The forest had become Jack’s sanctuary and battleground. His escape from the goblin camp had been a small victory, but the reality of his situation was sobering. He was alone, weakened, and running low on supplies. The dense trees and underbrush offered some cover, but Jack knew he couldn’t afford to remain idle. He needed to grow stronger, and quickly.
As he ventured deeper into the forest, Jack’s mind was filled with a singular focus: survival. The goblins had been a constant threat, and his only chance to regain strength was to face them head-on. With his newly acquired skills and a growing resolve, he aimed to level up and improve his condition. The more goblins he could defeat, the better his chances of escaping this nightmarish situation.
Jack stumbled upon a small, natural outgrowth of a tree—an area where the roots had formed a protective hollow covered in dense vines and foliage. It was a perfect spot to hide and regroup. The outgrowth offered shelter from prying eyes and the harsh elements, and Jack quickly made it his temporary home.
He set about making the space as comfortable and concealed as possible. Using the vines and surrounding foliage, Jack fashioned a makeshift ghillie suit. The suit was a crude but effective camouflage, designed to blend in with the forest environment. He worked diligently, weaving the vines and leaves together to create a cover that would help him stay hidden from any passing goblins or potential predators.
The process was time-consuming, but Jack’s enhanced agility and determination made the task manageable. The ghillie suit was far from perfect, but it provided a level of concealment that would help him stay undetected while he planned his next moves. Once finished, Jack felt a sense of accomplishment and reassurance. He was now better equipped to move stealthily through the forest.
With his new camouflage in place, Jack turned his attention to his dwindling supplies. He rummaged through his remaining provisions, knowing that he needed to ration them carefully. His last meal was a mixture of dried fruits, nuts, and a small amount of jerky—enough to sustain him for a few days if he was frugal.
Jack settled into his makeshift shelter, eating the final remnants of his supplies with a mixture of gratitude and regret. Each bite was a reminder of how dire his situation was, but it also fueled his determination. The supplies would have to last until he could find more or until he could procure food through hunting and foraging.
As he ate, Jack reviewed his situation and the skills he had at his disposal. The healing skill he had acquired was a valuable asset, but he knew he needed more than that to survive and thrive. His current focus was on leveling up by engaging goblins and utilizing his skills effectively. Each encounter with the enemy was an opportunity to grow stronger and more capable.
The forest around him was a mix of tranquility and danger. The rustling of leaves and the distant calls of wildlife created an almost serene backdrop to his thoughts. Yet Jack was acutely aware of the lurking threats. The goblins were not far away, and he had to remain vigilant.
Once he had finished his meal and made final adjustments to his ghillie suit, Jack prepared for his next move. He knew that to level up effectively, he needed to engage in combat with goblins. His plan was to use the cover of night and his new camouflage to approach them undetected. He would scout for their positions, identify any weaknesses, and strike when the time was right.
The night was growing darker, and Jack knew it was the perfect time to begin his hunt. With his ghillie suit blending him into the surroundings, he carefully exited his shelter and moved through the forest. The trees and underbrush provided ample cover, and Jack used his agility to move silently and efficiently.
As he ventured deeper into the forest, Jack’s senses were on high alert. He scanned the area for any signs of goblin activity, his eyes adjusting to the dim light of the moon filtering through the canopy. The goal was to locate a group of goblins, assess their numbers, and engage them in a way that would allow him to gain experience and improve his standing.
The forest was alive with sounds, but Jack remained focused on his objective. His enhanced agility and the camouflage of his ghillie suit made him nearly invisible in the darkness. He moved cautiously, using the terrain to his advantage and avoiding any potential encounters with other creatures or goblin patrols.
After a few hours of searching, Jack finally spotted a small group of goblins. They were gathered around a fire, their guttural voices and laughter carrying through the night. It was the perfect opportunity to engage them. Jack assessed their numbers and their position, noting their apparent lack of alertness.
With a deep breath and a steely resolve, Jack prepared to put his plan into action. He would need to be swift and decisive, using his agility to his advantage and making the most of his newly acquired skills. The hunt for power was about to begin, and Jack was determined to make every encounter count.
The forest was still, the night air cool and silent. Jack crouched low, hidden among the dense underbrush, his eyes fixed on the small group of goblins gathered around a flickering fire. Their guttural voices and occasional laughter echoed through the night, a reminder of the threat they posed. But tonight, Jack was determined to turn the tables. He had chosen this place carefully, noting the terrain and the goblins' routines. It was the perfect spot for an ambush, and Jack intended to make the most of it.
He had spent hours preparing, using his surroundings to craft a makeshift trap. A long, sturdy vine, thick and resilient, had been woven into a tripline across a narrow path. Jack had selected the vine for its strength and camouflage, blending seamlessly with the forest floor. The tripline was a simple but effective trap, designed to catch the goblins off guard.
Jack picked up a small, smooth stone, weighing it in his hand. His plan was simple: create a distraction to lure the goblins toward the tripline, then take them out swiftly and silently. He had already positioned a large, heavy branch nearby, its weight and solidity making it a suitable weapon. But Jack had also considered another, more unconventional method to dispatch his enemies.
Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Jack threw the stone into the forest, aiming for a spot near the tripline. The stone arced through the air and landed with a dull thud, rustling the leaves and breaking the silence. The goblins' laughter ceased, replaced by curious murmurs and the sound of movement. Two goblins, smaller and seemingly less experienced than the others, stood up and moved toward the source of the noise, their crude weapons held loosely in their hands.
Jack watched intently as the goblins approached the tripline, his heart pounding in his chest. He remained perfectly still, hidden within the shadows of the trees, his eyes never leaving the goblins. As they drew closer to the vine, Jack's grip tightened around the branch, his muscles tensing in anticipation.
The first goblin reached the tripline and, in the darkness, failed to notice the vine stretched across the path. With a sudden jerk, it tripped, stumbling forward with a startled yelp. The second goblin, following closely behind, collided with the first, both of them toppling to the ground in a tangle of limbs and curses.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
Jack seized the moment, springing from his hiding place with the branch held high. He swung the makeshift club with all his strength, bringing it down on the first goblin's head. The impact was sickening, a dull crack echoing through the night as the goblin's skull caved in. Blood spattered across the forest floor, and the goblin lay still, its body twitching slightly before going limp.
The second goblin, struggling to rise, looked up in horror as Jack turned his attention toward it. Panic flashed in its eyes, and it opened its mouth to scream, but Jack was faster. With a swift, decisive motion, he activated his Space Storage skill, focusing on the goblin's neck. The sensation was strange, a sudden pull as if the air itself was tearing apart. A chunk of the goblin's neck vanished into the void of his storage space, blood spurting from the gaping wound.
The goblin gurgled, clutching its throat as it fell to the ground, its life slipping away. Jack watched, his expression grim, as the creature convulsed and then lay still, the forest once again silent except for the faint rustling of leaves in the breeze.
Jack stood over the bodies of the fallen goblins, his chest heaving with exertion and adrenaline. The reality of what he had just done washed over him, a mix of triumph and revulsion. He had killed before, but each time felt different, the weight of the act pressing down on him. These were not just mindless monsters; they were sentient beings, albeit hostile ones. Yet in this harsh new world, survival required hard choices.
He knelt beside the goblins, his gaze lingering on the wound he had inflicted using his storage skill. It was a brutal method, but effective. Jack knew he couldn't afford to be squeamish. Each kill meant more experience, more strength, and a better chance of surviving the challenges that lay ahead. The goblins were a threat, and eliminating them was a necessary part of his journey.
Jack searched the bodies, looking for anything useful. The goblins' weapons were crude, but he took a small dagger that seemed sharper than the others. It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing. He also found a small pouch of dried meat, which he pocketed, grateful for the additional provisions. Every little bit helped.
As he stood up, Jack took a moment to assess his surroundings. The forest was still quiet, the other goblins seemingly unaware of what had transpired. He needed to move quickly, to find another hiding place before the bodies were discovered. The last thing he needed was to be caught by the remaining goblins in the camp.
Jack retreated into the shadows, moving silently through the forest. His ghillie suit helped him blend into the surroundings, and he made his way to a new vantage point. He needed to plan his next move carefully. The two goblins he had killed were just the beginning. To level up, he needed to continue hunting, to push himself further and further.
As he settled into a new hiding spot, Jack felt a strange mix of emotions. The thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction of victory, and the weight of his actions all mingled within him. He knew he was changing, adapting to this brutal new world. The skills and abilities he had gained were not just tools; they were becoming a part of him, shaping his thoughts and actions.
Jack took a deep breath, calming his racing heart. He couldn't afford to dwell on the morality of his actions. In this world, hesitation meant death. He had to be strong, ruthless if necessary. The goblins were a threat, and he had to eliminate that threat if he wanted to survive.
He spent the next few hours scouting the forest, avoiding goblin patrols and searching for his next target. His senses were heightened, every rustle of leaves and snap of a twig putting him on edge. The forest was a dangerous place, and Jack knew he had to stay alert. His enhanced agility made him quicker and more capable, but he couldn't let his guard down.
As dawn began to break, Jack finally spotted another group of goblins. They were smaller than the previous group, only three of them, but they were armed and alert. Jack watched them carefully, noting their movements and positions. He needed to take them out quickly and efficiently, to minimize the risk to himself.
Jack set up another trap, using the same tripline method as before. He positioned himself in a tree above the path, ready to strike. His hands tightened around the branch he had taken from the previous encounter, his eyes fixed on the approaching goblins.
The plan went off without a hitch. The goblins tripped over the vine, and Jack descended upon them like a shadow. The first goblin fell quickly, its head smashed in by the branch. The second tried to draw a weapon, but Jack was faster, using his storage skill to remove a chunk of its chest. The third goblin, panicked and disoriented, barely had time to react before Jack ended its life with a swift blow.
Jack stood over the bodies, his breath coming in short gasps. The rush of combat was intoxicating, but it was also draining. He knew he couldn't keep this up indefinitely. He needed to find a safe place to rest, to recover and plan his next move.
He searched the goblins for anything useful, finding a few more provisions and a small, crude map. The map was poorly drawn, but it seemed to indicate some kind of structure or camp deeper in the forest. Jack pocketed it, thinking it might be useful later.
With the goblins dispatched and his supplies replenished, Jack retreated into the forest. He needed to rest and heal, to regain his strength before continuing his hunt. The level-up notifications from the system were a reminder of his progress, but they also emphasized the dangers he faced. He had grown stronger, but the challenges were only going to get harder.
Jack found a secluded spot near a small stream, where he could clean himself up and rest. He drank deeply from the cool water, washing away the blood and grime from his recent battles. The healing skill had already done much to mend his injuries, but he knew he needed proper rest to fully recover.
As he sat by the stream, Jack reflected on his journey so far. The island was a harsh and unforgiving place, filled with dangers and challenges. But it was also a place of opportunity, a chance for him to grow and prove himself. He was no longer the man he had been before, and he couldn't afford to look back.
Jack closed his eyes, listening to the soothing sound of the water. He had come a long way, but there was still much to do. The island held many secrets, and Jack was determined to uncover them. He would continue to hunt, to grow stronger, and to survive. No matter what it took, he would find a way off this island and back to his old life.
But for now, he needed rest. Jack leaned back against a tree, allowing himself to relax for the first time in days. The forest around him was peaceful, a stark contrast to the chaos of his recent battles. He knew that peace was fleeting, but he would take it while he could.