Chapter 12
The Goblin Chief had been defeated countless times before.
That was because defeating him was practically required to receive at least an S-rank evaluation.
But simply killing the Chief wasn't enough to reach EX-rank.
Extermination alone isn't enough.
To obtain EX-rank, Seong-un needed to do more than defeat the goblins.
He also had to earn recognition from the village residents.
After receiving permission from the Village Chief, Seong-un hung the headband at the village entrance.
-You're wasting this much time on Floor 1? Are you really EX-rank?
The irritation was obvious even through the text.
The viewer had put fifty Gold into the Mission.
Naturally, they intended to stay until the end.
But waiting around was boring.
"You're not going to regret it."
Seong-un grinned at the viewer.
"Is that really all?"
"I don't know. More importantly, that headband is why the goblins kept trying to enter the village?"
"I just hope this finally gets rid of those damned goblins."
A large group of residents watched from behind.
Jaden stood behind Seong-un, keeping guard.
"Do you really think the Chief will come?"
Jaden whispered cautiously.
"Yes."
Seong-un nodded without taking his eyes off the front.
"H-He's coming!"
Only ten minutes had passed since they hung the headband.
Goblins appeared, trampling through the bushes as they approached.
Seong-un barely looked at them.
His gaze focused on the figure behind them.
It was nearly three times larger than a normal goblin.
Its skin was dark.
Its eyes were much fiercer.
That was the strongest monster lurking on Floor 1.
The Goblin Chief.
[The Goblin Chief has appeared.]
[The village residents are filled with shock.]
[Bonus score has been added.]
Good.
The bonus points had been added.
Seong-un drew the Asgard Sword.
Tingle.
A danger signal from Super Sense spread across his body.
His skin prickled as though a weak electric current were passing through it.
That was only natural.
[Lv. 15 Goblin Chief]
The Goblin Chief was Level 15.
Even though this was only Floor 1, its level was surprisingly high.
In other words, it wasn't designed to be defeated by beginners.
Level 15 is still manageable.
The difference between them was nine levels.
Whenever a level increased, detailed stats increased too.
Even a difference of one point in a stat could sometimes determine whether someone could break through a wall they'd previously been unable to overcome.
That meant a Level 15 Goblin Chief was normally something a Level 6 Seong-un should avoid.
But Seong-un had fought countless enemies with far greater level differences in his previous life.
"Give it back. That's mine."
The Goblin Chief spotted the headband and curled its finger.
[Lv. 15 Goblin Chief uses 'Intimidation.']
The moment it activated its special ability...
Flinch.
The village residents trembled and froze in fear.
Some lost strength in their legs and collapsed.
Seong-un wasn't completely unaffected either.
Thump. Thump.
His heartbeat accelerated.
The prickling sensation over his skin intensified.
But he felt no fear.
His body didn't tremble.
Seong-un took the headband he'd hung up and tied it around his forehead.
Then he stepped forward.
"If you want it, come take it yourself."
The provocation worked.
The Chief ordered the other goblins to move back and pulled the axe from its back.
"I will take back my father's keepsake."
Bringing up your father like that?
"You know, now you're making me look like the bad guy."
"Die."
The Goblin Chief charged.
Its movement was fast enough that Level 6 eyesight alone couldn't properly follow it.
Whoosh!
It swung the axe with tremendous force.
Seong-un calmly stepped backward and twisted his body.
Bam!
The axe meant for his head smashed into the ground.
"Hm?"
The Goblin Chief's eyes showed confusion.
It hadn't expected him to dodge.
Assuming it had been luck, the Chief lifted the axe and swung sideways.
Seong-un dropped his body as low as possible.
The axe cut through empty air.
Super Sense really does make this easy.
Through Super Sense, Seong-un could clearly read the path of the Chief's next attack.
"Kerrrrrk!"
After missing twice, the Chief roared and began wildly swinging its axe.
It was basically attacking with the mentality of, I'll keep swinging, so eventually you'll get hit.
Seong-un avoided the attacks.
Then, the moment he spotted an opening, he slashed the Chief's side before creating a little distance.
This isn't something I can kill in one strike.
Even with a wound in its side, the Goblin Chief ignored the injury and continued chasing Seong-un with its axe.
Whoosh!
Every time it attacked, another wound appeared on its body.
"Kerk..."
Eventually, after repeated counterattacks, the Goblin Chief groaned and staggered backward.
"What? Starting to hurt now?"
Of course it hurt.
The bleeding from the right shoulder Seong-un had just attacked looked serious.
[Healing has been sealed for 10 minutes.]
On top of that, Swordsmanship Mastery's effect had activated.
The Goblin Chief's right shoulder could no longer be healed.
"Human. I will never forgive you."
The Goblin Chief glared at Seong-un with blood-red eyes.
"If you can do something about it."
"Kerrrrrk!"
[Lv. 15 Goblin Chief uses 'Intimidation.']
It activated Intimidation again and charged.
Even with his entire body tingling, Seong-un easily avoided the incoming axe.
The wound on the Chief's right shoulder opened even wider.
Slash.
Seong-un swung at the exact same spot.
The blade cut precisely through the wound.
The Goblin Chief's right shoulder was nearly severed.
The arm hung loosely.
"Kerrrrrk..."
The Chief, which had been relentlessly swinging its axe, finally sensed danger to its life.
It slowly began backing away.
Now.
Slash.
Seong-un swung again and completely severed the shoulder.
Thud.
"Kerrrrrk!"
The Chief's right arm fell to the ground.
In agony, it covered the severed wound with its left hand.
At that point, the battle was practically over.
Seong-un mercilessly aimed his sword at the Goblin Chief's neck.
Even with an A-rank sword, the nine-level difference was larger than expected.
The neck didn't come off in one strike.
So Seong-un repeatedly struck the exact same place.
Thud.
Eventually, the Goblin Chief's head fell to the ground.
[You have defeated the Goblin Chief.]
[You have achieved a remarkable feat.]
[Damage received: 0. Bonus score has been added.]
[Your level has increased.]
[You have acquired 5 E-rank Mana Stones.]
