Raging goblins were tough, but their flaws were glaring—they had no brains, just like mutated goblins, charging recklessly in battle.

According to the system, both types were corrupted variants after accidentally consuming polluted energy crystals. Bai Xia couldn’t help but wonder: what on earth could turn these little runts into hulking muscle giants instantly?

Curiosity aside, she stayed razor-focused mid-fight.

Facing raging goblins with high mobility, tough defense, and self-detonation risks—plus goblin archers lurking behind, waiting to strike—Bai Xia and Tianzheng quickly agreed: split them up, take them down one by one.

Like mutated goblins, raging ones ignored their own kind. Powerful yet utterly mindless—just like that foolish mutated goblin earlier that sabotaged its allies. Exploit that, and it became a lethal advantage.

True to their low-tier nature, the goblins’ minimal intelligence showed. Under Tianzheng’s deliberate maneuvering, the raging goblin charged back and forth, throwing the entire formation into chaotic disarray.

Seizing the confusion, Bai Xia leveraged her speed and smaller frame to swiftly eliminate the goblin archers hiding at the rear.

Truth was, those unassuming archers posed the biggest threat—simple attacks, but long range and dirty tactics.

Yet once closed in on, their danger plummeted. Their defense and health barely surpassed ordinary goblins.

The moment Bai Xia closed the distance, their fate was sealed.

After clearing the few archers, she didn’t return to Tianzheng. Instead, she turned her blade on the surrounding ordinary goblins.

With the rest swiftly cut down, the isolated raging goblin became nothing more than a walking bag of experience points.

After defeating the third raging goblin they’d encountered—and leveling up again—it dropped a peculiar item.

"Chain of Contract": A special item. Return to the starting village chief for possible clues.

Bai Xia tilted her head slightly, a hint of disappointment in her voice as she examined the silvery-white necklace. "…Thought it’d be actual jewelry. So this is what the chief lost?"

"This should be it," Tianzheng said, nodding at the necklace in her hand.

They’d felt a flicker of excitement when it dropped—but yep, the system stayed stingy as ever.

Bai Xia sighed in relief despite mild annoyance. At least they had the quest item. Grinding every single goblin down here? She’d have thrown up.

Naturally, they didn’t head back immediately after securing the item, nor push deeper right away. They chose to rest on the spot.

Hours of grinding had drained them—stamina dipped for both.

Especially Tianzheng: fighting, drawing aggro, constant positioning. His stamina had fallen below half, mental fatigue setting in.

In *Another World*, stamina was critical. Combat and travel drained it. As the 100-point meter dropped, other stats suffered. Drop below zero? Health would bleed continuously.

Thankfully, stamina could be restored: rest, priests’ "Holy Healing" skill (heals HP + slight stamina), or food. A flatbread or apple restored 20 points—cheap in the system shop.

Prepared as always, Tianzheng pulled two apples from his inventory and tossed one to Bai Xia.

She accepted without hesitation. Munching the apple, her thoughts drifted.

"Grinding with just two people… too exhausting. Too risky."

A full party was essential for dungeons—each role distinct. Tanks (high HP/defense) initiated after healers applied buffs, drawing aggro and soaking damage. Mages unleashed area spells, dealing damage and debuffs to ease the tank’s load. Warriors pressed forward, archers sniped from behind, assassins prioritized high-threat targets. Seamless teamwork made dungeons work.

Right now? Bai Xia held up fine, but Tianzheng carried double duty—warrior and tank, constantly holding aggro. Pressure mounted.

Lucky they hadn’t faced wide-area magic monsters. Outcome would’ve been uncertain.

For higher-level dungeons later? Recruiting other classes was non-negotiable.

Tianzheng finished his apple in two bites. "If you want a proper party… I’ve got a few good candidates."

"Oh?"

Bai Xia blinked. Tianzheng just smiled, offering no details. "Wait till we leave the starting village. My contacts are scattered across different ones."

"…So that special quest earlier—did one of them give it to you?"

Chuckling, Tianzheng stood, then ruffled her hair firmly when she wasn’t looking. "Sharp guess. But wrong."

Bai Xia swatted his hand away with a huff.

Fully restored, they pressed onward. Strangely, the next long stretch held not a single ordinary goblin.

The unnatural silence didn’t unsettle them—it sharpened their focus.

Unusual signs meant hidden danger. Something extraordinary lay ahead.

Just then, the tunnel’s end darkened.

The blue crystals embedded in walls and floor had turned pitch black.

From the darkness ahead, pairs of crimson eyes glowed.

"Finally… the right place."

The shifted atmosphere confirmed it: deepest chamber. BOSS lair.

Bai Xia let out a soft breath, eyes gleaming with anticipation.