8 hours later
In the heart of level 10-19 territory, the Wood End, nestled amidst the wild expanse, lay goblin encampments, each housing a cohort of 30-50 of these mischievous creatures. Guided by a goblin Chieftain, these encampments have 10-20 modest lodges, their roofs adorned with rustic straw and green leaves.
Surrounding this primitive settlement stood a perimeter, encircled by makeshift fences crafted from bamboo and tree branches, each fence standing at height of 2 meters. Within the boundaries, 5 goblins patrolled the outer fringes, brandishing swords and spears in a vigilant stance. This demonstrated an unexpected semblance of intelligence among these small, green-skinned creatures.
In this seventh raid orchestrated by Ryou, the initial phase of his strategy unfolded as he eliminated the patrolling goblins and swiftly breaching the feeble excuse for a wall that guarded the camp. Once inside, his relentless onslaught spared none, as he kill any goblin in his line of sight.
Initially catching the goblins off guard, Ryou killed one or two of them in sight with apparent ease. However, as moments elapsed, the goblins all over the Camps, fueled by a fervent determination, swiftly converged on the tumultuous scene. In a matter of minutes, Ryou found himself encircled by a frenzied mob of green-skinned midgets, their numbers multiplying with enthusiasm.
As the chaotic fray unfolded, the cacophony of battle attracted not only the rank-and-file goblins but also the Goblin Chieftain.
Goblin Chieftain (Elite monster)
Level 18
HP 1800/1800
The Goblin Chieftain loomed larger than his kin, with a formidable stature of sinewy muscles while holding a 3-4 meters halberd gripped in his hand. In stark contrast to the common goblins clad in mere skin loincloths, he was draped in opulent attire—a cloak fashioned from the pelts of wolves gracing his upper torso, and a garment of deer skin adorning his lower area.
This goblin leader was proudly sporting an array of treasures. Jewels adorned his neck, rings embellished his fingers, and gold braces adorned his wrists. As the leader of this rapacious group, the Goblin Chieftain reveled in the glittering bounty amassed by his minions. The coveted ornaments he wore were the spoils of a goblin horde with an insatiable appetite for shininess—a passion rivaling that of dwarves and dragons.
Ryou's long journey to Wood End from Blackwater was fueled by a keen understanding of the goblins' penchant for collecting the precious Attributes gems scattered in the region. In his previous life, these alluring gems had been mostly exploited by the eight prominent guilds, leaving only remnants for others. This time, Ryou harbored a determination to reverse the tide.
This time, he was resolute in securing these Goblin's gathered treasures for himself. Ryou envisioned a different outcome where he leaves the prominent guilds with mere scraps and leftovers like they had did.
The Goblin Chieftain, possessing superior strength and agility, also commanded a unique skill that amplified the attributes of its minions nearby, intensifying the challenge at hand for Ryou. As the Chieftain charged towards him with bloodlust gleaming in its red beady eyes, an air of urgency enveloped the scene.
Yet, Ryou remained unruffled, biding his time until the Chieftain drew near. Swiftly employing the [Jump] skill, he evaded the oncoming menace, strategically redirecting his focus to attacking the lesser, more weaker goblins. In response, the Chieftain, infuriated by Ryou's evasion, emitted a growl of fury, forcefully clearing a path through its underlings.
With the [Jump] skill still on cooldown, Ryou swiftly called upon his [Shadow Doppelganger], deploying it to fight the Goblin Chieftain, buying him some moments. Though efficient, the doppelganger was still weaker than the Chieftain by a wide margin, it's existence was short-lived as the Goblin Chieftain swiftly killed it within a mere 10 seconds.
The Chieftain, exhibiting a relentless determination, continued its pursuit of Ryou. However, abruptly, the Chieftain halted its advance. With a menacing snarl and a shift in attention, its gaze fixated on a larger lodge within the camp, redirecting its aggression from Ryou towards this mysterious target. The yellow fangs sneeringly visible moments ago were now diverted, and it rushed towards its source of anger.
“Finally,” Ryou muttered to himself, grinning.
The strategic diversion unfolding was the result of a plan devised by Ryou and Namika after their experiences in the second Goblin Camp raids. Their tactical approach involved a division of roles – Ryou would confront the goblin mob, leveraging his versatile skills, while Namika took on the critical task of luring away the formidable Goblin Chieftain to diminish the buffs on the surrounding mobs, that way he would be able to kill the goblins faster.
In selecting the most effective method for luring the Chieftain, the duo pinpointed the entrance to the Chieftain's lodge as the ideal focal point. This lodge, a restricted zone within the camp, triggered an instinctual response in the Chieftain, allowing him to sense any intruders. Within the lodge was the treasure cherished dearly, if not more his life then its was more than his own tribe. The prospect of this irresistible lure compelled the Chieftain to redirect its attention.
The success of this daring plan, however, hinged on Namika's ability to confront the Goblin Chieftain without dying to the threat before Ryou could provide assistance.
Initially he was hesitant due to this inherent danger, however, Ryou ultimately opted for this risky strategy after witnessing Namika's formidable evolving defensive and evasive technique during the second Goblin Camp raids.
With the Goblin Chieftain diverted, Ryou unleashed a relentless onslaught on the goblin horde, killing goblins like slaughtering chickens. His repertoire of high-level skills, including [Chop], [Shadow Flash], [Snowy Field], [Jump], [Fast Step], [Shadow Bind], [Stare], [Shadow Doppelganger], [Double Swipe], and [Howl], facilitated a rapid and efficient elimination of the goblin minions.
Notably, the last two skills, [Double Swipe] and [Howl], were recent acquisitions, harvested from the defeated wolves.
Ryou could have had more skills, nevertheless, he deliberately refrained from learning numerous other skills he had accumulated through the recent monster encounters. Instead, he aimed to capitalize their worth by selling these skills and spells books, as he plan to profit from the current demand in the player community. The lucrative market for skill books, especially spells, where a level 1 book could fetch 2-3 silvers and spell books reaching 4-5 silver, prompted Ryou to prioritize selling over learning them.
Executing the [Snowy Field] spell, Ryou enveloped himself in a chilling gust of icy winds, dealing substantial damage to the remaining 12 goblins, with an average of 47 points per hit; they were in a cluster and the icy winds hit them all.
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As the 5-second period of the [Icy Wind] spell concluded, only 5 goblins remained, their once-green faces now drained of blood, exhibiting a pallid hue as they attempted to flee.
Relentless in his pursuit, Ryou employed the [Shadow Doppelganger] skill, sending his shadow to chase two goblins while he pursued the remaining three. In swift succession, the goblins were killed and joined their fallen brethren. However, the term "rejoining" might be more fitting.
In New World, monsters, from goblins to dragons, possessed the ability to respawn, albeit with a certain period after death. Ryou recalled the prevailing theory from his past life that stronger monsters incurred longer respawn times, adding a layer of strategic consideration to the ebb and flow of battles in this virtual game.
Having successfully cleared this seventh Goblin Camp in Wood End, which was the last Goblin Camps, Ryou Level was propelled to the precipice of reaching level 10, with a mere 215 EXP standing between him and ascension.
“...”
As the metallic echoes and resounding bangs intensified from the Goblin Chieftain lodge, Ryou hastened towards it. The cacophony of battle greeted him at the entrance, where Namika, recoiling three steps from a powerful swing by the formidable Chieftain, bore witness to the perilous clash.
Observing Namika's health at 427, Ryou prepared to launch an immediate counterattack. However, before he could act, Namika's hoarse voice sounded.
“Give this one to me," Namika's resolute voice cut through the tense atmosphere. Ryou halted in his tracks, locking eyes with her for a fleeting moment before she surged forward, round shield in one hand and a gleaming silver sword in the other.
For the first time in the seven goblin camp raids, Namika expressed a desire to face the Goblin Chieftain alone. Ryou found himself suspended in a moment of decision, torn between intervening or letting her tackle the formidable level 18 Elite Boss solo.
The potential reward of 30% EXP awaited him even if he refrained from direct involvement and would propelled him to level 10, yet, he was not sure if she could even kill the Elite Boss. Namika was just a level 9 Guardian with no martial skills, yet. This makes her chance to kill the Goblin Chieftain impractical. The dilemma lingered, casting a shadow over Ryou's action.
Namika remained at level 9, primarily because Ryou had been accumulating the majority of the EXP throughout their adventure, his active participation in battles making him the chief contributor to their shared EXP progress. However, while both were currently at level 9, Ryou's swordsman class, emphasizing Strength and Agility attributes in his equipment and base specs, provided him with more inherent advantages over Namika who was a Guardian.
Namika's unorthodox combination of a shield and sword set her apart from the martial arts training followed by many big guilds and families, which often centered around traditional weapons like bows, katanas, odachis, or kunai daggers.
In the future, she holds the nickname "Guardian Star" due to her prowess within the class. Yet, in the present moment, she was still a fledgling at being a Guardian.
Observing Namika's reliance on her swordsman footwork in the midst of the battle, Ryou couldn't help but notice a stark inefficiency in her shield utilization. Her timing seemed off, and her body motions failed to synchronize with her footwork, diminishing her overall speed and effectiveness in combat. Doubts lingered in Ryou's mind about her ability to defeat the Goblin Chieftain.
In a moment of candidness, Ryou spoke, "It might sound rude, but with your attributes emphasizing Defenses and Vitality rather than Strength and Agility, it seems like it would take an extended period—perhaps a very long one—to defeat this boss. Why the insistence on taking him on solo?" He observed her efforts chipping away at the boss's health at a snail pace, deeming it a potentially futile endeavor.
"I want to face him alone because," Namika paused her words, dodging an attack—a move that Ryou considered unnecessary, as her shield could have blocked it, which could have potentially created an opening for a counterattack.
"Koyoma-san, is this..." Ryou wanted to ask, ‘is this because of your pride’, but he tactfully revised his inquiry, "is it because you want to prove something? Perhaps that you can defeat a Boss monster independently?"
Namika responded intermittently between attacks, "It's because... I want to obtain an advanced subclass as well... when I reach level 10 during my 'Ascension.'”
"Ahh! I see," Ryou comprehended, recalling their earlier discussion about his upcoming 'Ascension' before their arrival. He was excited of what subclass he might get during ascension so he blabbered about it, and Namika might have gotten what he was trying to say.
The concept of 'Ascension' in this gaming realm was akin to getting an upgrade. Upon reaching level 10, players experienced a transformation akin to a cyber enhancement, where a cybernetic tech was installed on their organs or body parts, enhancing specific bodily functions. Similarly, a level 10 player would receive a new subclass, a crucial augmentation that could amplify one or all attributes or bolster elemental damages or provide distinctive buffs under specific conditions.
In New World, the World system presented players with diverse choices for subclasses based on their performance and achievements leading up to level 10.
Namika's pursuit might have been to get an achievement by challenging the Elite Boss 9 levels higher than her, showcasing her ambition to secure an advanced class when the system presented its choices during Ascension. While Ryou empathized with her aspirations, he harbored doubts about the feasibility of her victory in this daunting battle.
The passage of 30 minutes felt like an eternity, and Ryou's boredom became palpable. A stifled yawn escaped him as he observed Namika's valiant effort. The level 18 Elite Boss now stood at a 69% health. The uphill struggle stemmed from the Elite Boss's ability to regenerate 2% HP every 10 seconds, rendering Namika's attacks insufficient to make a significant impact. Her survival up till now had only hinged on her use of healing potions and her healing skills.
"Koyoma-san," Ryou spoke, unable to endure the prolonged wait, "I'm not here to babysit. It's been enough. When the Boss hits 50% HP, it would enter its first berserk mode, and would make it even more challenging for you, I thinks I should help you"
Namika emitted a disapproving grunt, reluctantly conceding, "Okay, I accept it... but I'll continue training with this 'ugly' here for another half an hour. You can join in after that." Breathing heavily, her tone was rough but still commanding.
Ryou, was unsure whether he had become emotionally detached or simply acclimated to her presence or because she was just a teen girl, but he found himself unfazed by her irksome, lofty tone.
After 30 minutes:
Ryou found himself underestimating Namika's capabilities, realizing that her inexperience in battle didn't negate her adaptability and martial prowess. She not only skillfully avoided death's grip but also capitalized on opportunities to inflict more damage on the formidable Boss.
Despite his initial restraint, eager to witness her progression, Ryou couldn't afford to wait any longer. In the span of an hour, Namika had only managed to chip away at 57% of the Boss's HP. He took decisive action, deploying his [Shadow Doppelganger] to assist her and create openings for her, while utilizing his [Stare] to lower the Boss's defenses. The collaboration aimed to accelerate their progress against the formidable foe.
Unsurprisingly, Namika responded to Ryou's assistance with a piercing stare of her own; which might have cut his defenses in half if it were a skill.
Despite the tension, their collaborative effort brought the Boss down to 15% HP within the next 10 minutes, signaling the impending berserk mode transformation.
As the Goblin Chieftain unleashed a powerful halberd strike towards Namika, she defied expectations by employing a clever maneuver. Blocking the attack with her shield at an angle that disrupted the Boss's balance, Namika seized the opportunity to retaliate. A swift slam of her round shield against the Boss's face was followed by a [Whirlwind], executed with precision while the Chieftain was momentarily disoriented.
From the outset of the battle, Namika demonstrated a seamless integration of her shield as both defense and offense.
‘A natural genius,' Ryou's inwardly thought 'she adeptly adjusted her movements to accommodate the unconventional use of a shield,’
With her transformation as well, Namika swiftly dispatched the remaining 15% of the Goblin Chieftain. In a mere 7 minutes, the Elite Goblin Boss crumbled to pixel, leaving behind 9 loot drops. The system notifications promptly heralded their victory.
System: Level 18 Goblin Chieftain killed. Level difference of 9. EXP obtained increased by 9 times. Obtained 485 EXP.
System: You has level up. You gained 4 attribute points.
System: Player Rem has reached level 10, you are qualified to gain a new subclass. Choose the subclass from below categories that matches your essence.
– Shadow’s god follower
– Bloodsucker
– Ice Master
– Powerhouse
– Accelerator
– Commander
– Merchant
– Fighting Disaster
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