Before Jayce could reach out to offer aid, a monstrous goblin jumped down from a fallen building, and stared at him ferociously. Its emaciated figure stood at a mere four feet in height, its green skin mottled with filth and decay. Sharp grotesque teeth protruded from its twisted mouth, while its pointed ears twitched with an otherworldly malevolence. Its sinister green eyes glimmered with a feral hunger, mirroring the darkness that had consumed the world.
Time seemed to slow as Jayce's eyes widened in horror, his instincts screaming for action. He had killed plenty of Goblins in his previous life, however, now he felt weak. His body that was merely 18 years old with no training whatsoever, left him feeling less than confident in his abilities.
Out of habit, he reached behind his back to retrieve his sword, only to grasp at nothing. The reality of his new class hit him like a crushing blow. He was no longer a Swordsman, a class he had honed and mastered through years of dedication. His proficiency with the blade was now rendered useless in this desperate moment.
With a curse that echoed in his mind, Jayce quickly accessed his inventory, his hands trembling with urgency. His gaze scanned the list, searching desperately for any weapon that could aid him in this dire situation. And then he saw it—a single word that offered a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. "Chef's Knife."
Disregarding its description, he dismissed any doubts and summoned the weapon with a mere thought. As his hand extended, a flash of light enveloped it, materializing into a sleek and slender blade. But to his surprise, what appeared in his grasp was not just any knife—it was a Sashimi Knife.
Jayce's eyes widened in disbelief as he held the elegant blade in his hand. Its polished surface glinted with a hint of danger, a gleaming invitation to seize control of his destiny. The exquisite craftsmanship of the blade was evident, its keen edge promising precision and effectiveness. However, he couldn't help but feel a mix of confusion and frustration. What use would a chef's knife be in a battle against a monstrous goblin?
'Damn it. Here goes nothing.' he cursed inwardly.
With a resigned determination, he tightened his grip around the unconventional weapon, his mind racing for strategies to turn this situation to his advantage. He had to make every strike count, every movement precise and calculated.
The goblin, sensing an opportunity, lunged forward with a guttural snarl. Its claws swiped through the air, hungering for Jayce's flesh. In a desperate maneuver, he dodged to the side, narrowly evading the deadly assault. The speed and agility of his movements appalled him.
His stats were so subpar that he had to use all of his strength just to dodge an attack of a goblin. He almost cried in despair as his muscles protested wildly against the unfamiliar movements.
He slowly got to his feet, dead tired from his expenditure already. His eyes flashed with determination, driving out the panic that was bubbling beneath the surface.
Experience would be what would win him this fight, not his stats. Having fought hundreds of goblins before, he knew their attacking pattern like the back of his hand. Now that he knew his body's capabilities, or lack thereof, he could start his assault.
Crouching slightly, Jayce prepared for the oncoming Goblin with a dangerous glint in his eyes. The Chef's hat on his head swaying slowly in the breeze. As he predicted, the Goblin lunged with its right hand outstretched, its razor sharp claws threatening to disembowel him.
Like a seasoned matador, baiting a charging bull, he sidestepped cleanly, kicking up some dust in the process and leaving the Goblin open to an attack.
Seizing the opening, Jayce retaliated with a swift and precise strike, his Sashimi Knife arcing through the air. The blade sliced cleanly through the goblin's right arm with no resistance, eliciting a high-pitched screech of pain. Crimson blood sprayed, staining the already grimy surroundings.
The goblin recoiled in agony, its emerald eyes burning with a newfound fury. It lunged once more, its movements fueled by a primitive rage. Once again Jayce performed the same move, his heart pounding in his chest as he danced with death.
With each clash, the goblin's grotesque figure became more disfigured, its emaciated frame trembling under the onslaught of Jayce's precise counters. The Sashimi Knife, though an unconventional weapon, proved to be a deadly extension of his will, each stroke executed with the precision of a master chef.
Sweat poured down Jayce's brow as he continued to engage in this harrowing dance of life and death. His muscles strained and burned, but he pushed through the pain, fueled by a newfound determination. The echoes of his battle mingled with the screams and chaos that enveloped the city, their cacophony filling his ears.
Before long, the disfigured Goblin lay on the ground, bright red blood flowing from where its limbs used to be. However there was no fear in its eyes, showcasing the madness and lack of intelligence that this type of monster had.
Willing his sore muscles to move, he walked forward and stood over the grotesque monster, a look of disgust in his eyes. With one swift movement, he separated its head from its body, putting an end to its life.
[You have slain a Goblin]
[100 EXP Gained]
[Congratulations, you have leveled up!]
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Jayce half listened to the monotonous voice of the system which confirmed the death of the Goblin. Having no time to check his status window, he drew his attention to the woman who was still huddled in a ball, caught up in her own despair.
"Oi! We can't stay here any longer."
Gingerly walking over, he tried to get her attention.
The woman raised her head slightly, her pale face was fraught with fear and eyes wet with tears.
"N-No, stay away!" she shouted. Picking up the staff in front of her and pointing it in his direction.
Jayce sighed and shook his head. They didn't have a lot of time until the whole street would become flooded with goblins and other monsters.
"Look, I just saved you from this monster." he said, gesturing to the decapitated goblin on the ground next to him. "If we don't hurry, there will be more of these monsters clambering in the streets."
With a touch of urgency, he moved forward once more, grimacing from the pain in his muscles. He tried to act patiently and not scare the woman in front of him.
Reaching out his hand slowly, he asked. "What's your name?"
The woman raised her head and looked in his eyes, fear and desperation painting her features. Now that he had gotten a closer look at her, Jayce could tell that she was young, possibly younger than himself in this life.
Her fair complexion held a hint of a rosy blush, accentuating her delicate features. Long, lustrous locks cascaded down her back, flowing like a waterfall of ebony silk. Despite the weariness etched on her face, there was a certain purity and innocence that remained untarnished.
She hesitated for a moment, her voice trembling as she whispered, "My name is Lianna."
"Lianna, will you come with me to find shelter?" he asked softly. "I can explain the situation once we get there."
Jayce's voice carried a soothing tone, attempting to alleviate the woman's fears. He understood the urgency of the situation, the imminent danger lurking in the shadows. The streets were no longer safe, teeming with goblins and other malevolent creatures hungry for blood.
Lianna's eyes darted between Jayce's outstretched hand and the lifeless goblin at his feet. The turmoil in her expression revealed the internal struggle she was facing. Yet, something in Jayce's demeanor instilled a flicker of trust within her.
With a quivering breath, she cautiously extended her hand, her delicate fingers interlocking with Jayce's. The connection felt warm and reassuring, like a lifeline amidst the chaos surrounding them.
Together, they began their trek through the darkened streets, their footsteps hastened by a sense of urgency. Jayce's muscles protested with every step, reminders of the arduous battle he had fought. But he pushed forward, fueled by determination and the responsibility he felt towards Lianna's safety.
Thankfully they had yet to meet any more goblins or other monsters that could pose them a threat, otherwise he wasn't sure if they could survive in his current state.
As they navigated the labyrinthine alleyways, Jayce stole occasional glances at Lianna. Her presence was captivating, her ebony tresses swaying with each graceful movement. Her vulnerability tugged at his heart, urging him to protect and guide her through this treacherous world.
"Ah, it's in here." Jayce prompted, pointing to a set of stairs.
Jayce stood before the set of stairs that led down into the depths of the underground building. With a determined expression, he prompted Lianna to follow him, taking her hand firmly in his. Together, they descended into the hidden refuge, their footsteps echoing through the dimly lit passageway.
Reaching the bottom, Jayce rapped his knuckles against the heavy door, a plea for sanctuary. A hushed tension filled the air as they awaited a response, their lives hanging in the balance. After what felt like an eternity, a small compartment of the door opened, revealing a pair of green eyes scrutinizing them with cautious intent.
"We're humans, please let us in," Jayce spoke, his voice carrying the weight of desperation and hope.
Without uttering a word, the door swung open, revealing a burly figure standing before them. His massive frame exuded an air of authority, his presence commanding respect. A kite shield rested comfortably on his back, a silent testament to his role as protector.
"Hurry and get in," the man's voice resonated with urgency, his eyes scanning the staircase behind them. The imminent danger hanging in the air was palpable, urging them to quicken their pace.
Jayce wasted no time, gently guiding Lianna through the open doorway and into the makeshift shelter. As they stepped inside, the scene that unfolded before them was one of both chaos and resilience. The underground space, once a vibrant club, had been transformed into a haven of survival.
Approximately thirty individuals occupied the room, their faces etched with varying degrees of fear and exhaustion. Some sat huddled together, nursing wounds, while others cast wary glances at the entrance, ever vigilant for the encroaching threats of the outside world.
Jayce's eyes scanned the room, assessing the state of their newfound sanctuary. It was a fragile oasis, a refuge against the relentless storm that raged above. The smell of dampness mingled with the scent of determination, an amalgamation of hope and desperation that filled the air.
In the dim light, makeshift beds and supplies were scattered throughout the space, serving as a testament to the resourcefulness of those who sought solace within these walls. Despite the hardships they faced, a sense of unity prevailed—a collective will to defy the darkness that threatened to consume them.
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