Overgeared: Saharan Successor

A/N: I'll take one paragraph space to wish you Merry Christmas! Hope that you are surrounded by your friends and family, fill yourself with copious amounts of food, or just recover your spirits for when you start work (I'm such a case lol). Unlucky, I don't have gifts for you (additional chapters for today) because Santa Claus has been quite stingy with me, and hasn't filled my magic bag with extra chapters. Still, I'll try to be active and post x1 chapter at an interval of 2-3 days. Stay safe and warm, and with a cup of boiled wine with fruits and cinnamon. Signed out, Author.

***

Chapter 61: Exploding Goblins

Odin didn't linger too much inside the Marquis's Court after sorting out their alliance contract. Now that he had the Marquis in his pockets, he no longer had a reason to try and farm affinity points with the Marchioness. Thus, he left early with Kebab, who was enjoying the food—maybe too much.

The city was coming alive as Odin and Kebab walked down the cobblestone paths leading to the stables.

Merchants were setting up stalls, townsfolk bustled about with their morning routines, and the faint aroma of fresh bread and roasted coffee wafted through the air. 

The rhythmic sound of their boots against the stone echoed softly in the morning quiet, occasionally punctuated by Kebab's grumbling.

"Seriously, Odin," Kebab said, glancing over his shoulder at the distant silhouette of the Marquis's court. "That was some of the best food I've ever had. You couldn't have waited a bit longer? Maybe let me at least finish dessert?"

Odin chuckled, the corners of his mouth twitching upward in amusement. "You're acting like you'll never see a banquet again. What happened to the hardened warrior who could survive days on dry bread and water?"

"Hey, just because I can doesn't mean I want to," Kebab shot back, rubbing his bearded chin. "That roast duck? Perfection. Those honey-glazed pastries? A gift from the gods themselves. And don't get me started on the wine."

"You're making it sound like you were there for the food alone," Odin teased, his tone light but sharp.

"Can you blame me?" Kebab grinned, adjusting his grip on his spear. "Unlike you, I'm not trying to butter up every noble in the Empire. I've got simpler priorities: food, leveling up, and maybe finding a nice NPC who can patch my armor without asking for a small fortune."

Odin smirked, his crimson eyes glinting with delight. "Fair enough. But those pastries won't help you hit level 179 any faster."

"Ah, but they boost morale," Kebab quipped, patting his stomach. "And a well-fed fighter is a better fighter, don't you think?"

Odin shook his head, a soft laugh escaping him. "You've got your logic twisted, Umar. But I'll give you this, you've got your priorities straight. Speaking of which…" 

He glanced at his companion. "What's your plan now? Heading back to the court to sweet-talk the kitchen staff?"

Kebab snorted, waving off the suggestion. "Tempting, but nah. I'm thinking I'll head up to the mountains, work on those Gryphons a bit more. They're tough, but the experience is worth it. If I grind hard enough, I'll be at level 179 in no time. Can't let the Aesir down, after all."

Odin smirked. "Make sure to not aggro the Gryphon King, you'll lose another level trying to raid Bosses alone. Those Gryphons are no joke, especially when they gank on you."

"I could say the same for you, heading into Wyrnwoods alone. Watch your back, or you'll get killed by those goblins." Kebab retorted with a grin, hefting his spear over his shoulder as they went their separate ways.

"Pff, as if," Odin scoffed, crossing his arms. "Goblins are no threat. I'll finish off the Hobgoblins and wrap up Malfurion's Hidden Quest before you can even hit level 179."

"How is that newbie handling things? Still lost in the woods? I heard he almost shit himself when Xoroth passed him on his undead horse."

"He has potential to be a Top-Ranker if he puts his full time into it. He seems to have listened to my advice about career switching."

Kebab laughed. "Sounds like he's lucky to have you around. Alright, Odin, just don't get too cocky out there. I don't want to hear about you eating dirt because you underestimated some Goblin Warchief."

"Don't worry about me," Odin said, flashing a confident grin. "Focus on those Gryphons. And remember, stay away from the King. You lose another level, and those jerks will force my hand into ejecting you out from the inner circle."

They arrived at the stables, where the faint neighing of horses greeted them. Odin clapped Kebab on the shoulder as they came to a stop.

"Alright, Umar," Odin said, his tone light but firm. "Good hunting."

Kebab laughed, saluting with his spear. "Same to you, boss. Try not to make the Marquis regret signing that contract."

"Heh, of course not. You know, I like money."

The Fullbaz Stables were a modest but well-maintained facility nestled on the outskirts of the town. Sturdy wooden stalls lined the central pathway, each housing a steed of varying size and color. 

As Odin strode into the open yard, his boots crunching against the gravel, he was immediately greeted by the familiar sounds of neighing horses and the creak of leather saddles being adjusted by stablehands.

From the shadows of the main barn emerged the Stablemaster.

He was in mid-conversation with one of his assistants when his eyes fell upon Odin. The recognition was instant.

"Well, well, if it isn't Lord Odin," the Stablemaster said, his voice booming with respect and familiarity. As he approached, he wiped his hands on his apron, a broad grin splitting his rugged features. 

"Back so soon? I thought you'd be off enjoying the Marquis's hospitality for a while longer."

Odin inclined his head slightly in greeting, his crimson eyes glinting under the morning light. "Duty calls, Master Garn. I need another horse, one with endurance. I have business in the Wyrnwoods."

"Ah, of course. Always on the move, aren't you? I'd wager half my stablehands would keel over if they kept your pace."

Before Odin could respond, a loud, impatient whinny came from one of the stalls. Both men turned toward the sound to see a black mare, a striking horse with a glossy coat and intelligent, fiery eyes, bucking against its restraints. 

It was the same mare Odin had returned after his previous journey.

"Seems like someone remembers you," Garn remarked, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "That one's been restless ever since you brought her back."

The mare continued to paw at the ground, pulling against the tether and securing her to the stall. 

Her movements were frantic but not aggressive, as though she were desperate to approach Odin. 

Garn motioned for one of the stablehands to release her, and the moment the latch clicked open, the mare trotted out, her ears pricked forward, and her head held high. She came to a halt in front of Odin, nickering softly as she nuzzled his outstretched hand.

"Seems she's chosen her master," Garn said with a chuckle. "Guess it's fate."

Odin ran his hand along the mare's neck, his touch firm yet gentle. The horse relaxed under his palm, her muscles no longer tense. "She's a fine horse," he said, his voice low and even. "What's her name?"

"Name? She didn't come with one," Garn admitted, scratching his head. "Been calling her 'Blackie,' but that hardly seems fitting for a beast like her. You're welcome to name her yourself, if you'll be taking her again."

Odin considered this for a moment before giving a faint smile. "I'll call her Nyx."

"Nyx, eh?" Garn repeated, nodding approvingly. "A good, strong name. Suits her."

The negotiations for Nyx's rental were surprisingly straightforward. Garn recognized Odin's reputation, especially after news spread that the Marquis invited this Knight to his residence for a banquet.

He offered a discounted rate with little prompting. "Can't have a man of your stature held back by haggling," Garn said with a wink. "Besides, if Nyx is this attached to you, it feels like she'd bolt straight to wherever you are the moment my back is turned."

"You drive a hard bargain, Garn."

As Odin spurred Nyx forward, the familiar chime of system notifications echoed in his mind.

[Ding!]

Congratulations! You have acquired a new mount: [Nyx]

Rank: A

Attributes have been updated to reflect the bond between you and your mount.

Curious, Odin activated his Sovereign Insight ability, pulling up Nyx's updated status window. 

His crimson eyes scanned the interface, noting the impressive stats that now adorned the mare.

[Nyx - Night Mare]

Rank: A

Endurance: 120 (+40)

Speed: 115 (+35)

Stamina: 110 (+50)

Traits:

* Bonded Loyalty: This mount gains enhanced performance when ridden by its chosen master.

* Nightstride: Gains increased speed and endurance during nighttime travel.

* Iron Will: Resistance to fear effects and increased survivability in combat zones.

***

A faint smile tugged at Odin's lips. "You've outdone yourself, Nyx. Looks like you're full of surprises."

The mare neighed softly in response, her ears flicking back as if she understood his words.

***

-- Two hours since leaving Fullbaz -- 

The dirt road leading away from Fullbaz stretched ahead like a ribbon, winding through the surrounding farmlands and villages that Odin had helped liberate. 

In passing, he could see the villagers working hard to rebuild what they lost. At the same time, the Militia led by the Marquis's Knights coordinated this preparation along with the players, who would be happy to receive various quests.

His cape fluttered in the wind as he urged Nyx into a steady gallop, her hooves thundering against the ground with a rhythm mirrored his determination.

Despite the serene landscape of rolling hills and distant mountains, Odin's mind was doing administrative work as Guildmaster of a large guild since it didn't involve only privileges and fame. Still, you would also have to micromanage each guild group.

Handing out fair distributions of loot, settling disputes over territory within the game that other guilds coveted. Break any conflict squabbles and mediate like a feudal judge over the grudges of certain guild members who wanted to duel.

And, of course, ensuring that no one got carried away with personal grudges. Odin had lost count of how often he'd had to listen to guildmates demand duels to settle their differences.

"Babysitting," he muttered under his breath.

For all the headaches, Leviathan was his creation, his family, and his responsibility.

On his way to the Wyrnwoods, he got into contact with the newbie Druid, Malfurion, who was around the entrance of this hunting ground, trying to find out what led to the corruption of the land. 

⤷ Odin: Malfurion, I'm on my way to the Wyrnwoods. Let's meet up at the edge of the forest near the Hunter's Copse. Easier to regroup there.

⤷ Malfurion: Hunter's Copse? Got it. But it might take me some time to reach there, Odin. I'm a bit tied up right now.

Odin raised an eyebrow at the reply, his fingers hovering over the interface.

⤷ Odin: Tied up? Elaborate.

⤷ Malfurion: A patrol of Goblins jumped me when I got too close to their camp. I'm holding them off, but I have too many to deal with quickly.

⤷ Odin: How bad is it? Can you retreat, or do you need backup?

The reply came after a moment's pause.

⤷ Malfurion: I've got it under control, I think. They're low-level mobs, but I must whittle them down while avoiding reinforcements. Just give me a little time.

⤷ Odin: Don't overdo it, rookie. Goblin patrols might seem like fodder, but they're sneaky bastards when they swarm. Watch for scouts. They'll run and alert the whole camp if you're not careful.

⤷ Malfurion: Thanks for the vote of confidence, Guildmaster.

⤷ Odin: You'll live just fine. Meet me at Hunter's Copse when you're done. I'll wait there.

With this exchange over, he tightened his grip on Nyx's reins, urging her to pick up speed.

Soon, it got to the point where the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze carried an undertone of unnatural stillness. It was the boundary between normalcy and monstrosities.

At a slower pace, Odin reached the Hunter's Copse, a small clearing that acted as a natural waypoint for adventurers venturing into the heart of the dark forest. 

This point in the forest was reserved for the low-level players hunting for easy prey, usually quiet.

"Perfect," Odin murmured, dismounting from Nyx.

From his inventory, he retrieved the Monster Bait he'd purchased from Mustard, these oddly effective consumables that made it easier to clear the first wave of the Monster attacks. 

The bait came in small pouches, emitting a sharp, pungent scent that monsters found irresistible. 

"Urgh, makes me nauseous."

Odin wrinkled his nose as he scattered the bait across the clearing, carefully placing it in strategic positions that would funnel any approaching creatures into his line of fire.

With the bait in place, he took a moment to center himself. 

"Now, we're waiting."

"But, until then, let's give myself some buffs to greet whatever the bait catches properly."

'Arcane Intellect.'

[User has consumed 250 MP]

[The user's intelligence has been increased by 20% for the duration of the spell (10 minutes). The user's maximum mana is increased by 30%. The mana regeneration is sped up by 5% of the user's max mana per second. The user's critical chance hit with spells increases by 10% during the spell's duration.]

The air around Odin shifted, a subtle shimmer of magical energy radiating outward. 

A soft, bluish light began to surround him, growing brighter each second. 

Tendrils of arcane energy swirled around his form, coiling like ethereal serpents.

Odin's crimson eyes flickered with a purple glow as the arcane energy soaked into him briefly.

'Magic Detection'

[User has consumed 3,000 MP]

The moment Odin began to channel the spell, the arcane symbols around him flared, illuminating the immediate area. 

Within seconds, Odin's mana expanded outward in a wave, like a ripple in a still pond, flooding the surrounding forest with his energy.

The spell reached far, much farther than most detection spells, and within moments, it began to return information. 

Odin's mana brushed against every living being in a radius of ten meters, each pulse revealing more about the entities hidden in the dense foliage around him, and he could sense how various creatures of various shapes were rushing to his location.

'7…10…14…20…23'

'That's a large pack of monsters I pulled with the bait.'

He extended both of his arms in a horizontal position, the mana from his nascent Mana Core being dispersed all around his circulatory system.

A faint violet glow surrounded his fingers each second passing.

He focused, letting the spell take shape in his mind. Instead of the Magic Missile, this time, he was trying the Arcane Explosion. 

Closing his eyes momentarily, he focused on the magic etched into his mind from Braham's Knowledge Fragment. 

'Arcane Explosion'

[User has consumed 800 MP]

The ground beneath him shimmered as a wave of arcane energy erupted outward, expanding in a perfect sphere around him. Instead of a purple or bluish hue, the color was a distinct crimson akin to the Magic Missiles.

His spell did not detonate; instead, he carefully controlled the input, leaving the earth unscathed but saturating the immediate area with residual arcane energy. 

Tendrils of crimson mana swirled through the air before dispersing like fading embers after a great fire.

The 'Alarm' spell was set, akin to a Magic Trap.

'Alarm'

[User has consumed 500 MP.]

This time, the spell wove itself into the lingering arcane energy in the clearing.

Since he cast an 'Alarm' spell on one of the Arcane Explosions, he cast preemptively, while the trigger would increase the DPS in the instance.

Odin smiled faintly, the pieces of his gameplan falling into place.

[You're getting more comfortable at utilizing spells. Are you sure you haven't chosen the wrong path by learning the sword?]

'Not at all. Magic and Swords blend well together.'

From his position on the edge of the clearing, Odin watched intently as the bait worked its magic.

Rustling leaves and snapping twigs signaled their approach. 

First came the wild beasts, wolves, coyotes, and bears with matted fur and glowing, predatory eyes. They sniffed the air, their keen senses drawn inexorably toward the clearing. 

Behind them lumbered hulking ogres, their brutish forms crashing through the underbrush, shaking the ground with each step. 

Goblins came next, their chatter and crude weapons marking their arrival as they pushed past the beasts, eager for the promise of prey.

'Seven, ten… fourteen,' Odin counted, his crimson eyes glowing faintly with the arcane energy coursing through his body.

'Obviously some are lagging behind. Should I wait by tanking some of their damage? Or just kill them, and worry later about whats left?'

'Mhm, it would be practical in that approach.'

The clearing teemed with movement, creatures circling and growling as their instincts warred with confusion over the unnatural gathering. 

Before his crimson eyes, the information about the monsters was revealed, but he didn't bother to peer deeper into their abilities since they were just fodder trash by this point in his playthrough.

[Goblin Scout - LV. 110](Normal) (15,225/15,225 HP)

[Dire Bear - LV.105](Normal) (24,544/24,544 HP)

[Dire Wolf - LV. 102] (Normal) (17,868/17,868 HP)

[Ogre - LV.120](Normal) (22,225/22,225 HP)

With a wave of his hand, all this information would instantly turn to nothing.

'This would be at least 15% of my EXP bar. Worth the hassle, nonetheless.'

Odin extended his arms again, his body radiating a faint crimson glow as he prepared to unleash his second spell.

"Arcane Explosion," he said, his voice calm but with a sharp edge.

[User has consumed 800 MP.]

An instant surge of crimson energy erupted from him, expanding outward like a burst of flame. The shockwave rippled through the clearing, sending everything in its path flying backward.

The monsters nearest him howled as the energy tore through them, leaving their forms shrouded in shimmering aftershocks.

The Goblin Scout was thrown backward, its body turning to ash without a chance to even look properly at the caster.

[Critical Hit!]

[You have dealt 22,635 damage to the target.]

[You have slain the Goblin (Normal), gaining the following rewards: 2,250 EXP, Goblin's Ear (Common) ×2, Goblin's Leather Scrap (Common) ×1, 12 Silver Coins]

The Dire Bear staggered, howling in pain as the blast tore through its fur, knocking it back. 

[You have dealt 10,778 damage to the target.]

The Dire Wolf and Ogre fared no better, the force of the explosion leaving them reeling.

[You have dealt 10,778 damage to the targets.]

Three seconds later, the ground shuddered again as the 'Arcane Aftershock' rippled through the clearing. 

The aftershocks weren't as visually dramatic as the initial explosion, but they were no less devastating. They erupted in smaller but still powerful bursts, dealing 20% of the original damage to all the enemies still within the blast radius.

 [You have dealt 2,155 damage to the target]

It wasn't a rare occurrence with his increased critical chance with spells for them to miss his targets.

[Critical Hit!]

[You have dealt 4,311 damage to the target.]

The Dire Bear and Wolf staggered once more as the aftershocks struck, their bodies convulsing with the residual arcane force. 

The Ogre reeled, its steps faltering, a slow death now creeping upon it.

Then came the chain reaction.

The air filled with the sharp, metallic ringing of the alarm spell, a sound so piercing that the monsters recoiled instinctively, their movements faltering.

The Alarm spell he'd set triggered at the casting of the 2nd Arcane Explosion.

The air shimmered again as the Arcane Explosion triggered once more, the pre-set chain reaction erupting in a second burst of crimson light.

The Ogre howled as the blast hit it again, its body torn to shreds, the remaining health evaporating under the combined force of both explosions. 

The Dire Bear, already on the brink, crumpled to the ground, its massive body shredded by the cumulative damage. The Dire Wolf collapsed, its form nearly disintegrating under the barrage of arcane force.

Monsters began to fall in rapid succession. The Goblin Scouts, who had been trailing behind, found themselves caught in the blast's radius just as they tried to flee, their bodies turning to ash before they could react.

[You have slain: Dire Bear (Normal), gaining the following rewards: 3,000 EXP, Dire Bear's Claw (Rare) ×1, Bear Pelt (Uncommon) ×1, 45 Silver Coins.]

[You have slain: Dire Wolf (Normal), gaining the following rewards: 3,500 EXP, Dire Wolf's Fang (Rare) ×1, Wolf's Pelt (Uncommon) ×2, 30 Silver Coins.]

[You have slain: Ogre (Normal), gaining the following rewards: 5,000 EXP, Ogre's Mace (Uncommon) ×1, Ogre's Flesh (Common) ×2, 60 Silver Coins.]

Nothing was left in the radius around him, but the monsters that were distanced from the first pack that was lured got triggered by the sound of havoc, leading to them speeding up to Odin's location, only to be met by the human-wearing black leather armor.

He casually withdrew his 'Guardian Blade' and held it with his right hand, while his left hand was stretched with crimson mana, starting to concentrate on the center of his palm.

'Magic Missile'

[User has consumed 400 MP.]

[User has consumed 400 MP.]

A volley of glowing red projectiles formed around his hand, crackling with energy, and without any pauses, he aimed at the head of the first Goblin Rider who got into his detection range. 

Before it could advance while riding the Dire Wolf, the red missile zipped through the air, blasting the head of the monster akin to a thrown spear. 

[Critical Hit!] 

[You have dealt 11,317 damage to the target.]

 [You have dealt 5,658 damage to the target.]

The 'simple' magic missile had obliterated the goblin in seconds. Its body crumbled to the ground, akin to a puppet with its strings cut, falling into gray ash as its health bar dropped to zero instantly. 

The goblin never knew what hit it.

Meanwhile, the second missile followed, catching the beast mid-stride and shattering its skull. The force of the explosions rippled outward, disorienting the nearby creatures.

[You have slain the Goblin Rider(Normal), gaining the following rewards: 2,450 EXP, Goblin's Ear (Common) ×2, Goblin's Leather Scrap (Common) ×1, 22 Silver Coins]

[You have slain the Dire Wolf (Normal), gaining the following rewards: 1,250 EXP, Wolf's Pelt (Uncommon) ×1, Dire Wolf Fang (Common) ×1, 25 Silver Coins.]

As the monster's body crumbled, Odin's right hand gripped the hilt of his Labyrinth Guardian's Blade. He shifted his stance, preparing to meet the next wave of enemies. His movements were calm and swift, showing the skills of a honed warrior.

Since this group of monsters was mainly composed of goblins and a couple of beasts that were the goblins' mounts, his next target was one of the 'Cavalry-men,' which he initiated by activating Swift Charge.

It reached the point where he had to close the distance between the monsters and keep his momentum hot. His legs propelled him forward in a blur of motion, covering the distance between him and the incoming goblins in mere seconds

Odin's body seemed similar to a phantom, a new gust of wind blossoming from his sword

'Blade Dash'

[User has consumed 500 MP]

[User's Movement Speed has been increased by 30% for 5 minutes. Cooldown: 30 minutes]

His blade shimmered with arcane energy as he cut through the goblin, his strike so precise that the creature's scream was cut short as it crumbled into ash. The echoing pulse of his blade radiated outward, striking two nearby wolves with residual damage.

[You have dealt 4,760 damage to the target.]

[Critical Hit!]

 [You have dealt 9,451 damage to the target.]

 [Arcane Echo - You have dealt 1,417 damage to all enemies within 5 meters.]

 [Arcane Echo - You have dealt 714 damage.]

[You have slain the Goblin (Normal), gaining the following rewards: 2,450 EXP, Goblin's Leather Scrap (Common) ×1, 20 Silver Coins.]

'Whoa, this Arcane Echo is quite strong if you consider the rarity of AoE skills for the Warriors.'

'The effects of Magic Swordsman's main weapons are outclassing everything else, maybe except Mage's Staffs.'

The next wave of goblins was upon him, and Odin shifted seamlessly into a melee assault. He lunged forward, driving his blade into a goblin's chest with a Precision Thrust.

[User has consumed 100 MP.]

[Critical Hit!]

[You have dealt 15,121 damage to the target.]

The goblin staggered, and Odin followed up with Rapid Assault, delivering four strikes in a blur of motion. But he only required one strike to connect for the particular goblin to die. He then slashed at the adjacent mobs.

Each hit sent shockwaves of arcane energy cascading into the surrounding enemies.

[You have dealt 4,488 damage to the target.]

 [Arcane Echo - You have dealt 673 damage to all enemies within 5 meters.]

The goblin collapsed, its body disintegrating into ash, but the fight wasn't over. 

Odin pivoted, activating Whirling Blade to unleash a devastating spinning slash that caught three goblins and a wolf in its path.

[User has consumed 200 MP.]

[You have dealt 12,050 damage to the targets.]

[Arcane Echo - You have dealt 1,807 damage to all enemies within 5 meters.]

The wolf lunged at him, its jaws snapping, but Odin brought his blade down in a Mighty Strike, the sheer force of the blow cleaving through its neck.

[User has consumed 350 MP.]

[Critical Hit!]

[You have dealt 26,226 damage to the target.]

[You have slain the Dire Wolf (Normal), gaining the following rewards: 3,500 EXP, Wolf's Pelt (Uncommon) ×2, Dire Wolf Fang (Rare) ×1, 25 Silver Coins.]

***

There was a massacre of the goblin pack under the Echo blade, but this much couldn't yet make a dent in their population, which sometimes felt like an infestation. There were more that Odin should strive to slaughter. Until then, he couldn't claim to be a true Goblin Slayer.

Nonetheless, Odin had it easy because the gap between the 'higher' leveled goblins and him balanced. Those monsters were a good trial run for the new playstyle he was cooking before raiding the Hobgoblin's Settlement.

It was a mix of spellcasting where he would cast Magic Missiles in between melee hits or when he would disengage from a counter. Similarly, the Alarm spell became important in giving this caster's playstyle a higher viability. His Swordsmanship at Intermediate Mastery LV9 involuntarily transformed his fighting kit into a hybrid one.

Still, the monsters swarmed with the relentless tenacity of vermin. 

Odin's crimson eyes narrowed. He gripped his Labyrinth Guardian's Blade, its faint arcane hum a reassuring presence.

Odin planted his feet firmly as the goblins fanned out, surrounding him. Their crude swords and spears glinted dully in the dim light. One particularly bold goblin screeched a war cry and charged, its weapon raised high.

With a flick of his left hand, Odin summoned two Magic Missiles mid-stride. The projectiles spiraled outward, aimed with deadly precision.

[User has consumed 800 MP.]

[You have dealt 5,660 damage to the target.]

[You have dealt 5,660 damage to the target.]

The first missile pierced the charging goblin's chest, sending it sprawling backward. The second missile caught another goblin attempting to flank him. Then, another ring resounded around Odin's side, triggering another 'Alarm' spell, from which a gust of 3 Magic Missiles spread around, targeting the goblins.

The force of the explosion obliterated one of the goblin heads in a spray of ash and blood.

[Critical Hit!]

[You have dealt 11,310 damage to the target.]

[You have slain 2 Goblins (Normal), gaining the following rewards: 4,900 EXP, Goblin's Ear (Common) ×4, Goblin's Leather Scrap (Common) ×2, 40 Silver Coins.]

Odin didn't pause. He shifted his stance and lunged toward the nearest goblin, closing the distance in a heartbeat. 

The creature shrieked, thrusting its spear forward in a desperate attack. Odin parried smoothly, using his 'Stalwart Parry' his Guardian's Blade, deflecting the weapon with a sharp clang.

His counterattack was immediate and precise. He drove the blade into the goblin's torso with Precision Thrust, the strike so powerful it lifted the creature off its feet.

[User has consumed 100 MP.]

[You have dealt 8,214 damage to the target.]

The goblin crumpled as its health bar dropped to zero. The arcane echo of the strike rippled outward, catching the two goblins nearest him in its radius.

[Arcane Echo - You have dealt 1,232 damage to all enemies within 5 meters.]

Six remained from the pack, their crude weapons gleaming under the moon's eerie light.

With a calm that belied the chaos, he raised his left hand, channeling mana again.

"Let's end this,"

His voice was steady as crimson energy began to swirl around him, radiating outward like the heartbeat of an ancient beast.

The air around Odin vibrated as he invoked the spell.

"Arcane Explosion."

[User has consumed 800 MP.]

A pulse of crimson light erupted from his body, expanding outward in a powerful shockwave. 

The sheer force of the explosion sent a gale through the clearing, displacing dirt, leaves, and anything in its path.

The nearest goblin, caught completely off-guard, let out a strangled cry as the wave of energy struck it. Its frail body disintegrated on impact, reduced to a pile of ash before it even hit the ground.

[Critical Hit!]

[You have dealt 22,817 damage to the target.]

[You have slain the Goblin (Normal), gaining the following rewards: 2,450 EXP, Goblin's Ear (Common) ×2, Goblin's Leather Scrap (Common) ×1, 15 Silver Coins.]

The remaining goblins staggered under the blast, their health bars plunging as arcs of arcane energy sunk into their bodies. Two of them collapsed outright, their forms flickering before fading to ash.

[You have dealt 11,631 damage to the targets.]

[You have slain 2 Goblins (Normal), gaining the following rewards: 4,900 EXP, Goblin's Ear (Common) ×4, Goblin's Leather Scrap (Common) ×2, 35 Silver Coins.]

The initial explosion was only the beginning. 

Three seconds later, the ground beneath the goblins trembled as the Arcane Aftershock activated. Smaller yet still devastating bursts of energy radiated from Odin's position, hammering the remaining goblins.

[Arcane Aftershock triggered: 20% of initial damage dealt.]

One goblin, already on its last legs, crumpled to the ground as the aftershock ripped through it. The creature's high-pitched scream echoed briefly before silence reclaimed the battlefield.

[You have dealt 2,046 damage to the target.]

[You have slain the Goblin (Normal), gaining the following rewards: 2,450 EXP, Goblin's Ear (Common) ×2, 12 Silver Coins.]

The last two goblins, battered but still standing, looked at each other with fear flashing in their eyes. But before they could flee, Odin moved.

"Not so fast," he muttered, gripping his blade tightly as he closed the distance with Swift Charge.

His form blurred, and he was upon the goblin in a blink.

The goblin swung its crude dagger in desperation. A wild, clumsy attack meant more to ward off than to harm. Odin sidestepped effortlessly, his movements precise and calculated.

With a single, calculated motion, he activated the Guardian's Blade unique skill, 'Blades of Echoes' 

[User has consumed 500 MP.]

The blade pulsed with energy, a crimson glow surging along its length before erupting into a brilliant wave of arcane power. The shockwave tore through the air in a wide, frontal cone.

[Critical Hit!]

[You have dealt 25,990 damage to the target.]

The goblin, caught at point-blank range, didn't even have time to scream. 

The force of the shockwave obliterated it instantly, its body disintegrating into ash that scattered in the wind.

[You have slain the Goblin (Normal), gaining the following rewards: 2,450 EXP, Goblin's Ear (Common) ×2, 15 Silver Coins.]

The Alarm Spell he'd planted earlier triggered as the final goblins rushed him. 

The magical trap erupted in a cascade of red energy, firing another volley of Magic Missiles. The missiles found their marks, obliterating the remaining goblins in quick succession.

[Critical Hit!]

[You have dealt 12,000 damage to the targets.]

[You have slain 6 Goblins (Normal), gaining the following rewards: 14,700 EXP, Goblin's Ear (Common) ×12, Goblin's Leather Scrap (Common) ×6, 90 Silver Coins.]

The clearing was silent once more, the echoes of Odin's Blades of Echoes fading into the night. He stood amidst the remains of the goblin pack, his blade resting at his side, its faint glow gradually dimming.

"That's a useful skill," Odin mused, his voice low as he examined the battlefield. 

As he sheathed his blade, a faint breeze carried away the last traces of ash, leaving no sign of the goblins' brief existence. Odin turned his gaze toward the forest's depths, where the Hobgoblin Settlement awaited.

"It was a good warm-up for the instance."