodies, and the camp was abuzz with shouts and activity. Jack smiled grimly. He had succeeded in creating confusion, but he knew it wouldn't last long. The goblins would soon organize a search, and he needed to be far away when they did.
He circled around the camp, keeping low and quiet. His mind raced with thoughts of his colleagues, still trapped inside the cave. He couldn't rescue them yet, not with the camp on high alert. But he had made a start, weakening the goblins' defenses and sowing chaos in their ranks. It was a small victory, but it gave him hope.
Jack continued his hit-and-run tactics, targeting isolated guards and patrols. He moved like a shadow through the forest, striking swiftly and disappearing before the goblins could react. Each attack further disrupted the goblins' organization, adding to the confusion and fear spreading through the camp.
As the night wore on, Jack felt the strain of his efforts. His body ached, and he was exhausted from the constant tension and exertion. But he couldn't stop. Not yet. He needed to keep the pressure on, to create as much chaos as possible. He knew the goblins were more powerful and numerous, but he had the advantage of surprise and the element of fear on his side.
Finally, as dawn approached, Jack retreated to a safe distance, hidden in a dense thicket. He watched as the goblins searched the forest, their movements frantic and disorganized. They were on edge, the deaths of their comrades weighing heavily on them. Jack had taken out at least four sentries, but the camp was still heavily guarded. He needed to regroup, to plan his next move.
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Jack took a deep breath, feeling the adrenaline start to fade. He had succeeded in his first phase of the plan, but there was still much to do. He had weakened the goblins' defenses, but they would soon regroup and fortify their positions. He needed to find a way to rescue his colleagues, but it would require careful planning and precise execution.
As the first rays of sunlight broke through the trees, Jack steeled himself for the challenges ahead. He had chosen the path of guerrilla warfare, and there was no turning back now. He would continue to fight, to chip away at the goblins' forces, and to find a way to save his colleagues. The odds were against him, but Jack was determined to succeed. He would use every tactic, every skill at his disposal, to achieve his goal. The fight was far from over, and Jack was ready for whatever came next.
Jack crouched low, hidden in the shadows of the dense underbrush. The forest around the goblin camp was thick, providing plenty of cover, but he knew he couldn't rely on the darkness alone. His recent skirmishes with the goblin sentries had taken a toll on his stamina and nerves, but they had also yielded a valuable reward. As he caught his breath, a familiar sensation tingled through his body—he had leveled up.
The notification from the system confirmed it: Jack had gained enough experience from his encounters to increase his level. He quickly pulled up his status screen, eager to see the new options available to him. The familiar stats appeared before his eyes: Strength, Agility, Constitution, Mana. Alongside them, a new skill had become available—Stealth. The word seemed to shimmer, almost beckoning him to select it.
Jack didn't hesitate. He chose Stealth, knowing it would be invaluable in his current situation. The skill description appeared, explaining that it would help him move silently and blend into his surroundings, making him harder to detect. It was perfect for the hit-and-run tactics he had been employing and would be crucial for his survival and success in the upcoming tasks.
With his new skill selected, Jack felt a surge of potential coursing through him. He allocated his newly earned attribute points into Mana, increasing his reserve of magical energy. The additional Mana would give him more flexibility, allowing him to use his skills more frequently and recover from their use more quickly. It was a pragmatic choice, especially considering how crucial his Storage skill had been.
As the night deepened, Jack turned his attention back to the camp. The goblins were still in disarray, their guards on high alert but clearly rattled by the earlier attacks. Jack watched them for a while, noting the shifts in their patrols and the layout of the camp. His eyes were drawn to a particular structure—a hut that seemed less guarded than the others. It was slightly apart from the main camp, nestled against a rocky outcrop. The hut's significance became apparent as Jack observed a few goblins carrying bundles of food into it.
This was their food storage. The realization sparked an idea. If he could steal some of their supplies, it would not only provide him with much-needed sustenance but also disrupt the goblins' resources. With his newfound Stealth skill, Jack felt confident he could pull off the theft without being detected.
He moved cautiously, staying within the shadows and using the natural cover of the forest to his advantage. The Stealth skill seemed to enhance his senses, making him more aware of the sounds around him—the rustling of leaves, the distant chirping of insects, the faint crackle of the campfires. He felt lighter, his footsteps quieter, as if the very air conspired to keep him hidden.
As he approached the hut, Jack paused, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of movement. Two goblins were posted near the entrance, chatting idly and occasionally glancing towards the main camp. Jack noted their positions and the gaps in their vigilance. He needed to act quickly and decisively.
Jack reached into his pouch and retrieved a small rock. He tossed it into the underbrush on the opposite side of the hut, creating a faint rustling noise. The goblins immediately turned towards the sound, their attention momentarily diverted. Jack seized the opportunity. He slipped past them, moving silently and swiftly. The Stealth skill made him feel almost invisible, his movements blending seamlessly with the night.
He reached the hut's entrance and peered inside. The interior was dimly lit by a single torch, but Jack could make out several crates and sacks filled with food—dried meats, fruits, grains. It was a treasure trove compared to the meager supplies he had been living on. He carefully entered the hut, moving towards the nearest crate. Using his Storage skill, he began transferring the food into his inventory. The process was quick and efficient, each item disappearing into the invisible space with a simple mental command.
Jack worked methodically, taking as much as he could without overburdening his inventory. He knew he couldn't carry everything, but even a small portion would be a significant boon. The hut was filled with enough supplies to feed the goblin camp for weeks; even a fraction of it would sustain him and, if necessary, his colleagues.
As he finished, Jack felt a slight pang of guilt. These supplies were vital for the goblins' survival, just as they were for him. But he quickly pushed the thought aside. The goblins were his enemies; they had captured his colleagues and threatened his life. He had to use every advantage he could to turn the tide in his favor.
With his inventory full, Jack cautiously exited the hut. The goblins at the entrance were still distracted, now investigating the source of the noise Jack had created. He slipped past them, moving back into the safety of the forest. His heart pounded, but he felt a thrill of success. He had not only replenished his supplies but had also gained valuable intelligence about the camp's layout and resources.
Jack retreated to a safe distance, finding a secluded spot among the trees where he could rest and recover. He sat down, his back against a sturdy trunk, and pulled up his status screen again. The food he had taken was a welcome sight, a mix of dried meats and fruits that would sustain him for days. He ate some of the dried fruit, savoring the sweetness and energy it provided. It was a small comfort, but in the midst of his precarious situation, it felt like a feast.
As he rested, Jack reflected on his next steps. The Stealth skill had proven invaluable, allowing him to move undetected and strike at the goblins without revealing his presence. It opened up new possibilities for sabotage and reconnaissance. With his Mana reserves replenished and a steady supply of food, he was better prepared for the challenges ahead.
Jack knew he couldn't rest for long. The goblins would eventually discover the theft and tighten their security. He needed to plan his next moves carefully. The sight of his colleagues being taken into the cave still haunted him, and he was determined to find a way to rescue them. But for now, he needed to regain his strength and prepare for the next phase of his mission.
As the first light of dawn began to filter through the trees, Jack felt a renewed sense of purpose. He had gained valuable skills and resources, but more importantly, he had shown himself that he could survive and adapt in this hostile environment. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but he was no longer the same man who had stumbled into this nightmare. He was stronger, more determined, and ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Jack leaned back against the tree, feeling the rough bark against his back. He took a deep breath, savoring the crisp morning air. The goblins might have the numbers and the terrain on their side, but he had something they lacked: a relentless will to survive and a mind sharp enough to outwit them. As he closed his eyes for a brief rest, a steely resolve settled over him. This was just the beginning, and Jack was ready to fight for his survival and the safety of his colleagues. The game had changed, and he was determined to come out on top.