I didn't know why, but the dagger felt right in my hand—like it had been made for me. The grip was smooth, perfectly balanced, almost comforting. I pulled my hand away, and the weapon vanished into my inventory with a seamless motion that felt disturbingly natural.
For a heartbeat, I just stood there, staring at my empty hand. Then, curiosity won over hesitation, and I turned toward the next box.
That's when I heard it—footsteps.
Instinct took over. I slipped between two crates, pressing myself into the shadows. The air was thick with the scent of dust, rot, and damp wood. Something heavy dropped onto the floor with a rough thud. Peering through a gap, I saw short, hunched figures stacking boxes.
Goblins.
Either I have a system… or this is one hell of a fever dream.
This isn't fun. I do not like being thrown into dangerous dungeons, if that wasn't already clear—system!
Before I could spiral into full-blown panic, pain exploded in my leg. My hand shot up to cover my mouth before the sound could escape. I looked down.
A massive rat had its teeth buried in my calf, eyes like wet coals gleaming in the dark.
Another flash of pain—this time in my foot. I tried to shake the creature off, but it clung tighter, gnawing like it was starving. My heartbeat thundered in my ears. Somewhere nearby, a goblin growled, "What was that?"
Panic clawed up my throat. I fumbled mentally through my inventory, fingers trembling. Then I remembered—the dagger.
With a flick of my wrist, it appeared in my hand. I slashed wildly, the blade glinting in the dim light. The rat let go, squealing as it hit the floor. A gash split its side open, dark blood pooling beneath it. Before it could crawl away, I stabbed down, the impact shuddering up my arm.
Silence. Only my ragged breathing filled the space.
I turned, dagger raised, heart hammering like a war drum. If the goblins came around that corner, I didn't know what I'd do—but I was ready.
"Hey, get over here, shithead! We've gotta drop the food off!" one of them barked.
Relief washed through me like a wave breaking. The footsteps faded. After a long, shaking moment, I peeked out. Nothing. I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding.
Then, out of nowhere, a faint chime echoed in my head, and a blue screen flickered into existence before my eyes.
[Host, your combat ability has been deemed unacceptable.]
[Mission assigned: Rat Killer — eliminate 15 mutated rats.]