Morning came faster than I expected.The moment Rhia and I stepped back into the goblin den, the air crackled with tension. Hobgoblins barked orders, shoving weaker goblins into formation. Crude weapons—stone clubs, rusted blades, sharpened bones—were passed around.The raid was about to begin.I felt the new strength surging in my limbs. My Devourer's Mark had made me stronger overnight. Stronger than any other goblin here.But I kept my head down. If they knew how much I had changed, it could make me a target.Rhia nudged me. "You ready?"I met her gaze. Her silver hair was matted with dried blood from last night's hunt, but her eyes were sharp. She had grown too.I nodded. "Let's go."A thunderous roar silenced the murmuring goblins.The Goblin Chief had arrived.
The Chief's Decree
The Goblin Chief was massive. Nearly seven feet tall, with jagged scars running across his green skin. He carried a war axe that looked like it had been stolen from a human warrior.His golden eyes swept over the gathered goblins, full of disdain."Listen well, whelps!" His voice boomed. "The kobolds have grown bold, creeping too close to our territory. Today, we remind them who the real hunters are!"A chorus of grunts and cheers erupted from the goblins.The Chief bared his teeth. "Only the strong survive! Kill or be killed! Any cowards who run will be slaughtered where they stand!"I clenched my fists. This wasn't just a raid. It was a culling.Garnak, the hobgoblin from before, stepped forward. "Move out! The weaklings march first!"The weaklings.That meant us.Rhia and I exchanged a look, then stepped forward with the others.A Bloody Battlefield
The kobold den was hidden deep within the forest, nestled between rocky cliffs.The moment we arrived, the battle began.A rain of arrows fell from the cliffs—small, crude, but deadly. Goblins screeched as the first volley cut through them.Kobolds were smaller than goblins, but they were faster, smarter, and fought with tactics.I rolled to the side, dodging an arrow that buried itself in the ground where I had just stood. Rhia spun her spear, knocking another arrow out of the air.Then the kobolds charged.They moved like a pack of wolves, weaving between the goblins, striking with daggers and spears.A goblin beside me was gutted before he even saw his attacker.I didn't hesitate.I lunged forward, dagger flashing. The first kobold snarled, slashing at me with its claws.Too slow.I ducked under its attack and drove my blade into its throat.Critical Hit!The kobold choked, eyes wide in shock. I placed my hand on its chest—[Devourer's Mark Activated][Absorbing essence…]+2 Strength, +1 AgilityYou have gained: "Kobold Reflexes (F)"A rush of energy flooded my body. My movements sharpened, my senses expanded.The next kobold lunged—this time, I saw it before it even moved.I sidestepped, driving my dagger into its ribs.Two kills.I turned to check on Rhia—only to see her facing three kobolds at once.One had a spear, another a dagger, and the third…The third had a collar around its neck, glowing with strange markings.I felt my stomach drop.A kobold mage.Rhia locked eyes with me for a split second.Then the mage raised its hand—And a blast of fire shot toward her.A Moment of Decision
I had seconds to react.If I didn't move—she would die.I clenched my jaw. No hesitation.I threw myself forward.