The Third Return of the Necrotic Magic Swordsman

[14th Everdusk 2103], CGA branch, Dyna Crest country.

In the dungeon of Verdant Hollow, we can see that in one of such raids, a person was walking carelessly toward the small village of goblins like he wished to die.

From the look of it, we can assume that it was Evan, who was heading toward the boss area to complete this dungeon run. It was becoming excessively to hunt all the goblins outside the forest and then the remaining ones inside This was quite tiring and a waste of time. If defeating the boss could clear the dungeon, there was no need to wait.

What I didn’t expect was that there wouldn’t be a single goblin outside the forest, which I thought would come to me. Now, I was already at the outskirts of the village. I could see the huts made of wood and tree vines. It was a typical small village without any traps.

They were the prime hunters of this area, and no larger monsters were around. Where many skulls hung on the wooden sticks on the village wall, likely as a protection to scare off roaming beasts.

Well, I didn’t care much and entered the village to find something interesting. The Village was barren, and I couldn’t see anyone or hear any noise. I walked inside some of the houses and found no signs of goblins or any indications of their presence.

And thought that maybe all should have been gathered around the boss to assist him to fight me as the goblins who were fighting me should have report him about my summons.

I then didn’t check anymore of these houses and start walking toward the center of the village to find the boss monster and the left goblins and I was right as I can hear the sound of steps and some noises of goblin.

I walked toward the center to find that all the goblins were gathered around the house which was made with much extra efforts than others around here because the way of making it and the sturdiness and big size made it the house of the chief of this small village of goblins which was their boss, the hobgoblin warlord.

When the goblins noticed me, they started screaming as if it had a ghost due to my state, which was the cause of the massive killing of its kin.

”So maybe your chief made my work easier by gathering you all in one place. As a token of my gratitude for this generous gift, I will give you the most painless death possible,” I said, thanking them as if they had truly helped me gather them all. Otherwise, I was about to return after killing the boss.

Just as I was about to move forward for the attack, the door of the big house opened, and a figure walked out from inside.

It was different from the goblins, as its height and body structure were different, but its face was quite similar to theirs. It wore iron armor neck to toe, and a large mace rested on its right shoulder.

It looked at me, sneered a little, pointed its mace toward me, and shouted something to its people, possibly telling them to charge at me. Some hesitated at first, but after seeing me alone, they gathered courage and raised their weapons toward me. Understanding what was about to happen, I prepared for this situation by using my skill to summon my allies.

[Undead summon] [-300 MP]

Just as I casted the skill, the notification appeared, which made my face happy as finally it increased.

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[Skill: Undead Summon (Lv. 2)]

[Type: Active]

[Mana Cost: 35 MP]

[Cooldown: 12 seconds]

[Proficiency: 0%]

[Description]

Summons a basic undead creature to serve as a temporary minion. The undead will fight for the summoner until destroyed or dismissed. The creature summoned depends on the user’s Necromancer class progression and available materials.

[Summon Type: Skeleton Warrior (Basic Tier)]

[Duration: 25 minutes or until destroyed.]

[Stats]

[Health: 55% of the caster’s max health.]

[Strength: 55% of the caster’s Strength.]

[Agility: 55% of the caster’s Agility.]

[Defense: 45% of the caster’s Defense.]

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My skill, which had been stagnant for so long, has now significantly improved even in a less critical situation. My new and formidable skeletons stood before me, armed with weapons.

Their clothes were now in much better condition compared to before. The swords appeared more durable and sharper, and their bones were longer and wider. The glow in their eyes was different, much darker, as if the soul within them had grown stronger.

My mind was filled with joy as the real battle was about to begin.

”Okay, my soldiers, move forward,” I shouted, pointing toward the goblins who watched the skeletons with grim expressions. Even the boss was shocked, but with a single roar, he captured the attention of the dazed goblins, and they rushed toward my summons with a shaken intent to kill.

My summons numbered only ten, while the goblins facing them were approximately thirty-seven.

I joined the battle to quickly reduce the number of enemies. The Hobgoblin stood there, his hand holding the totem I needed to destroy, and his mouth chanting something unintelligible.

Meanwhile, I slashed my blade continuously at the goblins, one after another. My luck seemed to be good as my sword’s flame ability activated several times, engulfing several goblins in flames.

In just fifteen minutes, the thirty-seven goblins were reduced to fourteen, even as those guarding the boss at the back continued chanting. 

I looked toward the fourteen goblins guarding the boss and began moving toward them, determined to end this chapter. 

I could feel my instincts for attack and defense in battle being boosted, even if only slightly. My skills were working well, and the stamina of the enemies was affected by my [Necrotic Aura]. 

Many of the defending goblins approached to buy more time, but I did not wait. As soon as I reached the required distance, I used my skill. 

”You can’t stop me now,” I shouted at them, activating my skill.

[Shadow Leap] [-25 MP]

I disappeared from my place and reappeared right in front of the boss, who watched me in shock as I thrust my sword toward him and pierced his chest without any resistance.

I thought it was over until I saw his face, which displayed not shock or pain, but a smile. This unexpected reaction shocked me so much that I backed away, eyes still fixed on the Hobgoblin, who didn’t close his eyes for even a second.

-- To be continued --

Why is the boss smiling even after receiving such an attack? Comment if you have any ideas, or wait until the next chapter if you don’t know.