The guild hall was louder than usual, adventurers boasting of hunts and battles. Suho scanned the quest board, eyes catching on a parchment stamped with a heavier seal.
→ Quest: Eliminate Goblins and Orcs
→ Rank: D
→ Reward: 12 Silver
→ Objective: Clear raiding party near the northern woods
Lyra's gaze hardened. "This isn't like boars or wolves. Goblins are clever — they set traps, fight in groups. Orcs are brute force. Together, they're chaos."
Suho clenched his fist. "Then we'll face them. I'll watch your back."
Lyra smirked faintly. "And I'll teach you how to survive."
The northern woods were darker, the air heavy with smoke. Broken carts and scattered bones littered the path. Suho's system pulsed warnings.
→ Threat Detected: Goblin Scouts
→ Trap Probability: High | Reaction Time: 2.5 seconds
A goblin darted from the brush, dagger flashing. Suho raised his sword, but Lyra shouted, "Don't chase! They'll bait you into snares."
Suho froze, scanning. His system highlighted faint ropes hidden in the leaves.
→ Alert: Snare Trap Detected Avoid Zone
He sidestepped, letting the goblin lunge past. His blade cut in a clean arc, severing the creature's arm. Lyra finished it with a thrust.
More goblins shrieked, rushing from the shadows. Suho pivoted, parrying one strike, then countering with Precision Strike.
→ Precision Strike Activated
→ Critical Damage: +25% | Efficiency +18%
The goblin collapsed, blood spraying. Lyra shouted over the chaos, "Keep your guard high! Goblins aim low to cripple you!"
Suho raised his stance, blocking a dagger aimed at his thigh. He countered with a thrust to the chest, the system guiding his angle.
The goblins regrouped, snarling. One hurled a crude spear. Suho ducked, the weapon grazing his shoulder. Lyra barked, "Don't just dodge — redirect!" She kicked the spear aside, then slashed another goblin across the chest.
Suho's system pulsed again.
→ Combat Assist: Multiple Hostiles Suggested Strategy: Maintain Circular Footwork
He shifted his stance, circling, forcing the goblins to break formation. One lunged, but Suho sidestepped, blade cutting cleanly through its ribs. Another tried to flank, but Lyra intercepted, her sword flashing in a tight arc.
The last goblin shrieked, retreating. Suho chased, but Lyra grabbed his arm. "Don't waste energy. Focus on the bigger threat."
The ground trembled. From the treeline, an orc emerged — massive, tusks gleaming, axe raised.
→ Target: Orc Raider
→ Threat Level: Severe | Strength: High | Speed: Moderate
→ Weak Point: Shoulder Joint (Disarm Potential)
The orc roared, charging. Suho braced, but the impact rattled his bones. He barely deflected the axe, stumbling back.
Lyra shouted, "Don't meet its strength head‑on! Redirect it!"
Suho steadied his breath, waiting. The system pulsed.
→ Combat Assist: Anticipate Swing Counter Angle Suggested
The orc swung again — this time faster. Suho tried to pivot, but the beast's sheer power broke through his guard. The axe clipped his side, sending him sprawling into the dirt.
→ Warning: Damage Taken HP -15% Status: Bruised Rib
Pain shot through Suho's chest. He gasped, clutching his side. Lyra shouted, "Get up! Don't let it finish you!"
The orc roared, raising its axe again. Suho forced himself to his feet, vision blurring. He steadied his stance, waiting for the swing.
The system pulsed brighter.
→ Counter Opportunity Detected Precision Strike Recommended
The orc swung downward. Suho pivoted at the last second, blade slicing into its shoulder joint. The axe dropped, clattering to the ground.
The beast lunged bare‑handed, but Suho thrust forward, Precision Strike glowing. His blade pierced the orc's chest.
→ Enemy Defeated: Orc Raider
→ Combat Summary: Strength Overcome | Reflex +15% | Damage Sustained
The battlefield fell silent. Goblin corpses littered the ground, the orc's body slumped against a tree. Suho wiped sweat from his brow, wincing at the pain in his ribs.
Lyra lowered her blade. "You're learning. You didn't just fight — you endured."
Suho exhaled. "Because you taught me. And because the system… shows me where to strike. Even when I'm hurt."
Lyra's eyes narrowed. "System?"
Suho hesitated, then shook his head. "It's… complicated. But it helps me fight."
Back at the guild, they laid goblin ears and the orc's tusk on the counter. The clerk's eyes widened. "A Rank D quest, completed. Impressive." She handed over coins — 12 silver.
→ Currency Updated: +12 Silver Current Balance: 12 Silver, 0 Bronze
Suho walked to the merchant, placing 5 silver on the counter. "My debt. Paid."
The merchant smirked, weighing the coins. "Good. Now you're a proper customer."
→ Transaction Complete: -5 Silver Remaining Balance: 7 Silver, 0 Bronze
Suho exhaled, relief flooding him. Both debts were gone. For the first time, he felt free.
That night, Suho sat at the inn's table, sword resting beside him. Lyra leaned back, watching him.
"You fought well against the orc," she said. "But remember — brute strength isn't the only danger. Next time, it might be magic."
Suho nodded, wincing slightly as he touched his bruised side. "Then teach me. I'll keep watching your back."
The system pulsed softly.
→ Swordsmanship: Level 3 (Adept → Skilled)
→ New Skill Unlocked: Counter Guard
→ Effect: +20% Defense Efficiency, +10% Reflex Speed
→ Current Balance: 7 Silver, 0 Bronze
Suho's eyes widened. His blade felt lighter, his stance steadier. He was growing stronger, even through pain.
Lyra's voice was steady. "Tomorrow, something bigger. The guild will notice us now."