A strange feeling spread through me. Four goblins are about eight meters away, moving through the forest. I could sense them clearly—like ripples in the air that told me exactly where they were.

Sensing things like this wasn’t always so easy. Before, my range was limited to a single meter, but everything changed after the Phase II transformation. Now, anything within ten meters fell under my perception.

It happened soon after my third birthday. I had met all the conditions for Phase II, and without hesitation, Aster initiated the transformation. What followed was nothing short of torture.

The memory still remains, raw and clear. The sensation of my bones breaking, rebuilding themselves, only to shatter again. My heart burned as if it were on fire, each beat threatening to make my chest explode.

For a moment, I thought I wouldn’t survive.

But I did.

The pain was terrible, but it was worth it. Afterward, my body changed too much—I became taller and stronger. Now, at six years old, I’m larger than most ten-year-olds. My senses improved the most. I can hear, see, and feel everything around me much better than before. 

Including those goblins.

I looked around quickly, spotting a sturdy tree with thick branches nearby. It is the perfect spot to plan my next move. I ran toward it and jumped, grabbing the lowest branch and pulling myself up. The rough bark scratched my hands, but I didn’t stop until I climbed high enough to get a good view.

From up here, I spot the goblins moving below. They are moving in a disorganized line. Their hunched bodies are growling and sniffing the air like they are hunting for something—or someone.

I watch them approach the goblin I had killed earlier; their yellowish eyes narrow as they sniffed the air. The moment they saw the body, they changed their movement, quickly crouching low, and started hissing to each other in guttural tones while quickly forming a defensive formation.

"They're really smart and intelligent," I thought, my gaze fixed on the shadows of the goblins moving through the trees.

Aster buzzed in with a sarcastic tone. 

Unlike someone I know. Genius.

I rolled my eyes, ignoring the jab, and focused on the situation.

Even though I am stronger than most kids my age, I am not stupid enough to think I can handle four goblins at once. Fighting one had been hard enough. Goblins might be F-rank beasts, but that rank didn’t do justice to their raw physicality. They are faster, stronger, and sharper than average humans—especially when working together.

The ones ahead were no exception. They were larger than me, both in size and strength. My instincts scream danger and my muscles are tight.

"Four against one doesn’t sound like a good plan." 

I thought directing the comment toward Aster.

Yeah, not unless you have a sudden urge to drop dead.

Aster shot back with sarcasm. 

So, what’s the plan, genius?

I pause for a moment, taking a slow breath to calm my racing heart. Then, I reach into my pocket and pull out a small glass bottle. 

"Should we try this?" 

Not a bad idea. But are you confident you can take them all down within two minutes before the effect wears off?

"More than confident," 

Aster let out a digital sigh.

Just don’t die. It’d be an inconvenience to clean up the mess.

Without hesitation, I throw the bottle toward the goblins.

The glass shatter on impact, releasing a cloud of green mist that spread rapidly around the goblins. They hiss and snarl, and their formation breaks as the mist envelops them. The sound of coughing and choking filled the air, followed by their panicky shrieks.

You’ve got two minutes. Tick-tock.

I leapt down from the tree hearing Aster, landing softly on the forest floor.

The green mist cloud the air is mixing smoke and tear-inducing fumes that we’d perfected two months ago. It had all started with a strange stroke of luck: we’d found a snake in our mansion’s backyard, along with some herbs that seemed like they could be useful. After some trial and error, we’d finally created this concoction—smoke and tear gas mixed into one bottle. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to distract and weaken the goblins.

As the mist spread, I could hear the goblins coughing, their movements becoming erratic. They couldn’t see, couldn’t breathe properly, and they were all starting to panic. I held my breath, knowing the smoke wouldn’t affect me—because of the toxin resistance I’d gained through the transformation. The goblins, however, were vulnerable, their senses clouded by the smoke and tears.

Even though I can’t see them through the thick fog, I can feel their movements. My heightening senses allow me to pinpoint their locations. One of the is already away from the group... I’ll take him out first.

I rush forward with my feet light on the ground as I move silently between the swirls of smoke. I can hear the goblin's slow, panicky breaths and his uneven footsteps as he tried to stumble away. With one swift swing, I felt the distinct crunch of bone and the sudden drop of weight. The goblin's neck fell with a sickening thud, his body collapsing to the ground.

The others react quickly, sensing their fallen comrade, but they aren’t as disoriented as I hope. The sound of their movements, the shifting of their weight—everything clicked together in my mind. I didn’t have much time.

My next move needed precision. As I calculate my next target, a sudden rush of air whistles toward me like a speeding arrow. My body reacts instinctively, twisting away just in time, but I am not fast enough. The sharp edge of the wind grazed my dominant arm, leaving a deep wound.

Pain flared up instantly, throbbing and hot. I grit my teeth, gripping my sword tighter. What the hell was that? Before I could process it, another burst of air swept through the clearing, forcing the mist to dissipate rapidly.

The fog cleared, revealing the goblins in full view. I had underestimated them, totally forgetting about the skills. One of them stands at the back, hands moving in intricate patterns as he continues to cast a spell, and the other two are standing in front of him, pointing their weapons towards me.

"A mage type."

My breath comes in rag gasps. I am losing blood, and my arm is screaming for rest. 

Zelo, run!

Aster’s voice buzzed sharply in my mind. 

Run. The word echoed in my mind, and for a moment, I wanted to. I could already feel my feet shift backward, my body begging to retreat.

It made sense. I am outnumbered, outmatched, and injured. Every logical part of me is screaming to escape. To survive.

But then another voice rose, louder, drowning out the instinct to flee.

If I run now, what will stop me from running tomorrow?

I froze as my hand tightened on the hilt of my sword. The weight of that thought hit me like a hammer. If I ran, I’d live—but I’d wake up tomorrow just as weak as I was today. Still powerless. Still useless. Still the same person who couldn’t protect anyone.

I grit my teeth as anger surges in my chest.

Running isn’t just escaping. It was surrendering. It is admitting that this was all I’d ever be: weak, broken, helpless. If I left now, I’d be choosing to stay that way forever.

“This is my chance,” I whispered to myself, the words raw and bitter.

This fight wasn’t just about survival. It was about growth. If I run now, I will never stop running. If I want strength, if I want revenge, I have to take it. And strength didn’t come from retreating.

Zelo!

Aster’s voice snapped me back.

What the hell are you doing? MOVE!

I stayed where I was; my legs locked in place.

“No,” I mutter, my voice barely audible.

What do you mean, no? Are you trying to die?

I ignored Aster. My gaze lock onto the goblins, their sneers and snarls dripping with malice. The mage’s chant grew louder, its glow brighter, and the other two shifted, preparing to attack.

I swallow hard and fear gnawing at the edges of my mind, but I force it down, replacing it with something fiercer.

“I need this,” I said aloud, my voice steady despite the shaking of my body.

What you need is a way out of this alive!

Asher tries to convince me.

“I need to fight. I need to get stronger, Aster. If I run now, I’ll never stop. If I want their cores, their strength, if I want revenge... I have to take it here. Now.”

Aster sighs.

You’re an idiot.

“Maybe,” I said, my lips curling into a faint smirk despite the pain. 

“But I’d rather die fighting than live running.”

I braced myself, raising my sword with trembling hands. This is it—my chance to change everything. To grow. To fight.

I am not running. Not anymore.

Both goblins shifted into defensive stances, raising their weapons to intercept me, and the mage continued his chanting.

Fear raced through me, but so did determination. This is my chance to push past my limits. My chance to leave fear behind.

I yell, my voice cutting through the tension as I dash toward them. My muscles scream, my arm throb, but I didn’t stop. The goblins raised their weapons, preparing to strike, but I had my own move ready. I too know some skills.

“Serpent's Sweep!” I shout, invoking the skill I learn from the library.

My sword moves fluidly, almost alive, mimicking the swift, unpredictable motions of a serpent. The first goblin lunges forward, aiming its weapon towards my chest, but I shift and swing my sword. The blade curves like a striking snake, slicing cleanly through the goblin’s neck. Its head hit the ground with a loud thud before its body collapsed on the ground.

The motion isn’t over. The momentum carries my blade toward the second goblin, the sharp edge carving diagonally through its torso. The goblin’s eyes widen in shock as it crumples to the ground.

It is a technique that allows my sword to move like a snake, striking multiple targets with deadly precision.

One swing. Multiple targets.

I stand there, breathing barely. My sword is dripping with the blood of goblins. The mage goblin freezes and fear flickers in its eyes as it realizes its protectors are gone.

I turn to face him, adrenaline surging through me.

“Your turn,” I said coldly, taking a step forward.

Without wasting a moment, I charge straight for the mage. I can see the terror in his eyes as he saw me approaching. He must have realized he couldn’t cast his spell in time.

He tries to turn and flee, but I am already there for his life.

“Too late, baby,” I mutter under my breath.

And in one swift motion, I thrust my sword into his chest, piercing his heart. His eyes widen as he gasps, blood spilling from his mouth. He collapsed into my arms, lifeless.

I withdrew my sword, wiping the blood off the blade. As I stood over the mage’s body.

"Thanks for the core," I speak with a grin.