Deep in the heart of the forest, the Quito team finally caught up with their target. The scene before them stopped them cold.
A lone figure stood atop a mound of goblin corpses — thin, sharp-featured, and unmistakably not human. Though his face carried hints of human likeness, the long, pointed green ears that twitched in the sunlight revealed his true nature. A goblin.
And yet, this was no ordinary goblin. His presence radiated something unnatural — something dangerous.
"What... what happened here?" Eli stammered, his voice shaking.
"I don't know," murmured the priestess, her eyes locked on the eerie figure. "But whatever happened... something's wrong."
"Captain," she whispered, "I think we should—"
"What are you afraid of?" Kido barked, cutting her off. He sneered at her concern, his eyes gleaming with greed as they wandered to the pile of goblin bodies.
"Look at those ears! Each one's worth gold at the guild. We've hit a jackpot!"
Ignoring his team's unease, Kido strode forward, sword drawn. The others exchanged uncertain glances but followed reluctantly. After all, it was just a goblin — what was there to fear?
"It's just a runt," Kido muttered, gripping his sword tightly. "No need to hold back."
He charged forward, his blade flashing in the morning light.
"Hahaha! You're finished, you freak!"
His sword cut down in a savage arc —
Whoosh!
The blade struck empty air.
The goblin's form twisted, his body melting into shadow and vanishing beneath the canopy's gloom. Kido stumbled, his sword biting only dirt.
"W-What?!" Kido gasped, spinning in confusion.
"Skill: Latent Shadow," the priestess muttered grimly. "He's using magic..."
Before anyone could react, the goblin emerged from the shadows behind Kido, a sleek black dagger in hand.
"Behind you!" Eli shouted.
Cold steel kissed Kido's throat.
"Holy Light Defense!"
A glowing barrier shimmered into existence, intercepting the dagger just in time. Sparks sprayed as the blade scraped against the magic ward.
"Fireball!"
A burst of flame shot from the magician's staff, streaking toward the goblin. The creature leapt back, vaulting off Kido's back to propel himself into the air. The fireball struck the ground, erupting in a cloud of smoke and flame.
The goblin landed gracefully, eyes gleaming with cold focus. Without a sound, he dissolved into shadow once more.
"Where is he? Where did he go?!" Kido barked, scanning the treeline.
"Everyone, stay close!" Eli called, panic tightening his voice. "He's still here!"
Kido scowled, standing firm with his sword at the ready. "It's just a goblin. It's one against four — stay calm."
But even as he spoke, unease gnawed at him. Goblins weren't supposed to be like this. They were clumsy, cowardly creatures — not assassins.
"Did you see it?" Kido growled, his voice low and tight.
"No," Eli muttered, gripping his staff. "It's like... he's gone."
"No," Kido said grimly, "he's here. He's waiting."
"I'll cast detection magic," the magician offered, clutching her staff.
But before the spell could form, the goblin struck.
A dark blur shot from the shadows behind her. The goblin's dagger traced a swift, silver arc —
Slash!
The blade carved across her back. Blood sprayed as she stumbled forward, her scream cut short by searing pain.
"No!" Eli shouted.
The goblin's dark eyes glinted from beneath his hood as he melted back into the gloom.
"He's toying with us," Kido growled, his fingers tightening around his sword's hilt. "And he's good at it."