You have killed a 'Goblin Scout'. You have earned 5 EXP! (20/100)

Kill Count: 4/25 'Goblins'

Since acquiring the bow and arrows, Asher had managed to hunt down three more goblins since the first encounter. He had instructed his guardian to take down any enemy that displayed hostility towards him. It was as though the guardian could sense the aggression directed at Asher, promptly shooting at the exact location from which this hostile aura emanated.

During this time, Asher came to the realization that his Animate guardian resembled a robot in many ways. It operated without emotion, adhering to three fundamental principles.

Its primary focus was "Protection," prioritizing the safety of its summoner unless instructed otherwise as if it was programmed this way. This was evident during Asher's initial encounter with a goblin hunter.

The second principle was unwavering "Obedience" to commands, even if it meant jeopardizing the summoner's well-being. This was exemplified during the capture of the first goblin, where the guardian had been tasked with apprehending it, taking a risky gamble that ultimately led to Asher being struck by an arrow in his right shoulder.

The third and final principle governing the Animate Guardian's behavior was it's "Adaptability". Every weapons he had equipped so far, it showed an amazing capability to adjust its actions and tactics based on the item's it held. However, it was clear that while the animated guardian wielded these weapons with impressive usage, its mastery remained somewhat limited compared to those who had dedicated themselves to honing their skills with their primary weapons, Its movements and actions resembled those of a machine more than the fluid flexibility of human joints and thought.

Asher had mixed feelings about these principles, but in this moment, he had no complaints because the Guardian was proving itself highly effective in guiding him through the second trial. With his newfound skill and class, Asher understood that there was a vast uncharted territory ahead of him. He was well aware that the journey would transform rapidly, influenced by the skills and items he could acquire along the way and this was glaringly apparent through the altered playstyle that the Animate Guardian had exhibited ever since it had changed its weapon.

"But what am I going to do? The number of arrows I have is limited."

At this juncture, every goblin had been dispatched with a single arrow to the head, a method that had proven highly effective. Asher now found himself with a mere seven arrows remaining, which meant he could potentially eliminate a total of 11 goblins before depleting his ammunition. However, a sense of unease began to settle within him.

He had anticipated that the other goblins might carry weapons he could use once his arrows ran out. Unfortunately, all the goblins he had encountered thus far were Goblin Scouts, as their name suggested. Their primary role was to scout the forest and alert their companions to potential threats. These scouts didn't carry any equipment, likely to maintain their agility for a quick escape. This left Asher pondering his options as he ventured deeper into the forest.

Asher realized it was time for a change in strategy. "Alright, let's get resourceful," he whispered to himself. He began scouring his surroundings for any signs of useful items, hoping to find something he could fashion into makeshift weapons or traps. Then, a revelation struck him – the solution was simpler than he initially thought. All he had to do was eliminate a total of 21 goblins. With around 7 hours remaining, as long as he managed to kill all 25, he would be transported back to the lobby. He pondered the quickest and easiest way to take down a group of enemies within a forest.

"Fire!"

Acting swiftly, Asher gathered as many dry leaves, twigs, and branches as he could find. These materials were essential for starting and sustaining a fire. He scouted for a suitable location to ensure that the fire would spread in the desired direction to deter the goblins.

"Okay... I've got my location and the materials... but how am I going to start a fire?"

To ignite the gathered materials, Asher needed a way to create a spark. He grouped the dry leaves and pieces of wood together and carved a small notch near the edge of a flat wooden board, forming a small "V" shape. This was where the ember would eventually take shape.

"Give me an arrow," Asher commanded his guardian.

Following his command, the guardian provided him with an arrow. Asher held the wooden arrow spindle upright, pressing the pointed end into the notch on the fire board. He began applying downward pressure while rapidly rotating the arrow between his hands, even though it strained his right shoulder. This friction generated heat, causing dust from the wood to accumulate in the notch. With determination and a steady, rapid pace, small sparks of glowing embers started to emerge, forming in the notch. After displaying patience and maintaining his consistent drilling rhythm, he finally achieved success – a small flame.

"I did it!"

Asher retrieved the bedsheet he had taken from the guardian and added it to the fire. Once the sheet was engulfed in flames, he carefully removed it from the notch and hurled it toward the nearest tree, creating a fiery distraction.

The fire roared to life, casting a radiant and fierce glow that flickered wildly in the forest. A smoky haze billowed upward, shrouding the trees in an eerie, dancing glow of red and orange.

As the fire spread, Asher quickly retreated, distancing himself as far as he could from the inferno as he watched the flames devour the forest floor, creating an ever-expanding ring of searing heat and destruction. He knew that this desperate gamble was his best chance to deter the goblins and complete the trial.

"Guardian, stay alert!" Asher commanded, his voice tinged with urgency. "Shoot down any goblins that manage to escape the flames."

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The Animate Guardian, unwavering and emotionless, stood next to Asher, arrows notched and ready.

The goblins, startled and disoriented by the sudden inferno, screeched and howled from within the blazing walls. Some attempted to flee through the fiery barrier, their shrieks drowned out by the crackling flames.

With every moment that passed, the fire advanced further, pushing the goblins back and forcing them into a corner. The intense heat and suffocating smoke created a chaotic, nightmarish scene.

You have killed a 'Goblin Scavenger'. You have earned 5 EXP! (25/100)

You have killed a 'Goblin Scout'. You have earned 5 EXP! (30/100)

You have killed a 'Goblin Soldier'. You have earned 5 EXP! (35/100)

You have killed a 'Goblin...

Time raced forward, the flames showing no mercy as they devoured the forest. The act of dispatching goblins unfolded at an astonishing pace, and as the one who had ignited the fire, each goblin's demise was credited to Asher himself. Every kill contributed to his growing kill count, accompanied by the precious experience points he earned. In a matter of mere minutes, Asher achieved his objective.

You have killed a 'Goblin Hunter'. You have earned 5 EXP! (100/100)

Congratulations for reaching Lv.2! You have acquired 5 Attribute points.

Kill Count: 23/25 'Goblins'

Asher blinked in surprise at the unexpected notification. He quickly checked his character window, confirming the increase in his level and the availability of attribute points.

"I'll hold onto my points for the time being," Asher mused. "I need to gather more information about the attributes and gain a clearer understanding of how to tailor my build to complement my class and guardian."

You have killed a 'Goblin Scout'. You have earned 5 EXP! (5/200)

Kill Count: 24/25 'Goblins'

Asher scratched his head, puzzled by the sudden change in requirements for leveling up. "Huh? Did the leveling-up requirement just double?" He pondered aloud. "Does this mean that each subsequent level will demand twice as many experience points, or does it increase by a fixed 100 points with each level?"

The uncertainty of the leveling system added an extra layer of complexity to his journey, and he knew that understanding the mechanics of this world would be crucial to his success. As Asher pondered the intricacies of the leveling system, a sudden, thunderous rumbling echoed in the distance, rapidly drawing nearer. This unmistakable sensation had coursed through him in the past, and he instantly recognized its source.

You have killed a 'Goblin Scavenger'. You have earned 5 EXP! (10/200)

Kill Count: 25/25 'Goblins'

You have completed the 'Trial of Awakening' second trial!

For clearing the second floor of the trial, you will be rewarded with a random common skill...

Despite having successfully completed the trial's objective, the relentless rumbling persisted, closing in on him with unyielding intensity. Asher couldn't help but wonder why he hadn't been transported out of this floor, as he should have been upon completion. While the prospect of a reward intrigued him, his primary concern now was finding a way out of this perilous situation.

*Ding!*

Congratulations! You have earned the 'Inspection' skill book. Would you like to learn it? (YES/NO)

"I don't have time for this! Yes, Yes!" Asher exclaimed in frustration. "Just get me out of here, before whatever I suspect it is, arrives!" His urgency and impatience were palpable as he yearned for a swift escape from the impending threat.

Having finished the second trial early, do you wish to remain in the floor in order to acquire additional EXP & achievement points? (YES/NO)

The rumbling grew stronger, and a flaming tree crashed to the ground, consumed by the approaching force, hurtling toward Asher at an unprecedented speed.

"Huh? Oh! I recall it mentioned that surpassing the quest requirements could earn me extra points for the store... but... I don't think I can stay here with this big guy present. "

*Boom*

Emerging from the inferno of the forest was a familiar, dreaded presence. It was the same menacing adversary that had instilled fear in Asher from the moment he had set foot inside the Tower of Awakening—the very first and formidable threat he had ever faced.

Inspection is being used... providing target's information!

A colossal bear emerged from the blazing forest, its massive form akin to an elephant's. As it descended gracefully, its gaze locked onto its prey, and with ferocious determination, it lunged forward as if seeking retribution against the very intruder responsible for igniting its once peaceful home.

https://i.imgur.com/cI75GTA.png [https://i.imgur.com/cI75GTA.png]

"...GET ME OUT OF HERE!"

You have selected (NO). Transporting player to the lobby...

In an instant, the world around blurred, and an otherworldly surge of energy. His senses reeled as he found himself transported from the jaws of death to safety once again.