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

by Paul Bellow

  You have 71/89 health remaining.

  I stepped back, dizzy from the blow. Josh picked up his club. The hideous mask grinned as he came at me with the club. It smacked me on the arm, knocking me back.

  The half-orc barbarian HITS you for 8 damage.

  You have 63/89 health remaining.

  This is not going well.

  "Bernard, some help please?" I called out.

  I glanced over and saw the wood golem burning as Evan stuck it with his sword.

  Drekmao waded his way through goblins and struck at the mask golem.

  As he kept the golem busy, I focused on Josh. How to take him out without harming him?

  "Go for the mask," I said.

  Bernard rushed by and swung his mace, hitting the mask head-on. It shattered, breaking into several pieces which fell to the ground. Unfortunately, Josh fell to the ground.

  "He's not moving," I yelled. "Did you kill him?"

  "First-level problems," Bernard said. "Let's get this golem."

  I turned to see Drekmao battling the metal monstrosity.

  The wood golem gave a final shriek and sprayed a thousand splinters in every direction.

  The wood golem's splinters DECIMATE you for 31 damage.

  You have 32/89 health remaining.

  Ouch.

  "I got you," Bernard said then waved his wand of healing.

  You've been healed!

  You have 60/89 health remaining.

  I glanced around.

  "Check on Sarah," I said. "She might need healed after that."

  "She's fine," Bernard said. "I saw her throw up a wall of earth to protect herself."

  "Good," I said. "Let's finish this mask golem."

  As Drekmao continued slashing and piercing it with his glowing sword, I snuck around, hoping for an opportune moment to stab it in the back.

  I crept forward, ready to strike, but the masks all flew apart. The swarm of metal masks rose as a group toward the sky. Drekmao glanced over at me with sweat pouring from his brow.

  "We've got to kill it," he said.

  The swarm of metal masks dove from the sky, all plowing into him one after the other. Drekmao fell to the ground. I ran toward him.

  "Bernard, heal him. I've got this."

  The mask golem reformed as I slashed with my sword.

  Your slash INJURES the mask golem for 14 damage.

  The mask golem's slam HITS you for 8 damage.

  The mask golem's slam HITS you for 9 damage.

  You have 43/89 health remaining.

  After Bernard healed him, Drekmao popped up.

  "Go for the head," he shouted.

  Your slash HITS the mask golem for 8 damage.

  The mask golem's slam GRAZES you for 7 damage.

  The mask golem's slam HITS you for 8 damage.

  You have 28/89 health remaining.

  "Die," I screamed.

  Bernard and Drekmao hit the mask golem one more time each. It broke apart and fell to the ground.

  The mask golem is dead!

  I turned and scanned the courtyard. The battle had gone in our favor from what I could see. Two or three dozen dead goblin bodies lied scattered everywhere.

  Monde, Ewen, Evan and Sarah stood by each other behind a mound of magic dirt.

  "Everyone okay?" I called out.

  "I'm out of magic, but I'm fine," she said.

  "Can I get healed?" Ewen asked as he held up his hand.

  "Go help them," I said to Bernard.

  "I need to check on the emperor," Drekmao said.

  As he walked away, I took a deep breath. We'd done it.

  Wait, why didn't we get experience yet?

  "Eric, watch out," Sarah yelled.

  I felt a cold, steel blade plunge into my back.

  The goblin rogue's back stab MAULS you for 27 damage.

  You have 1/89 health remaining.

  I fell to the ground.

  "No," Sarah yelled.

  It was the last thing I heard before losing consciousness.

  ()xxxx[:::: Chapter 46 ::::>

  Too Early to Suck up to the Boss?

  SARAH

  When Eric went down, I unslung my bow and fired an arrow, something I hadn't done since starting the game. Maybe I should have practiced more. The arrow flew true.

  Critical HIT!

  Your arrow MAULS the goblin rogue for 26 damage.

  The goblin rogue is dead.

  Combat is over!

  You get 9800 xp

  Divided by 6 party members = 1633 xp

  You have 25657 experience points.

  You need 9343 xp for level 6 Wizard -> Warlock

  The xp didn't matter as I rushed across the courtyard toward Eric.

  "Bernard," I called out. "We need healing." .

  "The wand is out of charges again," he said. "This was unexpected."

  "Can someone heal him?" I asked.

  Drekmao walked over and kneeled beside Eric.

  "Can you help him?" I asked.

  He laid both hands on Eric's chest, closed his eyes, and lifted his head to the heavens.

  A glow surrounded the area. Drekmao pulled his hands away. Eric sat up.

  "What happened?" he asked. "Am I poisoned again?"

  I laughed, so glad he hadn't died and turned into an NPC.

  The laughter faded as I remembered Josh.

  "I'm sorry," Bernard said. "I forgot breaking the mask might kill him."

  "Can you help him, Drekmao?" I asked.

  He stood and shook his head.

  "I'm sorry, but I can't resurrect the dead."

  "Ugh," I sighed and walked over to the half-orc's body.

  Why did you have to die again so soon?

  "He scared me, Kali."

  "Why did he have to die again?"

  Overwhelmed by emotions, I dropped to my knees.

  I felt a hand on my shoulder as I sobbed.

  Part of it was Josh dying again, but all the other emotions and feelings I'd been bottling up came rushing out. The hand on my shoulder squeezed gently.

  I sniffled then looked up. Eric stared down at me, a somber expression on his face.

  "Are you okay?" he asked.

  "Yeah, but..."

  "I know. Maybe I should've watched him closer."

  "No, it's not your fault," I said as I stood.

  I threw my arms around Eric and squeezed tight.

  "We'll find him again," he said as he stroked my back.

  "I've got to leave," Drekmao said. "You should leave for Chong Monastery as soon as possible."

  "We'll leave now," Eric said. "Camp tonight then be ready to take out Magi Inyontoo in the morning."

  "And get rid of the pendant," I said.

  Evan, Ewen, Monde and Bernard walked over.

  "You guys still with us?" I asked.

  "Wouldn't miss it for the world," Bernard said.

  Drekmao nodded.

  "Good luck. You’ll need it."

  "Tell the Four Wizards hello for me," I said.

  "I will," the hobgoblin hero said. "Until we meet again."

  He walked away, heading toward the stables.

  "We'll rest and heal on the way to monastery. Bernard, make sure you charge that wand," Eric said.

  Bernard handed his wand of healing to me. I stuck in my staff to charge it up.

  "This will only give it a single charge for tomorrow," I said.

  "We need everything we can muster," Eric said.

  "I've got a few potions left," Evan said.

  "That's great," I said. "Let's get these carts hitched to horses. There's no telling what Magi Inyontoo will throw at us."

  "I'll go find someone to take care of the half-orc's body," Eric said.

  Thoughts of Josh entered my mind briefly. I pushed them aside to concentrate on the final portion of our quest. Magi Inyontoo would do anything to stop us from succeeding.

  I helped the others ready for the carts. When Eric returned, we left Castle Harubi and
headed toward the Chong Monastery. Not knowing what to expect, I prepared for anything.

  Two miles away, we stopped and pitched camp for the night. We needed to be fresh and ready for our final encounter. I hoped the last leg of our quest went smoother than the beginning.

  ▧▨▧▧▨▧▧▨▨▧▨▧▨▧▧▨▧▧▨▨▧▨

  In the morning, I woke before the others. They only gave me ten minutes to myself before they got up and ruined my silence and solitude.

  "You're never alone with me, Kali."

  Sometimes I like being alone, Charlotte.

  "Do you want me to leave?"

  "No," I said. "Don't be silly."

  "Monde not silly."

  The gnome's high-pitched voice still brought a smile to my face.

  "I know. Sorry. I was talking to someone else."

  Monde looked around the campfire, her brow furrowed.

  "Don't worry about it," I said as I stood. "Are we ready to do this?"

  "We need a plan," Eric said.

  "I know, but we have no information on the monastery."

  Eric stood and said, "Maybe I should go check it out first."

  I shook my head.

  "You shouldn't go alone."

  "I'll go with him," Evan said.

  As I thought about our lack of a solid plan, I saw someone approaching.

  "Someone's coming," I said.

  Eric pulled his new long sword.

  "Hold on," I said. "We don't know who it is yet."

  "It's not human," Bernard said.

  A three-foot tall humanoid with the head of a Terrier walked up and stopped in front of us.

  "Can we help you?" I asked.

  "It's a dogma," Eric said.

  I glanced over at him.

  "Huh?"

  "The creature is a dogma."

  "Smart human. My name is Eddie, and I've been sent to tell you to go away. Magi Inyontoo has fled the monastery," the creature yapped in common. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way."

  "Wait," Eric said. "Where are you going?"

  "Away from the monastery," Eddie said.

  He reached up with a paw and scratched his ear.

  "This is nuts," Ewen said. "Who is this bozo?"

  "I'm an unemployed henchman now," Eddie said. "You guys really scared Magi Inyontoo."

  We can't trust him, Kali.

  Oh? Why not?

  I don't like him.

  "We don't believe you," Eric said.

  Terry shrugged.

  "Believe what you want. I'm out of here. You can go check the monastery for all I care."

  "How rude," Charlotte said.

  The dogma turned to face me.

  "What did you say?"

  "It wasn't me," I said.

  Eddie shook his cute little head.

  "You're all pathetic. All of you."

  "Monde smash?"

  "Let him go," I said.

  "Yeah..." Eric nodded. "Something isn't right."

  As everyone talked at once, I missed when our smaller party.

  I lifted my hands in the air and shouted, "Quiet."

  Everyone turned their attention to me.

  "This is obviously a trap. We need to come up with a better plan."

  "We should go check out the monastery," Eric said. "That's the only way we’ll know what's up. Dogmas are known for lying and scheming."

  "You're the expert now, huh?"

  "He's right," Ewen said.

  "Monde hungry."

  Eddie strode back up and said, "Excuse me."

  We all looked down at him.

  "I couldn't help overhearing you say all dogmas are lying schemers."

  "Did I?" Eric asked, feigning innocence.

  "You did," Eddie said. "And I don't like it."

  He barked twice then bared his teeth.

  Eric laughed. I stepped forward.

  "We don't want any trouble from you, but we will protect ourselves," I said.

  Eddie glanced up at my staff and backed away.

  "Alright, then. I guess you're not interested in my map of the monastery."

  The dogma turned and took a few steps.

  "Hold on," I said. "You have a map?"

  Eddie stopped and turned.

  "I do. And it can be yours for the low price of ten gold."

  "Are you kidding?" Eric asked. "What's to stop us from taking it?"

  The dogma laughed.

  "Do you know who I am?"

  "No," Bernard said as he walked up. "Who are you?"

  "Eddie Ferengi is my name, and making deals is my game."

  I leaned over to Eric.

  "Can we trust this guy?"

  He nodded.

  "I think so."

  "Can we see your map first?" I asked.

  "Not until I see the gold," he said.

  "Monde get map."

  Eddie side-stepped to the left with his paws up.

  "No," I said. "We'll buy it."

  Even if we could've easily defeated the dogma, I wasn't sure there weren't others around. The game could've been testing us. Taking the map would be too easy.

  "I've got the gold," I said, reaching into my pouch.

  "We're not out?" Eric asked.

  "I kept a bit back for emergencies."

  Eddie walked forward, holding out his paw-like hand palm up.

  "The map," I said.

  He sighed as he pulled a rolled parchment out of his blue jumpsuit.

  Out of nowhere, Evan ran up behind Eddie and snatched the map.

  "Hey," Eddie said then barked as he backed away.

  "It's okay," I said. "Here's your money. Can you tell us anything else?"

  "The big boss in black robes is no joke. He's the reason I'm leaving my entire life behind."

  "Are there others at the monastery?" Eric asked.

  "Probably?" Eddie asked in a non-committal voice. "My memory is fuzzy."

  "Let me guess," Bernard said. "More gold will help jog it, right?"

  Eddie grinned, a freakish look on his canine-face.

  "I'm out of gold," I said.

  "Can I have one of your carts?"

  "Sure," I said.

  Eric looked at me, eyes narrowed into slits.

  "It's a rundown cart and won't bring me much gold, but it will do," Eddie said.

  "Bozo," Ewen muttered.

  I held out my hand.

  "Let me see the map, Evan."

  He walked over and handed it to me.

  "What else do you know about the monastery?" Eric asked. "It's convenient for you to have a map."

  "Hey, I've been planning to get out of that cult a while."

  I dropped the hand holding the map to my side.

  "Cult?"

  "The cult of Magictology."

  Eric looked at me. I glanced at Bernard.

  "You've not heard of it?" Eddie continued. "Crazy stuff. This fool in the black robes, the big boss, believes in a world where magic doesn't exist. Talk about loony."

  Eddie circled a finger to the right of his dog-head.

  "Magictology, huh?" I asked.

  "The biggest cult in the realms," Eddie said.

  Can we trust this dogma? I asked Charlotte.

  "He appears trustworthy."

  I glanced over at Eric.

  "Sounds like Magi Inyontoo for sure. Is he trying to break the game or something?"

  "I hope not," Bernard said. "There would be nothing worse than all the game characters walking around dropping pop-culture references to sound cool."

  "Right?" I shook my head. "Is this cult big, Eddie?"

  "It wasn't until a year ago. Now, everyone is scrambling to join."

  "How do we know you're not still working for the big boss?" Eric asked.

  Eddie sighed and pointed his thumbs toward his face.

  "Do sleeping dogs lie?" he asked.

  "Huh?"

  "It's a saying the big boss used. The whole story makes little sense at all."

 
"Can you condense the story for us?" I asked.

  Eddie laughed, barked, then laughed again.

  "He's no help," Eric said. "We need to study that map and come up with a plan."

  "Good luck storming the monastery," Eddie said. "I'm Audi Five-Thousand, Gee."

  The dogma turned and got into a cart.

  "Yah, yah," he yelled while flipping the reins.

  As he rode off, I opened the map.

  "It looks legit," I said.

  Eric walked over and looked down at the precisely drawn layout of the monastery.

  "Not much to it either," he said. "I'll come in here from the mountain side."

  "You don't have the ring of spider climbing anymore," I said.

  "It won't be easy, but I'll manage. Are you ready, Evan?"

  "We should all go," I said. "This is likely a trap, and we don't want to split the party."

  "Now that we have one," Bernard quipped.

  I glanced over as the others sat around the camp fire.

  "Let's eat a quick breakfast then ride to the monastery and check it out. If Magi Inyontoo fled, we need to chase him," I said.

  "And if he's there, we need to kill him. You still have the Dawn Acid, right?"

  "Yes, Eric. Do you think I would come all this way and forget it? Really?"

  He raised his hands defensively then turned and walked away.

  I double-checked my bag. Wouldn't that be my luck?

  The glass containers felt warm to the touch.

  Will this stuff work as advertised?

  In another hour, or less, we would find out.

  ▧▨▧▧▨▧▧▨▨▧▨▧▨▧▧▨▧▧▨▨▧▨

  After breakfast, I took Eric aside before we left for the monastery.

  "You were right," I said.

  His face perked up.

  "About us?"

  "No, about scouting. You should go ahead on your own. If you take Charlotte, you can use her to relay messages back to me and the rest of the team."

  "Charlotte will be our spider-phone?" he asked then grinned.

  "I'm not a phone," Charlotte said. "I don't even know what that is."

  "Don't worry about it," I said. "You need to go with Eric. We'll be close behind."

  "I'm scared, Kali."

  "Me too," I said.

  "You are?"

  "I am. That means we understand the danger. We'll be okay."

  "She won’t bite me, will she?" Eric asked.