Goblin: a LitRPG Novel (Tower of Gates LitRPG Series Book 1)

by Paul Bellow

  "Ugh, let's go," I said, running after him.

  The others followed behind. I ran into Athard as he stood at the end of the hall. A suite of rooms had been cut into the stone. In the middle of the one we were in, I saw a hobgoblin in robes.

  "You dare come here?" he asked in common.

  "We're here for the pendant," I said.

  "Die, goblin scum," Athard shouted.

  I grabbed his arm, but he pulled away and ran toward the Snargao who was dancing about to cast a spell. Before Athard reached him, part of the wall broke free in a humanoid form.

  Uh oh, I thought, pulling my sword while keeping an eye on Snargao.

  "Have fun," he said as he grabbed a pendant off the workbench in front of him.

  "I'll get him," Athard said.

  He turned to run, but the earth elemental smacked him hard with a compacted dirt fist.

  > Consider Earth Elemental

  You use Monster Lore.

  All you know at your skill level is that it's resistant to fire and can move through earth easily. It's very resistant to damage.

  Ugh. I want more information. Need to consider more mobs. Time to battle.

  As Athard and Thrukad attacked from the front, I worked my way around to the rear. Problem? The earth elemental simply switched its orientation. With me in its sights, it charged.

  The golden glow of my extra protection still lit up my armor. I held up my buckler and raised my sword ready to attack. It barreled into me first, being quicker than I thought.

  The Medium Earth Elemental's slam INJURES you for 12 damage.

  I kept my balance and thrust my sword into the dirt.

  Your stab GRAZES the medium earth elemental for 5 damage

  "You need to do better," Athard screamed then attacked again.

  His blow landed, getting the elemental's attention.

  Can I backstab an elemental? I wondered. Time to find out.

  I crept forward and slid my sword into the elemental.

  Your stab HITS the medium earth elemental for 9 damage!

  I guess not. Gotta keep fighting.

  Sarah cast another spell. The floor of the cave rose, enlarging the elemental.

  "Watch it," I screamed, slashing at the dirt creature.

  Your stab HITS the medium earth elemental for 8 damage!

  This is taking forever. Athard and Thrukad continued attacking from other sides. Doesn't Benji have any offensive spells? I wondered as I struck again.

  Your stab GRAZES the medium earth elemental for 5 damage!

  I wanted to run after Snargao and the pendant, but the others needed my help. The elemental threw a mighty fist in my direction. I jumped to the side.

  The medium earth elemental's punch HITS you for 8 damage.

  At least my armor is holding up with Sarah's buff. I liked that she was saving her mana for catching up with Snargao.

  The elemental flowed to the left, flanking Athard.

  "Watch out," I shouted, too late.

  Athard fell to the floor of the cave, screaming in pain. I rushed the elemental as Benji ran toward our new warrior friend. My sword barely connected.

  Your stab GRAZES the medium earth elemental for 5 damage!

  Your sword has become dull. Minus 2 damage.

  Really? I needed a new sword anyway. Time to take this thing out.

  Summoning all my strength, I ran forward and aimed at what passed for a head on the elemental.

  Your stab INJURES the medium earth elemental for 11 damage!

  Athard stood after being healed and rejoined the fray. Between him, Thrukad and myself, we kept the elemental busy. The blows, hits, grazes and scratched added up and it collapsed to the floor in a heap of loose, crumbly dirt.

  Combat is over!

  You receive 800xp divided by two party members.

  You get +400 xp

  "Blast that hobgoblin wizard," Athard said. "I saw my life flash before my eyes."

  "Knowing you, it probably wasn't pretty," Thrukad said with a chuckle.

  "Shut-up, shorty."

  "All of you, knock it off," I said then sheathed my sword. "This isn't over yet. He got away with the amulet."

  "He escaped through that tunnel," Athard said, pointing. "Let's follow him."

  "Wait," I said. "He's likely laid another trap. We need to think this through."

  "And heal," Thrukad said. "I'm hurting bad."

  "Benji, take care of her, will you?"

  "Sure, that's all I'm good for, isn't it?"

  I ignored him and walked over to Sarah.

  "How are you on mana?"

  "Could be better, but I want to save the restoration potions."

  "Good idea. We don't know what else is next. An earth elemental is not an easy kill."

  She glanced around.

  "We should search this place and see if there's anything that will help us."

  "Smart."

  I searched along with the others, coming up with a nice haul.

  Ring of the Spider - + 5 to climbing skill

  Potion of the Mages – restores full mana

  Scroll of Become Unknowable Humanoids

  2 yellow gems (10gp each)

  12 red gems (30gp each)

  72 gp

  142 sp

  5142 cp

  While Athard counted the coins, I worked with Benji to barricade the secret door Snargao had used to escape. Sarah placed the new spell in her book, and Thrukad continued searching the other rooms.

  "That's everything," she said, walking back into the main workroom.

  "Not a bad haul," I said. "But we haven't met our objective yet."

  "Let's go get that goblin," Athard said then spat on the floor.

  "For once, I agree with you," I said. "Let's heal first. There's no telling what's coming up."

  Benji moved from one person to another, looking to wounds and using magic where necessary to heal us up. We weren't back at full health, but it would have to do. Time was short.

  We moved the impromptu barricade and entered a smooth, round tunnel. It led slightly upward and was only wide enough to walk single-file.

  If anyone ambushed us, this would be where they did it. My dull sword wouldn't help us any, but I hoped to find another on the way.

  ()xxxx[:::: Chapter 16 ::::>

  That’s No Ordinary Wax Golem

  SARAH

  "Be careful," Eric whispered.

  He and the others were all in front of our single-file line. We'd cleared Snargao's lair, so I hoped no monsters or enemies came at us from behind.

  The last thing we needed was another player character showing up again. While the pendant had slipped away when we got near, we would get it.

  "I can scout the way," Charlotte said.

  Why didn't I think of that myself?

  "You're busy and nervous, Kali. It's fine."

  "Drex, stop. I have an idea."

  "Stop, Athard," he hissed.

  The warrior grumbled. Thoughts of Josh floated through my mind, but I cast them aside.

  "I'll send my familiar to check out the path ahead."

  "Good idea," he said without turning around.

  We barely had enough room to move forward.

  "Go, Charlotte. How far can I still hear you?"

  "A hundred feet now, but it will grow as we get to know each other."

  "Who's Charlotte?" Benji asked. "Is she getting paid a full share?"

  "It's her familiar. Now be quiet," Eric said.

  "Stupid wizards," Athard said.

  "I'm going now, Kali, as fast as I can."

  Be careful, I thought as I waited, tapping my left foot.

  "I should be able to consider any creature we run into," Eric said.

  When he didn't continue talking out of character, I said, "Oh, cool. We can talk about it later."

  "I want to go," Athard said, reminding me of Josh again.

  "Shut it," Eric said.

  Anything, Charlotte?

  "I'm r
eaching the end of the tunnel, Kali. There's a lit cavern. It's so big."

  Do you see anyone?

  "Only two statues, Kali."

  Great. Wait for me.

  "Let's go. There's two statues, but that's it."

  "The spider does better than our thief," Athard said from the front of the line. "This is the strangest party I've ever not joined."

  Maybe it isn't Josh. He's almost talking like a gamer. Joke by the coders who build the game?

  "Keep moving," Eric said.

  Our procession inched forward. We reached the end of the narrow tunnel and walked out into a natural cavern. Several tunnels led out, including the one we'd just exited.

  "I've got a bad feeling about this," Eric said.

  The two statues Charlotte had seen stirred to life when we entered.

  "Wax golems," I said. "Get ready."

  As the two creatures lumbered toward us, I noted something different.

  "Those aren't normal wax golems," Eric yelled.

  "What are they?"

  "Ear wax golems. Be careful."

  Yuck. This game is getting too weird.

  My protection spells on the party were still going strong,

  "They're vulnerable to fire," he called out before rushing one of them.

  Athard and Thrukad fought valiantly beside him.

  Benji held back with me.

  I should've taken Lava Hands.

  "Do you have fire magic?" he asked me.

  Neither of us took our eyes off the battle raging in the cavern.

  "Unfortunately, no, but let's look around. Maybe we can use torches or get a fire going."

  "I'm not sure a fire in this cavern is a good idea," Charlotte said in my mind.

  "Right."

  "What?" Benji asked.

  "Forget the fire."

  "You're talking stranger than normal."

  "I'm stressed, okay?" I snapped.

  "Calm down," Charlotte said. "We've got this."

  "Okay, the warriors seem to do okay. Let's look around and get to know the cavern batter. You go that way."

  I pointed then took off in the other direction, circling the fighters battling the wax golems in the center. Would Benji know to attend to the wounded? Too late to tell him.

  Eric looked heroic as he thrust, sparred, and pressed forward, battling the unholy golems. They were not sentient, but they still could take our party out if we weren't careful.

  I planted my feet and tried a single Golden Bolt. It bounced off the wax creature. The golem turned in my direction and walked toward me.

  Uh oh. They must be magic resistant.

  Eric noticed the one coming toward me. He rushed forward and slashed again, sinking his blade into the wax. The golem stopped and swung a fist at him.

  You got this, Eric.

  The other two were handing the second golem well, so I continued my exploration of the cavern. One massive yet short tunnel leading to a set of stairs caught my eye.

  Is that the entrance to the Tower of Sherlock? We must be in the basement.

  I carefully continued my circle, meeting up with Benji.

  "Athard needed healing again, but I took care of him."

  "Looks like they're down to just one golem."

  Charlotte, can you come to me?

  "I'm here, Kali, climbing to your shoulder now."

  "We've got this," Benji said.

  The final golem lost its form, creating a second lump of wax in middle of the cavern.

  Combat is over!

  You gain 1600xp divided by two party members.

  You get 800 xp.

  You have 9735 xp.

  You need 4265 xp for Level Four Mage

  "We did okay," Eric said. "But we should've taken them down sooner."

  I rolled my eyes. Why does he always have to pick apart everything?

  "Kali, we've got more company in the cavern," Charlotte said.

  I turned to see an even larger stone golem lumber into the cavern. Snargao and a group of goblin grunts fell in behind the monstrous living statue.

  "That's it," Athard shouted. "I'm out of here, and I'm taking the loot."

  "No," Eric said.

  "I'm going too. Riches alone just aren't worth it for me," Thrukad said.

  The two of them ran into the tunnel we'd come in through.

  In that moment, I learned the problem with not having NPCs officially join the party. Eric and I would need to have a talk unless we got out of the game.

  While our newest hirelings had terrible morale, Benji stayed with us, holding his trusty mace. I glanced over at Eric as he gripped his sword and stared at the golem.

  "I don't think we can do it," he said. "We should retreat."

  "You don't need to tell me twice," Benji said then turned and fled.

  "No," Eric called out. "Let's try another tunnel. I've already got the scroll, ring, and gems in my backpack. Those other two can have whatever they scavenge if Snargao doesn't get to them."

  "Fine," I said. "Lead the way."

  Eric dashed through one of the other tunnels. While wider than the other one, we could only fit in single-file again. Charlotte? Everything okay?

  "I'm fine, but I'm worried."

  "Don't be. We got this."

  "Can you please talk to her in your mind?" Eric asked as we rushed through the tunnel.

  "Sorry, I'm still getting used to it."

  "We're coming to the end," Eric said.

  I hoped we didn't run from the frying pan into the fire.

  "Are they following us?" Eric asked.

  "I don't think the golem will fit in this tunnel, but I can't hear the goblins."

  "Maybe they went back to Snargao's lair," Benji offered.

  "Would serve those other two right for breaking rank," Eric said.

  "Hey, they're not full members of our party. We've got to talk about that soon."

  "I agree," Benji said. "Can we do it later, though?"

  He emerged from the tunnel, allowing me to see a rectangular room filled with broken glass, bits of steel, and other junk. Where are we now?

  "I have no idea," Charlotte said.

  Sorry, I was talking to myself.

  "No problem. You do that a lot."

  Yeah, well...

  Eric turned to face the only entrance to the room. I watched where we'd come in, waiting for the nasty sounds and catcalls from the goblins.

  "Maybe they didn't see us?" Eric asked.

  "I doubt it," Benji said. "They're probably going to Snargao's lair first. We're not going anywhere."

  Eric glanced over.

  "Any bright ideas?"

  "I could use Ladder of Dwarven Earth to seal the entrance, but that will trap us in here."

  "Do I get a vote?"

  "Yes, Benji. We'll let you join the party after we get out of this."

  "Not without my approval," Eric said.

  I sighed.

  "Let's not fight now, okay? What about the ring?" I glanced up. "Nowhere for you to climb, really."

  "May I give you a suggestion, Kali?"

  Sure. What is it?

  "The scroll of Become Unknowable Humanoids may help. While it would take you a day or more to permanently add it to your book of known spells, you can cast it once immediately. The parchment will be destroyed and its magic lost, but..."

  "Brilliant," I said with a smile. "Charlotte may have saved the day. Well, her and you, Drex. Give me that scroll."

  "Sure," he said, sheathing his sword.

  "Keep watch, Benji," I said as Eric dug out the rolled-up parchment.

  He handed it to me.

  "Can you learn spells so fast?"

  "No, but we can use it once. I say we change ourselves into goblins and try to sneak our way out of here."

  "You're so smart," Benji said.

  Eric nodded his head.

  "Not bad, Kali."

  He used my in-game name.

  "In-game?" Charlotte asked.

  Mayb
e later I'll explain.

  "We're out of options at this point, so give it a shot. Aren't we too tall for goblins?"

  "I don't know how the magic works, but we'll see soon enough."

  "Someone's coming down the tunnel," Benji said.

  I unrolled the scroll and studied the text and images.

  How do I...

  "Read the very bottom," Charlotte said.

  Oh, for single use...

  I read the arcane words. The printing on the page lit up then faded.

  "Concentrate on the creatures you want to impersonate," Charlotte said.

  A moment later, I stifled a laugh as I saw Eric and Benji turned into two of the ugliest and tallest goblins I'd ever seen. This isn't perfect, but it needs to do for now.

  "You'll get better, Kali. I have faith in you."

  "Wait, I don't speak great goblin," Eric said. "I know a few words, but..."

  "Me either," Benji said as he picked his new, bulbous nose.

  "Let me do the talking," I said, getting ready.

  Any advice, Charlotte?

  "I would try to act like a goblin."

  A green-skinned goblin with no facial hair and pointy ears walked into the small dead-end.

  "What are you three doing here? I've not seen you before.”

  "I heard there's work for goblins here," I said.

  The goblin stared into my eyes. I froze, my heart pounding.

  "You're tall and fat for a goblin, aren't you?" he asked Benji.

  Benji stuffed a finger up his bulbous nose, not saying a word.

  I cringed as he licked his finger clean then grinned with green teeth.

  “Well?” the goblin asked.

  “I came to work and join Magictology,” I said.

  “That’s what I’m talking about,” the goblin said, nodding his head.

  "You three will do fine. Come with me."

  The goblin turned and went back down the tunnel toward the cavern. I took a deep breath, hoping nobody cast dispel magic.

  It would've been nice to add the spell to my book to use it again, but I'd saved the party...at least for the moment. Who knew what awaited us.

  As we walked single-file, I heard screams coming from the large cavern. They sounded like a bratty five-year-old throwing a tantrum. What now?

  "Hurry up," the goblin said. "You're about to meet your new master, the founder of Magictology."