Chapter 88 – His Weird and Unsettling Situation

Chapter 88

His Weird and Unsettling Situation

Date : Day 8 of Grimleaf 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.

The revelation had already settled. Practicality needed to be taken care of.

Elise and Hyoren took all fifteen goblins' magic stones. The cores glowed faintly in their hands.  They placed them carefully in their storage bags.

Afterwards they dragged the goblin corpses into the dense undergrowth at the edge of the clearing. Hiding them from casual sight. They worked efficiently. They would leave them for Slimes and other scavengers to take care of the remains. The forest would clean up after them.

With the grim work done, Hyoren turned his attention back to the clearing. It was a place of incredible natural abundance.

A paradise that had been defiled by the goblins' presence. He looked at the heavy, purple fruit hanging from the trees. The bright red berries carpeting the ground. The purple rainlumes bushes near the ponds. It was a strategic resource. One the goblins had been relying on. And now it would be denied to them.

Elise walked over to the rainlumes patches. She knelt beside them. Her fingers brushed the delicate fruits. And took one for herself. Enjoying her favorite fruits. She bit into the flesh. The juice stained her lips purple.

"Hey, Hyoren."

She chewed slowly. Savoring the taste.

"I don't want to let those filthy goblins eat my rainlumes."

She then gestured over the other fruits. The melons. The berries. The abundance that surrounded them.

"And these other fruits too."

She shook her head. Her silver hair swayed with the motion.

"This treasure trove seems wasted if it's just going to be foraged by goblins."

She looked at him. A beautiful, predatory smile spreading across her face. Her emerald eyes gleamed with mischief.

"Let's take them first."

Hyoren looked from her smiling face to the bounty of the clearing. A slow grin of his own appeared. It was a brilliant idea. It wasn't just about killing the goblins anymore. It was about denying them their resources. It was a strategic blow on multiple levels.

"Your idea is brilliant!"

He nodded enthusiastically.

"I love your idea, Elise."

He didn't need any further convincing. They opened their storage bags and began to harvest the goblins' lifeline. Elise picked the rainlumes empty. Every single one. Not a single fruit was left for the goblins. Her movements were quick. Efficient. Possessive.

They picked some Sun-Melon from the trees. Their purple skins were cool and smooth. The flesh was sweet. They stripped the Crimson-Whip berry bushes. The red orbs were tart. Nutritious.

Hyoren looked at the now slightly emptier clearing. The bushes were less red. The trees lighter.

"It's a shame we can't really gather everything."

He adjusted his storage bag.

"Our storage bags are almost full."

Elise smiled beside him. She wiped her hands on her cloak.

"Well."

She shrugged lightly.

"It was understandable. This treasure trove managed to feed over three hundred goblins."

 She gestured at the remaining fruit.

"Our storage bags can't store everything. As long as my rainlumes are secure, I can let goblins eat the other fruits. Fufu."

Hyoren smiled wryly. He then scanned the surroundings. The pond. The trees. The bushes. And nodded.

"As long as we keep intercepting their foragers, they'll still starve."

He adjusted his spear.

"Even if we didn't clear their pantry."

He stepped forward. Ready to leave the clearing.

"Let's go, Elise. Time to head back to our camp."

They made their way back to their cliffside vantage point. Their storage bags now significantly heavier with fruits. The weight was nothing thanks to the magic of the bags.

The journey was quiet. Each of them lost in thought. Replaying the successful ambush in their minds. The strategy of attrition was working perfectly. Each successful strike chipping away at the goblins' strength and morale.

Upon reaching their temporary base, they settled in. Their movements now automatic and practiced. The suns were beginning their descent from their zenith. Casting the quarry in a mixed orange and silver glow. The shadows lengthened. The light softened. They began their evening observation.

It didn't take long for them to notice the change.

The quarry settlement was no longer just on high alert. It was agitated. A restless energy permeated the camp. Goblins were running back and forth. Their movements frantic and disorganized. They could see the bigger goblins—might be their supposed commanders—shouting and yelling. Their postures radiating frustration. The sound of guttural shouts echoed across the basin. The clang of metal. The stomp of feet.

Hyoren looked at his side. Toward Elise. His grin widened.

"They've noticed the forager team has gone missing and not coming back."

He pointed toward the gate.

"Look. They're mustering at the main gate. It seems they're preparing another forager."

Elise then swept the chaotic scene below. Her emerald eyes traced the movement. She could see the goblins pointing and arguing. Their attention directed toward the path the forager team had taken. They were confused. Angry. Scared.

"They're restless, Hyoren… They lost two patrols yesterday. And now another forager party has vanished without a trace."

Hyoren watched as another fifteen goblins' forager party began to form up at the gate. The soldiers milled about. Checking weapons. Arguing.

"They're sending out another forager, Elise. They're not taking any more chances. They need to replenish their food."

He looked at Elise. His eyes were sharp.

"They're reacting, not thinking."

He smiled coldly.

"And that's how we'll beat them. They're throwing more and more resources into searching for a threat they can't find. While their main camp grows weaker and more afraid."

Hyoren stood. And offered his hands to help Elise stand. His palm was warm. Rough from the spear. As she stood, the wind blew gently. Fluttering her silver hair. The strands caught the light.

"Let's go, Elise. We have another forager to ambush."

Elise combed her hair. Her fingers worked through the silver strands.

"Let's go, Hyoren."

They quickly left their ledge. Down toward the slope. Preparing for another ambush. Becoming ghosts of the hills again. Their forms melted into the terrain.

Their afternoon ambush was a repeat of the morning. They didn't bother to follow the chattering forager party. They went straight to the clearing to prepare their ambush. The same location. The same trap.

Elise perched high on the ridge. Her bow ready. Hyoren hid in the bush. His spear gripped tightly.  The hunters watching the prey.

The foragers chattering and snarling came close. Their voices grew louder. More confident. Then as they entered the clearing, both of them moved in unison. Their movement was practiced.

Not long after, another fifteen goblins lay dead. The arrows flew. The spear struck. The bodies fell.

They quickly dealt with the corpses. Harvesting the magic stones. Hiding the bodies. And went back to their base. The routine was becoming familiar.

The suns already perched on the horizon when they arrived back at their base. The day was ending.

Hyoren leaned against the rock. Took his waterskin. And drank. Quenching his thirst. The water was cool.

"Another successful ambush, Elise."

He lowered the waterskin.

"We are unstoppable."

He then gave the waterskin to Elise. She took it. Her fingers brushed against his.

"Thank you, Hyoren."

She drank the content. Emptied it. She was thirsty. The water slid down her throat.

"And yeah."

She wiped her lips.

"We are unstoppable. Those goblins are now our fodder. Source of experience. Fufu."

Elise giggled. The sound was light. Contented.

She was already influenced by Hyoren's grinding mindset. His mindset was infectious. Thanks to being with him for a few weeks, and realizing she could become stronger quickly alongside Hyoren, it changed her perspective about monsters. Now she also sought to defeat them to gain experience points.

Hyoren leaned back against the rock. His expression was thoughtful.

"We've won for today."

He stretched his shoulders.

"We've killed thirty goblins total. And we've cut off their food supply. They'll be hungry and paranoid tonight. We rest. We let them stew in their fear."

He looked at the darkening sky.

"Tomorrow, we'll see what new mistakes they make."

Elise nodded. Agreeing with him.

"Thirty goblins. And with fifty-five from yesterday. Eighty-five goblins total."

Her eyes widened slightly.

"Almost a quarter of their total."

Hyoren grinned. A predatory smile.

"I think our war of attrition won't even need one week."

Elise grinned. Her expression mirrored his again. The same hunger. The same determination. She laughed softly.

"Fufu. You're right. I can't wait..."

They had successfully turned the goblins' own strength—their numbers—against them. The more numbers to be fed, the more precarious their situation became if the food supply was cut. And the noose was tightening.

***

The last rays of sunlight faded. The sky transformed into deep purple. Orange and silver streaks retreated beyond the horizon. Hyoren and Elise sat side by side near the cliff edge. Watching the goblin settlement. The air cooled around them. The stone beneath them still held residual warmth from the day.

Elise then shifted. Then stood. Her cloak rustled against the rock.

"Time to cook dinner."

Hyoren smiled at her. Warm. Appreciative.

"Can't wait, Elise."

Elise smiled back at him. She then went to the corner of their camp. Where she left the portable magic stove and cookware. The metal clinked softly as she arranged the equipment. She quickly took ingredients from a storage bag. Vegetables. Meat. Spices. And started cooking.

Not long after, a savory aroma started to waft through the clearing. The smell of searing meat. Caramelized vegetables. Rich spices. It drifted on the evening breeze.

Hyoren took a deep breath. Savoring the aroma. It made his stomach rumble. A low, hungry sound. But he needed to be patient. He tried to distract his mind by focusing on observing.

The quarry below transformed into a sea of flickering torchlight. Orange flames dotted the darkness. But the mood was different from the previous night. It was no longer the panicked frenzy of a surprised enemy. But the sullen, nervous energy of a force that knew it was being hunted. The goblins moved with purpose. But also with fear. Their silhouettes were tense. Their shouts were fewer. More subdued.

Elise finally came back. Holding two bowls. Steam rose from the surface. The aroma intensified as she approached.

She knelt beside him.

"Here, Hyoren. Fried noodles with grilled squirrel meat."

He took the bowl. The ceramic was warm against his palms.

"Thanks as always, Elise."

She then sat beside him again. Her shoulder touched his.

"Okay, Hyoren, let's eat."

Hyoren then took the spoon. And started slurping the noodles. The sauce was rich. It was perfect. The noodles were firm. The sauce and spice created a harmonious blend. The meat was tender. The spice permeated inside each piece. Elise's cooking kept getting better and better.

"I love your cooking, Elise."

He spooned another mouthful.

"This is so delicious."

Elise smiled. A soft, pleased expression.

"Fufu. Now... now. Eat a lot!"

Both of them then ate their dinner. Talking about anything. The ambush. The fruits. The goblins' reaction. They sat aside their bowls when finished.

Hyoren leaned back.

"Man… I'm stuffed."

He then looked at the quarry. The torchlights flickered below. Shadows moved restlessly.

"We are so peaceful here."

He gestured toward the settlement.

"Meanwhile, those settlements are panicked and starving."

Elise giggled. A mischievous sound. Then she took a few fruits from a storage bag. The purple rainlumes. The Sun-Melons. The Crimson-Whip berries. The fruits they ‘stole’ from goblins’ pantry.

"How about we enjoy our spoils then."

She held up a rainlume.

"Eating what should feed those goblins tonight."

Hyoren chuckled. A low, dark laugh.

"Elise, you are evil."

He shook his head. His tied-back hair swayed.

"But I agree. Haha."

They enjoyed the fruits which they took from the clearing. Elise stuffed her cheek with her favorite rainlumes. The juice stained her lips blue. Her eyes closed in contentment. Hyoren bit into the Sun-Melon. The purple fruit tasted really just like melon. Though more acidic. The flesh was crisp. Slightly tart.

They spent moments of relaxation in silence. Eating the fruits. While watching the starving goblins' restless snarls and movement in the quarry. The contrast was stark. They feasted while the goblins starved.

Elise threw another rainlume into her mouth before she opened the conversation again. She chewed. Swallowed. Then spoke.

"Hey, Hyoren."

She licked her lips.

"I leveled up today. How about your level yourself?"

She tilted her head.

"Yesterday you only raised your skill level, right?"

Elise's question caught him off guard. Realization dawned over him. He paused mid-bite.

"Right..."

He lowered the Sun-Melon.

"I was wondering for a while, Elise. When am I going to level up."

He thought, his mind started to race.

"The last time I checked after I registered in the guild and got my guild card, my experience was 382. And the requirement for level seven was 576. I only need 192 more experience."

He then looked up. Trying to remember the experience gained.

"On this quest, we have already defeated eighty goblins. Their levels ranged from five to seven... and we also defeated four wraiths on our last quest."

He moved his fingers. Calculating. His brow furrowed deeper.

"Elise, you're right."

He nodded slowly.

"We should have already gathered a minimum of 432 experience points… And it should reach over 450 as Goblin Fighters provided more. That’s  why you also level up, Elise, as we already gathered a lot of experience"

He was confused. His expression showed it.

Elise widened her eyes. Shocked with realization. Then she remembered something, and she pointed at him, trying to convey her point.

"And don't forget, Hyoren. You got Divine Protection."

Hyoren then put his hand on his chin. Thoughtful. Processing.

"Right… Divine Protection. Twenty-five percent boost."

He calculated quickly.

"That means... a minimum of 540 experience points earned since I registered and made the card."

He looked at Elise. His brow furrowed.

"This is unsettling..."

Elise nodded. Her emerald eyes were serious.

"Let's check your guild card, Hyoren."

She gestured toward his storage bag.

"To make sure. To see the real number. I'm also as confused as you."

He then took his guild card from his storage bag and checked it. The card was smooth. Cool against his fingers. He poured Aethell into it to reveal the information which was hidden. He didn't need to do this to access public information like names and such. But level, experience, status, skills and others required such things. The magic flowed from his fingertips.

The card glowed. Soft blue light emanated from the surface. And the back of the card revealed the information again. Letters and numbers materialized.

Level : 6

Experience to next level up : 997/576

Status :

Strength : 8

Vitality : 7

Dexterity : 6

Agility : 9

Magic : 6

Skills :

Forest Walking Lvl 1

Spear Mastery Lvl 3

Throwing Lvl 2

Magic Manipulation Lvl 2

Instinct Lvl 1

Dissection Lvl 1

Aethell Sense Lvl 1

Unique Skill : Berserker

Blessing : Divine Protection of Twin Goddesses

His eyes widened like saucers. He blinked. Trying to reason with what was shown. The information shown was absurd. Impossible.

The status was still similar as before. His skill was also listed properly. Some skill levels increased, just as his Voice of Aethell said yesterday. But his experience points—he had already gathered more than he needed to reach level seven. Way more. The number said it itself—997 out of 576. But he was still stuck at level six. His level was unchanged.

He froze. He couldn't process this illogical situation. The numbers didn't make sense. The experience was there. But the level remained stagnant. Something was wrong. Very wrong.