Chapter 9: 9. Goblin Hunting (2)

A goblin hunter has a keen sense of smell and hearing. The goblins' slow march represented a sign of cautiousness toward whatever is killing their scouts.

'There were two intruders.' The goblin hunter thought. The goblins are not sure of the danger levels the intruders possess. As a goblin hunter, the bow-wielding green critter was aware enough that in such hunts, patience is key. This may become an advantage I can exploit.

Hearing Kieffer's fading retreating footsteps made the goblins frantic. The prey is fleeing, with its companion suddenly gone, my Arcane Stealth hiding me in the cover of darkness.  The goblin hunter chased, followed by its entourage!

Alas, the patience that the goblin hunter prides itself is too insufficient for the task at hand.

The goblin hunter in the group's rearmost watching for any ambushes is now at the vanguard. The goblin hunter's insufficiency to remain calm will be their little party's downfall. What they don't know is that they just passed by one of the so-called prey they are pursuing. Under the effects of my Arcane Stealth, I watched the goblins pass by, with apathetic ease...

With a cunning smile, I unleashed my magic on the unaware goblins.

A hail of bluish glow assaulted the poor green critters from their rear, the one place the goblin hunter is tasked to guard.

Then, they were slaughtered.

...

That was damn easy. Talents when all of this used to be a game, were more of a passive skill, and most often, they either occur on chances or infinite duration. But in this world, such talents work a little bit differently. I can now consciously use them or amplify them~ well, at the expense of more magic resources. I feel the almost invisible loss of MP to increase a fold.

For example, Multi Cast has a 7% activation chance. By investing more MP, I can increase this activation chance. This is the same for passives with permanent duration like Innate Magic Capacity, a talent that increases maximum MP capacity and MP regen. By tapping into this Innate Magic Capacity manually through my consciousness, I can improve my MP regeneration in exchange for decreasing my MP capacity for a short burst. The vice versa is also true, improving MP  capacity in exchange for MP regen.

I must say, the trade is worth it. My Multi Cast on top of the Arcane Bolt packed a hell of a punch.

Multi Cast allows magic to be cast multiple times at the same time. It is the extreme version of double-cast. In the game, it is between 4 to 7 times. But in this world, it looks like I can surpass that, which I instinctively did against the poor goblins. I made a dozen arcane bolts, which frighteningly might collapse the cave.

Sigh... I should learn how to hold back.

I ran towards Kieffer's direction afraid that he might have gotten into trouble.

And there, I saw. A bloodied Kieffer, his only fist marked with blood. Opposite him, is his fallen foe, a goblin scout.

Kieffer's breathing is ragged, but his eyes are filled with spirit. I tossed a vitality potion to him.

I nodded at him, then ushered him to follow me with a grunt. We then proceeded our way without question.

...

Kieffer is angry. At himself, for not stopping his sister's insistence for going in that cave; to his compatriots that didn't even think of the possibilities of failure; and to the fucking goblins that caused him pain.

So, Kieffer dared to venture forth, eager of venting his hatred to the waiting goblin in their rear. With the eyes bestowed to him by the magic caster, he felt no fear. And from his side, came the goblin scout with a rusty dagger in hand. He already long knew that this hateful critter was waiting for him, but he feigned ignorance.

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Kieffer was prepared for the goblin's assault. With a single breath, he dodged then counterattacked with the heaviest punch he can muster. The goblin was knocked to the ground, but Kieffer wasn't left unscathed proven by the wound he suffered in his abdomen. It was only a graze, but the inflicted tetanus might as well kill him if left unattended.

Kieffer sat over the goblin, with both his knees pinning the monster's shoulders. Then Kieffer punched it... again~ and again~ and again~ and again~ Kieffer's only fist dripped red, but he didn't care. Kieffer wanted to vent, so he vented.

His rage, regret, and overwhelming emotions weighed on his mind. He channeled them all to his fist. His breath is ragged but he persisted. Some bones stuck to his fist, the blood splattered everywhere, and then the goblin's life was no more.

Still, Kieffer continued to smash the already smashed head. He is only hitting the dirt at this point, but he is too blinded by his rage. Tears and snot litter his face as he roars like a madman.

Finally, when Kieffer consumed all of his stamina, he finally stopped. The magic, Arcane Clarity, is still in effect. He looked at the bloody mess he created. He can't help but reveal a joyful smile.

Kieffer heard footsteps, when he looked, he was met with Wally's pitying expression.

"Am I that pitiable?" Kieffer inwardly asked himself. He touched his left stump, spirit ultimately filling his being with conviction.

Wally tossed a vitality potion at him, which Kieffer caught with his one hand. Kieffer drank the potion, then followed the wizard, as they continue on their descent into this goblin cave.

Kieffer's curiosity is strong. That's why it is quite impressive for him to hold all of it back. He has many questions at the back of his mind.

'Just who is this Wally?'

'Is he from the magic guild?'

'Are all magic casters this strong, how about this Wally?'

'Can I also become a magic caster? Maybe under his tutelage?'

Questions after questions occupy Kieffer's mind like the waves on the shore, coming and going.

"I am sorry, but this is kind of selfish of me..." Kieffer's voice trailed. Wally remained quiet. Kieffer took it as a good sign, so he uttered his innermost desire.

"Can you please teach me magic?"

Wally abruptly halted his steps, turned around, and looked at Kieffer's eyes. The wizard's gaze weighed heavy on Kieffer's shoulder, the little adventurer's eyes avoiding Wally's line of sight. There was inquiry and curiosity from Wally's gaze, something that Kieffer failed to recognize because of his fear of rejection, Kieffer nervously waited for Wally's answer sweat dribbling his chin.

"Maybe." He, Wacko Wally, gave an answer that is not an answer at all.

Kieffer disappointedly slumped his shoulder at Wally's succinct, but baffling answer.

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