The creature cocked its head to the side, regarding me with a blend of malice and amusement. In its right hand, it held what resembled a stone axe, crudely fashioned but undoubtedly lethal. The creature’s eyes sparkled with a sinister glee as it observed my reaction. Then, in a squeaky voice that contrasted with its menacing appearance, it spoke, “Fear not, young warrior, I mean you ‘great’ harm,” punctuating its statement with a loud, echoing laugh that reverberated through the clearing.

I couldn’t help but ponder whether its jest contained any truth or was merely a ploy to unsettle me. The creature’s taunting words and unsettling laughter sent a shiver down my spine, but I knew I needed to keep my wits about me. With a silent question lingering in my mind, I focused my attention and activated the Status Sight, seeking insight into the creature’s true nature.

As the skill took effect, a translucent overlay appeared before my eyes, displaying information about the creature.

***

Common Goblin (Ankoku, Akai)

Level: 2

Title: None

Description: Common Goblins are among the most prevalent and rudimentary of goblinkind; these creatures are characterized by their verdant skin, mischievous demeanor, and penchant for pillaging human settlements in search of sustenance and riches.

***

My heart raced as I weighed my options; the goblin’s malevolent presence looming ever closer. Could I outrun it? Doubt gnawed at my resolve; this ‘stone nut’ in my hand was no match for this creature. Before I could decide, the goblin lunged forward, his ax poised to strike.

Reacting on pure instinct, I hurled the rock at the charging goblin, aiming true. The impact sent the creature reeling; his momentum abruptly halted as he staggered backward, stunned by the unexpected blow.

For a moment, hope flickered within me. Could the rock hold some hidden magic, granting me a chance against this formidable foe? My eyes fell upon the marble-like stone lying on the ground, its significance suddenly amplified in my mind’s eye.

The goblin’s gaze fixated on the rock, his hand gingerly touching the spot on his head where my previous attack had landed. With a snarl of rage, he redirected his fury toward me, charging with renewed aggression.

Panicking, I hastily began yelling, “Sōten! Sōten! Sōten!” Each repetition fueled by desperation. Rocks materialized in my hand, and I flung them at the approaching goblin, aiming for his head.

With a surge of relief, I witnessed my impromptu assault slowing the creature’s relentless advance. Seizing the moment, I steadied myself, drawing in a deep breath before summoning every ounce of strength. “SŌTEN!” I roared, hurling the rock like a seasoned baseball player. The projectile found its mark with a satisfying thud against the goblin’s forehead. The impact sent the creature staggering backward, his ax clattering to the ground.

“Yes!” I exclaimed inwardly, though I knew now wasn’t the time for celebration.

Without a moment’s hesitation, I surged forward, seizing the opportunity before the goblin could regain his footing. Snatching up the ax, I met the creature’s furious gaze as he retrieved an obsidian dagger from his scabbard. We squared off, our eyes locked in a deadly standoff.

With a high-pitched shriek, the goblin brandished his dagger and lunged toward me. Reacting swiftly, I surged forward, bringing down the ax into his skull. TING!

A momentary lull settled over the clearing. I gazed at the goblin, who seemed unfazed by the blow. We exchanged puzzled looks, both of us glancing at the ax in my grasp. Without hesitation, I launched another attack, delivering a swift kick between the goblin’s legs before swinging the ax at his head once more.

And once again, the unmistakable “Ting” rang out as the ax connected with the goblin’s skull.

The goblin certainly felt the pain from my kick, but not the blow to his head. Straightening slowly, he dismissed the groin pain and stared at me in bewilderment. Our eyes then fell on the ax.

Rubbing my chin, I pondered aloud, “Hmm... A dud?” Unconsciously, I handed the ax to the goblin and nodded at his head. The goblin, surprisingly understanding my suggestion, took the weapon and whacked his head with it. Time seemed to slow as he grinned widely, then his eyes rolled back, and green blood poured from the wound. He wobbled before crashing to the ground.

My jaw dropped. Seeing the goblin had split his head open with his own hands. Without hesitation, I triggered the Status Sight.

***

Stone Ax:

This item is not categorized as a weapon due to your Marksman Class; all attempts to use it for offensive attack will be nullified.

Would you like to change its classification to a tool item?

***

“Seriously?” I gritted my teeth in frustration and allowed the change. The ax appeared in my Tool/Items inventory. I picked up the dagger, only to see the same status as the ax. Sighing, I added it to the inventory as well. A new screen popped up.

***

You have achieved your first kill: Common Goblin

Level Up +1

Gold: 10

Points: 3

Item Drop: Ring +1

***

“Yesss!” My eyes gleamed with excitement. I eagerly checked the Monetary Items tab.

Total Gold: 510

Other Luxury Items: None

“I see...” I nodded in comprehension. “Five hundred gold pieces to start,” Glancing at the sky, I muttered, “Sorry for cussing you earlier.” Next, I examined the item in the Accessories tab.

Only 5 accessories can be equipped at one time.

Ring of Mischief (Rare): Dexterity +1

Darn, the same restriction! “Well, at least it’s the same amount as the Special Skill that I can use,” I murmured. In haste, I selected the Ring. Instantly, a transparent ring appeared on one of my fingers. I assumed this feature was to hide the accessories I wore from the other players. I wondered if it worked on defensive items.

Well, I would find out soon enough when I got drops or bought items from the online store.

Right, I still hadn’t checked my player status.

***

Akira Sakamoto (Aoi Player)

Level: 2

Class: Marksman

Subclass: Gunner

Title: Lover of Peach

Health Points (HP): 40 — 100%

Mana Points (MP): 300 — 100%

Strength (STR): 1

Dexterity (DEX): 2+1

Wisdom (WIS): 2

Charisma (CHA): 1

Intelligence (INT): 30

Luck (LUK): 1

Free Stats Points: 2

Overall Prestige (P): +120% (Max 1000%)

***

The first thing that caught my eye was the title conferred upon me. My brows furrowed in annoyance as I tilted my head upward. “Why the heck did you give me this title?” I exclaimed to the indifferent sky above, my frustration evident. Before I could dwell further on the matter, a distant, ominous howling shattered the tense silence, sending a jolt of fear coursing through my veins.

Instinctively, I scanned my surroundings, panic mounting with each passing second. No point staying here to find out the source of the chilling sound. It might be something far worse and dangerous than the goblin. With urgency driving me forward, I swiftly gathered the marble-like rocks strewn across the ground, stowing them inside the Ammo inventory.

My gaze lingered briefly on the lifeless form of the goblin, a silent acknowledgment passing between us. With a solemn bow of respect, I offered a prayer of gratitude to the fallen creature. “Thanks for the gold and ring, green goblin,” I muttered, the words carrying a weight of farewell.

With determination fueling my steps, I turned away from the scene, my feet carrying me speedily toward the safety of the nearest treeline. There was no time to waste; I needed to put distance between myself and whatever lurking danger awaited in the shadows.