The group was busy dealing with the goblins while Ji-Kai slipped away toward a particular destination. After weaving through trees and shrubs, he found what he was looking for: a crude fortress, built of wood in a primitive style. He had known such a place would exist—after all, goblins were the same no matter their type.
Just as I expected. What I didn't expect was that the fortress would be the same height as those of ordinary goblins. But that doesn't matter now. Primitive creatures are always like this: they scatter, then return to a crude stronghold. The same goes for golems, though I can't generalize—there may be other types I don't know of.
In any case, my goal is to bring down the goblin chief, who will, of course, be at the heart of the fortress. Fighting them won't be too difficult, but their sheer numbers could pose a problem. That's why I took the sword from that old fool who died so pathetically.
[ Item Analysis ]
[ One-star sword, forged from cheap iron ]
[ Durability: 7/10 ]
[ Attack Power: 3 ]
« Truly disastrous stats. But I have no choice. I'll have to use it. I can't handle goblins in my current state—especially with my speed still so low. »
Still, I know what I'm doing. Even if I lack something vital, I have a plan. Judging by the situation, the goblins haven't set up proper defenses. That works in my favor. They may be weak compared to me on a scale of raw power, but I am one and they are many. I'll need strategy.
Ji-Kai began his assault. First, he struck down the goblins near the gate. After killing them, he slipped inside. The gate wasn't heavy, and he pushed it open just enough to enter. Torches lined the inner walls. He grabbed one and hurled it onto the goblins' huts. Flames erupted. He repeated the act again and again until the fire rose higher than the forest canopy.
Goblins burned and screamed. Those who stumbled blindly into him were met with his blade, stabbing into their skulls as casually as if he were handing out candy on Halloween. He pressed forward through fire and corpses until he reached the fortress's center. There stood a house, built like the others but taller. A staircase led upward.
But Ji-Kai wasn't ready to end the show so quickly. He picked up a wooden staff from the ground, lit it in the nearest fire, and hurled it at the chief's house. Once, twice—until the structure was engulfed. He didn't wait long. Gripping the sword with both hands, he swung it against one of the supporting pillars. The house collapsed like a felled tree.
From the wreckage, the goblin chief leapt, shrieking hideously. He landed awkwardly, one leg already broken. Before he could move again, Ji-Kai was standing over him, eyes sharp, mask still in place—appearing every bit the terrifying executioner.
[ Warning: Sword durability critical! ]
[ Durability: 1/10 ]
« Nothing personal. I just need to finish this. I have more important matters to attend to. » With the last of the sword's strength, Ji-Kai drove the blade into the goblin's skull, killing him instantly.
It was dramatic—he must have looked like a tyrant who had stormed the fortress, destroyed everything, and slaughtered all. Perhaps I'd make a fine Hollywood actor. My last line was perfect. But what matters now is the goblin core. A normal one fetches twenty thousand won. The chief's core, the dungeon boss's, is worth seventy thousand. And since I'm not yet an official adventurer, I can sell it on the black market for double, and—
« Not bad… for an illegal adventurer. »
The long-haired girl appeared behind him, her voice carrying a faint edge of threat, though subtle. Ji-Kai turned to face her directly.
« so ... How can I help you? » he asked with a smile.
« Don't play dumb. You knew about the goblin stronghold. You came here alone to claim everything for yourself. I'm not stupid. »
I had planned to finish quickly and keep the boss's prize for myself. But it seems I'm facing someone different—someone who understands. Wait! Don't tell me she's—
Before he could finish the thought, the rest of the group arrived, each carrying a decent haul of goblin cores. Their weary smiles cut short whatever might have passed between Ji-Kai and the girl. The group quietly withdrew, unseen by outsiders. Before leaving, each thanked Ji-Kai for saving them. As for the dead? No one offered a solution. They simply dragged the bodies back into the basement and left them there. Then each went their own way, cores in hand—leaving Ji-Kai alone with the girl.
« So… will you tell me your name, miss? » Ji-Kai asked, smiling with a hint of concealed tension.
« Kim Nina. And I assume you've already realized I'm from the Korean Adventurers' Guild, haven't you? »
Did I realize? How could I not? At first, I didn't recognize her—my memory of her was with short hair, working in an office, not… long-haired like this. Perhaps because I only met her years after my first reincarnation. Either way… I'm in trouble now.
[ Notification: A new mission has begun ]
Huh? Just like that? Wait until I'm finished!
[ Side Mission: Gain Kim Nina's Trust ]
[ Details: Kim Nina is an adventurer of the Korean Guild, known for being difficult to win over. ]
[ Objective: Earn her trust and make her your ally. ]
[ Time Limit: None ]
[ Reward: A consumable A-rank item ]
A-rank?! I never obtained an item of that tier until level 25! I can't miss this mission. And I forgot about the reward from the first mission! Damn this goldfish memory!
« I don't know where your mind just wandered, and I don't care. You're coming with me, » Nina said coldly.
"Huh?! Where to?"
« To the Adventurers' Guild, of course. You'll be investigated. And before you bother me with questions—the reason isn't your participation in an unlicensed dungeon. Otherwise, I'd have arrested the others too. The reason is different, and that's all I'll say. » She pulled handcuffs from her pocket and dangled them before his eyes. « And don't try to resist. That would be unwise. »
In that moment, Ji-Kai realized he had stepped into the very swamp he had tried to avoid. But in the end, it seemed there was no escaping change. All he could do was hope things wouldn't turn for the worse.