The Eldorian Outskirts stretch before you like a wild tapestry—lush hills giving way to jagged rocks and overgrown ruins that whisper of forgotten empires. The air hums with latent magic, the ley lines pulsing faintly beneath the earth like veins of power. Mia leads the way, her feline senses on high alert, ears swiveling to catch every rustle in the underbrush. Her leather armor clings to her form, emphasizing her agile build, and her claw gauntlets gleam in the morning sun. You're right behind her, Basic Dagger in hand, your enhanced stats making each step feel lighter, more purposeful.
The goblin den your System marked isn't far—a crumbling cave mouth hidden behind a thicket of thorny vines, its entrance guarded by crude totems smeared with what looks like blood. Mia sniffs the air, her nose wrinkling in disgust. "Reeks of goblin filth. At least a dozen inside, maybe more. Small fry, but they swarm. Stay close, master—your fancy System won't save you if they overwhelm us."
You nod, gripping your dagger tighter. This is your first real combat in this world, but the gamer in you thrills at the prospect. "Let's do this. Synergy active?" The Feline Synergy skill pings in your mind—active in proximity, boosting your Agility by 10% from her influence, and vice versa.
Mia grins, fangs flashing. "Oh, it's on." She darts forward, silent as a shadow, and you follow, plunging into the dim cave. The interior is a labyrinth of narrow tunnels lit by glowing fungi, the air damp and foul. Almost immediately, you hear the guttural snarls—three goblins charging from a side passage, ragged clubs raised.
Combat erupts in a blur. Mia pounces first, her claws slashing across the lead goblin's throat in a spray of green blood. [Enemy Defeated: Goblin Scout (Lv. 2). +50 EXP.] You lunge at the second, your dagger sinking into its side with surprising ease—your Strength stat making the blow lethal. [Enemy Defeated: Goblin Scout (Lv. 2). +50 EXP.] The third swings at you wildly, but Mia's tail whips out, tripping it, and you finish it with a downward stab. [Enemy Defeated: Goblin Scout (Lv. 2). +50 EXP. Level Up! Now Level 7.]
Panting lightly, you feel the rush—a surge of energy as your stats tick up slightly. But something new catches your eye: loot materializing on the corpses. A small pouch of copper coins on one, a rusted dagger on another, and a goblin tooth necklace on the third. "What the...?" You kneel to inspect them.
Mia wipes her claws on a rag from her pouch, eyeing the drops. "Loot? Yeah, common in these parts. The world's magic sometimes spits out trinkets from kills—coins, junk, sometimes useful bits. Sell 'em at the market back in town. Goblins don't carry much, but it adds up."
You mentally open your System interface, the blue screen overlaying your vision. Sure enough, an Inventory tab has updated: [New Items Acquired: 15 Copper Coins, Rusted Dagger (Sell Value: 5 Copper), Goblin Tooth (Crafting Material).] It's automatic—stuff from every kill funnels straight in, preventing you from missing drops. "Handy," you mutter. "Like auto-loot in games."
Mia tilts her head, curious. "Games? Whatever. Keep moving—more ahead." She doesn't press; your origins remain your secret for now.
Deeper in, the dungeon unfolds: twisting passages branching into chambers filled with crude traps—pitfalls you dodge thanks to Mia's warnings—and packs of goblins. You fall into a rhythm, her fighter's grace complementing your growing prowess. She tanks the front, claws ripping through foes, while you flank and finish. Each kill pings: [Enemy Defeated: Goblin Warrior (Lv. 3). +75 EXP. Item: Leather Scrap.] [Enemy Defeated: Goblin Archer (Lv. 3). +75 EXP. Item: Bent Arrow x5.]
After the fifth pack—your blade slick with ichor—you check the System again. [Progress: 7/10 Threats Defeated. Continue for Quest Completion.] Loot piles up: more coins, scraps of armor, even a Minor Health Potion that restores 20 HP. Mia nods approvingly. "Good haul. Sell the junk to smiths or alchemists—they buy teeth for potions, leather for repairs. Could fetch 20-30 gold total if we clear the den."
The tunnel widens into a larger cavern, the air thicker with mana. More goblins swarm—eight this time, led by a burly chief with a spiked club. Mia roars, leaping into the fray, her mana heat from last night lingering as a faint buff, making her strikes faster. You join, dodging a swing and countering with a precise stab. Kills rack up: [Enemy Defeated... +100 EXP.] Loot flows in—better stuff now, like a Iron Ring ( minor defense boost) and Goblin Chief's Club (sellable weapon).
As the last goblin falls, your System chimes triumphantly. [Side Quest Complete: Grind the Basics! +3 Levels (Now Level 10). +50 Gold. Basic Gear Upgrade: Dagger evolved to Sharp Iron Dagger (+5 Damage). Bonus: Synergy Buff Applied - +15% EXP Gain with Mia for 24 hours.]
But it doesn't stop there. A new notification flashes: [Dungeon Milestone: You've reached the equivalent of Dungeon Level 10 clearance (based on threats defeated). Reward Unlocked: Minor Treasure Chest. Continue deeper for greater challenges? New Quest: Delve to Core - Reach the dungeon's heart for a special reward. Hint: Level 10 is the threshold; push to it for hybrid ally potential.]
Mia dusts off her hands, oblivious to the System's voice but sensing your excitement. "Feels like we're on a roll. Deeper in? Could be boss loot—worth the risk."
You agree, the hint intriguing. Hybrid ally? That aligns with the harem build. But slowly—clear more, level steady. The dungeon beckons, promising growth... and perhaps, in a chapter or two, expansion.