Chapter 28: Ripples of Change
The sun rose over the goblin camp, casting shadows of the stretching goblins on the ground. The camp was buzzing with activity as everyone prepared for another day. Among them, Lyria awkwardly tried to fit in, clumsily folding her tent, leading to chuckles from nearby goblins. "This is harder than it looks!" she grumbled, pushing a stray strand of hair from her face.
While Kaito was busy organizing tools, a barrel of water nearby suddenly tipped over, creating a messy puddle. Before anyone could react, the water seemed to levitate, slowly and gracefully returning to the barrel. All eyes turned to Lyria, her fingers dancing elegantly as she controlled the water with ease. Whispers of awe spread.
Impressed, Kaito suggested, "How about a little demo at the training grounds?" Gwen nodded in agreement, her eyes showing a mixture of admiration and slight envy.
The goblins gathered in a makeshift arena, where Lyria revealed her prowess. She manipulated water into various forms: shields, ropes, and even arrows. Some goblins even volunteered minor injuries, and with a gentle touch and a glow, she healed them. The camp resonated with applause.
As the day progressed, Kaito, Gwen, Lyria, and a group of goblins set out on a resource-gathering mission. Lyria pointed to a spot on the map, suggesting they investigate areas near water sources she was familiar with. Their journey led them to a swamp, but with Lyria's help, they easily navigated through by creating temporary water paths. Kaito, ever the joker, pretended to lose balance, crying out, "Whoa! Goblin water skiing isn't easy!" eliciting laughter.
But the jovial mood shifted when a goblin nearly became a meal to a carnivorous plant. It was a close call, but with Gwen's magic and Lyria's quick thinking, they escaped unharmed. The incident, though, drew Kaito and Lyria closer as they sat by a lakeside during a short break.
Fidgeting with a pendant around her neck, Lyria shared her past. "This was my mother's. But because of my unchecked powers, there was... an accident." The weight of the memory dimmed her usually bright eyes.
Kaito hesitated, then opened up about regrets from his past life, offering her comfort. They laughed it off when he teased her about her "heavy" tales, which earned him a playful water splash.
Meanwhile, Gwen wrestled with her emotions. She had observed the growing closeness between Kaito and Lyria. An elderly goblin, sensing her unease, offered wisdom on the nature of love and envy. "Remember your strength and what you bring to the group," he whispered, eyes crinkling with a smile. Gwen, inspired, made it a point to engage Lyria in friendly banter, slowly bridging the gap between them.
As the day neared its end, they came across unfamiliar tracks, hinting at a new creature's presence. The discovery cast a shadow of unease, made more palpable when an eerie cry echoed as they set up camp.
Night fell, but the mysteries around them only deepened. A shadowy figure watched from a distance, leaving behind a strange token. Kaito found it, his interest piqued. What new challenges lay ahead for the group?