Heading into the other part of the cave, we had to keep going forward for even longer than expected. This cave went deep. Soon enough, we had completely lost any notice of where the path split and were just heading down the tunnel. At one point we arrived at a larger chamber in the tunnel, but no goblins were there. Javi remarked beside me, “A cavern here? What is going on with this place? It is huge.”
“I don’t know, but it isn’t any good. These goblins are up to something and I don’t want them to last long enough for us to face the repercussions. Let’s keep moving and quickly take care of this mess. There’s a tunnel over there.” And so we kept moving. Following this tunnel, deep under the Westfall.
Finally, we could hear noises ahead of us. We quieted our march and slinked ever onward till we could see light. And in that light was a collection of goblins larger than any of the others. They numbered ten regular goblins, four archers, two goblins that seemed to wield better weapons, and one with a long staff.
As soon as Bella saw the one with the staff her eyes went wide, “Shit, they have a shaman. These guys are no joke. I don’t know why they are here, but this is the strongest group of goblins I’ve ever seen.” Bella looked over at the two of us and locked eyes with us, “Are you able to handle this? It’s perfectly okay to back out now. This is more than you have to deal with. Your lives could be in danger.”
I hesitated for a moment. I had taken a life but I didn’t know if I was prepared to risk mine. I could feel the genuine concern radiating out of Bella. She knew we were inexperienced and that we shouldn’t be able to do it. But she respects us. She trusts us. And we need to repay that trust. “We can do it. Just tell us what we need to do.” Javi nodded in agreement.
She looked at us both for a long time. Switching back and forth, judging our expressions. Finally, she gave an exasperated sigh. “The key is to take out the shaman before they can buff their allies. We hold a distinct advantage over them in stats until that happens. The swordsmen will try to interfere. I’ll take on the shaman. Hopefully I can get to him fast. You two will block the swordsmen and prevent them from getting in my way. Once the shaman is dealt with, I’ll aim for the archers. The less attacks coming at us at once the better. Once you two take out the swordsmen, just aim to thin their numbers as quickly as possible. Be prepared to take damage. Avoid hits to vital areas. As long as you’re not dead, we can heal you. Is all of that understood?”
We nodded. It was a good plan. “Good. Any questions?”
“How will we know if you killed the shaman in time?”
“Keep your Analyze active. If you see stats going up I was too late.”
“Understood.”
We readied ourselves and drew our weapons. Bella held up her hand for us to get in position. Watching. Carefully watching the goblins. Waiting for the perfect opportunity to come. My nerves were starting to kick in, not what I need in a moment like this. The goblin shaman turns away from where we are and Bella drops her hand. We charge forward immediately.
I clash with one of the swordsmen and Javi does the same. Bella heads past us but she is no longer my focus. I look at my opponent.
Grantel
Class: Swordsman
Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.
Strength: 63
Speed: 51
Durability: 58
Intelligence: 22
Charisma: 12
Luck: 18
Abilities: Analyze(C), Sixth Sense, Blade Focus
Titles: None
Holy shit. This guy’s stronger than me. A second after I think that, I feel his blade clash with mine. He grins at me and I feel something run down my spine. Fear? No. Not fear. What is this? We clash again and again as the feeling solidifies. Each of his blows outmatches mine, but I outpace him and can easily block everything he throws at me. Suddenly, I block one of his blows and I get knocked back. I can feel the blow course through my arm. What happened? Shit! His stats!
Grantel
Class: Swordsman
Strength: 83
Speed: 71
Durability: 78
Intelligence: 22
Charisma: 12
Luck: 18
Abilities: Analyze(C), Sixth Sense, Blade Focus
Titles: None
Did Bella fail? I finally take a moment to look over at her. The shaman was dead at her feet, but I could see an arrow in her sword arm. One of the archers must have disrupted her swing before she was able to kill off the shaman. Then another swing came and I couldn’t focus on Bella any longer.
I was truly being pushed now. He far outmatched me in strength and durability and even his speed was greater than mine now. And I could still feel that feeling, whatever it is, growing stronger and stronger in me. I blocked another blow, and another. The goblin had high stats but he didn’t know how to use them. I could read his moves and plan ahead. This was more manageable than I thought. Soon enough, I was back to being even with him. And then I started to overtake him. He couldn’t handle what I was doing despite his higher stats.
I felt a wide smile grow on my face. Man, this was fun! I was proving myself! I could suddenly recognize that emotion that had been welling up. It was excitement! I was excited for the challenge. To truly face off against someone stronger than me.
It was fantastic! This thrill! I could feel the battle coursing through my veins! A cut here! A jab there! I began to draw blood! My smile grew more and more as I gained a complete advantage over my foe. This was everything I needed! What I craved for! With a final thrust, my blade pierced the goblin’s throat and his sword clattered to the ground.
But I wasn’t done.
No no no.
I still needed to fight. This battle was overtaking my entire being. I need more! I whipped my head over to where Javi had fought. It seems he had been faster than me. He did have better physical stats than me. But there were plenty of regular goblins left. I charged. They were much weaker than the good foe but it didn’t matter. I needed blood.
One
Two
Three
Four
Just like that. Four more goblins gone. Hmm? No more goblins. But I still want to fight. Javi was pretty strong. I could fight him. I bet that would be fun!
I started charging towards him but then instantly collapsed.
What happened?
What’s wrong?
My chest. My chest hurts. What is-
And then everything went black.