Noah’s frown deepened, his gaze fixed on his character sheet.

  “Three levels? That’s all?”

  He’d faced a massive goblin horde, a sea of green, yet his reward was meager.

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  “Something’s wrong.” He paced, frustration evident. “No king, no elites… just endless goblins.

  It should have been a level bonanza!” Smaller encounters had yielded greater experience.

  He stopped, tapping his chin. “Maybe an experience dampener in this area? Or are these goblins… different?” They seemed normal during the attack, but perhaps they were exceptionally weak, low-level goblins massed together.

  It was the only logical explanation. Still, it felt off.

  “I need to investigate,” Noah declared.

  “There’s more to this. Why are they all here, leaderless? This could be bigger than a simple goblin hunt.”

  He sensed a deeper mystery, a hidden reason behind the unusual goblin gathering.

  He was determined to uncover it.

  Finally, able to exchange his skill books, Noah acquired a D-grade skill.

  He mused over his options: another skill for his arsenal or a helpful pill. Leveling up offered this choice, a unique system without traditional stats.

  Pills came in two types: Barrier for defense, or Mana/Qi to enhance his energy.

  A tough decision awaited.

  The grand library stood silent, its obsidian and marble facade gleaming under the soft light.

  Inside, Noah approached the crystal exchange counter, the only sound the gentle hum of latent magic.

  He placed his worn skill books on the cool surface, activating the automated system.

  A holographic display shimmered, offering a selection of D-grade skills. Noah’s gaze swept over “Stone Skin,” “Angering Blow,” “Shadow Step,” and “Will to Live,” but his thoughts returned to the overwhelming goblin horde.

  He closed his eyes, visualizing their relentless advance, and then opened them, his decision made. He touched the icon for “Cry of War.” “Skill acquired,” a soft voice echoed.

  Noah nodded, a sense of purpose filling him.

  He left the library, the heavy door closing behind him, ready to test his new skill.