Although Xavier knew he could be crazy sometimes, even then he was not crazy enough to turn back to Fort John again. He might have been able to intimidate Lucy once, but if he were to show up again, things might turn for the worst. There could be more than one Sequence One being waiting for him.
"Argh…" He gritted his teeth, trying to control his anger.
In this very brief moment, one green-skinned goblin managed to close the distance, getting dangerously close to Xavier. His gaze unconsciously moved toward the creature, its name and level flashing above its head.
[Non‑Evolved Goblin – Level 13]
Weakness – Any kind of fire
Sensing the approaching threat, all kinds of distracting thoughts instantly vanished from his mind. The only thing that remained was the approaching goblin. The look of killing intent overflowing from those small beady eyes was enough to make Xavier frown in disgust.
This goblin wanted to kill him. Not just kill him, but have fun in the process—by tearing his body limb from limb.
Immediately, without him realizing, a strong feeling of rage ignited in his heart, a unique experience, as most of the time during combat Xavier's mind remained chillingly calm.
It was then Zerin's voice echoed in his head.
"Watch out, the goblin is using its skill to play with your mind."
Zerin's hatred for Xavier was clear as day, but now because of their soul contract their fates were tied together. She had no other option but to warn him.
If anything happened to Xavier, her fate would be no different.
Following her words, the rage that was threatening to consume him instantly vanished like a cloud of smoke. Clarity quickly returned to his mind. It didn't take long for Xavier to realize what had actually happened, and the significance of it chilled his heart.
A level 13 goblin had almost played with his brain! How was that possible? This was something even the First Sequence Fire‑Breathing Tiger failed to achieve.
As if sensing his thoughts, Zerin's voice echoed again.
"Don't treat the monsters that came out of the portals the same way as those corrupted creatures. These goblins and elves have millions of years of history and evolution. Their mental might over a human is no joke…"
Zerin's explanation had to be cut short, as just at this time the goblin seemed to have leapt through space, instantly arriving just an arm's length from Xavier's body, its bony arm outstretched, a sharp steel-like light covering its short fingers.
Evelyn was the first to notice this. Her expression instantly turned solemn as she warned, "Watch out!"
Xavier and his group were the first humans with potential knowledge about Fort John. She didn't want them to die.
However, this thought had barely flashed in her head when a white light flashed for a brief moment, followed by a green head flying into the air.
[Execution Streak – 1]
Death Will Aura active. Bonus applied: all stats increased by 1%.
The Warden Ruinblade in Xavier's hands was drenched in crimson blood. Upon realizing the danger, he reacted swiftly, taking his weapon out of the inventory and attacking with all his strength, not giving the goblin a chance to react at all.
"Such decisive attack…!" Lirin's expression flashed with surprise.
Moments ago she had noticed the goblin using its soul skill to mess with the young man's head, yet he was able to remain clear‑headed.
For a newly awakened human to do this was no easy feat.
"Millie, behind you!" Jackie warned while moving closer to Millie.
At some point, two burly goblins holding clubs in their hands had managed to get close to Millie, their eyes filled with bestial emotions as they scanned Millie's body up and down.
"Get away from me, filthy bastard!" Millie roared and punched the nearest goblin squarely in its head. Bang! The goblin was lifted up and sent flying backward.
Don't be fooled by Millie's looks; her strength was sky‑high. Before the second goblin could attack, Jackie reached it in time to deal with it.
Xavier didn't have the time to pay attention to the girls. This short fight had slowed them down enough for the goblin horde to catch up.
"Your Majesty, run! I will open a path!" Lirin shouted while charging toward the goblin horde alone.
A frown appeared on Princess Evelyn's beautiful face. The horde was too much for Lirin to deal with alone.
Just as she was thinking what to do, suddenly a blur shot past her, heading toward the incoming goblin tide.
The frown on Evelyn's face deepened as she realized it was the young man.
"Wait, don't throw your life away!"
Although she had just seen Xavier slay the goblin with ease, that was just one goblin—not a full group. Even if he was strong, facing the tide, how long would he be able to survive? Sooner or later stamina and mana were finite resources.
Her warning came too late. By this time, Xavier was already surrounded by goblins, along with Lirin.
The mature elf's eyes flashed with slight surprise, not expecting Xavier to charge straight in. However, she didn't really care about Xavier's life and death as long as he didn't get in her way. With that thought in mind, she decided to warn him at least once.
"These are Soul Tribe goblins, especially the chanting goblins. Don't believe everything you see."
Xavier simply nodded at those words, not minding free advice. From his earlier experience this elf wasn't lying and could be slightly trusted.
Just at this time the crowd of goblins parted, giving way to a tall burly goblin covered in dented leather armor and a fine sword in his hand.
Xavier noticed this and a frown appeared on his face, feeling slightly threatened.
[Non‑Evolved Goblin Leader – Level 24]
Weakness – Fire
A level 24 goblin leader—no wonder he felt threatened. This goblin was on the very verge of undergoing first evolution and reaching First Sequence.
The non‑evolved goblin didn't immediately attack but arrogantly declared:
"Human, give us the females and I will be magnanimous enough to spare your life."