Chapter 13

Of course, Hans' way of pulling out his sword looked hopelessly awkward, but hepreparedhis stance. Despite everything, he was a Steelwall servant, and he had heard a thing or two about fighting.

Urggh!

The goblin made a threatening glare and shook his wooden club.

At most, the monsters weapon is a wooden club.

Even though Hansdidnt havemuch faith in his sword before, it began to feel trustworthy to him. After all, although his sword looked modest, it was made out of fine iron.

I can win!

Hans didnt hide the rising confidence on his face and slowly approached the goblin.

Ehhhhhhhhh!

The goblinraised a tree branch with all ofits strengthand ran towards Hans.

Huh, huh?

Hans made a shocked noise. In his head, many scenarios were already playing inside his head: if the goblin attacked him like this, he would respond like that, and so on. But in the end, they were the delusions of a beginner who had never learned sword fighting. As the goblin suddenly ran towards him, all Hans could do was swing his sword around.

Slam!

Ahhh!

Both of his arms bounced off with the sword. The center of his body lost itsbalance, and his body shook. It was unsightly.

Ohh?

However, Zichlooked pleasantly surprised while watching thebattle from a distance.

A complete newbie was able to block a monsters attack.

Thatwas already praiseworthy, but what happened next was more notable.

He also didnt let go of his sword.

Blood dripped out of Hans hand as he gripped his sword. His hands were torneven though he was a complete newb, hedidntlet go of his sword even when he received an attack strong enough to tear his hand off.

Is he proving that he is from Steelwall after all? Or is it his personal talent?

It didnt matter either way.

Fling!

The goblin swung his club again, and Hans was able to avoid it, but his stance broke. He blocked the next attack with his sword.

Why is this guy so strong! Its so fast too!

The monster was only a meter tall at most, but each of its strikes carried immense strength.Contrary to Hans wishful thoughts, itwasnt a monster whod breakfromthe main characters first touch.

Whaaaaaaaa!

At the extreme threat of danger, Hans body moved by itself. Letting out a shock or scream, Hans confronted the goblin again.

Hans attacked withhisgleaming eyes, and the goblins club slammedinto Hans body a couple of times. Hans received manyhits, but because of his armor and excitement, he couldnt feel the pain. Then, before he realized it, Hans sword struck the goblins head, deep enough for the attack to be fatal.

The goblin fell with a death cry, and Hans also collapsed to the ground.

He won?

In surprise, Zich stared at Hans who was trembling on the ground.

I didnt think that he would really win.

Although a goblin was a weak monster, it was still a monster; Zich didnt think an ordinary servant,especiallyone that had grown carefully and well under the Countess care, would win.

Zich wanted Hans to knowhow dangerous a monster could be and assess Hans fighting abilities.He was surprised to see that Hanswas more talentedin battle than he expected.

Well, good job.

As Hansstaredat the ground absent-mindedly, Zich tapped on Hans shoulder.

Ah, thank y ah!

Hans screamed. After his excitement died down, hebeganto feel pain. Then, over his squirming body, a liquid substance dropped onto him, drip by drip, and his pain began to subside.

A potion?

Its my special service. This is the last time I am offering it, so dont expect it again.

Zich stillpossessedplenty of potions that he had taken from the Counts residence, but because potions were unbelievably expensive, Zich didnt want to wastethem.

Hans wounds healed completely.

How do you feel after dealing with a monster for the first time? Youdontbelievethat you can at least handle a goblin, right?

You knew, sir?

Its obvious what a guy like you will thinkthats why I asked. Its more important to experience how dangerous a monster is first-hand. You were lucky. Goblins usually travelingroups, and its rare to see one wandering around by itself.

Zich faced the front.

However, it seems like itdidntcompletely fall behind the herd.

The sound of grassswayinginthe wind became a bit rougher. Goblins soon appeared and surrounded Hans and Zich. There were at least ten of them.

They used a bait with their cruddy heads?

The fact that they didnt seem to care that one oftheircompanions had died seemed to show that they were monsters without an ounce of humanity.

S-sir Zich? Isnt this a bit of a dangerous situation?

Hans trembled since heeven struggled to fight one.

Its fine. Ive prepared enough.

Zich moved his left hand. The items inside his hand collided against each other and clattered.

Isnt that a stone? What are you?

Hans couldnt even finish his question. Zich placed one of the stones in his left hand and secured it on his middle finger with his thumb as if he was going to flick it.

Swish!

He stretched out his middle finger and pushed the stone out. It was achildishgesture, but if a person at Zichs leveldid it, the result was different. The stone flew out andpiercedthe center of one of the goblins foreheads.

Push!

A bright, red flower bloomed. As if a huge hammer struck it, the goblins head exploded. Zich continued to flick the stones.

Swish! Swish!

Puck! Puck!

Whenever Zich flicked his finger, a loud sound rang outanda head exploded. It happened instantly. The monsters didnt even have the chance to respond, escape, or run. It didnt take long for the group of goblins to be wiped out.

What did you do?

Hans was usually cautious when dealing with Zich, but this time, he felt too shocked to be careful. Without even lifting his feet off the ground,Zich defeated the goblins thatHanshad struggled to b