The scenery changed.
Once more, a dense forest stretched in all directions, eerily similar to the one from the 2nd Floor. Tall trees loomed overhead, their gnarled branches forming a dark canopy that filtered the sunlight. Mist clung to the underbrush, curling around roots and rocks like creeping fingers.
A system message flashed before Han's eyes.
[3rd Floor]
[Mission Type — Exploration and Subjugation]
[Objective: Find the goblin village and eliminate all goblins.]
"What?" Han muttered, narrowing his eyes. He lowered his stance, sword dipping slightly. "Find a goblin village?"
Shay's voice came softly, composed and steady, a slight glint of worry present. "Is something wrong, Han? Why are you lowering your sword?"
He didn't respond right away. A cold glint flickered in his gaze as he scanned the forest around them.
"Because there are no enemies here," he said coolly, his voice unwavering.
Shay studied his expression, then gave a small nod, lowering her sword without hesitation. Her faith in him didn't need words.
"There are no enemies here?" Jenna echoed, lowering her bow cautiously. "What do you mean?"
Han began walking forward through the mist and leaves, eyes focused ahead. A small smirk touched his lips.
"I mean that we have to find them."
The others fell in line behind him as he led the way into the unknown, boots crunching softly against damp foliage. Each step forward took them deeper into the forest—and closer to whatever waited for them at the heart of the goblin village.
...
Several minutes later…
The forest was quiet, the only sounds being the distant rustle of leaves and the steady rhythm of boots on damp earth. Han's sharp eyes scanned the landscape ahead—then stopped.
A thin column of smoke curled into the sky, barely visible through the gaps in the dense canopy.
Smoke.
His eyes narrowed. That could only mean one thing.
"Girls… let's go!" Han called out, already quickening his pace.
Shay was immediately by his side, matching his speed without effort. Jenna and Tess, however, lagged slightly behind, pushing themselves to keep up with the sudden sprint.
"We need to get closer," Han said, his tone low and serious.
As they approached the source, the smoke thickened. Soon, they could make out vague structures in the distance—small huts made of straw, bone, and mud. Goblins milled about, chattering in guttural tones.
A village.
"Is that the goblin village, Han?" Shay asked, voice calm, but her hand already moving toward the hilt of her blade.
"Yes…" Han answered, his grip tightening around his sword. His eyes were locked on the village like a predator.
"Let's exterminate them."
With practiced discipline, the group moved forward, their steps quiet and precise, using the forest's brambles and brush for cover.
Then—
[Skill Awakening!]
[The hero, Han (★), has awakened the skill: Nimble Movements!]
A glowing message appeared in front of Han's eyes, catching him off guard.
"Huh?" he muttered under his breath. "I awakened Nimble Movements just like that—?"
"Han…" Jenna's voice cut through his thoughts.
He blinked and turned. She was crouched beside a bush, eyes narrowed as she pointed toward the village's outskirts.
Two goblins were heading straight toward them, seemingly on patrol—completely unaware of the group's presence.
"Hide!" Han commanded immediately.
The team scattered like shadows, slipping silently into the brambles, vanishing from sight just moments before the goblins passed by.
The air grew still. Every breath was held. The next move was about to be made.
The two goblins ambled forward, oblivious to the danger lurking in the underbrush. Their guttural conversation carried faintly through the forest, but their steps never slowed.
Han crouched low in the bush, eyes locked on the targets. As he adjusted his position slightly, his hand brushed against something soft.
"Hm?" Han's brow furrowed. "What's this…?"
Curious, he gently pressed again, trying to discern the texture.
Then—
"H-Han…" came a tiny, mortified whisper beside him.
He froze.
"Can you…" Jenna's voice quivered, barely audible. "Please move your hand from my… my b-butt?"
Han's eyes widened. "Oh—" he whispered, stunned. "Sorry."
He immediately pulled his hand away, careful not to make any noise.
Jenna sure has a great ass... it was so soft... Shay's and Tess' asses are better... but she doesn't lose that much to them in that front.
"T-Thanks…" Jenna muttered, her face burning red even in the shadows of the bramble.
"Stay here, Jenna," Han said quietly, recovering quickly. His hand slid to his sword's hilt, fingers steady. "It's time to test this new skill of mine…"
Without another word, Han moved.
His body flowed forward like wind through the leaves, not a single footstep betraying his presence. The world seemed to slow as he closed the distance to the goblins, every movement precise, every motion controlled.
In a single, fluid motion, his blade flashed.
Two heads dropped to the earth silently. Their bodies collapsed seconds later, limp and lifeless.
[Han (★)'s Nimble Movements has risen to Level 2!]
The message faded as quickly as it appeared, but Han's eyes gleamed. The forest was still again—except now, there were two fewer threats.
He exhaled, calm and collected, as he turned back toward the bushes.
"Let's move in closer," he said.
They crept forward, weaving between thick trees and tall grass until the edge of the goblin village came into view. Han motioned with his hand, and the group stopped behind one of the cruder huts—patched together with bone, bark, and mud. The smell of smoke and damp fur hung in the air.
From behind the hut, they peered into the village center.
Dozens of goblins had gathered in a wide circle around a primitive, moss-covered altar. Crude totems and banners surrounded the structure, flickering in the wind. The goblins chanted in guttural tones, swaying as one.
"What are they doing?" Tess asked, her brows furrowed. She leaned toward Han, eyes narrowed.
"I don't know..." Han replied, his tone calm but curious, eyes locked on the ceremony. "Why do you all always suppose I have all the answers?"
"It's because you act like you do," Jenna muttered, watching the scene from beside Tess, her voice teasing but quiet.
Han gave a faint smile but didn't take his eyes off the gathering. Something was off.
Whatever the goblins were doing… it wasn't just a mindless ritual.
To be continued...
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Like how I am making this floor? It's nothing too difficult but also not as easy at the original one.
Also, I am gonna say something... would you guys like some special chapter with Anytng (Asuna) streaming or making videos (I am thinking of making her both a streamer and a youtuber) about Pick Me Up?