Chapter-10 · EP-154

Episode 154: Consecutive Goblin Battles

"Still, Sendo, that was a bit dangerous this time."

After the first goblin battle, I quickly reviewed it.

"Yeah. I never expected it to grab my wooden sword, and I was surprised by how strong the goblin was."

"In swordsmanship club practice, we never practiced what to do if your wooden sword gets grabbed."

Murasakimura covered for Sendo's self-criticism.

But it wasn't just about being lenient.

"That's right. And this is real combat. If your wooden sword is taken, you could get bitten or scratched by the goblin and end up covered in blood. Even though they're small, when it's a fight to the death, they can be terrifyingly strong."

It was a bit of a scare tactic, but it was true.

The three listened to my words with serious expressions.

"Ichinose. What would you do if your wooden sword was grabbed?"

I immediately answered Sendo's question.

"First, I'd try to fight so it doesn't get grabbed in the first place. And if it did get grabbed, I'd do this."

Saying that, I did a front kick with my newly bought boots.

These boots had metal pieces on the toes and heels, so a kick could deal damage like being hit with a hammer. …Though they were heavy to walk in.

"I see. So you'd kick. But we've been taught by Takigawa-san that kicking is bad because it breaks your posture."

Is that so? I wouldn't know since I don't go to club much. But if that's the case,

"Then maybe you should ask Iori."

"Yeah, you're right. I'll ask her next time."

"Also, both Murasakimura and Sendo were struggling to defeat them, but hitting them on the head is hard because the skull is tough. It's better to aim for vital points like the neck or solar plexus."

Murasakimura looked thoughtful at my explanation.

"I see. So even goblins, being living creatures, have strong parts and weak parts. I'll try that next time."

Good, he understood. And Akaishi.

"Akaishi, you're being too cautious. That's fine one-on-one, but when there are two or more goblins, the longer it takes, the more disadvantageous it becomes."

"I understand that, but with this mace, if I attack carelessly and miss, the opening is huge."

At Akaishi's objection, I countered further.

"So when Murasakimura and Sendo were in trouble, you wouldn't jump in to help immediately because you're being cautious?"

"Th-that's not what I meant… Then what should I do?"

To the confused Akaishi, I smirked and answered.

"Just go for it!"

At my abstract advice, Akaishi looked a bit troubled.

"Well then, let's go find the next goblin!"

We advanced, but the next time only one goblin appeared, so the three quickly defeated it.

If possible, I wanted them to gain experience by fighting one-on-one.

"You guys are strong, so from now on, let's fight one-on-one. If it's a single goblin, take turns fighting it one at a time, and see how well you can do on your own without help from your friends."

"I see. Let's do that."

With Murasakimura's agreement, the other two seemed to have no objection.

These guys listened to what I said, making them easy to lead.

As we walked, two goblins appeared.

"There are two."

"Then Akaishi and Sendo, you each take one. Murasakimura, you sit this one out."

Following my instructions, Akaishi and Sendo advanced toward the goblins.

Akaishi, following my advice, pressed the goblin aggressively.

The goblin, intimidated by Akaishi's large frame, was given no chance to flee as he quickly swung his mace down.

The goblin was easily defeated in one blow.

"Nice!"

In contrast, Sendo approached his goblin somewhat cautiously.

Then, the moment the goblin tried to pounce on him, Sendo swung his wooden sword diagonally down at its neck.

With its neck bone broken, the goblin was defeated in one hit.

"Sendo, you got it in one hit too! You guys are amazing!"

"You told us to aim for vital points. I thought that if the head is tough, breaking the neck bone would defeat it."

Sendo seemed to have redeemed his earlier mistake.

Then Akaishi also spoke to me.

"Ichinose. I think I understand what you meant."

"Is that so? But don't go so hard that you get hurt."

"Yeah."

Seeing the two of them succeed, Murasakimura was getting antsy.

"Next is my turn. I can't lose either."

It was good that he was motivated.

As we advanced looking for Murasakimura's prey, Sendo detected goblins again.

"There are quite a few. Five goblins. What should we do? Detour?"

"No, numbers are a good chance to gain experience. Let's go!"

At my command, we headed toward the five goblins.

There were indeed five goblins, just as Sendo had said.

"I'll take two. The rest of you take one each."

Saying that, I leaped forward.

I jumped over a short goblin and, with my iron sword, mowed down two of the three in the back.

With one swing, I killed two instantly.

"The rest is up to you!"

The goblins, having suddenly lost two comrades, were confused.

The eager Murasakimura and the others attacked them, quickly defeating one each.

Then Murasakimura muttered.

"Our swordsmanship is effective enough on the third floor even at level 2."

Sendo and Akaishi nodded at his words.

Having actually fought, they probably understood and agreed with my theory of rapid leveling by exploring floors one level above your own.

Then I realized.

...Huh? I said I'd help them level up, but they were mostly fighting on their own. At this rate, they might be so strong that I wouldn't have much to do.