"Ha... damn..."
[6/6]
[Information: You have completed the special quest, 'Red Goblin Slayer.']
[You gain experience.]
[Level up.]
[You have been awarded points in END and INT.]
[You obtain 2 one-star cards.]
[Would you like to open them?]
[Y/N]
The goblin I thought I had killed was actually still alive and managed to call for reinforcements before I could finish it off.
In the novel, Sae-jin also faced the same situation during his practical exam. The problem was that it wasn't just reinforcements they had called but also their leader—a [Great Goblin], classified as [Rank E, Stage 5]. That was one rank above mine, and it was the highest stage a Rank E monster could reach.
"Rah... damn it..."
'The best thing to do right now is to run...'
Sitting on a rock, I looked over at Ho-Bong, who was a few meters away, slumped on the damp stone floor. He was still in shock from what had just happened.
I felt a deep sense of guilt toward him… This was probably his first time inside a tower. It was entirely my fault. I had rushed things, bringing him here so he could obtain the [Total Fruit], even though he wasn't the same person he would be in the novel, a fearless, composed man, the head of a major hunter company, someone who had helped Sae-jin countless times.
No, this was the clumsy Ho-Bong, who had barely started his company, already teetering on the edge of bankruptcy due to the contract with the [31st Tower], which had drained almost all of his funds.
'The best thing I can do for him is turn back and get him out of here before he's in even greater danger. Especially now that a [Great Red Goblin], the leader of the goblins, will likely arrive as reinforcements...'
'If I'm lucky, I'll find a way to defeat it alone and locate [the Nameless Tree].'
I let out a long sigh.
'I'll pick a few extra fruits for him…'
"Uh, Mr. Ho-Bong?"
As soon as I spoke, Park Ho-Bong turned to me immediately.
"H-Huh? Yes?!"
His voice sounded almost robotic, as if he was forcing himself to respond.
"…I think it would be a good idea for you to turn back… and leave the tower."
"Ah… hmm..."
Ho-Bong struggled to find words. But he didn't need to—he already knew the truth. He wasn't capable of handling even the first floor.
Lowering his head, visibly disappointed, he remained silent for a moment before quickly lifting it again.
"You're right. Honestly, I have no idea why you wanted to come here in the first place… haha…"
'Yeah, I never really explained my reason for bringing us here, did I?'
"But I trust that it's for a good reason, so I won't question it. However, we both know that I'll only slow you down... I'm just a mere Rank F hunter and the failing owner of a bankrupt company... Forget my offer. I'll find other employees. I'm nothing but dead weight for you."
Wow… I agreed with what he was saying at first, but that last part was a bit harsh, wasn't it?
"No, you're right that you slowed me down a little, with all the monsters we encountered before, but I assure you—I want to stay in your company. Let's do this: I'll come back tomorrow and give you half of what I earn in the tower!"
Ho-Bong's mouth fell open in shock at my proposition, then quickly closed again. He seemed torn between common sense and a flicker of hope he didn't dare embrace. Eventually, a hesitant smile appeared on his face.
"Really?"
"Yes. I'm not the type to make empty promises."
He let out a deep sigh of relief, running a hand down his face as if trying to wipe away the last traces of fear still clinging to him.
"Alright… Thank you, Mr. Sugil. Just… be careful."
"Of course."
We exchanged a firm handshake, sealing our unspoken agreement.
As he slowly got back to his feet, casting one last wary glance around us, I remained still for a moment, assessing the situation.
The danger wasn't here yet, but it was imminent. If the [Great Goblin] arrived before I was ready, I would be in serious trouble.
'I need to move before it shows up.'
Taking a deep breath, I opened the reward window still flashing in front of me.
[Y/N]
Without hesitation, I pressed "Yes."
A golden light burst from the interface, and the two one-star cards began spinning before me. My heart pounded faster as they started revealing their contents…
Then…
.
.
.
'You've got to be KIDDING me.'
[Information: The effects of anger from—]
"—SHUT UP."
'Are you SERIOUS right now?'
I gritted my teeth so hard it hurt, and the veins on my forehead throbbed with frustration.
And honestly, I had every reason to be pissed.
[strong-willed cushion: Beginner Mastery]
[Card Rarity: ★☆☆☆☆]
[Card Rank: F]
[Description: A simple cushion with a strong will, quite special...]
[Mana Cost: 0%]
"WHAT THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH A DAMN CUSHION HERE?!"
For killing six red goblins, this reward was an absolute insult. It was as if this system had an unparalleled sense of humor, mocking me at every turn.
'What's next? Is this thing secretly indestructible? Can it shatter boulders or something?'
Then came the second card, which wasn't much better:
[The Path to Victory: Beginner Mastery]
[Card Rarity: ★☆☆☆☆]
[Card Rank: F]
[Description: A special ability that allows the user to boost their motivation and improve mental resilience.]
[Mana Cost: 0%]
[Additional Information: Highly recommended for player Kim Arrietta Sugil.]
'I swear… I'm going to DESTROY this system with my bare hands…'
[Quest: Reach Level 5 during the entrance exam
Rewards: New card abilities of 1 or 2 stars, gain points in STR and END.
Failure to complete the quest within the time limit will result in penalties for the next 10 days.
Quest difficulty: RANK F.]