Card simulation, starting with the Goblin Deserter

[Entered the "Goblin Deck" world]

[This simulation will continue until you lose a life; any performance in the simulation will affect deck changes.]

Enjoy the game!

-

Hayes opened his eyes and was greeted by a withered green arm—he had become a goblin.

Another time travel? No, the simulation has begun.

Hayes composed himself and was about to look around when he noticed a large, hairy goblin staring at him menacingly.

"Sagahara#&*!"

What are you babbling about?

Hayes was surprised to find that he could actually understand it; it seemed the simulator had translated it automatically.

"Come collect your gear, then get to the front lines, recruits!"

The front lines? They're fighting a war?

Before Hayes could think too much, a dozen goblins rushed forward, scrambling for a wooden stick at the goblin commander's feet.

Can this thing even be considered equipment?

Hayes inwardly complained, but outwardly remained at the back of the group, intending to imitate the behavior of the other goblins.

However, his slow and deliberate movements stood out from the other goblins, instantly attracting the attention of the goblin commander.

Before Hayes could react, the goblin, as strong as a lion or tiger, picked up a giant club and smashed it down on his head!

"Are you sluggish and trying to escape, you deserter!"

"Die!!"

boom!

The goblin used all its strength, and Hayes, who was caught off guard, was unable to dodge and died on the spot from the giant club.

Hayes died...

[This simulation has ended]

You have unlocked the new ending, "Deserter".

[Failed to obtain the serendipitous encounter]

[Goblin Deck Changes in Progress]

When Hayes opened his eyes again, he stared blankly at the familiar ceiling.

This is the dormitory for prospective students of the Zumaka Academy. As indicated on the panel, if you die in the simulation, you will return here.

He's dead... Are you kidding me?

Being killed for being a little slow in receiving equipment—what army would have such an absurd punishment!

Hayes sat up angrily in bed, a throbbing pain still lingering an inch behind his eyebrow.

Even in a simulation, the pain of death is real. That goblin named "Hays" must have its head blown apart by now...

The deck has been changed.

[Goblin Squad*1 → Goblin Deserter*1]

[Remaining simulation attempts for today: 2]

"Huh? My deck has changed?"

Hayes was taken aback and immediately flipped open his deck.

The "Goblin Deck" consists of twenty cards, one of which, originally a "Goblin Squad" card, is now faintly glowing.

When the light faded, the card's appearance had changed, along with its name and card effect.

【Card: Goblin Deserter】

[Rank: One-Star Common]

[Special Effect: Activating this card guarantees you will dodge the next attack, but you will lose the ability to use cards for three days.]

"Guaranteed to dodge the next attack... That's awesome?"

"Losing the ability to use cards for three days... What a useless card!!"

Hayes's expression shifted from joy to anger, then he laughed in exasperation: "Dodged an attack, but that doesn't mean you've won. Not being able to use cards is no different from admitting defeat!"

Well, one simulation opportunity for this "god-like" card, but he can't blame anyone else, since he didn't even survive five minutes in the simulation...

After calming himself down on the bed, Hayes fell into deep thought.

This world possesses the extraordinary power of "magic cards," and powerful card masters enjoy a social status beyond that of ordinary people.

The foundation of a card master lies in their mana reserves and powerful cards.

This simulator allows him to obtain rare cards that ordinary card players cannot acquire, so compared to that, the feeling of death is nothing at all.

"Let's keep simulating. At least I need to replace all the useless 'Goblin decks' I have," Hayes thought to himself.

Just then, footsteps came from outside the dormitory door; it was his roommate, Norton, returning.

Norton pushed open the door and entered. He saw Hayes lying on the bed and chuckled, teasing, "Meditated all morning? Expected to be good for next week's practical test?"

Before officially enrolling, prospective students at Zuma Academy will take two tests. Those who pass the written test will have the opportunity to participate in the practical test.

"No way, I overslept," Hayes replied dismissively.

"Haha, that explains why there wasn't a trace of magic flowing in the dorm."

Norton picked up a book from the table, smiled, and left, but his smile vanished as soon as he closed the door.

"Coming from a poor family and not even working hard, yet daring to apply to Zuma Academy? They're just taking up a spot..."

Inside the dormitory, Hayes also composed himself.

He sighed; having someone like that as a roommate was really troublesome.

Fortunately, the two were only temporary roommates, and they didn't have much interaction after the practical test.

Hayes shook his head and turned his attention back to the deck.

[Entered the "Goblin Deck" world]

[Remaining simulation attempts for today: 1]

A familiar feeling washed over him. When he opened his eyes again, Hayes saw the goblin commander who had taken his life.

This time, before the other person could even open their mouth, Hayes took the lead and ran over.

"Sir, give me my equipment, I want to go to the front lines!"

The goblin was taken aback, then overjoyed, and roared at the other goblins around it.

"Look at them, you all better learn from them!"

It picked up the stick and handed it to Hayes, saying approvingly, "Recruit, I have high hopes for you!"

You have received the blessing of the goblin "Kaka".

All encounters will be settled after the simulation ends.

Crack? You mean this burly goblin?

It actually blessed me, and I even got a reward at the end of the day!

Hayes was overjoyed and immediately stood up straight to salute and show his loyalty.

"Yes, sir!"

He happily accepted the weapon and stood aside, but to his surprise, not only Kaka, but also the goblins around him who had not yet received their equipment looked at him with astonishment.

Suddenly, Hayes had a bad feeling.

With a swift movement, Kaka appeared in front of Hayes, his large hands gripping Hayes' neck, his face grim.

"They got their gear, but didn't even shout 'Long live the Horde!'"

The overwhelming force left Hayes unable to resist, and with his throat being gripped, he experienced a sudden lack of oxygen to his brain.

"You betrayed the tribe!!"

With a roar, Kaka raised his giant club and sent Hayes back to reality.

[This simulation has ended]

You have unlocked the new ending, "Traitor".

You have received the serendipitous encounter "Kaka's Blessing"

[Goblin Deck Changes in Progress]

[Adventure rewards are being settled]

On his dormitory bed, Hayes clutched his neck and sat up abruptly, panting heavily, feeling utterly devastated.

In the first simulation, he died too quickly and didn't even see the goblins' reactions after receiving the equipment.

Who the hell would have thought that after receiving the gear, they'd still have to shout "Long live the Horde!"

He just wasted a simulation opportunity like that. Was that guy really not messing with him?!

"The nail that sticks out gets hammered down..." Hayes rubbed his aching neck, gritting his teeth. "Next time, I'll be the most inconspicuous one!"

All rewards have been processed and are awaiting collection.