Extra's Fate

"Th-ank… yo-u."

As soon as the words left his lips, the kid collapsed back into the sheets, his eyes fluttering shut once again.

"…"

For a moment, I simply stared at his motionless figure before simply shrugging my shoulders.

'That was… unexpected.'

Brushing my dark hair out of my eyes, I mouthed.

Well, there was no time to dwell on this. I needed to keep moving.

My grey eyes scanned the room again, ensuring there were no other surprises waiting for me.

The portal was my primary objective, and wasting more time in this room would only put me at greater risk.

I turned and headed towards the door.

The corridor outside was just as dimly lit as the room I had just left, shadows dancing ominously on the walls.

I moved quickly and quietly, my steps barely making a sound against the cold, stone floor.

As I navigated the labyrinthine halls of the stronghold, I remained on high alert.

The leader of the Flaming Death gang was dealt with, but that didn't mean there weren't more threats lurking in the shadows.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of searching, I stumbled upon a large, ornate door at the end of a long corridor.

It was unlike any of the other doors I had encountered so far, its surface covered in intricate carvings that seemed to pulsate with a faint, eerie light.

'This has to be it…'

I thought, my heart pounding in my chest. The portal was behind this door - I could feel it.

Taking a deep breath, I reached out and pushed the door open.

It swung open easily, revealing a large, circular room bathed in an ethereal glow. In the center of the room stood a massive stone archway, runes carved into its surface glowing with a soft, blue light.

The portal.

I quickly approached it, my eyes scanning the runes for any signs of danger. The portal's magic felt stable, but that didn't mean it was safe.

I paused and took a moment to assess the room.

My eyes darted around, taking in every detail.

The walls were lined with ancient tapestries depicting scenes of dark rituals, their colors faded with age. The floor was a mosaic of interlocking stones, some of which glowed faintly with residual magic.

I noticed a few shadowy corners where an enemy could easily hide, but there was no movement - at least none that I could detect.

Satisfied for the moment, I took a step back and stretched my limbs.

My muscles ached from the constant tension and the earlier fight with the Flaming Death gang's leader.

Stretching helped ease the stiffness and I could feel some of my strength returning.

I rotated my shoulders, flexed my fingers and even did a quick twist of my torso to ensure my body was ready for whatever lay ahead.

Finally, I took my sword from its sheath and gave it a quick inspection.

The blade was sharp and clean, reflecting the soft blue light of the portal.

Holding it firmly in my right hand, I slapped my cheeks lightly with my left, the sting helping to focus my mind.

I needed to be alert and ready.

With one last deep breath, I stepped towards the portal.

The runes glowed brighter as I approached, their light becoming almost blinding.

I held the sword at the ready, its tip pointed slightly downward but prepared to swing at a moment's notice.

My heart pounded in my chest, but I forced myself to stay calm.

"Here I go…"

I stepped through the archway, the world around me dissolving into a swirl of light and color.

For a brief, disorienting moment, I felt weightless, as if I were floating in a sea of magic.

Then, with a sudden jolt, I was through the portal and standing in a new place altogether.

The world solidified around me and I found myself standing atop a towering structure, the wind whipping through my dark hair. It was very high!

My grey eyes widened as I took in the breathtaking view that stretched out before me.

As far as I could see, there were endless green plains, the horizon shimmering under the bright sun.

Yet, something felt off.

Narrowing my eyes, I focused on the plains below.

At first glance, it appeared to be an ocean of lush grass swaying gently in the breeze.

But as I watched, I realized that the movement wasn't natural. It was too coordinated, too deliberate.

A smirk tugged at the corners of my lips as understanding dawned on me.

That wasn't grass.

It was a sea of goblins, an immense, writhing army of them.

Thousands upon thousands, their green bodies blending together to create the illusion of a grassy plain.

They moved with a purpose, their grotesque forms shifting and rippling like waves.

I took a moment to absorb the sheer scale of the goblin horde below.

The sight was both daunting and exhilarating.

Gripping my sword tightly, I allowed myself a moment of grim satisfaction.

"Free Attributes…"

And then I leaped off the structure…