at first, I was hunting in groups of four or five, but as I got used to it, I was engaging in consecutive battles around areas where about ten goblins would appear. Each battle required utmost caution, and the opponents had a certain level of strength. Therefore, unlike the assembly-line-like battles in the "Beginner Dungeon," each fight demanded a considerable amount of concentration.
"Master, the next group will bring the total to over 100."
"Got it!"
Usually, I count them myself, but since I can't focus on the battle, I entrusted this task to Ayla.
This dungeon is different from the others; the density of enemies is incredibly high. The groups are clustered together, and the closer to the village, the closer the groups are to each other.
As a result, even after defeating one group, another immediately appears. If the respawn time were any shorter, it would have been dangerous.
"That makes 100."
"Huh?"
The smoke from the 100th 'Fighter Goblin' that Ayla indicated began to float in place without dispersing.
This was a sign of a rare monster's appearance. I had been worried about what would happen after 100 consecutive kills, but it seemed that each goblin counted, which was a relief.
I quickly finished off the remaining goblins and observed the situation.
Since I had been hunting centered around the village, it was temporarily in a state where I had occupied it. I wondered where these goblins would respawn... Moving to another village would be troublesome.
After watching for several dozen seconds, the smoke moved to a pillar in the center of the village, adorned with several strange masks, and began to swell.
It seemed this was the spawn point.
"Guooh..."
"Appraisal"
＊＊＊＊＊
Name: King Goblin
Level: 38
Strength: 370
Dexterity: 180
Stamina: 370
Agility: 200
Magic: 500
Intelligence: 180
Luck: None
Equipment: King Goblin's Magic Iron Sword, King Goblin's Magic Iron Armor
Skills: Herculean Strength, Monstrous Strength, Iron Wall, Fortress, Wisdom of Destruction, King's Intimidation
Drops: Random Box, Random Equipment, Goblin Crown
Magic Stone: Large
＊＊＊＊＊
"Man, they're always huge."
Its massive body, over three meters tall, closely resembled an enhanced 'Hobgoblin.' Its muscular physique was covered in 'Magic Iron' armor. The skill composition seemed more power-oriented than the others, but there was no support from Ayane's magic today.
"If only Ayane were here."
"Master, what should I do?"
"If we dawdle, the minions might respawn. Help me."
"Understood. I'll handle the aggro."
With that, Ayla disappeared.
"Fireball"
Imitating Ayane, I launched a ball of flame at the 'King Goblin's' head. However, due to my lack of practice, he easily deflected it with a light swing of his sword. I remembered that I might have obtained the 'Fire Magic' skill from defeating a 'Mage Goblin.'
I had completely forgotten about it after so many consecutive battles. I should check it out in a safe area after the fight.
"Over here, big guy!"
I attacked the gap in his armor with my Mithril Sword, imbued with the 'Crimson Blade.' However, he seemed to anticipate my move and twisted his body to avoid it.
Was it his intelligence or the difference in our stats? I had never faced an opponent who could dodge properly before. But it seemed this one was different. He was a proper warrior.
Facing off against the 'King Goblin,' I clashed swords multiple times while conserving my skills.
Despite his size, my 'Strength' value was higher. Due to the height difference, most of his attacks were overhead swings, increasing their power, but it seemed we were evenly matched in the sword clash.
Frustrated, he took a deep breath.
"Guoohhh!!"
"Wh-!?"
A roar from the 'King Goblin' caused my body to stiffen.
What? I can't move!?
My body became as rigid as stone, and I couldn't move. The pressure from him intensified. I saw him switch his sword from one hand to both and raise it high.
This is bad!!
"Adamantine Armor II!!"
A golden light enveloped me, deflecting the lethal blow.
"Kaiiin!"
"Guooh!?"
The invisible barrier repelled the 'King Goblin,' causing him to stumble.
Just as he repositioned his weapon, the stiffness finally wore off, and I could move again.
...That was close. I might have died if not for 'Adamantine Armor II.' That attack must have been enhanced with a skill, making it incredibly powerful. The ability to deflect such an attack... This skill is truly remarkable.
No wonder it's worth millions.
"Backstab"
"Guooh!?"
Ayla appeared behind the 'King Goblin' and pierced both his Achilles tendons through his armor. He managed to avoid falling by placing his hands on the ground, but his head, now vulnerable, was right in front of me.
"Monstrous Strength III, Adamantine Strength II. Roarrrr!!"
"Slash!!"
I swung my sword with all my might, severing the 'King Goblin's' head.
Blood spurted from his throat along with a groan of agony, but it gradually turned into smoke, and he slowly fell to the ground.
[Level Up]
[Level increased from 40 to 58]
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