You Have Defeated 4x Level 7 Goblin Warrior

You Have Defeated 2x Level 5 Goblin Ranger

Level Up 6–8

You Gain 10 Free Stat Points

Stats:

Strength - 8

Dexterity - 25

Constitution - 16

Mana - 10

Free Stats - 10

I look over my notifications as a small smile creeps onto my face. I took out six. I feel a sense of satisfaction wash over me as I realise that I managed to kill six goblins during the battle.

I pause to glance at my stats, recalling the times in the past few days when my dexterity has come in handy. Remembering the skill with which I used my bow and the times my quick reflexes have helped me dodge attacks.

I enjoy the feeling of being fast and alert - the way my reflexes seem to kick in when I need them most, and how my mind stays focused even in the most chaotic situations. It's a comforting feeling, and one that has served me well so far.

Instead of opting for a balanced approach and distributing my free stat points evenly, I decide to double down and add them all to dexterity.

I feel a surge of energy as the boost to my dexterity kicks in. It's as if my senses are heightened - my awareness of my surroundings expanded, and my muscles twitching with newfound power. The feeling is absolutely addictive - I want more. The heightened senses, the increased power, it all makes me feel alive and energised.

Despite the addictive feeling of the new boost to dexterity, I take a moment to pull up my status once more, eager to see the results of my latest stats distribution.

Stats:

Strength - 8

Dexterity - 35

Constitution - 16

Mana - 10

I can't help but smile to myself as I close my status window. I'm satisfied with the results of my decision to double down on dexterity, and I can already feel the benefits coursing through my body.

I glance up to see Alex looking at me with a knowing smile on his face. He chuckles slightly before nodding towards the pile of leaves. "Get some rest," he says, indicating the pile.

I nod in understanding, taking comfort in the knowledge that I'll be safe to rest with Alex watching over me. With a weary sigh, I settle down among the pile of leaves, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

I close my eyes and let sleep wash over me as I lie on the floor, the moonlight bathing my body in a soft, silvery light. The comforting feeling of exhaustion settles deep within me, and I slowly drift off into a deep and restful sleep.

When I wake up, I notice the sun's warm rays streaming down on me from between the treetops. The light is gentle and dappled, filtering through the leaves and creating a natural spotlight on my resting form. As I rub the sleep from my eyes and slowly sit up, I notice Alex nearby, engaged in conversation with the older man. I try to recall his name, but it eludes me for a moment. I sit there blearily, still adjusting to being awake.

As I continued to sit there, blinking groggily in the morning light, I heard a voice calling out. "Hey, look! He's awake!"

My attention turned towards the source of the voice, and I see Zoe peeking out from behind a nearby tree, a friendly grin on her face.

Zoe steps out from behind the tree, strolling towards me with a playful smile. "Did you sleep well, bow boy?" she teases.

Surely that’s not my nickname…

I look around, a hint of surprise on my face at her playful nickname for me. "Did you just call me 'bow boy'?" I say, my voice still raspy with sleep.

She grins, clearly enjoying poking fun at me. "Yep! I sure did. It suits you," she says, her tone lighthearted.

As I turn my attention away from Zoe, I catch a glimpse of Jake sitting against a tree in the background, his eyes watching our interaction closely. His expression is unreadable, and his gaze seems to assess me with a critical eye.

Marcus, who has been engaged in conversation with Alex, notices that I have woken up. He glances over and calls out, "Good. We're all up. Everyone, come over here."

I turn towards Alex, seeking reassurance from his expression. He gives me a subtle nod, indicating that I should go over to the group. Feeling reassured by his reaction, I push myself off the ground and make my way over.

Soon enough, the full group has assembled, with everyone standing around Marcus. The air is still quiet and the morning light filters down through the trees, illuminating everyone's faces.

Marcus clears his throat and begins, his voice authoritative and commanding. "We need a plan," he says, his eyes sweeping over the group. "We need to decide what our next move is going to be."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

I steal a sidelong glance at Alex, silently wondering since when did we start following their lead. Alex seems calm and composed, his focus solely on Marcus.

Jake interrupts, his voice brisk and business-like. "We need to level up," he says, his eyes scanning the group. "We need to get stronger if we're going to survive out here."

I nod in agreement with Jake's words, knowing that he's right. However, something in his eyes makes me uncomfortable. There's a glint of determination, but also something else - a hint of coldness or ruthlessness, perhaps.

Marcus speaks up, interrupting the tension that has settled over the group. "Yes, we do need to level up," he agrees firmly. "But it's not just about strength. We need information, resources, and alliances if we're going to make it in this forest." He says the last part as he looks at me and Alex.

Alex chimes in, nodding his head towards the direction of a large cliff visible in the distance. "We came from that direction," he says, pointing towards the imposing cliff.

Alex pauses for a moment before continuing, his tone serious. "And there's nothing but beasts." he says, his eyes fixed on the distants.

Marcus considers Alex's words for a moment before nodding his head in agreement. "Alright, that means we won't go in that direction," he says, his forehead creasing in thought.

Zoe chimes in with her own idea. "What if we follow the water?" she suggests. "Maybe we'll find a village or some sort of civilisation."

Zoe continues to talk, her tone light-hearted. "And after all, that's what Bear Grylls would do anyway," she says, a hint of a playful smirk on her face.

This Woman stole my line!

Jake speaks up, his tone gruff and determined. "There's nothing better to do, let's go," he says, eagerness glinting in his eyes.

We all begin making our way back towards the river, the one that Alex and I had previously traversed. The sound of flowing water grows louder as we approach, and soon we find ourselves standing on the bank once more.

As we stand by the river, the forest seems to close in around us, casting long shadows in the dim light of the rainy day. The sound of raindrops hitting the leaves and falling into the river creates a soothing, almost rhythmic sound.

I scan my surroundings, taking a moment to observe my new acquaintances. The rain has started to fall harder now, and I look around at their faces, taking in their expressions and moods.

My eyes drift over to Jake and Zoe, who are both holding crude maces. Jake's grip on his weapon is tight and sure, while Zoe's hands hold hers nimbly like it weighs nothing. My mind then drifts to the memory of seeing Marcus carrying a gun. I remember how confident he looked with it in his hands, the way he carried himself with an air of authority. It's a stark contrast to the makeshift weapons the rest of us wield.

I turn my gaze to Alex, noticing the knowing look in his eyes as he catches my glance towards Marcus's gun. It's as if he can read my thoughts, and he gives me a subtle nod, acknowledging the situation.

We continue walking down the river, moving slowly through the rain-soaked forest. The terrain is difficult, and the river's banks are slippery with mud and foliage. The sound of raindrops hitting the leaves grows louder as we move, almost drowning out any other noise.

As we trudge through the rain and foliage, my stomach suddenly grumbles, the sound loud and echoing in the silence. It serves as a not-so-gentle reminder of my body's need for food.

I'm reminded once again of the wolf I had hunted just the other day. I curse myself internally for having had to leave it behind in our hasty retreat. The thought of the wasted food is almost physically painful.

My hands tighten on my bow as determination flares inside of me. The memory of the wasted opportunity only strengthens my resolve to hunt something now, while we still have the chance.

I sidle up next to Alex and lower my voice to speak to him quietly, making sure the others can't overhear. "Hey, Alex," I say, a hint of nervousness in my voice. "Do you mind if I go off for a bit to hunt something?"

He glances around at the others before answering me in a soft voice. "I suppose it should be okay," he replies, his gaze drifting back to me. "But be quick and be careful, alright?"

We agree that I'll go off hunting and will meet up with them again on the river bed when I'm done. I disappear into the forest, my footsteps light and stealthy, and I make my way through the undergrowth quietly.

As I wander through the forest alone, a sense of aliveness washes over me. My senses are heightened, every sound and smell seeming clearer and more intense than ever before. I stalk through the trees, hunting for any sign of prey.

Here, I find my element. Years of hunting and wandering in the wilderness have sharpened my skills and heightened my senses, allowing me to move stealthily through the woods and spot prey before they even know I'm there. It feels natural and familiar, almost like breathing.

I move through the forest with a speed and grace that belies my size, my body moving almost as if by instinct. The trees and other obstacles blur past me as I push myself to the limit, my heightened agility allowing me to navigate the terrain with ease. It's almost as if I'm flying through the forest, my senses in overdrive.

I freeze in place, my ears tuning in to the sound to my left. My bow is drawn in an instant, and I spot a deer standing motionless in the distance. Its head is raised, its ears flicking as it scans the surroundings.

We lock eyes for a moment, its beady eyes staring at me defiantly. With a sure aim, I release the arrow and it sails through the air towards the deer, hitting its mark with a dull thud.

I move swiftly towards the downed deer, knife in hand, and kneel down beside it. Its breath comes in short and ragged gasps, its body shuddering as it tries to regain its strength. Its eyes meet mine, a look of shock and pain in them. I slit its throat.

I watch as its body goes limp, its eyes glaze over and its life ebbs away. My heart pounds with adrenaline, the thrill of the hunt coursing through my veins. I revel in the victory, feeling alive and invigorated.

I set about slicing up the meat, my movements precise and efficient. The smell of blood and raw flesh fills the air, a familiar and almost intoxicating scent. I take a moment to savour the feeling of victory, feeling a sense of primal satisfaction at having caught such a sizeable prey.

The smell of the meat reminds me of my own hunger, my stomach twisting in knots as if to underscore my need for food. The adrenaline from the hunt fades, replaced by a nagging hunger that demands my attention.

I set aside my hunger for the moment, pushing it to the back of my mind as I focus on the task at hand. I make my way back through the forest, following my own tracks towards where my brother must be.

I travel through the forest for what feels like hours, moving quickly but carefully through the undergrowth. Finally, just as the sky is beginning to grow dark, I spot a group of figures off in the distance.

I quicken my pace, feeling curiosity prick at me as I realize they're all staring at something. I run towards them, closing the distance quickly.

As I reach the group, I pause for a moment, trying to catch my breath. Suddenly, my system alerts me to something, a notification appearing in my field of vision.

Quest Discovered - Save The Village From The Beast Of The Forest (Reward - Equipment)

I turn my gaze towards the village, my heart clenching at the sight. Flames lick up the sides of the buildings and black smoke rises up into the air, while the villagers' terrified screams fill the air like a terrible chorus.

I stand there for a moment, letting the rain fall down on me like a mantle. The water soaks through my clothes and runs down my face, mixing with the sweat and grime. As the rain cascades over me I take a moment to collect my thoughts, steeling myself.

The Beast of the Forest is a fearsome creature, standing well over twelve feet tall and covered in thick, scaly skin of a dark, mottled green. Its massive bulk gives it a fearsome presence, but its most striking feature are its flaming red eyes and massive fangs, which gleam in the dim light like two sharp daggers.

As it notices us, the Beast of the Forest turns its gaze upon us, its flaming red eyes locking onto us. Its roar echoes through the forest, sending a shiver down my spine. The sound is a low, guttural, almost animalistic noise, filled with menace and primal fury.

How the hell are we meant to kill that.