The goblins moved in an orderly manner, crawling along.
When the skinny man made a cryptic hand gesture, the goblins nodded and hid in the nearby bushes.
"...Wow."
Perhaps due to their natural green color, even knowing their location, I couldn't really see them.
In fact, when passing through the grass surrounding the construction site, the goblins weren't easily visible.
I only located them thanks to their distinct cries of "Ker-luk! Ker-luk!"
But these goblins, perhaps under the influence of the skinny man's trait, made no sound at all.
They wouldn't be detectable by ordinary people who've been summoned in the tower for less than three days.
"Hmm..."
I had a few options here, and I wanted to choose very carefully.
The opportunity cost of a wrong choice was three days of torment.
The possible choices were... First, I could steal the golden bead here.
Even if I don't swallow the bead immediately, just possessing it could be advantageous.
It could be used for bartering with other survivors, or as bait... its uses are infinite.
However, I'd have to confront not only the bespectacled man but also the ruffian and the goblin army.
I'm not sure how strong they are, but considering that I can't take even a single hit, it'd be a significant challenge.
I'd have to finish them all before Choi Ji-won arrives.
And second, I could assist the group of survivors and gather information.
These people have spent three days outside the construction site, and I know absolutely nothing about what's outside.
If I deal with the ruffian and the skinny man and establish a friendly relationship, I could gain valuable information.
It's a bonus that Choi Ji-won might be impressed.
All things considered, the latter seemed the better option. If I later encounter someone desperately looking for the golden bead, I could try the former... but for now, the bead had no merit to me.
Since I have the ability to return in time, I should gather everything in the tutorial to be at ease.
"Guys, there's something here. Want to check it out?"
While I was pondering, the skinny man was leading others towards the goblins.
"What is it? Let me see."
The ruffian walked ahead nonchalantly.
The bespectacled man hesitated for a moment, then cautiously followed.
They were both letting their guard down, showing their backs.
If left unchecked, they might get skewered.
"Ha!"
It's time for me to step in. Quietly and slowly, I got up.
My shoes are in good condition.
Although my muscles feel a bit stiff from lying down, I should be fine.
I tightly gripped my sword.
"Inhale!"
I began sprinting towards the ruffian.
Why not target the skinny man controlling the goblins? From my perspective, the ruffian is much more threatening.
I don't know how strong the 'telekinesis' is, but it clearly looks like a difficult ability to counter.
In gaming terms, it's like true unblockable damage. The kind of ability I need to be most wary of.
The distance between the ruffian and me is about 10 meters.
I can close that gap in about 2 seconds.
I'm aiming for the back of his neck. He's currently distracted by the bespectacled man.
I have to cleanly strike him down in one go. It's the same as slicing a goblin. I can do it.
Only 5 meters left. All my senses are heightened. The back of his head seems so close.
Just as I'm about to swing my sword...
"Kyaahhhh!"
A woman screams, having finally spotted me.
Damn it. I wanted to explain that I came to help, but from her perspective, I'm just an attacker targeting her group.
"...!"
I was startled and slightly twisted my ankle.
Although I regained my balance quickly and didn't lose much speed...
"...Huh?"
The ruffian starts to turn his head towards me.
Only 2 meters left.
Our eyes met.
Except for the ruffian and me, the world seemed to slow down.
I could read the fading joy and the growing confusion in his eyes.
I wonder what the ruffian saw in mine, as his expression slowly twisted. It doesn't matter what he saw. If I cut his throat, it's over.
Chills.
The hair on the back of my neck stood on end. It's ominous. Really ominous.
My rapidly shifting gaze found the ruffian's outstretched right hand.
His right hand slowly clenched, as if trying to grasp something.
Telekinesis.
I'm in danger. I might be forced back. I need to dodge.
But how?
Typically, telekinesis is instantaneous.
It's like dodging a bullet. The human body has its limits.
No, I can avoid it.
If I can anticipate where he's aiming, it's not impossible.
My eyes once again met the ruffian's.
His eyes, dripping with malice, were clearly focused on my throat.
Before I could even process it, I instinctively dropped to the ground.
My field of view rapidly lowered.
Zzzzwoosh!
I felt something pass close above my head, brushing my hair.
I dodged it.
If I waste any more time here, I'll be at a disadvantage.
What I should be targeting now is the skinny man controlling the goblins.
Just as I was getting ready to fight again...
"I... I surrender! Just spare my life!"
The skinny man laid flat on the ground.
"Ker-luk! Ker-luk!"
The goblins, seemingly taking cues, came out of the bushes and took a submissive stance next to him.
"...?"
A fusion of submission from both a human and goblins, something I'd never seen before.
How should I react to this?
'I'm gonna die. I'm gonna die. I'm gonna die.'
The skinny man, Park Jun-woo, had to try his best not to wet himself.
He prided himself on his street-smart background. He had seen all sorts of crazy when drunk, and the words 'I'll kill you' felt like a casual greeting.
But this guy... he's different.
"...Why are you surrendering?"
The blood-soaked man tilted his head, seemingly not understanding.
It wasn't the first time I'd witnessed a murder. The tower was a brutal place, and confrontations often resulted in someone dying.
But I'd never seen someone so... accustomed to killing.
The ruffian I'd just split in half was a formidable opponent.
Using his telekinesis, he'd easily taken down powerful monsters.
But to kill him like that...
Not with some special ability, but purely with a sword?
It's only been three days since people entered the tower.
But that man... he took a life with the detachment and familiarity of someone who had done it countless times.
Why would a modern person wield a blade that proficiently?
Why would a modern person exude such a murderous aura?
Though I don't know for sure, that man's past must be drenched in blood, far beyond what Park Jun-woo could imagine.
"...I'll do anything. I'll lick the soles of your shoes if you ask. Just... spare my life."
Park Jun-woo, lying down, frantically pleaded.
Truthfully, if Kim Jun-ho and the ruffian faced off head-to-head, Kim Jun-ho would likely lose.
Even if he could read the ruffian's intentions and dodge a couple of times, he couldn't avoid the telekinesis forever. The telekinesis, which would force Kim Jun-ho to revert even with the slightest touch, was an ability nearly countering Kim Jun-ho's.
The current outcome was achieved due to Kim Jun-ho's successful ambush.
Had Park Jun-woo come to his senses and commanded the goblins even now, there was a high probability he could've made Kim Jun-ho revert...
"Please... spare me..."
The fact that he, a modern person, was so adept with a genuine sword he'd likely never use in his life.
His apparent familiarity with killing. (This was his first time)
The way he coldly stared at Park Jun-woo. (He's just tired)
His unawareness that a single hit could finish the job...
All these complex factors combined, leading to Park Jun-woo's complete surrender.
"...Well, it's fine by me, but..."
And as a result of this mix of misunderstandings and coincidences...
[You can acquire a new ability.]
A new possibility was born.