It was a gray-skinned creature the size of a child. It was bald, had pointy ears, red eyes, and a gaping mouth filled with sharp ragged teeth.
Grrr.
The creature growled as a response to Luke's sudden arrival. It frantically struggled to get out of the toilet bowl from which its lower body was stuck. Two hands filled with sharp nails pushed down on the toilet seat.
"Shit, am I dreaming? Or have I had too much coffee? Have I played too much games lately that I started seeing things from the games itself? Luke said as he stared at the monster in disbelief.
It was a goblin from the games he played. The thing level one newbies encounter in the tutorial village. They were easy to kill and only serve to kick start the game for people. However, what was it doing here in the real life? Further more, seeing it up close was a far cry than just seeing it on screen.
Although it was the size of a child, it was hideous and menacing. Luke took out his tonfa baton and pointed it at the monstrosity. The goblin growled in reply as it lashed out with its sharp nails. However, its desperate attempts of attack failed to reach even the edges of Luke's security vest.
"Hey monster, can you understand what I'm saying?" Luke said as he poked the goblin with his baton. The goblin just growled and violently swung its arms, failing to understand Luke.
Truthfully, Luke was doubtful at first on what to do with the thing, but seeing it act unreasonable and violent like a rabid dog, Luke decided. He was going to kill the thing. Has he killed another being before? No. But has he beat the living daylights out of someone before? Yes. That was when he was a punk, but he won't go over that memory.
He was a security guard for a mall, and it was his job to make sure the mall is safe for people to visit. A wild violent goblin roaming around the mall is a risk that he cannot take. He'd decided. He was going to kill this thing then report it to his supervisor. Who knows? Maybe such a feat will accelerate his promotion.
"Gwargh!" The goblin roared as it finally got out of the toilet seat ready to pounce on Luke. It jumped with arms reaching out to Luke.
"OH SHIT!" Luke shouted as he swung his baton at the goblin that was in mid-air.
Thwack!
The sound of a goblin head getting smacked on the side resounded throughout the restroom. Followed by a "BANG!" as the impact threw the goblin at the cubicle walls.
"You bastard!" Luke said as he started smashing the goblin's head with his baton. His heart racing while his blood filled with adrenaline. Each one of the violent strikes disfigured the goblin head. Luke continued. Blood splashed, and only then did he stop as blood got on his face. The goblin was dead, it's head turned into a pulp.
"Fuck… huff- huff." Luke said as he panted.
"Maybe those kids were right… I should exercise more… Geez, I'm already out of breath." Luke said as he catched his breath. He did do go to the gym, but he barely did cardio. All he did was push, pull, and… yeah maybe skip legs from time to time. Suddenly, something interrupted him out of his thoughts.
[First Contact Achieved]
[System Interface: Early Access Granted]
[Apocalypse Countdown Timer: 0 Days, 11 hours, 45 minutes, and 33 seconds]
"HUH?" Luke gasped as he stared at floating blue screens of messages in front of him.
"What's this? Apocalypse Countdown? Syste-" Luke was interrupted as blue panel called the 'status screen' appeared in front of him.
[Status]
Name: Luke Mason
Age: 25
Race: Human (Unranked)
Class: None
Profession: None
HP: 50/50
MP: 120/120
Stamina: 50/50
[Stats]
Strength: 10
Agility: 8
Endurance: 5
Vitality: 5
Wisdom: 12
Intelligence: 9
Willpower: 10
[Titles]
- None
What greeted Luke was the familiar status screen he sees whenever he plays his games. Luke just stared at it in disbelief. Did he somehow managed to enter a game world? Luke contemplated but soon shook his head. If he entered a game world, then he would be wearing cool fantasy equipment looking like a hero. However, he still wore his usual uniform and he was still in the mall so that theory goes out into the window.
"Or maybe reality has turned into a game? And the Apocalypse?…" Luke muttered under his breath as a realization hit him. If the countdown is real, then the world will become chaotic soon. Luke may be a college a dropout, but he knew what an apocalypse is.
"Shit.. Mom and dad!" Luke said. Anxiety filled his minds. He needs to get to his parents house fast, and as soon as possible! His heart raced while his blood boiled. Paranoia filled his mind.
"Calm down Luke… calm down." Luke muttered to himself as he tried to approach this logically. He still had 11 hours left before the apocalypse hits. 6 more hours to finish his shift as it was still midnight. He can't just panic and start running. His supervisor was in the monitor room, maybe he can ask for an early out. Just as Luke was finalizing his plans, reality threw a burning stick at it, destroying it all.
[Loading complete… Forerunner Trial initiated. Transporting trial taker.]
"Shi-" Luke's final words as he blinked out of existence.
…
Fwoom.
Was the sound of Luke appearing out of nowhere. He landed on solid ground with a thud.
"What the fuck was that all about." Luke cursed as he looked around his surroundings. It looked like he was in a cave. The area was barely lit by torches that hung on the cave walls. In front of him was three passages. Suddenly, a blue panel appeared in front of him.
[Quest: Forerunner Trial]
Description: Killing a mere goblin does not justify permanent early access. Clear this F-Tier Dungeon by killing the boss. Prove that you're worthy.
Rewards: ???
Penalty: Death upon failure.
Luke read the prompt. A chill ran down his spine. Death upon failure. A penalty that he had seen before in the games. However, the difference was you can resurrect in a game after a couple of hours, but this was real life and Luke does not want to test and see if he resurrects. Luke gritted his teeth in resolve. He shall clear this dungeon no matter what it takes. He will survive.