Chapter 3

Fonsie immediately decided to use the 50 points he had obtained to acquire some kind of skill.

If he could save up to 1000 points, he could even acquire a hero's skill. However, whether he could reach that point as a Level 1 villager was questionable. Moreover, the impression of that Goblin Lord was still vivid in his mind.

(In order to beat that guy... I need power.)

It was no use carefully saving points if he were to die anyway.

Fonsie began to look through the skills he could acquire with his current skill points.

While jobs like mages and sorcerers, which could attack from a distance, were convenient, what he needed first was the ability to stand up to strong enemies or escape from them.

Since he didn't have a specific aptitude for any job due to the unique skills of the goddess's blessing, he was free to choose whatever he wanted.

After looking for a while, Fonsie poured 50 points into the Swordsman skill, which slightly improved his sword handling and physical abilities.

When he tried moving his body lightly, he didn't notice any significant changes. If he were a professional swordsman, it might have been different, but as a Level 1 villager, this was to be expected.

However, he could feel that he was getting stronger.

After leaving the chapel, Fonsie glanced at the boys there. They were each boasting about their achievements of the day.

"Next time we meet, I'll take that guy down!"

"Yeah! Revenge!"

While they were getting worked up, in reality, they had only leveled up a little and would be crushed if they fought again.

Someone called out to Fonsie, who was thinking this.

"Hey, you. What level are you now?"

He also heard someone say, "Hey, don't do that," but the boy didn't seem to know Fonsie's situation.

"Still Level 1."

"…For real? What were you doing? We fought so much."

Fonsie thought about responding, "I killed more enemies than you," but quickly lost the urge and left without saying anything.

They were still arguing behind him, but they soon forgot about Fonsie.

Forming a party and fighting together was the norm, so they probably called out to him for that reason. But it didn't work out.

Each job had a guild, and by joining one, you could get help with forming parties.

However, there was no guild for villagers. After all, no one would choose to be a "leftover" on purpose. If a guild were formed, it would be like advertising that you were useless.

Therefore, Fonsie had no companions and decided to check his lodging for the day. Since it was secured for everyone, he didn't need to pay.

Every year, boys came, and the innkeeper was used to dealing with them.

After placing his luggage in the room, Fonsie maintained his weapon and left the inn again. He had returned the sword he used earlier, so now he only had a one-handed sword he brought from the village.

It looked like it had been used by someone in the past and wasn't very sharp.

However, it was the only weapon he had. He had a small knife for butchering animals, but it was useless in battle.

Fonsie gripped the sword handle tightly.

(If time passes, that forest will be investigated. Entry might be prohibited until the matter is resolved.)

He could wait quietly and then go to battle.

During the prohibition, he could kill monsters in other lands. There were few places with as many goblins, but in terms of safety, it might be better to take a little more time and go to another land.

However, Fonsie couldn't bring himself to do that.

(If I skip a day, he'll be a hundred days ahead. So, I have to swing my sword a hundred times for every one he swings.)

If anyone heard those words, they would surely say it was reckless. For a mere villager to try to catch up to a hero.

But if there was a possibility, he couldn't give up. He had promised her to make the village free of monsters.

Fonsie couldn't stand still and left the city.

"Hey! It's almost dark!"

He only replied that it was fine and rushed into the forest. Considering that the Goblin Lord was active during the day, it was likely that he would be sleeping at night.

Moreover, he could kill the many goblins that were around.

Fonsie made up his mind and stepped into the forest. He had to be cautious not only on the ground but also above, as the Goblin Lord could drop down at any time.

Even with the light of the setting sun, the darkness was still terrifying.

He explored quietly. The place where the Goblin Lord was was still far away, so he should be able to kill enemies safely unless something unexpected happened.

Despite this, he couldn't help but feel tense.

There was a rustling sound. He peeked out from the shadows of a tree and saw a goblin lying down.

Near its head were some grains, indicating that it had finished eating and was getting sleepy. It wasn't fully asleep yet, but now was the best opportunity.

After confirming that there were no other goblins nearby, he moved quietly.

Then, from a blind spot, he lunged and swung his sword with all his might. The dull blade cut through the goblin's neck with a single strike, killing it instantly.

(This is the effect of the Swordsmanship skill...)

It probably wasn't as powerful as a professional, but being able to kill a goblin in one hit was a significant improvement. He could kill it without calling for reinforcements.

He collected the magic stone and left the remaining part of the goblin. Since this wasn't a quest, there was no one to show the goblin to.

Fonsie continued to hunt goblins in the same manner. If he thought he could do it but couldn't get a blind spot or if the goblin was too alert, he would leave the area without hesitation.

The most frightening thing was being called by companions. No matter how weak goblins were, he was alone, and it would be difficult to escape if surrounded.

Fonsie moved around the edge of the forest and spotted a large goblin.

It was a Hobgoblin, a higher rank than a goblin. If he could kill it, his level would rise significantly. However...

(Can I really win?)

Fonsie remembered the appearance of the Goblin Lord.

Of course, the Hobgoblin wasn't as strong as the Goblin Lord, and he hadn't heard that it was that strong.

However, it was definitely stronger than Fonsie. If the battle dragged on, nearby goblins might join in.

(Damn it. What am I afraid of? My goal isn't just to beat a Hobgoblin!)

With the condition that he would give up if he failed, he decided to fight.

Fonsie took a deep breath, killed a nearby goblin to reduce the possibility of immediate reinforcements, and then faced the Hobgoblin.

The enemy's body was larger than Fonsie's, and there was a club nearby. If the Hobgoblin used it, the battle would be tough.

So, he had to strike when the enemy was away from the club.

Fonsie waited for the moment. Then, the Hobgoblin rolled over.

(Now!)

He leaped from the shadows and raised his sword. There was a slight noise, and the Hobgoblin turned around.

But the sword was already swinging down.

Splat!

Blood splattered with a satisfying sound.

"Ugh!?"

The Hobgoblin clutched its neck and rolled away to gain distance. Fortunately, it didn't scream loudly. Even though it was near sunset and quiet, it was within acceptable limits. The monsters hadn't heard it yet.

Fonsie lunged forward to deliver a follow-up attack.