ushernet Chapter 13 First fight
Chapter 13 First fight
Ethan reflexively stepped back as the bloody mass hit the forest floor with a sickening thud. He squinted, his stomach churning slightly, and realized it was a small, mangled bird—its feathers matted with blood and dirt. Shadow leaped gracefully down from the tree, her piercing eyes locked onto Ethan as if awaiting approval.
"Well, uh... good job?" Ethan muttered, unsure if the bird was still alive. But he hadn't received any notifications for the cat so perhaps it was alive. Or maybe he just did not get notifications for his beast kills.
While he was thinking, a notification ended up flashing in front of him.
[Ding! Shadow has leveled up]
"I guess I do get notifications."
Shadow purred again, circling the bird like a proud predator presenting its catch to its master. Ethan crouched down, poking at the bird with a stick. It was well and truly dead.
He scratched his head and looked away from the small bird. He was still not used to the killing and the bloodshed.
"Ok. Next time. Try to bring me back something that is still alive. If that's too difficult for you, then go ahead and finish the kill."@@@@
Ethan reached out to pet her sleek fur, earning another satisfied purr. Shadow then flicked her tail and darted off into the trees again, her movements as silent as the wind.
Ethan grimaced at the metallic smell that lingered in the air. It made his stomach churn. "Guess I'll need to get used to that too," he mumbled, glancing back toward the carriage where the driver still sat, oblivious to everything unfolding in the woods.
A system notification flashed informing him of the creature's details. Ethan's eyes went wide. A goblin? Are you serious?
The creature held a crude club in one hand, its other hand already reaching down to grab another rock.
The goblin let out a high-pitched shriek and charged, its bare feet kicking up dirt as it closed the distance. Ethan clenched his stick tighter, his palms slick with sweat. He no longer had any qualms about killing.
"Shadow, attack!" he shouted, pointing at the goblin.
Shadow leaped into action, darting forward with a burst of speed. She lunged at the goblin, claws extended. The goblin swung its club wildly, but Shadow was too fast. Her claws raked across its arm, drawing a spray of dark blood. The goblin howled in pain, staggering backward.
Ethan took the opportunity to rush forward, swinging his stick with all the strength he could muster. The crude weapon connected with the goblin's shoulder, forcing it to stumble. It snarled, swinging its club at Ethan, who barely managed to sidestep the blow. The goblin's strength was surprising for its size; Ethan knew he couldn't afford to let it land a solid hit.
"Shadow, go for the legs!" Ethan commanded, and the wild cat obeyed instantly, darting low and sinking her teeth into the goblin's calf. The creature screeched, stumbling again as it tried to shake her off.
Seeing his chance, Ethan raised his stick and brought it down on the goblin's head with all his might. The crude weapon splintered on impact, and the goblin collapsed to the ground, motionless.
[Ding! You have killed a goblin.]
[Ding! You have gained experience points.]