"A week had passed since I found myself in this mysterious forest, and I had managed to survive on the fish from the stream and the occasional berries I could find. Exploring the southern side of the forest had yielded no significant discoveries apart from the stream, which had become my primary source of nourishment."

"The goblins that I had encountered during my first day seemed to have disappeared, but a sense of unease lingered within me, knowing they were still watching, waiting. One misstep was all it took to lose one's life, and I knew deep down I had to be cautious and always expect the worst."

"Today, I decided to explore the east side of the forest, hoping to find any clues or a possible way out. To ensure my survival and endurance, I began preserving dried fish and berries, knowing they would last longer. I took emergency rations with me, better safe than sorry."

"As I journeyed for hours through the dense foliage, I stumbled upon a worn-out shrine, which seemed to have seen better days in the past. The statue exuded an aura so pure that I immediately sensed a feeling of warmth in my heart. The statue appeared to be of some goddess, holding a long and slender staff adorned with a beautiful jewel at the top. She also wore a Tiara and had large, angelic wings on her back."

"My keen eyes also spotted an inscription at the foot of the statue. Intrigued, I carefully read the inscription that spoke of the 12 unnamed apostles of darkness and their supreme leader, who had wreaked havoc over the world. The inscription also mentioned a spell of protection left behind to assist the hero, bestowed with the blessings of the goddess of light. My curiosity piqued, I placed my palm near the statue, and suddenly, my body glowed with a brilliant golden light."

"The spell known as the "Shield of Perseverance" was now bestowed upon me, offering protection from any harm, be it physical or magical, as long as the shield held strong and I didn't succumb to fatigue. A newfound sense of security washed over me, knowing that this divine gift would aid me in my journey to find an exit from this eerie forest."

"I was curious as to the workings of the spell. As I activated the Shield of Perseverance, a surge of excitement and awe washed over me as the golden translucent shield materialized before me, floating mid-air like a guardian ready to defend. It was a magnificent sight, and I marveled at the power I now held in my hands. The shield responded to my thoughts, changing direction effortlessly as I willed it to move."

"However, uncertainty crept into my mind as I pondered the duration of the spell. I needed to test its limits to fully understand its capabilities. At my current level, I could maintain the shield for up to 5 minutes, but I had no idea how many strikes it could withstand in battle. To find that out, I would need to face real opponents, preferably the goblins, if they dared to confront me again."

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"After taking a moment to rest and contemplate my newfound ability, the forest grew darker, signaling that it was time to head back to my camp. I felt a sense of security now, knowing that the Shield of Perseverance was at my disposal. I ventured back, my thoughts filled with the events of the day and the remarkable gift I had received."

"As I settled into my makeshift camp for the night, the memory of the shield's formation and its responsiveness lingered in my mind. It was an extraordinary power, one that I could not have imagined having just a few days ago. The smile on my face grew brighter as I replayed the scene in my thoughts."

"I had faced uncertainties and challenges since I arrived in this mysterious forest, but obtaining the Shield of Perseverance had changed everything. It symbolized hope, strength, and the resolve to face whatever obstacles lay ahead. With a sense of ease, I drifted off to sleep."

*************

"As the sun rose on a new day, I felt refreshed and energized, ready to face whatever lay ahead. I quickly devoured my breakfast, eager to begin my journey. With determination in my heart, I made a plan of action. There were only two ways out of this mysterious forest - the north or west direction. After much contemplation, I decided not to overthink it. It didn't matter which path I chose; I needed to move forward."

"I settled on heading west. It was a choice made with both caution and optimism. I knew that I might encounter the goblins again, and this time, a confrontation was inevitable. However, I was confident in my ability to face them with the newfound power of the Shield of Perseverance. Still, I reminded myself not to get too overconfident. I may have a powerful spell at my disposal, but I was inexperienced and just getting used to my primary weapon, the claymore."

"As I ventured into the western part of the forest, the thick vegetation seemed to close in around me. The air was filled with the scent of damp earth and the distant chirping of birds. I gripped the hilt of my claymore tightly, trying to find comfort in its weight. The weapon felt awkward in my hands, and I realized that my inexperience might be a disadvantage in a battle against the goblins."

"Nonetheless, I pressed on, determined to improve my skills. My footsteps were cautious as I navigated through the dense undergrowth. I couldn't shake the feeling that eyes were watching me from the shadows, and the silence of the forest was unnerving."

"After what seemed like an eternity, I finally reached a clearing. The rustling of leaves alerted me to the presence of something or someone nearby. My heart pounded in my chest as I prepared for a possible encounter with the goblins."

"Sure enough, they emerged from the shadows - greenish child like Creatures with grotesque features and malicious intent. There were more of them this time, a small group of five, and they moved with a sinister grace that sent a chill down my spine."

"Suddenly an idea occurred to me - who said I have to fight them all at once ? I can make this a dogfight right ?. I started searching for a narrow clearing which had space for only one person. I quickly drifted the sand using my feet to block their vision and go for the clearing."

"With bated breaths, I waited for them, laying a trap they would have never seen coming. As expected, they tried to enter the clearing all at once. This folly caused them dearly; they tackled into each other and were dazed for a moment. This was enough for me. With all my might, I lifted my sword overhead, bringing it down with a vertical slash. The goblins were in close proximity to each other, and they had formed a line and tried closing in. But it was of no use; their heads exploded as soon as they came in contact with the mighty claymore."

"Green blood splattered all over, some even on my face. My body was infused with adrenaline, and I had the biggest triumphant smile on my face. After the battle was concluded, I tried to search for their corpses for anything of worth. But they had nothing on them. By the looks of it, they seemed to be scouts - the lowest of the low, the trashiest of the lot."

The young warrior then realized that things will begin for real now; he will have to step up his game. For this is reality now.