Severe Goblin Dependency

Chapter 23 : Chapter 23

Chapter 23: FootstepsThe Mist Forest lay deep in the heart of the Ephara Continent, its ancient, hidden remnants combined with its natural, unique terrain giving it a magical density unlike any other region.

And with it came the dangerous monsters birthed from the pale mist.

Living long in a high-concentration magical environment, nourished by abundant magic, these monsters either possessed bodies far sturdier than ordinary creatures or innate abilities to manipulate natural laws.

They occupied the highest ecological niche in the entire forest.

But likewise, their perch at the pyramid's apex relied on the vast base below.

In this forest shrouded in perpetual thin mist, there also dwelled a sea of ordinary creatures not listed in monster compendiums.

“Rustle.”

A gentle breeze stirred, leaves twirling and falling.

The brown bark resembled a dried-up riverbed, rough and cracked with fissures and grooves.

From afar, it seemed just an ordinary oak branch in the forest.

But if you waited patiently, observed more closely,

you’d gradually notice the fleeting crimson flicker of a forked tongue in the air, and the faint, elongating outline subtly rising on the trunk’s surface.

This was a Rosalind sharp-nosed viper.

The mottled light-brown patterns on its fine scales, along with the patience and sluggishness typical of cold-blooded animals, let it blend seamlessly with its surroundings.

Its inverted triangular, elongated head also hinted from a natural perspective at the snake’s potent venom.

It waited quietly.

The Mist Forest never lacked prey.

Its unique body structure, able to swallow multiples of its own size, nearly five feet in length, and two sharp fangs beneath the skull ready to inject venom at any time,

made its menu not limited to frogs and lizards, but even some small to medium mammals.

And if it encountered creatures far too large, the survival instinct from its bloodline would make them steer clear of this deadly, toxin-wielding danger.

“Squeak.”

A long-eared rat covered in fluff cautiously shifted through the fallen leaves.

Its clear, foolish rat eyes seemed to foretell its fate.

Drawing closer.

The viper’s cold vertical pupils held no emotion, its neck arched, muscles taut.

The explosive power beneath its scales meant it needed only a fraction of a second to inject its venom, then coil and constrict, awaiting the prey’s death.

The fine brown scales quivered slightly with muscle tension.

This was the prelude to its strike.

Then,

Buzz—

An iron-gray sharp gleam flashed briefly in the air.

Amid the splintered wood chips flying from the trunk, the panicked long-eared rat fled into the underbrush depths.

The viper’s body remained frozen in its pre-strike arch.

But its head had been severed by the chilling, razor-sharp blade.

“Damn! Scared the hell out of me!”

With lingering fear, I exerted slight force with my right hand, yanking the beheading longsword from the trunk.

It was now my second day back in the Mist Forest.

Unlike expected, the forest’s mist-filled, maze-like trees made navigation tough, even with the professional compass and crude map from the general store.he only thing distinguishing it from surrounding trees

was the clusters of pale white vines dangling from its branches.

My eyes brightened.

Memories from days ago told me these oddly colored vines glowed like fireflies at night.

“Fire Garlic Vine!”

I exulted inwardly.

But I didn’t rush in.

A sudden clearing in dense forest, eerie glowing plants, potential huge rewards…

Any adventurer with sense wouldn’t charge ahead.

Still a newbie, ever-vigilant, I was even more so.

Gripping my beheading longsword tightly, I half-crouched, body leaning forward in the optimal striking pose.

With minimal noise, I spent a full ten minutes circling the clearing’s edge.

Bushes, treetops…

After a thorough check, confirming no ambushes, I turned my gaze to the central oak.

My expression hesitated.

Forests were thick with trees, often blocking sight and hiding dangers, but they could serve as cover when needed.

In an open area, I’d expose my full position to any hidden foe.

Pondering, I decided.

Stalemate was pointless. I had to act!

Gritting my teeth, right foot forward, I charged.

Nearing the vines, I halted abruptly.

Sword horizontal, iron-gray cold light flashed on the blade.

One second, two, three…

Breeze rustled, branches swaying with “shh” sounds.

Realizing I’d just dueled the air, I sheathed decisively—no one saw, no embarrassment.

Then, fastest speed, I drew my dagger, harvesting clusters of Fire Garlic Vine.

Knowing only I knew this spot, unsure how vine-like plants grew, I left some immature branches for sustainability.

In under five minutes, 32… clusters of Fire Garlic Vine were carefully and swiftly packed into my prepared bag.

“Perfect!”

Tightening the now-weighty pack, about to leave.

Then, from the right-side woods, two hurried footsteps sounded.

“Hm!?”