The moon hung low over the forest, casting a pale silver light through the trees. Just beyond the clearing, Ray crouched behind a bush, eyes locked on the flickering firelight of the goblin camp. Five village kids were with him, each gripping crude weapons — handmade spears, a bent shield, and a bow Ray had secretly bought using his system points.
Ray inhaled slowly, trying to calm his nerves. "Alright," he whispered, keeping his voice low. "We don't charge in. We lure one out at a time, take it down first, and retreat. Got it?"
Kien, the oldest among the kids, nodded hesitantly. "But… what if they all come and chased us?"
"Then we have no choice but to run," Ray said with a faint grin. Some of the kids chuckled nervously, and the tension eased just a little.
"But seriously," he added, "stick to the plan. One goblin at a time. We're not strong as heroes — we're survivors. Don't try to be reckless, just be smart."
Kien gave a firm nod this time. "Okay. We're ready."
Ray signaled Kien, who let out a short whistle — mimicking the call of a forest bird. A moment later, one of the goblins from the camp stirred. Grunting and muttering to itself, it wandered toward the sound, away from the others and into the woods.
Ray tensed, spear in hand.
"Now."
The moment the goblin stepped near the bushes, Ray lunged. His spear pierced its side, and the goblin shrieked. Two of the kids pounced, pinning it down. A third slammed a heavy branch against its head, finishing it.
> [System Notification: Goblin (Lv. 2) Defeated – EXP +15]
Ray exhaled. His heart was pounding, but they did it. One down.
But the goblin's scream had drawn attention. Loud screeches rang out from the camp. Four more goblins came rushing into the trees, weapons raised.
Ray turned. "Retreat run toward the trap!"
The group ran, ducking through narrow paths Ray had marked earlier that day. They reached the first trap — a tripwire.
The leading goblin triggered it and fell into a pit lined with sharp stakes.
The second one slammed into a swinging log and was crushed on impact.
Two goblins pushed through — bloodied, but still coming.
Ray stopped and turned to face them. "Get ready!"
One of the goblins charged. Ray dodged to the side and drove his spear into its leg. Kien blocked a swing with his shield while another kid slashed with a dagger. A well-aimed arrow hit the second goblin's shoulder.
> [System Alert: Combat Momentum Achieved – Tactical Advantage Bonus Activated]
Temporary Buff: +10% Accuracy, +5% Speed (Duration: 5 minutes)
Ray blinked at the notification, but he didn't have time to be surprised. He ducked under another swing and stabbed the goblin in the chest. The kids finished off the last one with loud grunts and desperate shouts.
> [System Notification: Goblin Ambush Cleared – EXP +60]
Ray – Level Up! (Lv. 3)
Ray leaned against a tree, catching his breath. Sweat dripped down his face, but he was alive — and the others were, too.
"We actually did it," Kien muttered, staring at his blood-stained weapon.
Ray gave him a tired grin. "You guys did great. That's what happens when we work together."
They quickly looted the goblin camp — some scraps of armor, a bit of food, and two intact weapons. Ray handed one to a younger boy.
"Here. It's ugly, but it'll help you survive."
The kid looked up, stunned. "You're giving this to me?"
Ray shrugged. "You'll need it next time. There's always a next time."
By the time they returned to the village, a small crowd had gathered. The sight of the boys — dirty, tired, but alive and carrying food — sent the village into a stunned silence.
Then someone shouted, "They did it!"
"They brought back meat!"
"They killed goblins!"
The crowd burst into cheers. The once-starving villagers now saw hope. Ray stood awkwardly among them as they surrounded the group.
That night, the village celebrated for the first time in years. Meat roasted over open fires. Children laughed. People sang.
Ray sat alone under the stars, away from the noise. He opened his Status Window quietly.
> Ray – Lv. 3
Class: None
Health: 100%
Strength: +2
New Function Unlocked: Shop
He tapped it. A list of low-tier weapons and items appeared. Using his points, he purchased a better spear and a simple bow. The next morning, he handed them to two of the kids.
"Where did you get these?" one of them asked, wide-eyed.
"I made them," Ray lied with a smirk. "While everyone was busy."
They didn't press further.
That night, another window opened in front of him:
> [New Quest Available: "Purge the Nest"]
Objective: Eliminate Remaining Goblins (Estimated: 5+)
Reward: System Upgrade, Rare Item Drop, Unlock: Hunter Class Advancement
Ray stared at it for a long moment. Then, his gaze shifted toward the forest.
"We're just getting started."