There wasn’t much difference between fighting three goblins and fighting four.
As long as I didn’t let my guard down, I could handle them easily.
‘It’s just annoying because there are so many.’
Of course, the mental energy required was significant.
I had to stay alert, anticipating an attack from one goblin while targeting another.
In some ways, it felt like I was using more mental energy than physical strength.
‘This won’t do.’
The fourth battle had just ended.
I wiped the sweat from my forehead and fell into thought.
In the game, Do Gyeon-woo’s awakening occurred because he concluded that he and his companions would die unless he fought with everything he had.
That awakening came only when he reached his physical and mental limits.
To force myself to awaken, I needed to push myself even harder than I had so far.
“This is the last group, right? I’ll start right away,” I said.
“You don’t need to rush,” my father replied.
“I think I can do it.”
“If you let your guard down, you’ll get hurt. It’s the last round, so be more cautious,” he advised.
“Yes, I will,” I nodded, acknowledging his words.
My father gave me a stern look before gesturing toward the remaining goblins.
Five goblins stood before me, larger than any I had fought so far.
“These guys are different. They’ve been watching you fight and learning,” my father said.
Even without his warning, I could sense it.
Their eyes were sharper, more focused.
Once their ropes were cut, they sprang to their feet, grabbed their weapons, and advanced toward me.
Soon, the battle began.
Kieeeek!
It was a long and grueling fight.
I had to keep all five goblins in check while looking for openings to attack.
Gradually, I reduced their numbers, seizing each opportunity to turn the tide in my favor.
Finally, I drove my sword through the last goblin, ending the battle.
[Gate Conquered.]
At that moment, a message appeared in my mind.
Particles of light gathered in front of me, coalescing into a key.
It was the gate key my father had used to activate the artificial gate.
“… .”
The key fell into my hand, warm and slightly glowing.
In this world, unlike the game, the gate key was awarded to the person who contributed the most to the conquest.
Its handle was now transparent, unlike when my father first took it out.
‘I can’t use it again until the cooldown ends.’
Once a gate was activated, its stored power was exhausted.
The key would gradually recharge by absorbing ambient mana, but that would take time.
‘What now…?’
My thoughts weren’t on the exhausted key.
‘This won’t do… .’
I hadn’t awakened yet.
Caught up in frustration, I found myself rooted in place, looking around aimlessly.
Was there another goblin hidden somewhere?
I scanned the area, even though I knew better.
Of course, there was nothing left.
The gate had been conquered.
“… .”
I had to accept reality.
The plan had failed.
I’d intended to push myself into a desperate situation to trigger my awakening, but the gate was cleared before I could even reach that point.
I had been stronger than I expected.
My father approached me.
“What are you staring at blankly? Can’t believe you cleared the gate?” he asked with a mix of pride and amusement.
“Honestly, I’m very impressed,” he continued.
“… .”
“I thought you might be able to handle four goblins. But five? That was beyond my expectations.”
“Haha… .”
My father patted my shoulder, shaking me lightly.
I laughed awkwardly, though I couldn’t share his enthusiasm.
Despite the successful battle, I couldn’t feel satisfied—I hadn’t achieved my most important goal.
“There’s still some time left to use the artificial gate,” my father said, gesturing behind me.
“But since there’s nothing else to do here, let’s wrap up and head back.”
“… .”
“Hand me the key.”
As I turned to look, a dimensional gate shimmered into existence, marking the way back to the real world.
If I stepped through it, I would return to where we started.
“Dad,” I called out.
“Why? What is it?”
If I left now, my chance to awaken would be delayed indefinitely.
It could happen in the near future—or far into the latter half of the story.
I couldn’t afford to wait.
I needed to act now, while my threshold for feeling limitations was low.
Hiding the gate key in my hand, I spoke up.
“Aren’t there any other gates?”
“What?” my father asked, blinking in surprise.
“I feel like I’m on the verge of awakening to something. I don’t want to go home like this,” I said earnestly.
“… .”
“You said there’s still time. Can I conquer another gate in the meantime?”
I needed something more difficult than this.
At my words, my father’s expression turned thoughtful.
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