Into the depths
The Silver Curse – Volume 1, Chapter 4: Into the Depths
The Goblin Den
The cave loomed before Yuto, a gaping mouth of darkness carved into the rocky hillside. The air was thick with the stench of damp earth and rotting meat, a clear sign of the goblins' presence. He tightened his grip on his sword, taking a slow breath as he stepped forward.
Behind him, Mira leaned casually against a tree, watching. "Still sure you want to go in alone?"
Yuto shot her a look. "You're still here?"
She smirked. "Just making sure you don't embarrass yourself too badly."
He exhaled, pushing aside the distraction. If she wanted to watch, so be it. He had bigger concerns—like surviving whatever lay inside.
The Ambush
The moment Yuto crossed the threshold, the temperature dropped. The walls of the cave pulsed with faint traces of green light, fungal growths clinging to the damp stone. His footsteps echoed slightly, the only sound aside from the occasional distant chitter of goblins deeper inside.
He advanced slowly, keeping his movements precise and deliberate. The deeper he went, the stronger the foul scent became, burning in the back of his throat.
Then—
A sharp screech rang out.
From the darkness, three goblins rushed him at once.
Yuto reacted on instinct. His blade flashed as he sidestepped the first goblin, slashing across its midsection. The second lunged, but he spun, driving his sword through its chest. The third hesitated, its beady eyes darting between its fallen comrades and the lone swordsman.
It turned to flee.
Yuto wasn't about to let that happen.
He surged forward, his blade cutting clean through the creature's spine before it could sound an alarm. The body crumpled to the cave floor, lifeless.
Yuto wiped his sword clean on a tattered cloth, his breathing steady. This isn't so bad.
Then he heard it—a distant, guttural growl echoing from deeper within the cave.
The True Threat
Yuto pressed on, his steps careful and controlled. The tunnel widened into a larger chamber, the dim fungal glow revealing what lay ahead.
A goblin brute.
Twice the size of the others, its muscles rippled beneath its rough hide. In its hands, it clutched a crude club stained with old blood. Small goblins gathered around it, snarling and chattering as they noticed Yuto's presence.
He gritted his teeth. This might be a problem.
The brute roared, the ground trembling beneath its weight as it charged.
Yuto dodged left, barely avoiding the club as it smashed into the stone where he had been standing a second before. Dust and debris scattered in all directions. He steadied his footing and countered, slicing at the brute's exposed side.
His blade barely cut through. The creature's hide was thick.
The brute swung again, and this time, Yuto wasn't fast enough. The club grazed his shoulder, sending a sharp jolt of pain through his arm. He staggered back, eyes narrowing.
Mira's probably laughing at me right now.
He had to end this. Fast.
The Killing Blow
The smaller goblins lunged at him, but Yuto didn't hesitate. He cut through the first two in a single arc, then rolled beneath the brute's next swing. His mind raced. He needed to find a weak spot.
Then he saw it—the creature's throat, unprotected and exposed when it raised its club.
Yuto took a gamble.
He darted forward, feinting left before pivoting sharply. As the brute lifted its club for another devastating strike, Yuto leaped, twisting mid-air.
His sword plunged deep into the brute's throat.
The monster let out a guttural choke, its club dropping as it clawed at its neck. Yuto held firm, twisting the blade before yanking it free. Black blood sprayed as the brute stumbled, its massive frame shaking before finally crashing to the ground.
Silence.
The remaining goblins, now leaderless, let out terrified screeches and scattered into the darkness.
Yuto exhaled, his body aching but victorious.
From the entrance of the chamber, Mira clapped slowly. "Not bad, rookie."
Yuto glared at her, too exhausted to argue.
She grinned. "Looks like you might actually survive after all."
End of Chapter 4