Jack woke up late afternoon he had wanted to continue sleeping until he felt more at ease with himself but his hunger demanded otherwise.
He was hungry starving after exerting himself so much and not eating for so long his hunger was an aching pain on his mind and body.
His instincts ignored his inner turmoil forcing him to wake up and look for food.
He had slept nearby the rotting pile of clobbered Goblin flesh so the smell was god awful.
The mushed pile of pulverized flesh was now infested with giant palm sized maggots and large flies hovering above it.
Unannounced to Jack today marked the final day of the initiation period.
The wandering goblins in the forest would soon start to come back near the Goblin Cave.
Jack: "(*Yawn), Giii Giii" / "Eat Poop."
(intended meaning: "Aww man.")
I stretched my arms and did some warm ups to get my body pumped.
Picking up Clyde I walked over to the pile of rotting goblin flesh and began to swing my bladed club around.
Killing the large flies in the air I started picking them up and eating them.
I picked out the giant maggots by the handful after all the flies were gone and ate my fill.
The taste wasn't bad but because the large maggots had consumed the rotting Goblin flesh I had to spit out the remnants before I could swallow it.
Jack: ("Those giant maggots weren't half bad but I think I preferred the flies they had more of a crunch to them when I chewed.")
The rotting chunks inside of the maggots tasted bad even by Goblin standards.
Leaving a gross aftertaste but regardless I kept eating until I had a full bloated belly.
Satisfied by the meal and with my hunger finally quenched I continued my travels towards the Goblin Cave.
While I was walking I inspected the damage on Clyde my bladed club, it was in poor condition.
The wooden board was cracked and dyed a faint blood red color that stained the bladed stones.
The stones around the club were no longer sharp blades but they had turned into round smooth nubs.
The blue screen appeared before me.
----------------------------------------
Macuahuitl
Weapon Condition: Poor
Repair Materials: Large Stone and, Lumber.
Would You like to repair?: Yes / No
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I clicked Yes and the screen disappeared.
I activated my blue claws skill to tear out a large chunk of wood from a nearby tree.
I carried the hunk of tree around to look for a large rock.
I noticed the distinct lack of rabbits the closer and closer I got to the Goblin Cave area.
This place should have had an abundance of the little critters.
At Least that's how it was the last time I was around this neck of the woods.
It's almost like they all disappeared from the forest entirely somehow?
I put the strange curiosity to the back of my mind I was hunting for Goblin Tongues not rabbits after all.
When I stumbled upon a large enough rock I dropped the piece of wood by it.
The blue screen appeared asking me to click the highlighted materials just like before.
When I did so they disappeared from the other side of the screen and my bladed club Clyde began to shine a bright white color before returning to normal.
When the white light that engulfed my weapon disappeared Clyde had been restored to what looked like a factory new condition.
The cracks on the wooden board had disappeared along with the faint red blood coating over it.
The dull nubbed stones around the club had turned back into pristine sharp stone blades.
My bad mood was beginning to ease up having Clyde restored was a good way to cheer me up.
It was like having your favorite broken toy be replaced by an exact brand new one.
I continued my walk to the Goblin Cave finding nothing but bugs I looked to the sky and among the trees I saw only birds.
Birds I wonder if they taste like Chicken? My stomach growled as I drooled looking up at them.
It's been a while since I've eaten anything normal the closest thing to normal I've had so far was the cooked fish.
I had no means of actually catching one though so I could only look up with hungry eyes at the birds.
Daydreaming about what it would be like to eat Fried Chicken again.
As a Yellow Goblin I ate a lot more than my green counterpart i'm not sure if this was natural or if it was because of my constant skill usage.
The use of skills to find bugs like Bug Catcher and cutting down trees with Blue Claws drained me of my stamina whenever I used them.
I walked for a few more hours not finding any rabbits I was starting to get hungry again.
Although eating felt good my constant hunger was beginning to become an inconvenience.
I needed food and these bugs no matter how many I ate would not be enough to satisfy my hunger I needed Meat!
I walked around catching whatever bugs I could in search of either a rabbit or Goblin to eat.
I scavenged the surrounding bushes eating whatever bugs and berries I could find I was getting impatient.
I searched and searched until I finally found one Meat!
A light green skinned Goblin with a scar over his right eye was traveling alone in the forest walking about without a care in the world.
Holding a dead rabbit swung behind his back with his left hand and holding a primitive stone spear in the other.
The Goblin was tall by goblin standards, not only was it taller than me but it had more of a muscular tone to its body than mine.
The stick of the primitive stone spear was a thick piece of straight wood that looked like it was carefully hand carved.
The tip of his spear was a refined and jagged piece of stone that was still covered in bloody stains of what smelled like Goblin blood.
held together by green vines and what looked like a sticky yellow substance in between the stone and stick.
I was too focused on eating that I ignored these key details and assumed it to be just another Generic Goblin.
Jack: "GIII!" / "POOP!"
(intended meaning: "MEAT!")
I made a mad dash towards it holding Clyde overhead ready to cave its head in with one foul swing.
The Generic Goblin dropped his rabbit and readied his spear it was not scared of my appearance and was fearless to my approach.
Unlike the rest of the other goblin's this one felt dangerous he didn't cower but instead looked pleasantly surprised by my appearance.
It had a determined look of anticipation on its face with a wide toothy smile.
Instead of running away or staying still the goblin charged back at me with his spear held up intending to impale me in my mad dash towards him.
The generic goblin with the scar over his right eye was named "Guroh" and was the son of a renowned Yellow Goblin Elite Warrior named "Guhor" in their tribe.
Like the rest of his brothers in his litter they had received special treatment during their hibernation and maturation period.
They were all well fed and trained in the art of combat and hunting by there father to become the tribes greatest warriors.
His father had made him and his brothers engage in deadly combat as a final test with each other so that they would gain combat experience and level up.
Leaving only the most worthy and strongest among his litter left.
Guroh had personally killed two of his brothers from his litter during his father's training.
This would also prepare them for the death match that followed the initiation period if too many Goblins survived.
Guroh was the runt of his older nine brothers and sisters being the most ordinary of the bunch.
Being born from his father's Goblin Harem rather than his prized humanoid slave woman.
His litter of brothers and sisters were born as ordinary mundane Goblins instead of Demi Goblins none of them had been born inheriting special skills.
As a result his father viewed him with indifference and had low expectations for Guroh when compared to his more talented children.
The most noteworthy being Demi Goblins like Gee the alchemist or Gorgun the four armed Swordsman or Gale the Archer.
As a result Guroh worked even harder than the rest of his siblings to impress his father.
Guroh was eager for the upcoming death match and any dangers that might come his way to gain his father's attention.
He seeked his approval and the approval of his tribe as a Goblin Warrior.
Guroh and Gia were the exception when it came to familial bonds among goblins species.
Since most goblins are born with deadbeat parents or have no known relation or idea to who their parents are.
Instead being raised by the entire tribe this was because it was not uncommon for many goblins to gang up on or share on mating partner.
Captive humans and humanoids were reserved for the higher ups of their tribe or would be gifted to worthy goblins.
Female Goblins were essentially treated as baby machines so litters born from them were considered children of the tribe and would be raised by the entire tribe if they survived initiation.
Human and humanoid females would be mostly kept for the Elites and Elders of the tribe for creating a strong bloodline.
Humanoid slaves sole purpose to the tribe was for giving birth to more Demi Goblins in order to raise stronger Goblins.
A clear indication for Demi Goblins is being born with white hair and having a unique racial talent and skills.
This system was the norm for Goblin Culture amongst the other tribal chiefs of the Dark Forest.
Surprised by Jack's sudden appearance Guroh was happy at the chance to test out his skills on a worthy opponent and with a mighty yellow goblin at that.
Jack had swiped his arms across slashing at the air with his bladed club to break the Goblins spear but to his surprise the spear had vanished before his eyes.
Jack was relying on the brute force of his baseball swing technique to end the fight with one blow.
As someone who never learned how to properly fight with a weapon Jack was at a disadvantage despite the gap in power and equipment between them.
Guroh had fainted his attacks forcing Jack to swing aimlessly at nothing.
Guroh was effortlessly avoiding Jacks swing attacks and forcing him into leaving himself open to attack with faints waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.
Guroh's plan was to end this battle with one precise strike while Jack would eventually create a perfect opening to one of his vital areas or tire himself out.
Guroh had full confidence in winning against the strange Mustard Colored Goblin given there gap in skill.
But instead of continuing his attack Jack had stopped by the rabbit he dropped leaving Guroh a little confused.
As the Yellow Goblin did not look even slightly tired after that barrage of swing attacks.
Jack did not pursue the evading Guroh instead choosing to pick up the dead rabbit on the ground and begin eating it ferociously ignoring Guroh in the process.
Guroh as a warrior was understandably angry at his opponent for choosing to eat his meal in the middle of a fight instead of engaging with him in deadly combat.
Guroh thought that killing Jack while his back was turned would be a waste and bring disgrace to his name so he waited.
Instead of attacking Jack mid-snack Guroh chose to let him finish the meal that he had caught with a patient but serious look on his face.
Guroh did not care about the rabbit and only cared about having a fair and good fight to become a better warrior.
He wanted the experience and victory of a fight and did not care about killing Jack.
He cared only for what Jack's death would bring him in combat and that was improvement as a warrior.
In Guroh's mind it would be good if Jack died fighting him so that he could improve.
But it would also be good if he could let him live and fight him when he was more experienced and stronger.
Jack noticed this goblins strange behavior he had anticipated on Guroh to attack him while he ate his rabbit with his back turned to him.
He would counter with his Blue Claw's destroying the spear with a surprise attack and tearing the unsuspecting Goblin to pieces.
But instead the Goblin patiently waited for him to finish, Jack hadn't expected this reaction from a stupid goblin and was surprised as he finished eating the rabbit uninterrupted.
Guroh: "Me Guroh We Fight Now Speak Name Yellow One."
I sucked my fingers and licked off the rabbits bloody remains from them.
I couldn't understand what it was saying so I didn't bother to reply.
Since I was pretty sure at this point that whatever I was saying in their goblin language wouldn't be comprehensible to the situation.
It didn't matter anyways since I was just going to kill and eat him what's that thing my mommy always told me to do hmm...
I snapped my fingers and with a look of realization on my face I spoke back.
Jack: "Giii Giii GIii Giii Giii Giii." / "I Eat Poop I Eat Poop."
(Intended meaning: "You shouldn't play with your food.")
Guroh: "Giii Giii Giii Giii!" / "You Fight Me Now!"
Guroh had a confused look on his face that quickly turned sour he had taken the Yellow Goblin's words as a personal insult.
Since it was common among goblin warriors to give their name before a fight what Jack had said sounded like he was mocking Guroh.
Guroh thought to himself that he would not spare this Yellow Goblin even if it begged for mercy.
Jack having finished his meal started attacking again.
Jack: ("Dammit! I was hoping to kill this Goblin but because it was a slippery bastard I couldn't land a single hit."!)
Jack: "Giii!" / "Poop!"
(Intended meaning: "Die")
Jack had swung his bladed club Clyde around with all his might and speed to kill the Goblin with a heavy smash.
But just like before Guroh had evaded it but had now found the best opportunity to attack.
Guroh: "hmph, Giii!" / "hmph, Predictable!"
Guroh having found an opening on Jack's last swing launched his spear forward piercing the goblins chest aiming for Jacks Heart.
The spear had poked through his upper chest cavity leaving a deep gash on his chest.
However to avoid the attack Jack let go of his bladed club Clyde and back stepped an action taken based on pure survival instinct.
Guroh clicked his tongue his spear did not pierce his heart but the wound was still lethal.
Given some time the Yellow Goblin would bleed out.
Guroh was worried the Yellow Goblin would retreat into the forest to recover.
He did not want to fight the Yellow Goblin if it was not going to fight back or had no more intention of fighting him.
Guroh saw no value in killing a retreating or unwilling enemy this mercy and consideration wasn't something Guroh reserved for all warriors or people but for his fellow Goblins people only.
Had Jack been born another species or creature Guroh would not have hesitated to kill it immediately whatever the circumstance for the experience to level up.
Jack's chest was bleeding profusely the deep gash left a constant burning stinging sensation causing Jack to flinch at every second in pain.
If Jack could still cry he would be crying his eyes out by now.
The pain had frozen Jack in his tracks he was lucky to have survived Gurohs pierce attack.
There was so much blood pouring out of his chest that he began to feel dizzy as cold sweat dripped down his body.
He needed to close the wound immediately.
Guroh looked on at Jack with hopeful eyes that the Yellow Goblin would continue his attacks and not retreat.
Jack looked over at the spear wielding Goblin with a scar over his right eye and burned his image of the goblin into his mind.
He was afraid the wound would not allow him to escape it would probably get even worse making him bleed out faster if he tried.
He could gradually feel his limbs grow heavier and heavier Jack did not want to die over a tongue although he could try to fight back.
It would be a hollow victory if he won with only one lousy goblin tongue to show for it.
It would be unlikely for Jack to come out of the battle unscathed either he had doubts whether or not he would even survive the fight let alone win it.
Even if he won its not like he would be healed after the fight most likely Jack would succumb to the his own injuries at the end if he was victorious.
The range of his Blue Claws skill was too short to get over that spear and it was very likely he would just avoid all of my attacks again.
Given that I was more efficient using Clyde as a weapon than with my bare hands only made things worse.
Jack was unprepared for the psychological assault he had created for himself unlike the blue bear who had forced him into a corner.
Jack had already given up letting his instincts to survive take over his only concern now was surviving this encounter and licking his wounds.
As a goblin Jack's personality warped becoming more petty, shameful and, unapologetic than when he was human.
He vowed to kill this Goblin no matter the cost but only after he recovered from his injuries and was sure he could pull it off.
If Jack had to beg and cry for his life to this goblin than he would do it...
If Jack had to kiss the feet and lick the heels of this Goblin to survive than he would do it...
If Jack had to give his ass and body to this goblin to survive than he would do it...
Jack was willing to do anything to survive even at the cost of his pride and dignity or at the expense of others.
Goblins are greedy by nature but when compared to Jack he was the greediest of them all for he did not seek out gold or fortune now.
What Jack wanted now was power above all things.
After being powerless for so long in that dark room with his father and being powerless to stop his mother from blowing his brains out with a shotgun Jack did not want to be weak anymore.
Jack's goal was to be strong so strong that no one would ever be able hurt him the way his father and mother hurt him.
Jack's grudge towards anyone who hurt him would only fester and deepen the longer that person lived.
He was too petty to let it go and would only be convinced by Chuck to do so otherwise.
He had already considered the scar faced goblin Guroh as a mortal enemy that must be destroyed and wiped from existence.
Jack got on his knees and wailed loudly he did not plead and he could not cry.
So he clasped his hands in prayer and began bowing and sobbing madly at the scar faced goblin.
His wails and cries made it clear that he wanted mercy and forgiveness he mimicked that goblin who reminded him of Harvey.
By slamming his head on the floor repeatedly and crying out as loud as possible he was making a big display of it too come off as sincere.
Jack was begging like a madman clinging to life on a tightrope with his begging becoming increasingly rampant the more time passed.
Guroh was not prepared for the sudden and desperate begging as a goblin warrior he could only look on with disgust at the shameful display.
Although he had sworn to kill the Yellow Goblin even if it begged for mercy for not giving his name.
He felt that this Yellow Goblin was no longer worthy of death by his hands.
Guroh let out a disheartened sigh closing his eyes and turning away to not see the shameful display any longer.
Guroh felt bored and uninterested as he walked back towards the Goblin Cave location to await the end of the initiation period he had been utterly let down and disappointing by the Yellow Goblin.
Guroh: "Giii Giii Giii Giii GiiI Giii Giii." / " No Die Yellow One Meet Again Fight."
Although Guroh felt it was very likely the Yellow Goblin would die from his wounds.
He had still hoped that it would survive somehow and face him again in combat when he became a more worthy foe.
Jack looked on watching the goblin disappear into the forest with a look of joy creeping on his face.
Jack: ( "it worked!" )
Jack: ( "Chuck! Chuck you there I need your help now!" )
Chuck appeared emerging from the ground floating up to meet Jack at eye level.
Chuck: "What's wrong old buddy old pal? Ya miss me already, you know it was pretty mean of you to ignore me last night."
Jack: ( "Look i'm sorry Chuck but I need your help right now how do I stop the bleeding? Could you get me more of that fruit like before?" )
Chuck: "Shhh shhh, let your good old pal Chuck take a looksie."
I lifted my hand from my bleeding chest wound and Chucked hovered closer to it.
Chuck began to shrink down and crawl inside the wound the whole experience felt bizarre and surreal.
I felt a strange warm sensation on my chest as Chuck crawled inside.
The more I think about Chuck the more questions I have.
Chuck flew out of my chest wound growing back into his original pint sized height.
Chuck: "Don't worry Jack you still have that thing I told you too carry?"
I nodded my head and pulled the healing fruit seed from my loincloth Chuck picked up the seed and brought it to my chest.
When the seed made contact with my chest wound I yelped out in pain.
Jack: "Gua!"
Chuck: "Don't be a wuss ya big baby."
Jack: ( "But it hurts…" )
Chuck: " Now you need to keep this held to your chest wound at all times."
Jack: ("Is it like a magical healing seed or something?")
Chuck: "Pretty much now It's gonna take a while, but your wounds should heal up in about a few hours."
Jack: ("A FEW HOURS!, Chuck your not messing with me right? I'm seriously dying here I think I need a doctor.")
Chuck: "Look around dummy there ain't exactly any hospitals nearby so trust me Jack."
Jack: ( "O-Okay Chuck….")
Chuck spoke in such a sincere and charismatic tone that it eased my worry and troubled mind.
The seed began to glow a faint pink color and my bleeding had come to a stop.
Although the wound still had a burning and stinging pain to it.
My chest was beginning to feel numb and my body felt a lot less heavy.
Chuck: "See I told well see ya around Jack."
Jack: ("You're leaving already? Let's at least talk or play a game together or something like we use to.")
Chuck: "Sorry Jack i'm a bit busy at the moment."
Jack: ( " Busy? Busy with what Chuck? " )
Chuck: " Byyyye Jack, try not to get into too much trouble again. "
Chuck floated down sinking into the ground before disappearing completely.
I sighed and coughed up a bit of blood I sat around the rest of the day catching and eating any bugs that made there way to me.
Waiting for the wound on my chest to heal...
What Jack didn't know was that the seed he was referring to wasn't a seed at all but a rare magical material that spawned inside of the healing fruit exclusive to the Dark Forest.
It was a treasured material used to create a conduit for high class healing staffs.
The material would consume magic and allow it to shine with healing light the more magic it consumed the more light would be released.
The material made it less straining than casting a magic healing spell and would take far less time to perform.
The more magic the more the light would spread the faster the healing.
However because of Jack's low magic stat the healing process would take up to hours instead of mere minutes or seconds being only a small faint glimmer of light barely visible in the dark in Jack's hands.
Jack was unknowingly carrying a highly sought after material wanted by many adventurers and countries.
The material was rare and the fruit would only ever grow in the Dark Forest a place were not many dared to venture the reason for that is because the healing fruit fed off the magic of the Dark Forest.
Jack assumed that all of the low hanging fruit had the same weird seeds inside and so judged its value as nothing more than a common convenience item.
Eventually when it got dark my chest wound healed instead of feeling rejuvenated by the seeds magic healing powers I felt really tired and sleepy.
It was a similar feeling to when I used my Blue Claws skill only the burden felt more intense.
I stashed away the seed and climbed up a tree to fall asleep calling it a night….