So what if I am just a mob in a novel : I will get what I want

The jagged edges of the cave pressed in on all sides, the oppressive darkness swallowing every flicker of light. Mo Tang limped alongside Erin and Rishitha, her injured leg throbbing with every step. She hated this feeling—weakness.

Her grip tightened on the rock in her hand, the only semblance of a weapon she could muster. Her thoughts swirled like the faint mist that clung to the cave floor.

I shouldn't have followed her.

It wasn't that Mo Tang hated Rishitha—far from it. But her trust had been tested. She had followed Rishitha into this cave, believing in her quiet determination, her unwavering insistence that she had a plan.

Instead, they were lost. Her leg was injured. And every corner they turned seemed to promise a new nightmare.

But then Mo Tang glanced at Rishitha, her figure just ahead. The flickering torchlight highlighted her messy hair and tense shoulders, her trembling hands gripping the torch as though it was the only thing keeping her anchored.

She didn't look like a leader. She looked like someone carrying a weight far too heavy for her to bear.

She's scared too, Mo Tang realized.

The first rumble was faint, like distant thunder, but it made the hairs on Mo Tang's neck stand on end. Then came the violent tremor, shaking the very ground beneath them.

"Move!" Erin shouted, his voice slicing through the chaos.

Mo Tang tried to run, but her injured leg buckled beneath her. She stumbled forward, the pain sharp and immediate. Before she could scream, she felt arms wrap around her, pulling her close.

"Hang on!" Rishitha's voice was raw, strained, but steady.

Mo Tang felt herself being pushed, shielded, as rocks rained down around them. She clung to Rishitha, her heart hammering in her chest.

"Rishitha!" she cried out as the girl's body jerked violently from the impact of falling debris. She felt the tremor of each collision reverberate through Rishitha's frame.

The last thing she saw was Rishitha's face twisted in pain, blood trickling down her temple.

When the dust settled, Mo Tang was gasping for air, her body trembling. She opened her eyes slowly, the dim light from their fallen torch barely illuminating the scene.

"Rishitha?" she called, her voice cracking.

Her eyes landed on Rishitha, who was sprawled on the ground beside her, her arms still wrapped protectively around Mo Tang's smaller frame.

"Rishitha!" Mo Tang crawled over, ignoring the searing pain in her leg. She shook her friend gently, then harder when there was no response.

Blood streaked down Rishitha's face, mixing with the dirt and grime. Her breathing was shallow, her body unnaturally still.

"No, no, no." Mo Tang's voice broke as tears welled up in her eyes.

Why did she do this? Why did she throw herself into danger for me?

Mo Tang pressed her hands against Rishitha's wounds, as if her small palms could somehow stop the bleeding.

"Please… please, someone help us," she whispered, her tears falling freely.

Her words grew louder, more frantic. "Please, God, anyone, save her! She doesn't deserve this! She… she's the only one who…"

Her voice faltered as the sobs overtook her.

"She's the only one who believes in me," Mo Tang whispered, her voice cracking. "Please don't take her away."

Minutes felt like hours as Mo Tang sat beside Rishitha, clutching her hand tightly. Every shallow breath Rishitha took was both a relief and a torment, a cruel reminder of how fragile life was.

Mo Tang wiped her tears hastily, determination hardening her features.

"You're not allowed to die," she said firmly, her voice steadying. "Not after everything you've done. You dragged me out of my stupid decisions, you protected me, and now you're going to wake up and yell at me for being useless."

Her grip on Rishitha's hand tightened. "Because I'm not going to let you give up. Got it?"

Just as Mo Tang was about to break under the weight of her despair, she heard a sound—a scraping, followed by the shifting of stones above.

Her head snapped up, her heart pounding. Was it another collapse?

No. A boy with jet-black hair and piercing eyes appeared, his small figure silhouetted against the dim light filtering through the rubble. He looked no older than them, yet there was something unnervingly calm about his demeanor.

"Hey," he said, his voice light and casual as he started moving the rocks. "You two alive down there?"

Mo Tang blinked at him, stunned. "its you?"

The boy flashed a crooked smile. " Erin. Now, let's get you out before this whole place decides to fall on our heads again.

Erin worked quickly, his small frame belying his strength as he shifted the rubble with practiced ease. Despite the dire situation, he seemed unbothered, even teasing as he worked.

"You know," he said, glancing at Mo Tang, "I didn't think I'd be rescuing damsels in distress again. You sure know how to keep life interesting."

Mo Tang bristled, her cheeks flushing. "Damsels?! I was fine!"

Erin snorted. "Sure you were. With a busted leg and a pile of rocks on top of you. Very convincing."

Despite herself, Mo Tang felt a flicker of warmth at his teasing.

When Erin finally cleared the last of the rubble, he carefully helped Mo Tang stand, his hands surprisingly gentle despite his earlier sarcasm.

"You're heavier than you look," he muttered as he steadied her.

Mo Tang shot him a glare, but her attention quickly shifted back to Rishitha, who was still unconscious.

Erin crouched beside her, his expression softening as he examined her injuries. "She's tough," he said, almost to himself. "Tougher than most people I've met."

Mo Tang felt a lump rise in her throat. "She saved me," she whispered. "She didn't even think about herself."

Erin glanced up, his dark eyes meeting hers. "Then we owe her. Let's get her out of here."

With Rishitha cradled carefully in Erin's arms, the group began their slow ascent toward the surface. Mo Tang limped alongside him, her determination renewed.

As they moved forward, the oppressive darkness of the cave seemed to lift, replaced by a glimmer of hope.

Mo Tang glanced at Rishitha, her face pale but peaceful.

You're not allowed to leave us. We still need you.

And for the first time in what felt like forever, Mo Tang allowed herself to believe they might just make it.

The cave loomed like the maw of some ancient beast, its jagged walls slick with condensation. A faint, acrid scent clung to the air, mingling with the metallic tang of blood. Every sound—a rock shifting, the drip of water from unseen cracks—felt amplified, echoing ominously in the cavernous space.

Mo Tang's body trembled with exhaustion, her injured leg dragging behind her like dead weight. The muscles in her arms ached from gripping the makeshift weapon—a jagged piece of stone that now felt useless against the overwhelming weight of their predicament.

The ground beneath her suddenly trembled, a low, guttural rumble that vibrated through her bones. Mo Tang's eyes darted upward in terror as cracks spiderwebbed across the ceiling, small pebbles raining down like a harbinger of the chaos to come.

"Move!" Erin's shout cut through the deafening roar, but Mo Tang's body betrayed her. Her injured leg gave way, sending her sprawling onto the hard ground. Pain lanced through her, sharp and searing, as she braced herself with trembling hands.

She tried to rise, her breath coming in ragged gasps, but her vision blurred from the pain and panic. She felt the vibrations of the earth intensify, the distinct crunch of rock giving way under immense pressure.

And then, arms encircled her, pulling her against a warm, trembling chest.

"I've got you," Rishitha's voice was hoarse, raw with strain.

Mo Tang barely had time to process what was happening before Rishitha's grip tightened. She felt the other girl's arms wrap securely around her torso, her movements sharp and desperate as she turned her body to shield Mo Tang from the raining debris.

"Hold on!" Rishitha's voice was almost drowned out by the cacophony of falling rocks, but Mo Tang could hear the strain in it—the fear and the resolve.

The world spun as they fell. Mo Tang squeezed her eyes shut, clinging to Rishitha as her body jolted with each collision against the jagged rocks. She could feel every impact reverberating through Rishitha's frame, the sickening crunch of stone against flesh.

Mo Tang's senses were overwhelmed—the sharp sting of dust filling her nose and throat, the metallic tang of blood on her lips, the oppressive weight of the collapsing cave. Her heart thundered in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the chaos around her.

She felt the moment Rishitha hit the ground first, her body cushioning Mo Tang's landing. The sharp exhale of air from Rishitha's lungs sent a cold wave of dread through Mo Tang.

When the dust finally settled, an eerie silence blanketed the cavern. Mo Tang opened her eyes slowly, the dim glow of their fallen torch flickering weakly in the suffocating darkness.

She pushed herself up, every movement a struggle against the pain radiating from her leg. Her hands shook as she turned to look at Rishitha.

Her breath caught in her throat.

Rishitha lay sprawled on the ground, her arms still wrapped protectively around Mo Tang. Her face was pale, streaked with blood and grime, her chest rising and falling in shallow, labored breaths.

"Rishitha?" Mo Tang's voice cracked as she reached out, her fingers trembling as they brushed against Rishitha's cheek. The skin was warm, but too pale.

"Please," she whispered, tears blurring her vision. She shook Rishitha gently, then harder. "Wake up! Don't you dare leave me here!"

Mo Tang's tears fell freely as she pressed her hands against Rishitha's wounds, her fingers slick with blood. The metallic scent filled her senses, choking her as she tried to think.

Her hands balled into fists, slamming weakly against the ground beside her. "Why? Why did you do this?!"

Her voice grew louder, her cries echoing in the cavern. "Please, God, anyone! Don't take her away! She doesn't deserve this!"

The desperation in her voice cracked something inside her. She wasn't used to feeling this helpless, this out of control.

"Please…" she whispered, her head bowing as sobs wracked her small frame. "She saved me. She didn't even think about herself. Please don't let her die for it."

Her desperate prayers were interrupted by the faint sound of rocks shifting above. Mo Tang's head snapped up, her heart skipping a beat.

Was it another collapse?

No. A figure appeared amidst the rubble, bathed in the faint glow of torchlight.

It was a boy, his hair jet black and slightly tousled, his eyes sharp and piercing. He looked no older than them, but there was an air of calm confidence about him that immediately set him apart.

"Hey," he said casually, his voice cutting through the tension. "You two alive down there?"

Mo Tang stared at him, her tears momentarily forgotten. "Who… who are you?"

The boy flashed a crooked smile, his white teeth gleaming against the grime on his face. "Call me Erin."

He crouched down and began moving the rubble with surprising ease. Despite the dire situation, he radiated an almost infuriating sense of composure.

"Don't just sit there staring," he teased, glancing at Mo Tang. "Unless you want me to do all the work?"

As Erin worked, Mo Tang felt a flicker of something she hadn't felt since the cave began to collapse—hope.

She wiped her tears roughly, her voice still shaky as she muttered, "I-I can help."

Erin smirked, his dark eyes twinkling. "Now that's the spirit."

When they finally cleared enough rubble to reach Rishitha, Erin gently lifted her into his arms. Mo Tang followed, her injured leg dragging slightly, but her resolve stronger than ever.

She glanced back at Rishitha's unconscious form, her chest tightening with guilt and gratitude.

You're not allowed to leave me. Not now. Not after everything you've done.

As they moved toward the faint light of the surface, the oppressive darkness of the cave began to fade, replaced by the faint glimmer of hope.

Rishitha groaned softly, her consciousness drifting in and out as a soft chime echoed in her mind. She didn't need to open her eyes to know what it was. The System's robotic voice rang clearly in her head, firm and unyielding, an intrusive contrast to the quiet hum of her pain.

[System Alert: Pending Missions]

Main Mission: Survival in Forest

Status: Incomplete Deadline: 10 days remaining Objective: Survive in the forest. Reward: Explanation of world basics, general map, token of mercenary, 100 coins.

Side Mission: Protect Mo Tang in the Cave

Status: Completed Reward: +150 points, +5 Luck, Basic Healing Potion added to inventory.

Hidden Mission: Shield Another in Dire Peril

Status: Completed Reward: Passive Skill Activated: "Guardian's Will" - Reduces incoming damage by 10% when protecting others.

Hidden Mission: Forge a Bond of Trust

Status: Completed Reward: +10 Charisma, Unlock new dialogue options in certain interactions.

Hidden Mission: Avoid Triggering the Cave's Traps

Status: Completed Reward: Skill Scroll: "Basic Trap Detection."

[System Note: All missions have been successfully completed thus far. Failure remains unacceptable.]

A golden interface shimmered faintly before her eyes, even as her limbs ached and her head throbbed. She was barely able to think, but the System didn't relent.

Rishitha blinked through the haze of pain, staring at the floating notifications. The soft light from the interface illuminated her bruised, blood-streaked hands. Each completed mission was a small triumph, but the System's unyielding tone made it clear: resting was not an option.

She exhaled shakily, her throat dry and scratchy. "I've done everything you asked," she whispered, her voice raw.

But the System, emotionless and persistent, provided no comfort.

[Remaining Main Mission Objective: Survive.]

Her fingers twitched, clenching into weak fists. Every mission listed—each success—was a reminder of how much she had already endured. The rewards were useful, but they felt hollow compared to the toll it took on her body and spirit.

"I didn't fail," she murmured, her eyes fluttering shut for a moment as she took a shaky breath. "I haven't failed…"

But there was no room for complacency, not in this world.

Mo Tang glanced at Rishitha's pale face as they moved through the cavern. Her heart clenched with guilt, gratitude, and a spark of admiration. She's doing all of this to keep us alive.

"Is she… okay?" Erin asked, breaking the tense silence. His sharp eyes softened for a moment, though his casual demeanor remained.

"She's strong," Mo Tang replied, her voice steady, though her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted Rishitha's arm. "But… this place doesn't let us stop."

As the System processed the completed missions, Rishitha's body emitted a faint, golden glow. Her injuries—though not fully healed—felt marginally less severe, the pain dulling slightly as the rewards kicked in.

Mo Tang gasped, her eyes widening. "What's happening to her?"

"She's… leveling up," Erin said, his brows furrowed as he studied Rishitha's glowing form. "Or something close to it."

The System chimed again, a robotic yet resolute voice echoing through Rishitha's mind:

[Rewards Applied. Continue forward, Host. Failure is not an option.]

As the glow subsided, Rishitha's breathing steadied, though her eyes remained closed. Despite her exhaustion, her lips curled into a faint, weary smile.

She hadn't failed. Not yet. 

The cavern rumbled faintly, the sound of countless tiny claws scraping against stone echoing ominously through the air. Rishitha felt her stomach twist as she spotted the glimmering red eyes of the advancing swarm. The rats were back—larger, angrier, and seemingly endless.

Mo Tang, still favoring her injured leg, raised her makeshift weapon with a grimace. "Not again," she muttered, her voice laced with pain.

Erin, already in position, spun his sword with practiced ease. "Stay close, both of you. We can't let them surround us."

Rishitha's gaze flicked to Mo Tang. Her friend's face was pale, beads of sweat dotting her forehead. The earlier injury hadn't healed completely, and each movement seemed to cost her dearly. She can't keep this up, Rishitha thought, panic bubbling in her chest.

But there was no time to strategize. The rats surged forward, their shrill squeals piercing the air.

The first rat lunged at Erin, its sharp teeth aiming for his arm. He sidestepped smoothly, his blade slicing through the air with precision. The creature fell with a guttural screech.

Rishitha swung her own stick awkwardly, managing to fend off a smaller rat. But another darted toward her from the side, its claws raking across her arm. She yelped, stumbling back.

Mo Tang stepped in, her injured leg wobbling as she swung her weapon in a wide arc. "Stay behind me, Rishitha!" she shouted.

"No!" Rishitha snapped, her voice shaking but resolute. "You're hurt! I—"

Her words were cut off as a rat leaped toward Mo Tang, its sharp claws glinting. Without thinking, Rishitha lunged forward, her stick crashing down on the rat with surprising force.

As the chaos unfolded, Rishitha fumbled for the small pouch at her side. Her fingers brushed against the cool glass of a potion.

The System's voice chimed in her head, cold and detached:

[Recommendation: Administer potion to injured ally to optimize survival probability.]

"I know!" she hissed under her breath, pulling the potion free.

She ducked under Erin's sweeping attack, narrowly avoiding a rat as she skidded to Mo Tang's side. "Take this!" she said, thrusting the potion toward her friend.

Mo Tang blinked at her, confusion and gratitude flashing in her eyes. "But you—"

"No arguments!" Rishitha interrupted, her voice firm despite the trembling in her hands. "Drink it, now!"

Mo Tang hesitated for a heartbeat before uncorking the bottle and gulping down the glowing liquid.

As the potion took effect, a faint golden light surrounded Mo Tang. Her breathing steadied, and some of the color returned to her face. The pain in her leg visibly lessened, allowing her to stand straighter.

"Rishitha…" Mo Tang's voice wavered, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "You didn't have to—"

"I did," Rishitha cut her off, her gaze hard and determined. "We're not getting out of here unless we work together. You're stronger than me, and we need that strength."

With Mo Tang revitalized, their coordination began to improve. Erin shouted orders, his voice sharp and authoritative: "Focus on the weak points! Don't waste energy!"

Rishitha, despite her fear, began to find her rhythm. She used her stick to keep the rats at bay, relying on quick jabs and frantic swings. Mo Tang, now steadier, fought with renewed vigor, her weapon landing solid blows that sent rats scattering.

The tide of rats seemed endless, but their movements began to slow as the group found their footing. They learned to move in sync, backing each other up and creating a defensive formation.

Rishitha noticed the subtle change, her heart lifting despite the exhaustion weighing her down. We're doing it. We're actually doing it.

The final rat fell with a pitiful squeak, and silence descended over the cavern. The three of them stood panting, their weapons dripping with blood

Mo Tang turned to Rishitha, her expression a mixture of relief and admiration. "You saved me. Twice now," she said softly.

Rishitha shook her head, her lips curling into a faint, weary smile. "We saved each other."

Erin, leaning casually on his sword, smirked. "Touching moment, ladies. But can we have this heartfelt conversation somewhere not covered in rat guts?"

Rishitha let out a shaky laugh, her tension easing slightly. Despite everything, they were still standing. They had survived. For now.

The System's voice chimed again in her mind:

[Mission Update: Teamwork Established. Bonus Reward Pending. Continue advancing to complete objectives.]

Rishitha sighed. No rest for the weary.

The cave was suffocating, its air thick with dust and the earthy scent of wet stone. Erin's boots crunched over the loose debris as he pressed forward, his eyes adjusting to the dim light filtering from somewhere above.

A muffled sound reached his ears—whimpering, barely audible but unmistakable. He paused, his body tensing. His hand instinctively gripped the hilt of his sword, its cool metal grounding him.

------------------------

Someone's alive down here.

He debated for a moment. He didn't have to help. He wasn't even sure why he cared. But something about the faint desperation in those cries pulled him forward.

When he cleared the last of the rubble, his breath caught.

Two figures lay beneath the collapsed stones. The smaller one—a girl with unruly black hair and a face smeared with dirt—was curled protectively around her injured leg. Her eyes darted toward him, fierce and wary, her chin jutting up as if daring him to say something about the tears clinging to her lashes.

Despite her clear pain, she radiated a stubborn defiance. Her lips pressed into a thin line as she shifted to block his view of the unconscious girl she held.

The other girl was a stark contrast. Blood streaked her temple, dripping onto her pale cheek. Her arms were wrapped tightly around the smaller girl, her grip so strong it looked like she was clinging to life itself.

Erin crouched down, his heart inexplicably heavier at the sight. He reached out to move some rubble, but the conscious girl snapped, "Who the hell are you?"

He couldn't help the smirk tugging at his lips. "Your rescuer," he said, his voice light, even teasing

As he cleared the stones, the unconscious girl stirred. Her lashes fluttered weakly, revealing eyes hazy with exhaustion. She glanced up at him, her expression dazed but soft.

"Who…?" she whispered, her voice like a faint breeze.

For a moment, he couldn't look away. Her vulnerability was raw and unguarded, yet there was an undeniable strength beneath it.

"Call me Erin," he murmured, his usual sarcasm slipping.

Her lips curved into a faint smile before her head lolled back against the stones. He shook his head, forcing himself to focus.

Stop staring, idiot. They're just survivors.

Once the rubble was cleared and they were free, the black-haired girl—Mo Tang—brushed herself off and scowled at him. "Took you long enough. What were you doing, counting the rocks?"

Erin raised an eyebrow, his lips quirking. "You're welcome, by the way. But next time, I'll leave you to enjoy the ambiance."

Mo Tang glared but didn't retort. Instead, she turned her attention to the unconscious girl leaning against him. The worry in her eyes softened the hard edges of her face.

"Is she…?" Mo Tang asked, her voice trembling just enough for Erin to notice.

"She's alive," he said, his tone steady. "She'll be fine."

Carrying Rishitha out of the collapsed area was harder than he expected. She was light, but her grip on his arm was unrelenting, even in her unconscious state. Her fingers curled as though she were still trying to shield someone.

Erin glanced at her dirt-streaked face, the bruises forming along her arms, the way her head lolled against his chest.

She protected the other girl at her own expense, he thought, a flicker of admiration sparking in his chest. Stupidly brave.

When they reached a safer spot, Rishitha stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, their hazel depths locking onto his.

"You…" she murmured, her voice weak but grateful.

He raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, me. Try not to look too impressed."

Her lips twitched into a faint smile before she slipped back into unconsciousness.

As they traveled deeper into the cave, Erin couldn't help but glance back at the girls.

Mo Tang was sharp-tongued and fiery, but the way she hovered around Rishitha told him everything he needed to know about her loyalty. She walked with a slight limp, but she didn't complain. Instead, she snapped at him when he teased her, her sharp retorts keeping the tension from swallowing them whole.

Rishitha, on the other hand…

Erin didn't know what to make of her. She flinched at every shadow and stumbled over loose stones, but there was something about her that caught his attention.

When the rats attacked, she was the first to panic. But even in her fear, she stood between Mo Tang and danger, swinging her torch with shaking hands.

She's scared out of her mind, he thought, but she won't back down.

After the fight, Erin sat against the cave wall, his sword resting on his lap. Mo Tang was tending to Rishitha's scratches, her expression unusually gentle.

Erin watched the unconscious girl, her face pale and drawn but peaceful. He didn't understand why, but every time she stumbled, every time she flinched, he felt an urge to protect her.

She's different, he realized. But why does that matter to me?

"Thanks for saving us," Mo Tang said suddenly, her voice breaking his thoughts.

Erin glanced at her, his usual smirk returning. "Don't mention it. Just don't expect me to carry you both next time."

She rolled her eyes but didn't argue.

As they prepared to move on, Erin's gaze lingered on Rishitha one last time.

Hero, huh? he thought, gripping his sword. Maybe for now.