Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey
Chapter 70: Eclipse Forest [2]

As the mutated goblins emerged from the shadows, their grotesque appearance sent shivers down my spine. Their unnaturally large frames and disfigured faces indicated the effects of mutation, marking them as formidable opponents.

"Keeeeeeeeeeeeek!"

"Kirik, Kirik!"

Their discordant cries filled the air, setting a tense atmosphere in the forest. The purple and red hues of their skin added an otherworldly element to their presence.

"If they've mutated goblins, they're likely at [E+] rank," I mused, gauging the potential threat they posed.

Over ten of these mutated goblins fixated their gaze on me, their ominous advance signalling the impending clash. Ready for the challenge, I gripped my sword with determination.

"Kirik, kirik!"

"Kiriiiiiiiiiirik!"

The cacophony of their screeches echoed, creating an unsettling symphony. With a nonchalant comment about their noise, I braced myself and charged towards the horde.

The encounter was more challenging than expected. The mutated goblins, though not exceptionally skilled, compensated with their sheer numbers and erratic movements. As I swung my sword, celestial energies flowed through me, guiding my every move.

Amidst the chaotic dance of blades, I decided to showcase the foundational movement of Celestial Parry – Starry Deflection. Holding my sword diagonally across my body, I created a robust barrier. As the goblins lunged at me, their attacks were deftly redirected by the blade's edge.

The forest became a battleground, and my every movement was calculated, conserving energy for a precise counterattack. Starry Deflection served its purpose, offering a solid defence against the relentless onslaught.

Despite their [E+] rank, the mutated goblins proved to be formidable adversaries. Each clash with their grotesque forms tested the limits of my swordsmanship. Yet, amidst the chaos, the celestial energies within me surged, empowering my every strike.

The dance continued a symphony of blades and screeches in the moonlit forest.

With each calculated movement, my sword art, Celestial Parry, flowed seamlessly through the chaotic dance. The celestial energies within me resonated with the blade, enhancing its finesse and lethality.

As the mutated goblins lunged, I countered with precision, deflecting their attacks with the practised grace of Starry Deflection. The celestial barrier held strong, creating a buffer against their relentless assault.

Seizing the moment, I transitioned seamlessly to the counterattack phase. My sword traced an elegant arc through the air as Celestial Parry's offensive sequences came into play. The blade met flesh and bone with a harmonious rhythm, each strike a testament to the mastery of my swordsmanship.

"Kirik, kirik!"

"Kiriiiiiiiiiirik!"

Their screeches intensified as the tide of battle turned against them. The forest bore witness to a symphony of steel meeting flesh, and the celestial energies resonating in tandem with my every move.

The final strike came with a flourish – a culmination of my training and the innate celestial powers coursing through me. As the last mutated goblin fell, a moment of stillness settled over the clearing. The moonlight cast an ethereal glow, highlighting the aftermath of the skirmish.

Breathing heavily, I surveyed the battleground, my sword still drawn. The celestial energies, once vibrant and fierce, now simmered beneath the surface, awaiting the next challenge.

The muted goblins lay defeated, their grotesque forms now motionless on the forest floor. A sense of accomplishment washed over me, a silent acknowledgement of the growth in my skills.

The night in Eclipse Forest had witnessed a celestial performance, where blade and energy harmonized in a dance of victory.

***

"Finally, it's over," I said to myself as I stood in front of dead goblins.

"Well, I have to write a report too," I remember what Samuel said to others.

I don't want to do it but if nothing happens here and everything goes smoothly I will become a joke to others, as I will not have any report at all.

I took out one pen and white blank paper and crouched down one of the dead goblins.

"Huuh, disgusting." their body smell is so disgusting that I could feel that I would throw up any moment.

But somehow I held it in and began to write.

**Monster Name: Mutated Goblin**

**Rank: E+**

My pen danced across the blank page as I recorded the essential details. But I couldn't stop there; the report demanded a comprehensive understanding of their weaknesses and strengths.

**Weaknesses:**

1. **Sensitivity to Light:** During the battle, I noticed that the mutated goblins exhibited discomfort in the presence of intense light. Exploiting this sensitivity could potentially disorient them in combat.

2. **Limited Coordination:** Despite their numerical advantage, the mutated goblins lacked coordination in their attacks. Individually, they posed a threat, but their collective assault lacked strategic synchronization.

**Strengths:**

1. **Enhanced Physical Attributes:** The E+ rank indicated a considerable increase in physical prowess. Their strength and speed surpassed that of ordinary goblins, making them formidable adversaries.

2. **Mutated Physiology:** The goblins displayed mutated features, altering their appearance and potentially enhancing their resilience against conventional attacks.

With the report meticulously detailed, I rose from my crouched position, the forest's eerie ambience adding an unsettling backdrop to the task. The paper, now filled with inked observations, became a tangible record of the encounter.

As I reluctantly stepped away from the scene, I couldn't shake off the lingering sense of disgust.

I was going back but I remember something.

'They are mutated monsters which means their mana core is also mutated and the price of these mana cores is high in the market.'

I turned towards them again even if I had to endure that awful smell for a while I would get that mana core.

As I unsheathed my sword once more, the realization struck me that these mutated goblins held a certain value beyond the battlefield. Their mana cores, mutated by the anomaly within them, could fetch a high price in the market. The lingering disgust became a secondary concern as the allure of potential profit took precedence.

With a determined gaze, I approached the first fallen goblin. Gripping my sword tightly, I began the meticulous task of splitting open the creature's corpse. The blade honed through countless battles and sliced through the toughened flesh with practised ease. Each stroke was deliberate, aimed at revealing the treasure concealed within.

The first goblin's body parted, revealing an E+ rank Mutatat mana core pulsating with an otherworldly hue. Itscolourr, a mesmerizing blend of deep violet and crimson, signified the mutated nature of the creature. The radiance emanating from the core hinted at the latent power contained within—a power that could be harnessed or traded for a substantial sum.

I proceeded with the methodical process, ensuring each goblin's mana core was extracted intact. The forest's shadows played tricks on my senses, amplifying the grotesque nature of the task. However, the potential reward spurred me on, and I persevered through the discomfort, driven by the promise of profit in the aftermath of Eclipse Forest.

***

After taking out all of the mana Corps from mutated Goblins I left the scene.

If I stay there many other beasts must come there from the scent of blood.

Anyway, I thought I should go back but decided not to do so.

Instead, I climbed a mountain, and from the numerous trees on its peak, I chose the tallest red pine to climb. From the treetop, I looked around. I could see everything within the horizon. Neither the densely packed pine trees nor the countless number of leaves could impede the [ Mana Eyes].

Everything was within my sight – a young nameless cadet chasing after a wild boar, a second-year couple who were making out instead of hunting.

Seeing them I just could not help by laugh.

They are also of the members of [the Research Department.]

I turned my head in the direction of Boulder were we at the start.

With My [ Mana Eyes] I could easily see the location.

I can see that Samuel is standing on the ground and beside him many girls flowing over him nothing unusual.

But my [ mana eyes] caught the disturbance of the mana girls beside him.

I focus my eyes on the girls and what I see shocked me.

Their eye sockets were without any pupils! All the eyes turned pitch black without any retina on them.

Seeing this goosebump felt all over my body.

'That bastard.'

He must have used the Manipulation ability he got from the Malic clan.

All of the girls are under that ability.

Then something else happened, Samuel turned his head to the left his hand began to turn into tentical.

His body turned into half-demon. Another benefit of making a pack with demons.

My eyes carefully watch all of his movements.

He shoots his tactical hand at full speed to his left.

His intention was clearly to kill.

My eyes followed his movement, and my widened as I saw the target of Samuel.

It's Isabella.

She dodged his attack barely and jumped back before she could get a chance to breathe another tactical came at her.

It was just a few inches away from her face if that's it she was dead for sure.

But Isabella did something unexpected, she raised her hand in front of her face and used wind magic.

With a gust of wind tactical shot in different directions from her but Isabella shot backward because of using the wind magic at point black face.

She hit the tree and her mouth was full of blood leaving her mouth.