Chapter 5: Tactical Growth
Riven moved swiftly through the dungeon, his newly acquired Dire Rat shadow trailing close behind his five goblin minions. The creature moved with a silent grace, its glowing violet eyes scanning the dim corridor for threats. With its superior speed and heightened senses, it was the perfect scout.
He was getting used to leading. Every battle refined his instincts, every command honed his control over his shadows. He had leveled up once, but he needed more. The dungeon wouldn't let him escape weak, and he had no intention of leaving without becoming something far beyond human.
"Scout ahead," he ordered the Dire Rat.
The creature obeyed instantly, its sleek form vanishing into the darkness. Riven waited, focusing on his link with the shadow. It was an eerie sensation—feeling through its senses, perceiving what it saw. After a few moments, the information came back to him.
Enemy detected. Stronger than a normal goblin.
A grin touched his lips. "A challenge, then."
He moved forward, his goblins falling into formation. As he turned the corner, he finally saw the foe his scout had warned him about.
A Hobgoblin.
Larger than a normal goblin, standing nearly as tall as Riven himself, it carried a jagged sword and a battered iron shield. Its red eyes locked onto him, and a guttural growl escaped its lips.
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◆◆ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ◆◆
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◆ Enemy Identified: Hobgoblin (D-Rank)
◆ Threat Level: Moderate
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Riven's grip on his dagger tightened. This was the strongest opponent he had faced so far. He had no intention of underestimating it.
"Spread out," he commanded.
His goblins obeyed immediately, circling the Hobgoblin. The Dire Rat took position at the rear, ready to strike. The Hobgoblin seemed unfazed—it had experience fighting lesser goblins. But Riven wasn't controlling mere fodder. His shadows moved with unnatural speed, their coordination perfect.
The Hobgoblin lunged at one of Riven's minions, its sword flashing in the dim light. The shadow goblin barely dodged, but the force of the attack sent it stumbling back. Riven took the opportunity to strike, dashing in with a quick slash at the Hobgoblin's exposed flank.
His dagger met resistance. The creature's hide was thick—tougher than the monsters he had fought before. It twisted mid-swing, aiming a heavy backhand strike at Riven.
He ducked, rolling away just in time.
"Attack together!" he commanded.
His goblins swarmed the Hobgoblin in unison. Claws and weapons rained down on the creature, forcing it to defend itself from multiple angles. The Dire Rat lunged at its legs, sinking its fangs into its calf. The Hobgoblin howled, swinging wildly in an attempt to shake them off.
Riven saw his opening. He dashed in, his dagger flashing.
A precise thrust—straight into the creature's throat.
The Hobgoblin gurgled, its eyes bulging in shock. It staggered, dropping its weapon, and then collapsed to the floor.
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◆◆ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ◆◆
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◆ Enemy Defeated: Hobgoblin (D-Rank)
◆ EXP Gained: 50
◆ Shadow Extraction Available
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Riven exhaled, steadying his breath. The fight had been tougher, but he was growing stronger. And now, it was time to claim his prize.
He placed a hand on the fallen Hobgoblin's corpse. "Rise."
Dark mist swirled around the body, seeping into its wounds. A moment later, the Hobgoblin's eyes snapped open, now glowing violet like his other shadows. It knelt before him, awaiting orders.
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◆◆ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ◆◆
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◆ Shadow Extraction Successful!
◆ 50 MP Consumed
◆ New Shadow Soldier Added: Hobgoblin Warrior (D-Rank)
◆ Shadow Soldier Count: 7
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Riven grinned. His army had just gained its strongest fighter yet.
And he was only getting started.