Chapter 47: Versus the Kobolds 2

After a thorough search, Noah's efforts paid off as he finally spotted the kobolds lurking inside a cavern. Despite his injury, Noah steeled himself for the upcoming confrontation, knowing that he was still capable of putting up a fight. With a strategic plan in mind, Noah prepared to gage the kobolds, killing as many he could.

He matched in after being certain there wasn't any traps.

The weight of his trusted sword and the familiar grip of his worn dagger brought a sse of ease to Noah, yet the persistt pain in his side refused to relt. Three kobolds, their eyes gleaming malevoltly in the torchlight like fiery embers, stood before him. This time, Noah wouldn't charge in recklessly like a berserker. His strgth lay in cunning, not brute force.

A plan took shape in his mind. With a primal growl that reverberated through the cavern, he challged the kobolds. Momtarily disorited, the creatures flinched. Seizing the opportunity, Noah hurled a pebble high to his left, diverting the atttion of the scout as he emerged from the shadows.

His silver sword gleamed as it arced towards the scout's shoulder, only to be deflected by a shield with a resounding clang.

Clangs!

The kobold stumbled back in surprise, while its larger companions roared and charged.

Swoosh!

As a crude axe descded towards Noah's head, he swiftly evaded the strike, feeling the breeze of its passing.

The leaner kobold with a curved scimitar targeted his injured side, igniting a surge of pain. Gritting his teeth, Noah rolled forward, sweeping the legs from under the axe-wielding kobold, sding it crashing to the g with a bellow of astonishmt.

With two foes remaining, Noah weaved betwe their attacks, his movemts fluid despite the throbbing ache. Parrying an axe swing, he jabbed the other kobold's arm with his dagger, eliciting a yelp of pain.

In the depths of Noah's mind, a crimson haze clouded his vision, the borders tainted with the seeping agony that pierced his sses. The scout, a brok and bloodied figure, staggered nearer, its guttural growls a harsh echo of its own suffering. Every fiber of Noah's essce yearned for respite, for surrder, yet the primal instinct to survive surged like a reltless tide.

With a trembling hand, he raised his sword, the familiar weight anchoring him amidst the quiver that threated to betray his resolve. The scout charged, a whirlwind of snarls and sharp claws. Noah met the onslaught with a desperate defse, the clash of metal reverberating through his already pulsating wound.

Pain flared, but he pushed it aside, honing in on the intricate dance of protection and retaliation.

His movemts were sluggish, driv by sheer determination rather than finesse. Each block left him breathless, each strike fueled by the stark realization that this could be his final stand. Exploiting the scout's weaknesses, he targeted its injured limb with feints and thrusts, destabilizing its stance. Still, the creature persisted, its fury fueled by an unyielding will to survive.

Klang! Klang!

The cavern resonated with the clash of blades and primal snarls. Dust swirled a them, veiling the skirmish in a gritty shroud. Sweat and blood mingled on Noah's brow, his vision fading further. Just as despair threated to gulf him, a glimmer of opportunity prested itself.

Blinded by rage, the kobold's scout lunged forward, leaving its flank vulnerable. With a surge of adraline that ev surprised himself, Noah lunged as well, his blade a flash of silver. The steel met bone and sinew, the scout's cry silced in a choked gasp. It crumpled to the g, still and defeated.

A hush fell, brok only by Noah's ragged breaths. Standing amidst the aftermath, his sword dripping crimson, he gazed at the fall adversary. The taste of victory was bitter, tainted by the strife, the anguish, the immint defeat. Yet, he had dured. He had fought until the final momt, drawing upon every ounce of wit, valor, and unwavering determination.

Lowering his sword slowly, a wave of weariness washed over him. His legs gave way, and he sank to his knees, the chill of the stone a soothing balm against his fevered skin. The battle had be won, but its toll was etched upon his flesh and spirit.

Nevertheless, amidst the ache and weariness, a spark of defiance flickered within him. He had stared death in the eye and emerged triumphant, a flame that would guide him through the shadows that loomed ahead.

[+30% Experice Point]

Noah wasn't in the mood to celebrate this, he leaned against the rock formation and breathed in and out repeatedly. He did this for five minutes, his heartbeat decreased and the exhaustion threated to knock him unconscious but he couldn't allow this. Still a quick rest would not be bad.