Finn's heart pounded as he stood before the red-skinned creature, the words leaving his mouth before he could second-guess himself. "Could I please join your team?" he asked, his voice tinged with nervousness but steady enough to carry his intent.
He had made the decision on the grueling trek back to the cave, dragging the wolf's body behind him. Hunting alone had its merits, but it was slow, dangerous, and left him with more questions than answers. The fastest way to grow stronger, he realized, was to learn from those who had already walked the path he hoped to follow. And there was no better teacher than this towering, evolved monster standing before him.
The red-skinned creature turned its glowing yellow eyes toward Finn, its expression unreadable. The cave fell silent as the other goblins turned to watch, their murmurs dying away at the audacity of Finn's request.
For a moment, the creature said nothing, its gaze weighing Finn as if measuring his worth. Then it spoke, its deep, gravelly voice cutting through the tense atmosphere.
"Join my team?" it repeated, as though testing the words. The creature leaned forward slightly, towering over Finn. "You've got guts, runt. I'll give you that. But do you have the strength? The will to survive when things get ugly? Because I don't take dead weight."
Finn swallowed hard, forcing himself to hold the creature's gaze. "I know I'm not strong enough yet," he admitted, his hands tightening into fists. "But I'm willing to learn. I'm willing to fight. I'll prove I can keep up—I just need the chance."
The creature stared at him for what felt like an eternity, its piercing eyes boring into him as if searching for any sign of doubt or hesitation. Then it straightened up and let out a low, rumbling chuckle.
"You're not the first runt to ask," it said, crossing its massive arms. "Most of them didn't last long. Some didn't make it past the first fight." It gestured to the group of evolved goblins behind it. "Do you see these warriors? Every single one of them has been through hell and back to stand here. If you want to join us, you'll have to earn your place."
Finn nodded quickly, his determination unshaken. "I'll do whatever it takes," he said firmly.
The creature grinned, revealing sharp, predatory teeth. "We'll see. If you're serious, meet us at dawn tomorrow. We leave for the Cobalt Clan's territory. It's not a place for the weak, runt, so if you're not ready to fight for your life, don't bother showing up."
Finn's heart raced as he nodded again. "I'll be there," he said, his voice resolute.
The creature gave a dismissive wave, turning back to its group. "Then you'd better rest. You'll need it."
Finn exhaled, realizing only then how tense his body had been. He had taken the first step, but now came the real challenge. The Cobalt Clan was notorious, a place where even seasoned warriors faced death. If he wanted to survive—and prove himself worthy—he would need every ounce of strength, skill, and courage he could muster.
For the rest of the evening, Finn sharpened his knife, patched his worn armor, and mentally prepared himself for what lay ahead. As the firelight flickered in the cave and the whispers of the other goblins faded into the background, Finn clenched his fists, a mix of fear and excitement coursing through him.
This was his chance—not just to grow stronger, but to begin carving out his place among the strongest. Dawn couldn't come soon enough.
As Finn's exhausted body gave in to sleep on his makeshift bed, he felt the darkness of unconsciousness pull him under. But instead of drifting into the usual dreamless rest, he found himself standing once again in the void—a featureless expanse of black, illuminated only by the glowing notifications that hovered before him.
[Max XP reached]
[Finding possible evolutions…]
[Evolutions found]
Finn blinked, his breath steadying as the messages faded, replaced by a new prompt.
[Select your evolution path:]
Four glowing options materialized in front of him, each radiating with an aura of power and potential.
---
1. Goblin Battle Mage
Description: A path for those who seek balance between magic and physical combat. Grants moderate magical abilities, focusing on offensive spells, while also enhancing physical endurance and melee skills.
Skills Gained: Firebolt, Mana Shield, Empowered Strike.
Ideal For: Those who want versatility, capable of fighting in both close and ranged combat.
---
2. Goblin Utility Mage
Description: A path of strategy and support. Grants a range of utility spells for healing, crafting, and battlefield control, but minimal offensive capabilities.
Skills Gained: Heal, Repair, Entangle.
Ideal For: Goblins seeking to outwit their enemies and assist allies with tactical advantages.
---
3. Goblin Swordsman
Description: A physical combat-focused path. Enhances agility, strength, and swordsmanship skills, making the user a formidable melee fighter.
Skills Gained: Blade Flurry, Parry, Adrenaline Surge.
Ideal For: Those who prefer direct, close-range combat and physical prowess.
---
4. Hobgoblin Mage
Description: A significant step in evolution, transforming the user into a hobgoblin, with a heavy focus on magical prowess. Enhances intelligence, mana reserves, and access to more advanced spells.
Skills Gained: Arcane Blast, Barrier, Elemental Mastery.
Ideal For: Goblins seeking raw magical power and a new form that sets them apart from their peers.
---
Finn stared at the options, his mind racing. Each choice carried its own promise of power and evolution, but also risks and unknowns. Did he want to remain versatile and balanced, or focus entirely on magic or melee combat? The fourth option, Hobgoblin Mage, was especially tempting—a chance to ascend beyond his goblin form entirely.
Finn clenched his fists, the void pulsing with his heartbeat. This choice would define his future, his strength, and his role in the challenges ahead.
What would he choose?