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

The air in the cave felt alive, pulsing with the weight of the battles they had fought and the ones still to come. Rishitha's movements slowed but grew more precise, every step an act of defiance against her body's cries for rest. Her breaths were shallow, each one dragging in the stench of blood and damp earth, but she refused to let the suffocating air deter her.

The ache in her muscles and the burn in her wounds were no longer barriers—they were reminders. They told her that she was alive, that every breath and every step meant she was closer to her goal.

"I'm becoming stronger."

The words were a whisper at first, slipping from her cracked lips like a prayer. But as she repeated them, they gained strength, carried by the fire burning in her chest.

Her fingers tightened into fists, nails digging into her palms. The blood and dirt that coated them didn't bother her anymore. They were symbols of her struggle, proof that she had fought and survived.

Her back straightened as she rose to her full height. It wasn't much—her body was battered, her frame trembling—but she felt unshakable. Her eyes, despite the exhaustion pulling at them, burned with a fire that refused to be extinguished.

Erin, leaning against the wall nearby, caught sight of her. He had seen her falter, stumble, and bleed, but what he saw now was different.

Rishitha stood like a beacon in the dim cave, her silhouette framed by the faint glow of the distant treasure chamber. Her shoulders were squared, her head held high, and her fists clenched tightly by her sides.

For a moment, Erin forgot the pain in his own body. He watched her, a flicker of admiration—and something deeper—lighting his dark eyes.

"She's not just surviving," he muttered under his breath, his voice low enough that even he wasn't sure he had spoken. "She's fighting."

"I'll save my family," Rishitha declared, her voice growing louder with every word. "I'll save myself. And I'll see the light at the end of this cave—no matter what."

The cavern seemed to hold its breath at her proclamation. The distant echoes of dripping water paused, as if even the earth itself was listening.

The system, ever the cold observer, was silent. But Rishitha could feel something shift—a faint hum, almost imperceptible, that seemed to resonate with her determination.

[Acknowledged.]

It wasn't praise, but it wasn't dismissal either. It was the system's way of marking her resolve, a silent acknowledgment of the fire she had rekindled within herself.

Each step forward felt monumental. The jagged stones beneath her feet cut into her soles, but she didn't falter. Her hands, bloodied and raw, brushed against the cave walls for balance. Every movement was deliberate, every breath an act of will.

The cave wasn't just a physical challenge anymore—it was a representation of the walls she had faced her entire life.

The walls of societal expectations that told her she wasn't enough.

The walls of her father's abuse and the relatives' disdain.

The walls of her own self-doubt, whispering that she could never rise above it all.

But walls could be climbed.

"I'm not a genius," Rishitha said aloud, her voice steady despite the strain in her body. "I'm not extraordinary. But I don't have to be."

She paused, her hand pressing firmly against the rough stone for support. Her lips curled into a faint, determined smile.

"I'm unstoppable."

The words weren't loud, but they carried the weight of her journey—the years of hardship, the nights of despair, and the moments of fleeting hope.

Erin and Mo Tang exchanged glances. They were both battered, both exhausted, but there was something about Rishitha that made them stand a little taller, breathe a little deeper.

"She's crazy," Mo Tang muttered, but there was no malice in her voice—only a grudging respect.

"Crazy works," Erin replied with a smirk.

The faint glow of the treasure chamber grew brighter, each step bringing them closer. The weight of the cave seemed to lift ever so slightly, as if it, too, recognized their determination.

Rishitha didn't look back. She didn't need to. She could feel Erin and Mo Tang behind her, their presence a silent promise that they were in this together.

Her body ached, her wounds throbbed, but her spirit blazed.

And as they moved forward, the system's hum grew louder, a subtle reminder that her fight was far from over—but so was her resolve.

They would reach the light. Together.

The air in the cave felt thicker than before, oppressive and stifling. It wasn't just the stale air or the lingering stench of blood—it was the weight of despair that had settled in after so many relentless battles. Yet even in the suffocating darkness, there was a faint glimmer of hope that kept Rishitha moving forward.

Her knees wobbled with every step, her body screaming for rest. The rat bite on her neck had stopped bleeding, but it throbbed with a dull, persistent pain that reminded her she wasn't invincible. Her breath came in short gasps, each one sharper and more ragged than the last. But she kept moving, the faint glow of the treasure chamber in the distance acting as her beacon.

A sudden sound—a sharp gasp—made her pause. She turned to see Erin staring at her, his sword slack in his hand. His eyes, sharp and calculating as ever, softened in disbelief as he looked her over.

"You're still standing?" he asked, his voice low but tinged with a rare vulnerability.

Rishitha forced a smile, her lips cracked and dry. "Rest is for the dead," she managed to say, her voice hoarse and brittle. "And I'm not dead yet."

The words were bravado, but they carried a truth she refused to deny. No matter how close she felt to collapsing, she wouldn't stop.

Mo Tang moved closer, her steps hesitant at first but steadying as she reached Rishitha's side. The woman's eyes, normally filled with sharp wit or teasing, softened with something gentler—concern. Her hand reached out but stopped just short of Rishitha's shoulder, as if afraid to cause her more pain.

"You're pushing yourself too far," Mo Tang said, her voice quieter than usual. Her brows knitted together as she scanned Rishitha's injuries, the blood-streaked armor, the trembling limbs. "You can't keep this up forever."

Rishitha chuckled dryly, though the sound was more of a wheeze. "Forever? No. Just long enough."

Mo Tang shook her head but didn't argue. Instead, she stepped closer, her hand finally settling lightly on Rishitha's arm. "We're not letting you fight alone anymore."

Erin smirked, his usual arrogance tempered by a flicker of admiration. He stepped forward, the faint light of the treasure chamber catching on the edge of his sword.

"Damn right," he said, his voice steady. "Let's finish this together."

For once, there was no teasing in his tone, no sarcastic quip. He looked at both women, his dark eyes glinting with determination. They were a mess—bloodied, bruised, and barely holding on—but they were still standing.

"We've come this far," Erin continued, adjusting his grip on his sword. "We might as well make it worth something."

The air shifted again, colder this time, as a low rumble echoed through the cavern. Shadows danced on the walls, their movements sharp and erratic. The faint skittering sound that had haunted them for hours grew louder, more insistent.

"They're coming," Mo Tang said, her voice tight.

Erin rolled his shoulders, his blade raised. "Let them."

Rishitha felt the weight of exhaustion pressing down on her again, but she shoved it aside. Her fingers curled around the hilt of her dagger, slick with her own blood. She could barely hold it steady, but she refused to let go.

The first wave hit fast, the swarm of oversized rats surging toward them with a ferocity that made the previous attacks seem tame.

Erin was the first to move, his blade cutting through the darkness with practiced precision. "Stay behind me!" he barked, his movements fluid and deliberate.

Mo Tang, despite her injuries, held her ground beside him. Her strikes were efficient, her magic weaving through the air to thin the swarm before they could overwhelm them.

Rishitha felt her legs buckle, but she forced herself to stay upright. The rats closed in from all sides, their glowing red eyes like embers in the darkness. She swung her dagger with what strength she had left, each strike driven more by willpower than skill.

One of the larger creatures lunged at her, its claws aimed for her throat. She barely managed to dodge, her body twisting awkwardly as she fell to one knee.

"Rishitha!" Erin's voice was sharp, almost panicked. He surged toward her, slicing through the rat before it could land another strike.

"Get up!" he yelled, his voice cutting through the chaos.

Rishitha gritted her teeth, the taste of copper heavy on her tongue. Her vision blurred, but she forced herself to focus. She planted her hands on the ground, pushing herself back to her feet.

"I'm not done yet," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

The battle raged on, the waves of rats seemingly endless. Erin's movements grew slower, his strikes less precise. Mo Tang's magic faltered, the glow around her hands dimming.

"We can't keep this up," Mo Tang panted, her voice laced with exhaustion.

Erin didn't respond, his focus entirely on keeping the swarm at bay.

Rishitha's breathing was labored, her body swaying as she struggled to stay upright. But her eyes burned with determination. She wouldn't fall here. She couldn't.

A sudden tremor shook the cave, the ground beneath them cracking. The faint glow of the treasure chamber grew brighter, as if beckoning them forward.

"There!" Erin shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.

Mo Tang nodded, her eyes narrowing as she summoned what little strength she had left. "If we can make it there…"

Rishitha didn't wait for the rest of the sentence. She pushed forward, her legs threatening to give out with every step.

The swarm surged after them, but the light of the treasure chamber grew brighter still, its warmth cutting through the cold darkness.

"We're almost there!" Erin called out, his voice filled with desperate hope.

And despite the pain, the exhaustion, and the fear, Rishitha smiled.

"We're not just surviving," she whispered to herself. "We're winning."

And with one final push, they plunged into the light.

The treasure cave was a place out of legend, but there was no glory to be found in the suffocating air thick with dread. Every breath was a struggle, every movement a gamble against the towering shadow rat that loomed before them. Its black fur glistened under the dim glow of faint magical crystals embedded in the walls, its red eyes piercing through the gloom like twin infernos of malice.

Rishitha stumbled forward, the weight of exhaustion pressing down on her like an iron shackle. Blood dripped steadily from the gash on her arm, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps. Her grip on the dagger felt slippery and weak, but her resolve held firm.

"I'll protect them," she muttered under her breath, her voice shaking but her will unbroken. "I'll save my family, no matter what."

Her dagger glinted faintly as she raised it, preparing for another desperate charge. Yet her exhaustion betrayed her at the worst moment; her grip faltered, and the blade slipped from her grasp. The sound of it clattering against the stone floor echoed in the vast chamber, each clang a cruel reminder of her frailty.

"Why can't I improve anymore?" The thought tore through her, sharper than the rat's claws had ever been. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she forced herself upright once more.

Her knees wobbled under her weight, but she refused to let them buckle. "Even if everyone belittles me… even if it's hopeless… I'll be someone who tried. I'll be someone who didn't give up."

The rat growled low, sensing her hesitation, and lunged. Its massive claws raked the air inches from her face as she dove to the side. Her heart pounded in her chest as she rolled to her feet, her eyes darting toward her fallen dagger.

"Rishitha, stop being reckless!" Erin shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. He stood a few paces away, his hands trembling as he gripped an old iron sword. His breaths were heavy, but his focus was sharp. "We'll get nowhere if you die here!"

"I'm not planning to die!" Rishitha shot back, her voice laced with defiance.

Erin felt the strain in his arms as he held his sword, the weight more mental than physical. They weren't prepared for this fight—not with these weapons, not with their current abilities, and certainly not with Rishitha throwing herself headlong into danger.

"She's reckless," he muttered, shaking his head as he tightened his grip. "But damn it, there's something in her eyes…"

That fire in her—raw, untamed, and utterly fearless—was unlike anything he'd seen before. It made him feel… inadequate. Despite the blood streaking her face and the exhaustion in her limbs, she kept going.

"Focus, Erin," he hissed to himself, steeling his nerves.

When the rat's attention shifted to Rishitha again, he seized the opportunity. With a quick sidestep, he closed the distance between himself and the beast, aiming for its flank. His sword swung in a clean arc, and the blade bit into the creature's hide.

The rat roared in pain, its bulk jerking violently, but the wound wasn't deep enough to slow it down. Erin cursed under his breath.

"Rishitha, distract it! Mo Tang, cover me!"

Mo Tang watched the chaos unfold, her heart pounding in her chest. She wasn't a fighter—at least, not yet. Her movements were hesitant, her hands unsteady as she gripped a broken staff she'd picked up earlier.

But watching Rishitha fight like a cornered lioness and hearing Erin bark commands with the confidence of a leader stirred something deep within her.

"I have to help," she whispered, swallowing her fear.

Her gaze flickered to the rat's erratic movements, and she noticed its patterns—how it favored its left side after Erin's strike, how its snarls turned to growls just before it lunged.

"I can use this," she thought, stepping into position.

As the rat turned toward Erin, Mo Tang shouted to draw its attention. "Over here, you oversized vermin!"

Her voice cracked, but it worked. The rat's head snapped toward her, and she flinched as its glowing eyes locked onto her. For a brief, terrifying moment, she thought she'd made a fatal mistake.

But then Rishitha moved.

With the rat's attention divided, Rishitha dove for her dagger, snatching it up in one swift motion. Her fingers tightened around the hilt as she charged forward, her movements wild but determined.

"Now!" Erin shouted.

Rishitha's dagger struck first, plunging into the rat's hind leg. The creature shrieked in rage and pain, whipping around to face her. But Erin was already in position, his sword slicing through its other leg in a calculated strike.

The rat staggered, its massive body swaying as it struggled to stay upright. Mo Tang didn't hesitate; she swung her staff at its head with all her strength. The blow wasn't enough to kill it, but it disoriented the creature, sending it crashing to the ground.

"Keep going!" Rishitha yelled, her voice hoarse.

The three of them worked in unison, their attacks relentless despite their exhaustion. Erin's sword flashed, Mo Tang's staff struck true, and Rishitha's dagger found its mark over and over again.

The rat let out one final, deafening screech before collapsing. Its massive form shimmered faintly before disintegrating into particles of light, leaving behind an eerie silence.

Rishitha fell to her knees, her dagger slipping from her grasp. She was covered in cuts and bruises, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath.

"We… we did it," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Erin lowered his sword, his legs feeling like jelly. "Barely."

Mo Tang leaned against her staff, her hands shaking. "That was insane," she said, her voice tinged with both relief and disbelief.

As the adrenaline faded, the three of them shared a glance. They weren't warriors—not yet. But they had survived, and that was enough for now.

The treasure chest at the center of the room glowed faintly, drawing their attention. For a moment, none of them moved, the weight of their victory settling over them like a heavy blanket.

"We're stronger than we thought," Rishitha said, a tired but genuine smile spreading across her face. "And this is just the beginning."

Together, they stepped forward, ready to claim their reward.

----------

The cavern's air hung heavy with tension, the faint light flickering over the jagged walls. The shadow rat moved like a force of nature, each lunge a brutal reminder of their fragility. Erin stood still for a moment, his sword poised but unused, watching the battle unfold in front of him.

Rishitha was chaos.

Her movements were erratic, her strikes clumsy and desperate. There was no rhythm to her attacks, no calculated strategy—just raw determination. Erin knew better than anyone that battles required precision and planning, but somehow, her reckless abandon was… working.

"She's a mess," he muttered to himself, shifting his stance. The rat snarled, its claws swiping inches away from Rishitha as she barely dodged in time. "But she's making it work."

He scoffed under his breath, a small part of him annoyed. If she had the technique to back up her resolve, the fight would already be over. But even as he thought it, he couldn't take his eyes off her.

"What is this feeling?"

It was faint, barely noticeable amidst the chaos—a flicker of warmth. A part of him admired her audacity, the way she threw herself at the impossible without hesitation. It was frustrating, infuriating even, but also… captivating.

The rat lunged at Rishitha, its claws slicing through the air. She stumbled backward, tripping over loose stones but somehow managing to keep her balance. Erin saw the opening before it fully formed.

With a sharp intake of breath, he dashed forward, his sword glinting in the dim light. He aimed for the creature's exposed side, but instead of swinging, he shifted his weight and kicked the beast square in the ribs. The impact sent it staggering, its claws scraping against the stone floor as it struggled to regain its footing.

"We'll handle this together," Erin said, his voice low but steady.

Rishitha glanced at him, her eyes wide with surprise. She opened her mouth to speak, but the rat's roar cut her off. Erin stepped in front of her, raising his sword in a protective stance.

"You're reckless," he said without looking back. "But I guess it's working."

He adjusted his grip on his weapon, his muscles coiled like a spring ready to release. Fighting wasn't new to him—he had been through countless battles in his past lives, honing his skills to a razor's edge. But this fight felt different.

----

As the rat charged again, Erin moved with precision, each strike of his sword calculated to create an opening for the others. He was used to being alone in battle, relying only on himself to survive.

But this time…

His eyes flicked to Rishitha, who had recovered her footing and was preparing to rejoin the fray. Her expression was fierce, her determination unwavering despite the odds.

"Why do I feel this way?"

It wasn't admiration—at least, not entirely. Erin couldn't place it, but there was something about her that stirred an unfamiliar emotion within him. He shook his head, focusing on the fight.

"This isn't the time," he muttered, slashing at the rat's exposed flank.

The beast roared in pain, its movements growing more erratic as it lashed out wildly. Erin sidestepped a claw swipe and countered with a quick thrust, his blade sinking into the creature's side.

"Mo Tang!" he called out. "Get its attention on you!"

As the battle raged on, Erin found himself moving in sync with Rishitha and Mo Tang, their efforts combining in a chaotic but effective rhythm. The rat faltered, its strength waning under their relentless assault.

For a brief moment, Erin caught Rishitha's gaze. Her lips curled into a small, tired smile—a silent acknowledgment of their teamwork.

Something tightened in his chest, a feeling he couldn't quite understand.

"She's different," he thought, his grip on his sword tightening. "But why does that matter to me?"

The rat lunged again, and Erin forced himself to focus, his blade meeting the creature's claws in a shower of sparks.

"Stay alive, Rishitha," he muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible. "Just… stay alive."

Erin didn't understand the feelings stirring within him. At ten years old, he wasn't supposed to. But something about Rishitha's presence was beginning to leave a mark—a quiet flame in the corner of his heart, faint and unacknowledged, but undeniable.

For now, he would focus on the fight, on keeping her alive, and on ensuring their survival. The rest could wait.

As the rat fell to the ground in a final, defeated heap, Erin exhaled sharply, his shoulders relaxing for the first time since the battle began. He glanced at Rishitha, who was leaning against the wall, her breathing heavy but her smile victorious.

"You're insane," he said, a small smirk playing on his lips.

"Maybe," she replied, her voice light despite her exhaustion.

Erin turned away, hiding the faint warmth in his expression as he sheathed his sword. "This isn't over yet," he thought. "Not the fight… and not whatever this is."