Chapter 23: Into the Wilds
The morning air was crisp as Kazuki, Elara, and Tara made their way through the dense forest, their boots crunching over fallen leaves. The tension from the previous night still lingered between them, but today's mission was clear — hunt low-level monsters in the outer region to sharpen Kazuki's combat skills.
"Stay alert," Elara said, her eyes scanning the trees. "The monsters around here aren't too dangerous, but they can still catch you off guard."
Kazuki adjusted the grip on his sword, his gaze darting around nervously. "What kind of monsters are we dealing with?"
"Mainly Forest Goblins, Horned Rabbits, and Slime Clusters," Elara replied, her tone matter-of-fact. "Perfect for a beginner."
Tara smirked, sauntering up beside Kazuki. "Don't worry, Kazuki. If you get scared, you can always hold onto me."
Kazuki swallowed, feeling his cheeks heat up as Tara pressed herself a little too close. Elara shot her a glare, stepping between them. "Focus, Tara."
Tara shrugged, twirling a dagger between her fingers. "Relax. This isn't exactly a high-stakes mission."
Just then, a rustling echoed from the bushes nearby. Kazuki's grip tightened on his sword as a group of small, green-skinned goblins leaped out, their beady eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Here we go," Elara said, unsheathing her weapon. "Kazuki, this is your chance."
Kazuki took a deep breath, stepping forward as one of the goblins lunged at him, swinging a crude wooden club. He raised his sword, blocking the strike with a grunt. The impact rattled his arms, but he gritted his teeth, pushing the goblin back.
"Not bad," Tara called out, leaning against a tree. "But don't just defend. Attack."
Kazuki nodded, charging forward. The goblin snarled, swinging its club again, but Kazuki sidestepped, bringing his sword down in a swift arc. The blade struck true, cutting through the goblin's weapon and sending it tumbling to the ground.
[You have defeated Forest Goblin. Skill Copy activated. New skill acquired: Goblin Strength.]
Kazuki's eyes widened as a faint, green aura swirled around him, seeping into his body. He felt a surge of power course through his veins, his muscles tightening as the goblin's strength became his own.
"Well done," Elara said, a proud smile playing on her lips. "Looks like your skill is working."
Tara stepped closer, her eyes glinting with interest. "Copying skills, huh? That's quite the cheat ability."
Kazuki caught his breath, glancing down at his hands. The goblin's strength still thrummed through him, a strange sensation but not unpleasant.
"Alright," Elara said, pointing deeper into the woods. "Let's keep moving. There's more to hunt."
Kazuki nodded, a newfound confidence sparking in his chest. This was just the beginning.