The goblins around me lost interest fast. Some went back to sharpening their weapons, others to gnawing on whatever unidentifiable meat they had. A few younger ones bickered over scraps. No one cared about a newborn—except to bet on how long I'd survive.
I clenched my fists. I needed to move. I needed to act.
The cave we were in was damp and dimly lit by scattered torches, their weak flames casting shadows on the jagged stone walls. The air was thick with the stench of sweat, blood, and decay. I could hear faint, distant growls from deeper within.
My stomach growled. Hunger gnawed at me, but I had no food.
Think.
I had no weapons, no armor—nothing but my bare hands and my Devourer's Mark. I glanced at my stats again. Strength: 2. Vitality: 2. Pathetic. I wasn't just weak—I was at the absolute bottom of the pecking order.
But I could change that.
I needed my first kill.
A Prey Just As Weak
I scanned the cavern carefully. The other goblins weren't paying attention to me, but if I made the wrong move, I'd end up dead before I even had a chance. My best bet was something weaker than me—something I could kill alone.
Movement caught my eye.
Near the edge of the cave, where the darkness swallowed the light, something twitched. Small. Twitchy. A rat—no, a Cave Fang.
I froze. I had seen creatures like this in games before. Cave Fangs were oversized rats, about the size of a cat, with sharp teeth and diseased claws. Even a weak goblin like me could probably take one—if I wasn't careful, though, it could kill me just as easily.
I moved slowly, silently. The Cave Fang was gnawing on something—a bone, maybe. Its beady red eyes glowed faintly in the darkness, but it hadn't noticed me yet.
I swallowed hard. My heart pounded. I had never killed anything before.
But hesitation meant death.
I lunged.
A Desperate Struggle
The Cave Fang screeched as I grabbed it, its filthy claws raking against my arms. Pain flared up, but I held on, ignoring the burning sting. It thrashed, its teeth snapping dangerously close to my face.
I can't let go. If I do, I die.
I slammed it against the ground with everything I had. Once. Twice. Again.
The creature squealed, its body convulsing—then stopped.
I was panting. My arms ached. My heart was hammering.
Then, the notification appeared.
[You have defeated Cave Fang.]
[Absorbing essence…]
[Strength +1] [Agility +1]
[Skill Acquired: Quick Reflexes (F)]
A jolt ran through my body. My muscles tightened. My breathing steadied. My senses sharpened.
I clenched my fists. I felt… faster.
My first kill. My first evolution.
The hunger inside me wasn't just for food anymore.
I wanted more.