Byung couldn't believe his luck. Even he knew this was incredibly good news, and without hesitation, he instantly attempted to get on board.
He provided them with the necessary information regarding the honey, primarily because something deep inside told him there would be a serious penalty if he failed to complete the task.
However, Gribnox remained skeptical. To him, it made no logical sense—how could something sweet, like honey, be used to treat an infection? That defied everything he understood.
It simply didn't add up, especially since Byung had nothing to gain by lying in this situation. If anything, he had far more to lose by going through with this.
Because if nothing happened, if the honey proved ineffective, then he'd be painting a big, bold target on his back.
Still, the cyan screen hung in the air, glowing faintly, prompting him to choose between [YES] and [NO] for the draw to begin.
Byung, curious about the outcome, thought about [YES]—and the system, as though reading his thoughts, responded accordingly. [YES] was instantly highlighted.
[Congratulations! You have drawn The Archivist's Gift!]
[The Archivist's Gift: This user can recall all minor inventions and their creation throughout the history of mankind from his world!]
[Upgradable: YES!]
Byung had been doing his best to create useful tools with the scraps of knowledge he still remembered. But now, the system had granted him something that would push him well beyond his previous limits.
With this gift, there was practically nothing he couldn't do. He felt unstoppable in this state, and a crooked smile slowly creased his face.
Gribnox noticed it and immediately felt uneasy. Something about the smile looked mischievous—almost like Byung was planning something sinister.
Murkfang had gone off to retrieve the honey himself, so it was just the two of them now.
"Don't have any funny ideas," Gribnox warned sharply.
Byung immediately straightened his expression. He didn't want to raise any suspicions, especially now. With this new power, he could create tools and machinery that would revolutionize mining in this world.
He hadn't been able to make any meaningful impact in his past life, but here—here, he had a real chance. He could make a difference, and leave a legacy.
There was no way he'd let himself be forgotten this time. It was just a matter of time before Murkfang returned with the honey.
When he did, Byung took it with care and applied it gently to the infected area.
He could feel Gribnox's body relax just seconds after the application. That was a good sign.
It gave Byung the confidence to continue his work, though he couldn't help but notice the eerie silence that settled over them.
Why were they so quiet all of a sudden? Was using this kind of remedy not allowed here? Were there rules they weren't talking about?
After all, they were the bosses of this mine—or at least, that's what it seemed like. So what could be scaring them?
Byung didn't ask. He was starting to understand the true potential of the system he'd been gifted.
"All done!" he announced with a bright smile. "You should be as good as new if you apply it consistently."
Murkfang stared at his friend in awe, as if Byung had just performed an ancient and forbidden act of black magic.
"How do you feel?" Murkfang asked.
Gribnox's entire demeanour changed in an instant. He jumped up, full of energy, and threw his arms around Byung in a big, unexpected hug.
That alone proved the treatment had worked.
"I am sorry about earlier! I was only trying to keep up appearances!" Gribnox said with sincerity.
He was, surprisingly, a very nice goblin—one of the kindest that Byung had encountered so far.
"I-It's fine!" Byung stammered, trying awkwardly to wriggle free from the hug.
But Gribnox's grip was stronger than expected, and Byung wasn't getting away that easily, even if he tried.
Murkfang watched the whole interaction with a grin on his face.
None of the goblins—not even Murkfang—had any idea what was coming for them.
"Hey! Stop right there!" barked one of the goblins stationed at the outer gate.
He had spotted a lone figure approaching from the distance and instinctively moved to intercept it.
Before the situation could escalate, the figure came to a halt. Whoever it was, they were travelling alone.
"Hey, are we expecting someone?" the goblin asked his fellow gatekeeper, glancing sideways with confusion.
There was no clear answer—none of them had been informed of an arrival.
"Um… maybe? Should we let them in?" the other goblin responded, clearly unsure.
Despite being goblins, most of them had never faced actual combat before.
"Of course not! We don't know what they're planning!" the first goblin snapped, clearly trying to take charge.
"It's just one person. What can they possibly do?" the second goblin said with a shrug.
"You know what? You're right. Right this way, sir!" the first goblin said, changing his mind with alarming speed.
He stepped aside, granting the stranger full access without another word.
This was a perfect example of why the average goblin hadn't advanced, despite the natural resources they possessed.
They lacked strategy, structure, and above all; caution.
The figure strolled forward but paused directly between the two guards.
He towered over them, easily measuring over 9'2", and the sheer size of him sent a wave of unease through their small bodies.
Both goblins gulped audibly the moment he stopped walking.
There was an oppressive aura surrounding this being, something incredibly heavy.
It pressed down on their chests, making it hard to breathe.
Something was wrong. Very wrong.
But what fate awaited them now?
What fate awaited the mine... and everyone within it?