After sitting quietly for a while, Takeru soon learned about the next potential destinations: Damuro and the underground labyrinth [Cyrene Mine]!
Damuro was originally the second-largest city in Arabianka, once much larger than Alterna. Now, Damuro had become a goblin stronghold, divided into the New District and the Old District. The goblins in the New District were stronger and more numerous.
The goblins in the Old District, while fewer than in the New District, were still stronger and more numerous than those in the forest.
So for the next couple of days, Takeru's group could first hunt in the Old District, then move to the New District, and finally to the underground labyrinth [Cyrene Mine]!
Cyrene Mine was the main habitat for kobolds, which came in four types:
Low-Rank Kobolds: Found on the first layer, near the mine. Equipment and physique are quite weak.
Slave Kobolds: Live on the second layer.
Worker Kobolds: Live on the third layer and below. Some also call these [Lackey Kobolds].
Foreman Kobolds: Live on the third layer and below. Supervise ordinary kobolds, leading the lackey kobolds!
The side mission they saw, to kill [Dead Spot], was the kobold boss, with a bounty of 30 gold coins.
Moreover, compared to the goblins Takeru encountered in the forest this morning, those in Damuro could be considered relatively affluent...
Takeru didn't mind. After getting the desired information, he paid and left the tavern. Then he went to a general store, bought a map, and returned to their lodgings.
After cleaning up, he rested again in his room.
Meanwhile, Mio, Tsumugi, and Shihoru kept replaying the day's events, finding it hard to sleep. The fierce and unwilling looks in the goblins' eyes still lingered in their minds.
Besides feeling conflicted and afraid, Shihoru also doubted her own abilities. Undoubtedly, she was the weakest in the group.
Even compared to Mio, who had some struggles today, Shihoru couldn't even reach Mio's level.
At least Mio could kill a goblin later on, while Shihoru couldn't even muster the courage to fight, let alone kill.
"Mio, are you asleep?" Suddenly, Tsumugi called out to Mio below.
"No, Mugi. Is something wrong?" Hearing Mugi's voice, Mio quickly replied.
"Not really. It's about today. I think Takeru acted this way to help us adapt quickly." Tsumugi hesitated before speaking.
"I know. I don't blame him. I just feel a bit useless." Mio said after a moment of silence.
"I see. You did very well today, Mio. If it were Ritsu, she might have adapted faster. But everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. You did great today." Sensing the dejection in Mio's tone, Tsumugi quickly comforted her.
"Mhmm, no matter what, I'll keep trying!" Hearing Mugi's words, Mio said earnestly.
Feeling Mio's determination, Tsumugi smiled slightly and didn't say more.
Actually, Mio ended up in this world because she suddenly received an invitation, which she thought was a supernatural event, causing her to faint from fright.
Then, when time ran out, the default 'yes' brought her to the Reincarnation Space.
As for Tsumugi, it was pure curiosity… thinking it was some special high-tech, she directly chose 'yes.'
…
The next day, Takeru woke up early again. Looking at the barely light sky, he saw it was only 6 a.m. He didn't mind, heading out to wash up. To his surprise, Ui was also up early today.
"Hmm, Ui, up so early?" Looking at Ui, Takeru said, surprised.
"Takeru-senpai is the one! Even though you're already so strong, you still train so hard!" Hearing Takeru, Ui said with admiration.
"Haha, where we're going today is much more dangerous than yesterday. Don't let your guard down." Hearing Ui, Takeru smiled.
"I understand. I'll do my best!" Hearing Takeru, Ui said full of drive.
"Then I'll go for my morning run. See you later!" Waving, Takeru quickly headed towards Damuro.
Takeru moved fast. Although Damuro wasn't nearby, at Takeru's speed, he reached the Damuro Old District in just thirty minutes...
Arriving, he saw numerous dilapidated buildings. Within his perception range, many goblins hid among them… some alone, others in small groups of three to five.
Out of curiosity, Takeru picked a lone goblin, using Soru to appear before it, twisting its neck before it could react...
Then, he looked at the bag it had collected, took it, and glanced inside. It contained three silver coins and a green bead that seemed valuable.
Takeru quickly pocketed the bag. Then he took the goblin's weapon, which looked more refined than those in the forest.
After handling this goblin, Takeru went to a group of four goblins. First, he casually knocked one away. The other three, seeing this intruder, swung their weapons at Takeru.
Takeru activated his Gluttony skill, absorbing all the attacks. In about five minutes, he gained over 800 MP reserves.
Looking at the panting goblins, Takeru showed no further mercy and quickly finished them off...