Deep within the dark caverns of Blackthorn Hollow, Kaito stood amidst the aftermath of his transformation. His body felt charged with power — limbs stronger, senses sharper, and a new energy coursing through him. His hands, now bearing four fingers instead of three, looked more human than goblin. His stance was firm, upright, and commanding — a stark contrast to the hunched postures of his kin.
Was this because of his elven blood? Or was it something more?
Kaito glanced at his status:
[Name: Kaito]
[Race: Enhanced Goblin (Special Variant)]
[Stage: Growth Stage]
[Strength: 35/100]
[Speed: 35/100]
[Constitution: 35/100]
[Magic Power: 10/100]
[Skills: Shadowstep, Fireball (E)]
[Exclusive Skill: Predator]
[Talents: Breath Concealment, Language Proficiency, Magic Affinity, Self-Healing (D), Strength Enhancement (D), Speed Enhancement (D), Magic Control (D)]
[Special Talents: King's Seed, Limit Breakthrough]
Despite the seemingly minor stat increase, his power felt vastly greater than before. Perhaps the numbers reflected something deeper — power that multiplied rather than stacked. Kaito couldn't explain it, but he knew one thing: he was stronger.
The surrounding goblins fell silent, staring in disbelief. Only the sound of gulping throats broke the stillness.
"So what?" a lowly goblin spat, shattering the tension. "So what if you've reached the growth stage?"
"Yeah," another sneered. "Goblin Knight Murdock has been in the growth stage for years — he's about to reach maturity!"
"Knight Murdock, kill that traitor!" someone roared.
"Kill the brat!" The goblins' cries grew louder as they demanded vengeance.
The Goblin Knight raised a hand, and the rabble obeyed. His armor clanked as he stepped forward, face impassive.
"Not bad," Murdock said flatly, clapping his gauntleted hands. "But you're still nothing more than a whelp."
He didn't show it, but Murdock was shocked. This power... this presence... it wasn't typical for a low-tier goblin.
Still... it doesn't matter, Murdock thought. He's no match for me.
Kaito's eyes narrowed. The instant Murdock's thoughts drifted, Kaito struck.
Swish!
Kaito's figure blurred, appearing before the Goblin Knight like a shadow.
"What—"
Murdock barely raised his arms in time to block the strike. The force sent him flying across the cavern, his armor scraping against the stone with a deafening screech.
"How... how is this possible?!" Murdock gasped as he crashed into the cave wall. Dust and rubble fell around him.
Kaito moved again, his dagger poised for the kill. He knew better than to hesitate.
[Limit Break Activated: Strength and Speed Increased by 50%]
Kaito lunged, his blade flashing toward the Goblin Knight's throat. But just before the dagger met its mark, an unseen force blocked the strike. Kaito's hand trembled as the blade refused to press forward.
"What... is this?" Kaito growled.
"That's enough," a deep voice rumbled.
The air shifted, heavy footsteps echoing through the cavern. From the darkness emerged a towering figure — the Goblin General. His presence alone seemed to bend the air around him.
"General!" The low-tier goblins rejoiced, rushing to surround him.
"He's a traitor! He killed our kind!" one goblin cried.
"He's dangerous!" shouted another.
"Enough." The Goblin General's voice silenced the room. His cold gaze swept across the cavern before locking on Kaito.
Kaito didn't hesitate. He had seen a weakness — a slight misstep in the General's stance. Without a word, he shot forward like a bolt of lightning, dagger flashing once again.
The Goblin General's eyes narrowed.
Swish!