Chapter : 3 : Goblins!

Aiden and Luna walked through the dense forest, the towering trees stretching endlessly into the sky. The golden rays of the sun barely peeked through the thick canopy, casting fragmented beams of light that danced across the forest floor. Aiden inhaled deeply, the earthy scent of damp leaves and fresh foliage filling his lungs.

His mind, however, was elsewhere.

With a flick of his wrist, a translucent blue interface appeared before him—his System. He scrolled through the outfit store, scanning for something suitable to replace his worn-out clothes.

Behind him, Luna's voice rang out, soft and hesitant.

"Master… You didn't tell me if I look good in this."

Aiden blinked, turning toward her.

Luna stood there, her delicate fingers gripping the hem of her dress as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other. Her black dress, sleek and lustrous, hugged her curves perfectly. The material wrapped around her like a second skin, flowing with the grace of silk yet firm with the elegance of a queen.

A high neckline framed her delicate collarbone, while the bodice accentuated her hourglass figure, cinched at the waist by an ornate corset belt adorned with golden filigree. The skirt flared out just enough to grant her an air of regality, swaying with her every movement.

But what caught Aiden's attention the most were the dark, intricate markings stretching along her arms—like living tendrils of shadow, pulsating with an eerie yet mesmerizing glow. They seamlessly intertwined with the fabric of her dress, shifting as if bound to her very essence.

Aiden recalled what the System had told him last night when he had purchased the attire:

—

[Dark Enchantress Attire]

An enchanted garment that disappears when transformed into beast form and instantly reappears upon returning to humanoid form.

—

He had bought it without much thought, but now, seeing Luna in it, he felt his breath hitch.

Luna's cheeks were dusted red as she fidgeted. "D-Do I look weird…?"

Aiden stepped closer.

His hand instinctively moved, brushing a strand of hair away from her flushed face. His fingers lingered for a moment longer than necessary, feeling the warmth of her skin.

Luna sucked in a sharp breath, her ears twitching.

"Luna," Aiden murmured, his voice dropping to a soft whisper, "you look stunning."

The moment the words left his lips, Luna's eyes lit up.

"Masterrrrr!" she squealed, throwing herself at him.

Aiden barely had time to react before Luna wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, pressing herself against him. His face was suddenly engulfed in her soft embrace, the warmth of her E-cup breasts pressing firmly against his cheeks.

"Mmmph—!"

Aiden's voice was muffled as Luna practically smothered him in affection, her tail wagging furiously behind her.

"Thank you, Master! That made me really happy!" she giggled, her grip tightening.

Aiden struggled, patting her back. "Luna… I can't… breathe…"

Realizing his plight, Luna immediately let go, stepping back with a guilty expression.

"I'm sorry, Master!" she bowed deeply.

Aiden gasped for air. "It's alright… I'm not mad."

Luna's ears perked up. "Really? You're really the best, Master!" she cheered, practically bouncing on her feet.

Aiden chuckled, shaking his head. "You're a handful…"

As he reopened the System, his gaze drifted back to the outfit store. His current clothes were tattered from the battles last night, and something caught his eye. A royal-looking ensemble.

The price was within his budget after hunting more wolves last nighy. Without hesitation, he selected it.

—

[Do you want to purchase this item?]

→ YES | NO

—

Aiden confirmed.

—

[Do you want to equip this outfit?]

→ YES | NO

—

"Well… Why not?" Aiden mused, selecting YES.

In an instant, his clothes shifted.

Draped over his shoulders was a flowing crimson cape, embroidered with intricate golden embellishments. The high collar framed his sharp features, while golden clasps secured the fabric to his shoulders.

Beneath the cape, a black bodysuit molded perfectly to his muscular frame, crafted from a material that felt both flexible and durable. A golden insignia adorned his chest—an elegant yet powerful symbol.

His sleeves extended into fitted gloves, adding to his commanding aura. Around his waist, a finely crafted belt with golden accents secured his white trousers, the contrast striking yet refined. The pouches and straps on his hips hinted at a warrior prepared for both battle and strategy.

Every inch of his attire radiated strength and nobility.

Luna's breath hitched.

Her blue eyes widened as she stared at him in awe, her tail curling slightly.

She walked up to him.

"Master… I don't even know how to say it properly…" she murmured, her face now completely beet red. "But you look… really, really handsome… My heart is beating so fast just looking at you."

Aiden chuckled, patting her head.

Luna melted into his touch, giggling softly.

"Alright, let's keep moving. We need to get out of this forest." he said, stepping forward.

Without hesitation, Luna clung to his arm, pressing it tightly against her chest.

"Master, I feel good like this," she whispered, nuzzling closer.

Aiden sighed, feeling the softness of her body against him. "Well… My arm feels good too, so I guess it's a win-win."

Luna beamed. "Thank you, Master! You're the best!"

—

As they continued through the forest, Luna suddenly halted.

Her ears twitched, her nose flaring as she sniffed the air.

Aiden noticed immediately. "Luna? What is it?"

She closed her eyes, focusing.

"…Master, I can smell goblins."

A sharp whistle pierced the air.

Aiden barely had time to react as a wooden javelin shot toward him. He tilted his head just in time, the weapon whizzing past and embedding itself into a nearby tree.

Luna's expression darkened, her canines bared in a snarl.

"Master, are you alright?"

Aiden nodded.

Emerging from the shadows, a horde of goblins crept toward them, their green skin glistening in the dim light.

Luna's hair bristled.

Her claws elongated, her nails transforming into sharp talons. Her hands shifted into furred wolf paws, her half transformation beginning.

Aiden's muscles tensed, preparing to fight—until his System suddenly flashed.

—

[⚠ ATTENTION! ⚠]

A special event has been triggered.

[Mission Override Activated]

New Directive: DO NOT ENGAGE. SURRENDER AND GO WITH THEM.

—

Aiden's eyes narrowed.

"The hell is this?"

The goblins grinned wickedly, their bloodthirst evident. Yet, the System was ordering him to surrender.

Aiden exhaled, making a quick decision.

"…Luna, we're going to surrender."

Luna's claws twitched. "What?! Master, I can kill them all right now—"

"I have a plan," Aiden said, his voice low. "Trust me."

Luna hesitated, then took a deep breath. "…I'll always believe in you, Master."

With a nod, they raised their hands in surrender.

To their surprise, the goblins did not attack. Instead, they tied Aiden and Luna's hands with thick ropes, dragging them deeper into the forest.

As the goblins cackled, leading them toward an unknown fate, Aiden's eyes gleamed.

Whatever the System had planned—he would be ready.

—

END OF CHAPTER : 3 : GOBLINS!