Cultivation of Goblin

The Earth Elemental rumbled, its massive form beginning to stir. Its stony 'face,' devoid of features, seemed to turn towards him, a silent, ancient fury building within its core. He continued to siphon essence, a defiant challenge against its immense, raw power.

His [Earth Sense (F)] screamed. The elemental's essence, usually a deep, calm hum, now vibrated with unrestrained power. It felt like a mountain waking.

Suddenly, a massive, stony fist, slow but unstoppable, began to rise from the cavern floor. It moved with the weight of ages, aimed directly at his tiny form.

[Notification]: Threat Level Upgraded: Extreme. Host is advised to retreat.

Retreat? Never. He might be small, but his mind was sharp. He channeled Mana into [Minor Earth Manipulation (E)]. He didn't try to stop the fist. That was impossible. Instead, he focused on the ground beneath the elemental.

With a surge of effort, he caused a deep crack to appear in the cavern floor, directly where the elemental's stony foot was planted. It wasn't enough to trip it, but it was enough to cause a momentary instability. The elemental's massive foot slipped slightly. The rising fist wavered.

It roared, a sound like grinding stone and shifting earth, filled with pure, unadulterated rage. It focused its slow, deliberate attack again, sensing the tiny, irritating presence.

He darted back, weaving through the chasm's natural rock formations. He was faster now, his Agility (1.8) making him a blur in the darkness. He ducked behind a towering stalagmite, the elemental's fist slamming into the rock where he'd been a moment before, sending a shower of dust and debris.

This wasn't about fighting. It was about annoyance. About distraction. About drawing its power, bit by bit.

He continued his tactic, popping out from cover to siphon more essence from the glowing nodes, then retreating before the elemental could fully bring its slow, crushing force to bear. Each siphoned surge invigorated him, bringing him closer to his next breakthrough.

The elemental became more frantic, its movements more desperate. It knew its essence was being stolen, but it couldn't catch the minuscule thief. Its roars of frustration echoed through the chasm, shaking the very air.

He laughed, a harsh, guttural sound that surprised even himself. This was pure exhilaration. This was power. He was not just surviving; he was dominating. He was making a Mid-Grade Elemental dance to his tune.

As the elemental thrashed, blindly striking at the rock around him, he noticed new fissures appearing in its own stony body. Not from his attacks, but from its own unbridled fury, its uncontrolled power.

A new idea sparked in his mind, cold and calculating. What if he could not just steal its essence, but control it? Not the elemental itself, but the very earth that formed it.

The thought was audacious. Dangerous. But the potential reward was immense. He pushed his mana into [Earth Sense], feeling the intricate web of essence that bound the elemental together. He was not just fighting for survival. He was fighting for mastery.