Chapter 15 – The Goblin Nest
The forest stretched endlessly, cloaked in shadows that deepened with the setting sun. Every tree creaked with secrets, every rustle in the undergrowth sent a chill crawling up Kael's spine. The deeper he walked, the thicker the air became—as if the forest itself was warning him to turn back.
But Kael didn't turn back. He couldn't.
The system's timer still blinked faintly at the edge of his vision.
[ Quest Progress: 5/10 ]
[ Time Remaining: 15:42:19 ]
Five more kills before the clock ran out. If he failed, he didn't need the system to tell him what would happen.
Death.
Or worse.
---
Kael crouched low, his breathing steady but sharp, the new dagger resting in his grip. It felt… alive, almost humming with energy compared to the rusty iron rod he'd wielded before. Each step was careful, deliberate, avoiding broken twigs and dried leaves. The system hadn't taught him stealth—but survival had.
He stopped suddenly.
Up ahead, a faint glow flickered through the trees. Firelight. He dropped to his belly, crawling forward, and parted the ferns to see.
A clearing.
At its center, a bonfire crackled, smoke curling lazily into the dark canopy. Around it, half a dozen goblins sat, tearing into raw meat, their guttural chatter carrying in the air. Some clutched crude weapons—hatchets, bone daggers, even a short spear. Others gnawed lazily, green skin glistening in the firelight.
Kael's breath caught.
A nest.
This wasn't just two or three strays like before. This was their home—proof that the forest belonged to them. If he rushed in, he'd be torn apart in seconds.
His hand trembled against the dagger's hilt. He could run. He could find weaker prey, safer kills. But something in his gut twisted at the thought.
He remembered the system's words when he first awakened.
Only by pushing forward will you survive.
Kael clenched his jaw. No running. Not anymore.
He whispered to himself, a mantra he'd begun to repeat every time fear tried to drown him. "No running. Not anymore."
---
He waited, watching. Patience was his only weapon now.
One of the goblins wandered from the fire, scratching its belly, a crude axe dangling from its fingers. It yawned, stretched, and ambled toward the tree line. Perfect.
Kael slid into the shadows, his body tense, eyes locked on the creature. He moved when it moved, halted when it paused, keeping to the rhythm of the goblin's steps. Every muscle screamed at him to strike now, but he held back until the distance was right.
Closer. Closer…
Now.
His arm wrapped around its mouth, the dagger plunging deep into its throat before it could cry out. Hot blood spurted across his hand. The goblin thrashed, claws raking at his arm, but Kael held firm until the fight drained from its body.
[ Enemy Defeated. +45 EXP. ]
[ Quest Progress: 6/10 ]
Kael lowered the corpse to the forest floor gently, heart hammering. His breath came in harsh gasps, but a fierce grin tugged at his lips.
He was learning.
---
One by one, he picked them off.
A lone scout crouched to relieve itself by a tree—Kael slit its throat.
A sleepy goblin wandered from the fire to gather sticks—Kael dragged it into the shadows, ending it quickly.
Another leaned too far over the fire, distracted—Kael's dagger pierced its spine before it could scream.
Each kill made his grip steadier, his movements sharper. The fear never vanished, but it dulled into something else. Focus.
By the time he circled back to the clearing, three corpses lay hidden in the brush.
The bonfire crackled merrily, and only three goblins remained.
[ Quest Progress: 9/10 ]
[ Time Remaining: 13:08:45 ]
Almost done.
Kael's chest swelled with pride, but his body reminded him of its limits. His legs trembled, and his side still ached from the earlier wound. If the remaining goblins grouped together, he'd never win head-on.
He needed to break them apart.
---
Kael reached into the brush, fingers closing around a stone. He weighed it in his hand, then hurled it deep into the forest.
Crack.
The sound echoed, sharp and sudden.
The goblins stiffened, yellow eyes snapping toward the trees. One barked something guttural and stomped toward the sound, spear in hand. Another followed reluctantly.
Only one stayed behind, hunched over the fire, still chewing.
Kael moved.
His steps were quick but silent, his dagger low. The goblin didn't even look up before Kael's blade slid between its ribs. It gurgled, eyes bulging, then slumped forward into the flames.
[ Enemy Defeated. +45 EXP. ]
[ Quest Complete. ]
Blue light flickered before his vision, filling him with a strange warmth. Relief flooded his chest, but he didn't relax—not yet. The system had given him no signal to leave.
And the last two goblins were returning.
---
They froze at the edge of the clearing, staring at the sight before them—their companion's body sizzling in the fire, the scent of burnt flesh in the air.
Kael rose slowly from the shadows, dagger dripping. His voice was low, steady.
"Your turn."
The goblins shrieked in fury.
One hurled its spear with surprising speed. Kael twisted aside, the weapon grazing his shoulder. Pain lanced through him, but he kept his footing. The second goblin charged, axe raised high.
Kael ducked, the blade whistling past his ear. His dagger flashed, cutting across its thigh. The goblin screamed, stumbling.
The spear-wielder rushed in, pulling a jagged dagger from its belt. Kael had no time to think. He grabbed the wounded goblin, shoving it into the other. They crashed together, snarling and flailing.
Kael's lungs burned, his body weak, but he forced himself forward. His dagger plunged again and again, until both goblins stopped moving.
Silence returned to the clearing.
The fire crackled. Smoke curled lazily into the night.
Kael stood trembling, drenched in blood, staring down at the bodies around him. His chest rose and fell like a war drum.
Then the system chimed.
[ Quest Completed. ]
[ Bonus Objective: Clear the Nest – Completed. ]
[ Rewards: +400 EXP, Equipment Box (Rare), Skill Unlock. ]
Light exploded across his vision. His level surged, warmth flooding his veins.
[ Level Up! ]
[ Level 3 → Level 5 ]
[ Stat Points +20 ]
A new screen blinked before him:
[ Skill Unlocked: Predator's Instinct ]
> Grants heightened awareness of nearby enemies.
Effect grows stronger with each kill.
Kael's hands shook as he read the words. His lips curled into a fierce grin.
He had entered this forest as prey.
But now…
Now, he was becoming the hunter.
⚡ End of Chapter 15 ⚡