[ ] = Doruuk thoughts
I open my eyes and immediately realize I'm inside the portal. The air is bitterly cold, the silence almost oppressive, and all around me there is only darkness. Towering trees dominate the landscape, their roots twisting like claws across the damp earth. Suddenly, a luminous window appears before me with a stark message: "To exit: kill 300 monsters."
[300 monsters... What kind of joke is this? Are they even at my rank? The number is overwhelming. But if I want to go back, I have no choice. I have to make it… somehow.]
I grip my dagger tightly—the cool metal in my hand offering the only comfort in this dismal moment.
The Hunting Portal is composed of multiple levels. On the first level, two distinct "worlds" exist: the Goblin's Den and the Gelatinous World. Apparently, fortune has favored me—I find myself in the Goblin's Den.[Well, better this way… The Gelatinous World is overrun by slimes that offer little in terms of resources, and my dagger would be almost useless against them. In video games I would always try to spawn here—in the Den. But this… this isn't a game.]
I begin my journey northward, dagger held ready. I tread slowly, every sound and movement among the trees catching my attention.[I can't afford to lower my guard. Goblins might have set traps anywhere, and they're not as stupid as they seem.]
Minutes pass in eerie silence, broken only by the soft footsteps I create on the damp earth. This quiet is unsettling—goblins are known for their raucous shouts and laughter. Moreover, I notice a disturbing absence: there are no other warriors in sight.[The Goblin's Den is supposed to be bustling with activity. So why am I alone?]
A shiver runs down my spine as a primal sense of danger takes hold. I tighten my grip on my dagger, alert and ready.[Is it just my imagination, or is someone… or something watching me?]
Then I hear it: the sound of footsteps—slow, deliberate, and hauntingly persistent. They neither grow louder nor fade away; they simply follow my pace.[It's following me. Does it intend to lead me somewhere? This isn't good at all.]
I spin around suddenly, scanning the thick darkness. There's nothing—but I'm sure something is there. The only light comes from a pale moon, or perhaps another source in this strange place.
I strain my eyes, trying to pinpoint the source of the sound. It must be a goblin; if it were a warrior, its skill at concealment would be extraordinary. Typically, experienced fighters avoid the first level—seeking higher challenges and portals that remain undiscovered until later. This, then, must be a goblin that knows its territory well.
Resolving to act, I quicken my pace. The footsteps match my movements perfectly. I come to an abrupt halt; and so do the footsteps.[Damn it. This isn't good.]
Shortly after, fireflies begin to glow among the trees, casting a weak golden light that begins to reveal hidden shapes. Following their movement, I finally discern a distinct silhouette emerging from the shadows—a goblin crouched low among the branches.[Perfect. It's time.]
I seize my dagger and hurl it with all my strength. The blade slices through the air, striking the goblin squarely on the temple. The creature collapses with a groan. I rush to its side before its body starts to fade away—each vanquished monster in this realm dissolves into void stars, black spheres that can later be exchanged for real money. The stronger and rarer the foe, the higher its reward. I retrieve the goblin's weapon—a small axe.[It's nothing much, but better than nothing.]
A luminous window reappears with a congratulatory message:"Congratulations, you've defeated your first monster."[Only 299 to go... Easy, right?]
I continue moving, now armed with the axe in one hand and the dagger in the other. The axe may not be a formidable weapon, but paired with my dagger, it offers a modest advantage. One after another, goblins fall—almost as if they were mere obstacles in my path. I conserve my energy, mindful of my stamina.[I must not let myself run out of strength here.]
Hunger soon gnaws at me, an ever-present threat in this desolate place. Then, amidst the low murmur of combat, I hear voices in the distance. They're not goblins—they're warriors. I slip into the cover of the trees to get closer and gather more intel.
Ahead, three warriors are locked in combat with a group of goblins. They operate with precision—a female archer leading the charge, flanked by two male swordsmen. The goblins, though numerous and armed with bows, appear disorganized against the calculated tactics of the warriors.[They seem strong.]
Among the melee, one goblin stands out with a sword and gleaming armor; he falls swiftly under the warriors' assault. Then something extraordinary occurs—a Luminousa materializes. Luminousa are rare, smoky spheres imbued with the essence of the monsters they originate from—carrying the creature's abilities, should fate allow them to bond with a worthy recipient. The system is ruthless and capricious: the sphere chooses its owner, and if it passes you by, no amount of force will claim it. Even worse, if left unclaimed, the Luminousa dissipates within two hours. In groups, however, the chance of selection increases, and some individuals even force the process, capturing these spheres in tube-like containers and altering them until they can be absorbed.
[Let's see who it chooses this time.]
After a few agonizing seconds, the sphere drifts over and settles onto one of the two swordsmen. His face lights up with satisfaction—this is a monumental step forward for him.[Better leave now, before they notice me.]
I turn to depart when suddenly a voice slices through the quiet:
Archer: "Hey! Stop right there, whoever you are!"A cold shiver freezes my feet. I find myself unable to move.
Swordsman 1: "What's wrong? Who are you talking to?"
Archer: "I have a strong feeling someone's spying on us."
Swordsman 2: "There's no one—I checked before coming here."
Archer: "My intuition never fails."
She strides toward me, bow drawn.[Damn it, I need to get out of here.]
Archer: "Whoever you are, come out now. We won't hurt you."
[Yeah, sure—like I believe that.]
Swordsman 1: "Wait!"
He dashes in my direction.
In a burst of panic, I activate my Escape ability, dashing through the trees. But even as I sprint away, the archer's arrow flies—and then… boom.
Chapter-End.