Chapter 4

The hobgoblin stood up, flustered by the approaching blade.

Seizing the opportunity, Foncie closed the distance with a burst of speed and gripped his sword firmly.

This was the decisive thrust. If he missed, a large opening would be created, and he might even lose his weapon.

But there was no hesitation.

(This is it—!)

If he missed, this battle would be over. Therefore, he had to deal a fatal blow here.

With resolve in his heart, Foncie thrust his sword at the enemy. He slipped past the hobgoblin's arm, and the tip of the sword pierced through the throat in one swift motion.

(I hit it! Yes!)

He felt a solid resistance.

But the hobgoblin did not fall.

It opened its eyes wide and glared at him, then gripped Foncie's sword arm.

(Wha—!)

The grip was incredibly strong, and his arm felt like it was being torn off. However, Foncie pushed back with all his might.

The hobgoblin's throat was already crushed. It couldn't call for reinforcements, and it would die eventually.

Bathed in the gushing blood, Foncie gritted his teeth.

Just a little more, just a little more. If the blade could sink in a bit more, the enemy would be unable to stand.

But the hobgoblin, using its last strength, pushed back.

Foncie took a step back, then another, and was eventually pinned against a tree. If this continued, he would be pinned down and trapped.

(Your strength! Take this!)

Foncie, instead, pulled the sword with all his might. The force of the hobgoblin trying to push him down combined with the pull, and the sword was yanked out with a swift motion.

"Guuuh!?"

Blood gushed from the severed neck, and the hobgoblin let out a hoarse cry.

Seizing the opportunity, Foncie drew a dagger and slashed the hobgoblin's wrist.

As the grip loosened, he shook off the hobgoblin's arm and quickly put some distance between them.

He then readied his sword and faced the enemy.

The place where he had been grabbed still stung, and he couldn't use his arm properly. But he could still hold the sword. His spirit was not broken!

So Foncie glared at the enemy and firmly planted his feet on the ground.

"Come on!"

The hobgoblin, spurred on by Foncie's challenge, lunged at him with a burst of speed.

Brute strength alone wouldn't win. But one more strike would finish the enemy.

Foncie, with a burst of speed, threw his raised sword. The hobgoblin was pierced in the chest and was taken aback.

Seizing the opportunity, Foncie closed the distance in one step. He held the dagger in both hands and thrust it with all his weight.

"Take this!"

The blade hit the hobgoblin's neck and made a light sound as it struck the vertebrae.

Blood gushed out in greater volume than before. Foncie, drenched in it, pushed the enemy down with all his might.

The hobgoblin fell and stopped moving.

"Ha... ha... I did it...!"

He had won!

Overwhelmed with joy, Foncie pulled out the dagger and stepped on the hobgoblin while drawing his sword.

He wiped the blood-soaked weapons with a cloth and sheathed them.

With so much blood, there was a risk of being attacked by wild dogs. Foncie decided to return immediately and collect the hobgoblin's remains.

The body had already disappeared, leaving only a larger magic stone than a goblin's. There were fangs left, but he had never heard of hobgoblin materials being used for anything.

The magic stone he picked up sparkled. It seemed to celebrate his victory.

He wanted to share this victory with someone, but there was no one in this town.

So Foncie, still high from the battle, tried to remain calm and alert as he walked, keeping an eye out for any dangers.

He didn't feel like fighting anymore today.

He paid close attention to avoid encountering any goblins on his way through the forest.

As the city walls came into view, Foncie looked back at the forest and then checked his clothes.

They were completely soaked in blood, making him look like he had suffered severe injuries. He couldn't just discard them.

His belongings were at the inn, and he only had one spare set of clothes.

When he returned, the gatekeeper was startled by his blood-soaked appearance.

"Wh-what are you... Don't scare me like that!"

"Sorry. I encountered a monster..."

"Just a little, huh?

I sought it out and fought it."

"Damn... Here, put this on."

A simple cloak was thrown over his head.

"It might get blood on it."

"It would be more of a nuisance if you wandered around the city like that. Bring it back washed tomorrow."

"Thank you."

Only then did Foncie feel truly alive.

During the battle, he had been consumed by the adrenaline, but now he couldn't believe he had fought such a fierce battle.

The blood had dried and was peeling off with a crackling sound as he moved.

He walked slowly through the city, taking a deep breath.

The citizens had already returned to their homes, and lights were visible through the windows.

He headed for the chapel.

(Ah... This isn't appropriate attire.)

It wouldn't be fitting to go to the place where the goddess was said to reside, drenched in blood.

He returned to the inn first.

There, he saw various expressions: some boys were sprawled out, and others were crying.

So much had happened in one day.

Foncie, glancing at them, went to the innkeeper.

"May I use the bath?"

"Do you have a magic stone?"

"Yes."

"Then it's over there. Feel free to use it."

He was directed to the bath.

It wasn't a proper bath with hot water. There wasn't even any water stored.

He confirmed that a blue crystal was in the bucket and threw in a magic stone.

Water began to seep out from the crystal.

The citizens' lives depended heavily on magic stones, which also had economic benefits from slaying monsters.

He transferred the collected water to another bucket and began washing his clothes.

The cloak cleaned up quickly, but the clothes he was wearing were stubbornly stained.

He continued for a while but eventually gave up, wrung out the clothes, and hung them to dry.

Pouring cold water over his head, he was suddenly hit by a sense of reality.

When he lived in Konaria Village, he never imagined he would be in such a situation.

He had thought he would gradually grow stronger with Feertia and slay monsters.

(I wonder what she's doing now.)

He thought of her but quickly shook his head.

No, that's not it. He had to grow stronger and return to her.

"Excuse me, are you still using it?"

"Ah, I'll be out soon!"

He had taken quite a while.

He quickly put on his still damp clothes and left the bath.

Tomorrow, he would go to the chapel early and use his newly acquired skill to investigate a wider area.

Foncie made this plan and curled up to sleep.