Chapter 14: 2nd Floor. Goblin (5)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 14: 2nd Floor. Goblin (5)
Rumble!
Debris rained down as the castle wall crumbled into pieces. Startled by the thunderous collapse, the sleeping goblins scrambled to their feet in a panic.
“Kieeeek!”
“Kyahaaak!”
The goblins shrieked. Following their ingrained orders, the sentries hurriedly brought the whistles hanging around their necks to their lips.
Screeeech!
A sharp, piercing blast echoed through the forest.
Realizing something was wrong, the goblins out on patrol and scouting missions began to rush back. Even those resting in the village grabbed their weapons and sprinted toward the royal castle where the commotion had erupted.
“Ugh.”
Kang Jun-hyeok stood atop the broken rubble, his face twisted in a grimace.
A dull numbness spread through his entire body. If it felt this bad despite having the Pain Resistance skill, it meant the impact had been substantial.
[Health: 200/270]
A single blow had dealt 70 damage.
Even though he had moved reflexively to dodge as much as possible, the damage was still significant. That wasn't all. He had sensed an attack that made no sound while he was asleep and woken up purely on instinct.
It was a truly beast-like sense.
[…This isn't good. To be precise, you failed.]
“Half-failed. But one thing did go according to plan.”
[And what is that?]
“The commotion started. That was the goal.”
The goblins had blown their whistles the moment the collision occurred. All the goblins out on patrol would return now, which meant the hostages could escape without issue. The Master of All Weapons conceded the point.
[I see. Provided you manage to survive and get out of here.]
“That’s the plan.”
There was one thing that hadn't gone according to plan, however.
The King’s strength was far beyond Kang Jun-hyeok’s imagination.
Boom!
The King erupted from the debris and lunged at Kang Jun-hyeok. In his hands was a greatsword as wide as a man’s torso. Kang Jun-hyeok raised his sword to meet it.
Clang!
The sharp scream of steel clashing against steel rang out. Upon impact, Kang Jun-hyeok’s body was thrown back, his feet skidding across the floor. His eyes widened.
‘I’m being overpowered?’
His Strength stat was 20—a level comparable to a player on the 10th Floor. Yet, he was being pushed back in a contest of raw power by a monster on the 2nd Floor.
Screeeech!
The King parried the blade with a harsh, scraping motion and used the momentum to thrust forward. Kang Jun-hyeok narrowly twisted his body to dodge.
‘He’s fast, too.’
The King’s speed was nearly equal to his own.
Kang Jun-hyeok quickly widened the distance. Instead of pursuing, the Goblin King took a stance and watched him intently.
‘He has the intelligence to remain calm and size up his opponent even after being ambushed.’
What kind of goblin was this?
Even in his past life, he had never seen a goblin like this. The Goblin King, watching Kang Jun-hyeok, finally spoke.
“An assassin… are you?”
“You can talk, too.”
“Language… is… a product of intelligence. Why… should a goblin… be unable to speak?”
“Are you really a goblin?”
Kang Jun-hyeok asked in earnest, struck by the creature's remarkably fluent vocabulary. The Goblin King chuckled.
“Regrettably… yes. I am a variant… different from my foolish kin.”
With that, the Goblin King stepped forward. The distance between him and Kang Jun-hyeok vanished in an instant. He thrust the greatsword, held in both hands, with lethal precision.
Clash!
Kang Jun-hyeok moved his sword to block. Since he was outmatched in power, he didn't try to meet the force head-on but instead deflected the blows. A glint of interest appeared in the Goblin King’s eyes at the maneuver.
“Your technique is too good… for a mere assassin.”
Simultaneously, the movement of the King’s greatsword changed. It shifted from powerful, crushing blows to a trajectory that swept through the air, dominating the surrounding space.
‘A goblin that even knows swordsmanship?’
Dumbfounded, Kang Jun-hyeok moved his sword rapidly to push back against the spatial pressure. Their blades collided in a dizzying blur.
Clang!
The swords locked. The Goblin King attempted to drive his knee into Kang Jun-hyeok’s stomach. Kang Jun-hyeok raised his foot to block it.
Bam!
However, the Goblin King held the advantage in strength. Unable to fully withstand the force, Kang Jun-hyeok was sent flying backward. The Goblin King didn't miss the opening and thrust his sword. Still mid-air, Kang Jun-hyeok used his blade to protect his vitals.
Crash!
Kang Jun-hyeok’s body smashed through a wall. Having been blown outside the castle, he quickly corrected his posture and landed.
There was no time to breathe. The Goblin King had leapt down immediately after him, bringing his sword down in a vertical strike. Kang Jun-hyeok threw himself out of the way.
Thump!
The greatsword slammed into the earth. The ground cracked and split from the impact alone. The Goblin King tightened his grip on the embedded sword.
Boom!
As the sword was ripped from the earth, debris flew everywhere. The moment Kang Jun-hyeok twisted to dodge the fragments, the Goblin King charged.
Skree!
Kang Jun-hyeok narrowly deflected the blade by tilting his sword. The edge grazed past his neck. Kicking the Goblin King’s stomach to create distance, Kang Jun-hyeok clicked his tongue.
“Not only are you skilled, but your weapon is top-notch too.”
“It is… my pride and joy,” the Goblin King said proudly. Despite the reckless way he handled the greatsword, the edge wasn't chipped at all. It was a weapon well worth being proud of.
Kang Jun-hyeok calmly assessed his opponent’s combat power.
He’s being pushed back in strength even with the power of a 10th Floor player.
The King’s speed is not inferior. He possesses swordsmanship skills and high intelligence.
It was no joke—most players on the 10th Floor, let alone the 2nd, wouldn't be able to overcome this Goblin King. To think such a thing was the boss of the 2nd Floor.
‘The balance is completely broken.’
Kang Jun-hyeok grumbled inwardly as he raised his sword, blocking the Goblin King’s incoming attack.
* * *
The battle continued, but the dynamic remained unchanged.
The Goblin King was strong.
His power was clearly superior to Kang Jun-hyeok’s. His swordsmanship was also excellent. Since his body was twice as large, he possessed an overwhelming advantage in reach, leaving Kang Jun-hyeok unable to mount a proper counterattack and constantly on the defensive.
Clang!
Kang Jun-hyeok was blown back and slammed into a wall. The Goblin King raised his greatsword.
“This is the end. Human.”
“Kyahaaak!”
“Kirrrrk!”
Suddenly, about a hundred goblins surrounded the two of them.
The entire tribe had gathered to form a perimeter, ensuring Kang Jun-hyeok could not escape. The Goblin King spoke.
“You have… endured well. Tell me. Do you think… the hostages escaped safely?”
“…You even realized that?”
“You are strong. You could have… easily fled from me. But you didn't. I had to assume… you had a purpose.”
That purpose could only be the rescue of the hostages. The Goblin King had grasped the situation perfectly. Kang Jun-hyeok let out a hollow laugh.
“What exactly are you?”
“The King… of a foolish race.”
The Goblin King spoke with dignity.
“I am… special. I was born… with the destiny to lead my foolish kin. I will lead all goblins… build our castle… and establish a kingdom.”
“You have big dreams.”
“A dream… that can be realized. And the first step toward it… was your village.”
The Goblin King smirked.
“It was… an excellent ranch. My kin are… clumsy with their hands. Not only could I obtain… skilled slaves, but I could also give my subordinates… actual combat experience.”
“So that’s why you attacked every two years.”
It didn't matter if a few goblins died during the invasions. In the end, the survivors would become hardened warriors who had experienced war.
“But that… ends now. Since things have come to this… I must act in earnest. I will lead my soldiers… and invade your village. I will devour that place. I shall make it… the sacrifice for my first step into the world.”
The Goblin King spoke with grand confidence. Kang Jun-hyeok did not deny him.
“You certainly have the ability to do it.”
He wasn't just strong; he was intelligent. He had the cunning to manipulate a village and the patience to wait over twenty years for his castle to be completed. In the actual world, in the history of the universe, the Goblin King likely would have succeeded.
But he was here. Kang Jun-hyeok was here.
“I can’t let that happen here, though.”
Therefore, Kang Jun-hyeok intended to tear it all down. He suddenly lunged forward. Expecting an attack, the Goblin King raised his greatsword, only to hesitate.
Kang Jun-hyeok wasn't charging at him.
He dashed past the King, straight toward the surrounding goblins.
“Ka—Kyahaak!”
“Kieeeek!”
The goblins shrieked in terror, not expecting him to charge at them. Kang Jun-hyeok lightly trampled over them as they fumbled with their weapons and leaped away.
“…Are you… planning to flee!”
Judging that he was trying to run, the Goblin King pursued Kang Jun-hyeok relentlessly.
As he ran, Kang Jun-hyeok grabbed a torch. Then, mid-sprint, he suddenly came to a halt.
“Kyahaaak!”
“Kieeeek!”
The goblins who had scrambled after him surrounded him once more. They packed the space tightly, leaving no room for escape. The Goblin King, who caught up in an instant, mocked him.
“Have you given up? I thought you were a warrior… but you are a coward. I considered… making you my subordinate, but there is no need now.”
“Sorry, but I’m the one who refuses that offer.”
Kang Jun-hyeok grinned. His nonchalant attitude made the Goblin King pause for a moment.
Something was wrong. The Goblin King quickly assessed the situation.
In that moment, the King realized.
The place where Kang Jun-hyeok had stopped with the torch was the forge.
The Goblin King’s eyes widened.
“You…!”
The goblin village’s forge was a serious operation. It even had a quenching vat for tempering weapons. Quenching was the act of cooling heated weapons. And for that, a large amount of liquid was required.
So, what was that liquid?
Kang Jun-hyeok kicked the quenching vat. The container tipped over, and the liquid inside spilled out, soaking the floor.
It was oil.
The Goblin King rushed forward in a panic, but it was already too late. Kang Jun-hyeok opened his hand, releasing the torch. It fell onto the oil-soaked wood.
Whoosh!
A violent inferno erupted.
* * *
The flames spread instantly along the oil, consuming the forge in seconds.
The fire didn't stop there. Embers flew in every direction, landing on nearby buildings and igniting new fires.
Roar.
The fire devoured the goblin village like a wild, living beast. The pitch-black forest began to glow brightly.
“Kyahaaaaak!”
“Ke-ek!”
The goblins scrambled to put out the fire, but it was already spreading beyond control. Watching the burning village, Kang Jun-hyeok muttered softly.
“The weather is humid, but it’s burning better than I thought. I guess they didn't know how to fireproof the wood when they built the houses.”
“You… bastard!”
The Goblin King glared at Kang Jun-hyeok, his eyes wide with rage. His pupils were filled with unmistakable murderous intent.
“How dare you… How dare you! My kingdom! To burn it! To ruin my grand design…!”
He hoisted his greatsword violently. His voice vibrated with bloodlust.
“I will… kill you. Without fail.”
“I don't know about that.”
Kang Jun-hyeok spoke leisurely.
“I don't think you’ll have the luxury.”
As if in response to his words, a roar of voices erupted from outside.
“Waaaaah!”
“Kill the goblins!”
It was the war cry of humans. The Goblin King’s eyes widened. Kang Jun-hyeok laughed.
“They’re finally here.”
Before leaving the village, Kang Jun-hyeok had spoken to the Guard Captain. He told him to gather soldiers and wait near the forest, just in case.
While he was buying time, the hostages would have left the forest and reached the Guard Captain. Once the Guard Captain confirmed the hostages were safe, he had only one of two choices.
Either wait quietly for Kang Jun-hyeok to return. Or, move forward to end it all.
The Guard Captain chose the latter. Seeing the goblin village go up in flames, he judged it to be the perfect timing and moved immediately.
“It’s over, Goblin King.”
“…”
The Goblin King’s gaze darkened.
His royal castle was burning. The inferno was growing uncontrollably, spreading throughout the entire village. The goblins were running around in a panic. Even if he gave orders, it would be impossible for them to calmly assess the situation and act.
The invading humans would slaughter his kin.
It was also impossible for the Goblin King himself to move and stop them. Kang Jun-hyeok was strong; he was more than enough to keep the King pinned down.
Thus, the Goblin King reached a conclusion.
“Is this… as far as this opportunity goes?”
He sheathed his greatsword.
Kang Jun-hyeok spoke, sounding surprised.
“Are you retreating?”
“Hmph. It is already… ruined. Even if I am stubborn… recovery is impossible. The labor I spent is a waste… but this is as far as I go this time. I must… seek the next opportunity.”
The Goblin King slung the greatsword over his shoulder. He turned around without a hint of lingering regret.
“I shall… start again elsewhere. Somewhere… where things like you do not exist. I was unlucky… to have someone like you… at my first footstep.”
“Impressive.”
Kang Jun-hyeok was sincerely impressed. To be able to calmly assess the situation and decide to retreat even after everything he had built over twenty years had crumbled—he truly had the caliber of a king.
From Kang Jun-hyeok’s perspective, there was no particular reason to stop the Goblin King. The quest was to rescue the hostages and dismantle the goblin den. It wasn't an extermination.
In the first place, defeating the Goblin King was absolutely impossible for a player on the 2nd Floor. The standard way to complete the quest was likely to rescue the hostages by any means necessary and then call for outside help to dismantle the den. It probably wasn't designed with a direct confrontation in mind.
Stepping back here would be the standard way to achieve a 100% clear.
However, Kang Jun-hyeok did not move out of the King’s way.
The Goblin King scowled.
“…What is it?”
“Well, unfortunately…”
Kang Jun-hyeok leisurely raised his sword.
“I have no intention of letting you go this time.”
The Tower’s reward system was very simple.
How close to perfection was the player’s performance? How great was the feat the player achieved? And did the player emerge victorious against a powerful foe?
The rewards were determined by those criteria.
What stood before Kang Jun-hyeok was a powerful foe, the likes of which were rarely seen.
In the short few minutes he had spent fighting the Goblin King, what had he gained? The system window he had pushed to the corner of his vision came into focus.
[Swordsmanship proficiency has increased.]
• Swordsmanship proficiency has increased significantly.
• Swordsmanship proficiency has increased significantly.
• Swordsmanship proficiency has increased.
He hadn't even defeated him yet; simply fighting him was causing his proficiency to skyrocket.
To let such prey escape? What kind of nonsense was that?
“…You… brat.”
The Goblin King’s face hardened. Only then did he realize what was reflected in Kang Jun-hyeok’s expression.
It was pure greed.
“Let’s see this through to the end.”
Kang Jun-hyeok laughed joyfully as he leveled his sword.