A world created by the overlapping of distorted dimensions: the gate.
The exact reason for its existence was unknown, but the gate would display system messages, similar to those seen in a game.
‘It’s a world based on a game, so that’s natural.’
Understanding this, I stopped questioning it.
When my vision, bathed in light, returned, a message appeared before my eyes.
[Entered the gate.]
[White: Pink Crystal Cave II]
Below that message, the conditions for conquering the White Gate appeared.
[The conditions for conquering are as follows.]
[Slay monsters.]
[Goblin (Rank. 01) x 15]
A mission to eliminate 15 rank 1 goblins.
Perhaps because this was a white-ranked gate, the conditions for conquering it were simple.
After confirming the message, I scanned my surroundings.
‘Where are the goblins…?’
The world around me was filled with shimmering pink crystals.
As I focused, my senses sharpened, leading me toward the sound of movement.
My father was there.
“You came,” he said.
“Did you catch all the goblins?”
“Yes, they’re all here,” he replied.
On the ground before him lay goblins tied up with ropes, disarmed and squirming.
I counted them: 15.
It matched the number of goblins listed in the gate’s conquest conditions.
If I defeated these goblins, I could clear the gate.
“Then let’s get started right away,” I said.
“If you’re ready, then let’s do that. But don’t take on too many at once. Start with one,” he advised.
I positioned myself, keeping a safe distance from the goblins.
My father glanced at the group and cut the rope of the smallest one.
“This one’s the weakest of the bunch. But don’t let your guard down. As you know, goblins are…”
“They’re clever, right?” I finished his sentence.
“… Yes. Don’t forget that.”
Having lived as a member of the Shingeom Taoist school and played the game, I knew plenty about monsters.
I nodded at my father’s words and turned my attention to the goblin whose rope had just been cut.
Kiek?
The goblin turned toward my father, confused.
My father gestured silently in my direction.
The goblin’s head swiveled to face me.
In that instant, the goblin seemed to understand.
Kiek!
Even if it was just a thin thread of hope, the goblin realized its only chance of survival was to face me.
Its expression changed, and it charged at me.
Grabbing the fist axe that had been lying on the ground, it closed the distance between us in one swift motion.
The hesitation it had shown moments ago vanished entirely.
“Hoo…” I exhaled.
That’s how desperate it was.
All living beings struggle to survive when faced with death.
Monsters are no different.
They resist until the very end, refusing to succumb.
To defeat them, I had to be prepared to face the possibility of my own death.
That’s the reality of combat.
Taking a deep breath, I twisted my body and stepped back with my right foot.
<Suwang-ryu Basics, Type 5: Piercing Stance>
I stepped forward, extending my right arm with the sword held straight, while my left arm stayed behind to maintain balance.
This was the stabbing stance of the Shingeom Taoist school.
Using this foundation:
<Suwang-ryu Attack Stance, Type 4: Lion’s Rotating Needle>
I released the mana within my body, activating the mana circuit from my legs, through my waist, to my heart, and finally to my right hand gripping the sword.
The mana flowed outward, enveloping the sword in a radiant blue glow.
Kieeeeek!
The goblin let out a shrill cry as it leapt toward me.
With my weight pressed onto my forward foot, I twisted my waist and thrust my right arm forward with all my strength.
Holding my breath, I released the power I had been gathering.
My elbow extended in a straight line, and the glowing sword cut through the air.
At the last moment, I twisted my wrist, adding rotational force to the strike.
Pssh!
The blade pierced the goblin’s open mouth, traveling straight through its neck.
“… Aek… .”
The goblin hung in the air, impaled on my sword.
Its limbs twitched feebly before falling still.
“One down,” I said, lowering my sword.
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