Harry stood before the door with an owl carved in the center. He'd been putting off the trip until his stats improved. He'd preferred a dungeon where the enemies were more manageable. Unfortunately, he'd run out of SC, and all the dungeons cost SC except for the first one, which was free access to the goblin mini-dungeon since it was his first time using the module.
"System, I'll just open it and go in."
[Yes, host.]
Harry pushed open the door and stepped inside, disappearing from the dimension.
When Harry looked around, he felt the oppressive weight of the forest. Everything was covered in giant trees that barely allowed a ray of light to pass through.
[Ding...]
[Global attack blocked...]
[Global attack blocked...]
[Negotiations are underway with the World Will...]
[Update patches are being generated... Estimated time: 60 minutes]
Harry drew his sword and began to walk. The dense forest was silent and hostile.
Exploration and Umbra-Root
Thirty minutes had passed, and Harry had only seen one type of dominant tree. The trunk was black as wet coal, with reddish veins that pulsed slowly. Harry activated his Assessment (Intermediate).
[Umbra-Root]
[Classification: Corrupted Magical Tree (Grade C+)]
[Height: 12–18 meters]
[Status: Semi-alive / Influenced by demonic mana]
[Magical Properties:
* High mana conductivity.
* Amplification of offensive spells.]
[Compatibility for magical focus (wands/staves):
✔ Possible.
⚠ Risk of mental corruption if not purified.]
—Umbra-Root. Excellent material, if purified. A future project.
Harry put some fallen branches in his [Inventory]. He continued walking, aware of his surroundings. The forest was an oppressive labyrinth.
A little while later, he spotted a small clump of grass near a root. It was a dull, almost sickly green.
[Evaluating Exotic Plant...]
[Ichikoro Grass]
[Classification: Toxic Plant (Grade C)]
[Description: A plant that should never be eaten. If you ingest it, even once, the last thing you'll do is pass into the other world instantly. Unless you have poison resistance and poison-nullifying skills, but even then, no one would want to eat it. However, if mixed with the proper procedures and ingredients, it can be transformed into a [Poison Neutralizer]. All you have to do is gather the leaves.]
—Lethal poison. And if processed, an antidote, or I can create poisons with this.
Harry carefully gathered several leaves of Ichikoro Herb and placed them in a sealed compartment in his [Inventory].
[System: 15 minutes remaining until the update.]
Harry decided it was too risky to venture further in with the System down. He looked for a defensive spot to wait. That's when the smell of earth and dirty skin filled the air. The ground shook. Harry felt the vibration in his Perception. He had been detected.
About 17 small but sturdy figures, clad in leather armor and wielding rusty swords, emerged from the bushes. Harry activated his Assessment (Intermediate) on the first enemy that charged at him.
[Threat Analysis: Elite Goblin]
[Class: D]
[Level: 120 | Magic: 100]
[Attack: 1,500 | Defense: 1,000]
[Agility: 1,500 | Intelligence: 100 | Luck: 100]
[Weaknesses: Area Attacks (Fire/Wind), Holy Magic]
"D Rank! With those stats... This confirms that the power in Argena is on a completely different scale."
The horde of Elite Goblins didn't wait. The forest was their domain. Harry had no refuge. His only option was to use his superior magic to push back the charge.
Activating his Flow Control, Harry extended both hands toward the approaching group.
In his right hand, a vibrant, bright red rune circle began to form, swirling with symbols of concentration and heat: preparation for the Fire Tornado.
Simultaneously, in his left hand, a trembling, electric white rune circle appeared, bearing symbols of resonance and pressure: preparation for the Sonic Blast.
"The Fire Tornado through the center, the Sonic Blast to break their formation."
Without uttering a single incantation, Harry unleashed the concentrated power of his two circles.