[ Warning! Danger Level Increased to High from Medium! ]
The Goblin Chief had been only at level 10, but with its berserk mode activated due to the Rage of Despair, its danger level had increased to "High."
However, Kierra remained unfazed by the brainless brute charging toward them.
She waved her hand, shooting several piercing fire arrows at its weak spots—such as its head and legs—which were unprotected by its long wooden shield.
Meanwhile, Victor quickly distributed his 10 attribute points, prioritizing Strength and Agility.
[ Strength: 24 ↑3 ]
[ Agility: 23 ↑4 ]
[ Stamina: 26 ↑3 ]
With the newfound power coursing through his body like a galloping horse, Victor grinned, ready to embrace the challenge.
As the piercing fire arrows struck its ligaments and joints, the Goblin Chief collapsed to the ground, unable to support itself—no matter how enraged it was.
But this pause was only temporary. It would be back on its feet soon.
This was their chance.
"Whoosh!"
Victor took a deep breath and charged forward, pushing his upgraded agility to the limit. His steel sword was gripped tightly in right hand, held back in preparation for a powerful strike with both hands.
"Slash!"
His blade came crashing down on the Goblin Chief's left arm as it desperately raised it in an attempt to block while in a kneeling position.
But it couldn't block the strike in time due to Victor attacking from its left in swift manner.
The cut was deep—but not enough to sever the limb completely. The creature still clung to its shield, trying to defend itself, while its right arm swung its massive stone axe wildly.
Victor backed away instantly, getting out of its range of attack.
He hesitated. He needed to be careful. One clean hit from that weapon could crush him.
He glanced at Kierra.
Fortunately, the girl wasn't lagging behind. In fact, she was even faster than him.
With a fluid motion, her dagger—glowing faintly with fiery energy—sliced through the air, aiming directly for the Goblin Chief's neck.
But the wooden shield blocked her path, while the creature continued swinging its heavy stone axe in desperation.
With no other choice, Kierra swiftly withdrew, ducking low before redirecting her strike toward its right arm all while dodging the Heavy Stone Axe like a true expert.
"Swoosh!"
"Spurt!"
"Krrrrrrrrww!"
Blood spurted like a fountain as the Goblin Chief's right arm was completely severed by Kierra's ruthless strike.
The heavy stone axe fell to the ground with a resounding thud, while the creature's agonized groans echoed like shrieks of despair.
Anyone might have felt pity for the Goblin Chief in such a state—but certainly not Victor and Kierra.
"Alright, time to finish it off, Raizel. This thing is screaming too much," Kierra said, annoyance clear in her voice.
Victor nodded and charged forward behind her. The Goblin Chief's weapon was gone, leaving it defenseless with only one arm and its wooden shield.
The outcome was clear.
A few moments later, the Hobgoblin Chief was finally slain.
Victor delivered the last strike, meaning most of the experience points went to him.
[ You have slain the Hobgoblin Chief - Level 10 ]
[ EXP +170 ]
The total 400 EXP was shared among the three of them according to the party system. That's why Victor received only a portion, though still more than Kierra and Philip.
Kierra received the second-largest share, while Philip got a meager amount for standing idle.
Though his contribution seemed small, his Invisibility magic had played a crucial role in their success.
Because of that, there was no reason for disagreement.
Kierra's eyes were naturally drawn to the bright, shining drop left behind where the Hobgoblin Chief had fallen.
[ The Hobgoblin Chief dropped the following items: ]
• Spell Book - Red Berserker (F)
- A physical spell that allows the user to enter Berserk Mode, increasing overall power by 20%.Can be activated at will.
Warning: High stamina consumption. Use with caution.
• Pair of Red Gloves (F)
- Can be used by both physical and magical combatants.
Magical Effect: Grants +5 Strength when equipped. Comes with Natural Defense (Included in HP) for added protection.
• Map of Lockwood Forest
- Provides basic directions to important locations and pathways within the forest.
---
Victor's interest was instantly piqued. His eyes gleamed with greed as his hand instinctively reached for the loot.
Just then, Kierra shot him a playful glance, as if she had just caught a thief in the act.
Victor paused and glanced back at her calmly—there was no shame or panic on his face.
"How should we divide the loot, Kierra? What do you want? You can have you pick first this time," Victor offered generously.
"Owh, so generous?" Kierra cooed.
"Hey, where's my share?"
Philip's voice suddenly echoed as he hurried toward them.
His eyes scanned the dropped items, desire flickering in them as well.
At the early stages, a single item or treasure could significantly boost their progress. Naturally, no one wanted to compromise.
Kierra snorted at Philip's eagerness.
"Hmph, stand down, Mr. Beast Master. I don't see anything useful for you, so why are you so excited?" she said, her tone domineering as she pointed her dagger at him. "I'll take the gloves, and Raizel will get the Berserk Skill. Any problem?"
Philip swallowed hard, considering his options. Then, his eyes lit up as they landed on the map.
"Okay, I have no problem with the arrangements, Raizel, Kierra. But I want that map. You can give me that at least," he said, unwilling to walk away empty-handed.
Upon hearing his request, Victor and Kierra started whispering to each other, as if carefully weighing their options.
The map was valuable to them as well.
However, they couldn't afford to strain their relationship with Philip—not when they still needed his help to unlock the Pet Function and, if possible, stick together until tomorrow.
His summon's Invisibility Magic was a significant advantage afyer all.
After considering everything, they decided to agree to his request—but with a condition.
"Alright, we can give you the map, Philip," Victor said. "But you have to stick with us until we get out of the forest. What do you say?"
Philip nodded without hesitation. "No problem."