The jagged piece of flint was flying straight toward my face. My heart sank, fear gripping me as a single thought echoed in my mind: “No way… I can’t die like this… not to a freaking goblin!”
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a rock slammed into the goblin’s hand. The flint flew out of his grip and landed a few feet away.
Goblin: “Agh!” He howled in pain, clutching his hand.
I turned to see the bloody, battered stranger on the ground, barely alive but still fighting.
Stranger: “Pro… tect… yourself…” His weak voice trembled but carried a surprising resolve.
SYSTEM: The effect "Agony" has ended.
“I thought I was dead for sure,” I thought, clutching my bleeding stomach. But there was no time to rest. The goblin was still standing. I glanced down at the seven small stones left in my hand. “What’s the plan here?”
The goblin moved suddenly but not toward me. Instead, he turned sharply to the right, bending down.
“The flint! He’s going for it!”
Me: “Not on my watch, you bastard!” I hurled two stones like a makeshift shotgun blast. One whizzed past his head, but the other hit him square in the neck, causing him to stagger.
Seizing the opportunity, I sprinted forward, jumping into the air and smashing my fist into his face.
As he stumbled, I ducked down.
Me: “Oh, hello there, my new weapon!” I grabbed the flint, feeling its jagged edges in my palm.
SYSTEM: “You have obtained: Flint (1x) [Common].”
The goblin roared with rage, charging straight at me. I didn’t hesitate. Swinging the flint with all my strength, I slashed across his face. Blood sprayed as he let out an ear-splitting scream. He collapsed, unmoving.
Me: “That just leaves the other one…”
I approached the first goblin’s body, ensuring he was done for. One quick jab ended it.
SYSTEM:
“You have received: 0 XP for defeating Goblin.”
“You have received: 0 XP for defeating Goblin.”
Me: “What the hell?!” I froze, a mix of panic and confusion flooding my mind.
Then a new system message popped up.
SYSTEM:
“To gain XP, you must ‘stream’ using your LIVELINK ability. Would you like to learn more?”
Confused, i tapped "Yes."
SYSTEM:
“LIVELINK Ability: XP is gained by streaming your actions. The more viewers, the more XP you earn. XP gain is not determined by enemy level. You can perform any activity to earn XP, as long as you are improvising. Note: Non-Combat yields a 0.1x XP multiplier.”
I rubbed my forehead, groaning.
Me: “This is insane! How am I supposed to survive like this?!” My frustration was interrupted by a sharp pain in my stomach.
Me: “Argh… okay, first things first… I need to get this guy and find some shelter.”
I staggered over to the stranger, extending a hand.
Me: “Hey, old man, come on. Let’s go. Grab my arm.”
He looked at me, bloodied but alive, and hooked his arm around my shoulder. We began limping away together.
Stranger: “Haa… haa… Hgggh…”
For the first time, I got a good look at him. He wasn’t an elf, just a regular human, a bit taller than me. His shaggy brown hair and beard framed a face that looked like it had survived a lifetime of brawls—and maybe a ton of vodka. His muscular build spoke of someone used to hardship.
Me: “Hey, old man, you in pain?” I asked, already knowing the answer.
Stranger: “Does it hurt? Are you serious? Feels like those bastards were playing soccer with my ribs for ten minutes while you…” He paused, his voice heavy with frustration. “...while you were off doing God-knows-what.”
Me: “Sorry…” I said quietly, guilt sinking in. “I didn’t know what was going on.”
Stranger: “Didn’t… know?” He coughed again. “You’re the one who told me we could take them!”
Me: “Uh… yeah, about that… I forgot. Everything. I don’t even know who you are.” I mumbled, hoping he wouldn’t punch me in his state.
The man groaned, rubbing his head.
Stranger: “Fine… my name is… it’s Oliver...”
Me: “Well, Oliver, nice to meet you.” I grinned weakly. “Let’s keep moving. We’ll figure this out later.”
Oliver: “Yeah… sounds good.” He sighed, leaning on me as we continued limping toward… somewhere.
