《A Bored Goblin's Journey to Pass Time》


 Prologue - A Goblin Realizes How Bored He is

    I don''t know why I hadn''t realized it sooner.The reality of how boring my lifestyle really was. I mean, if you had to do the same thing over and over again, day after day, wouldn''t you too be bored? Well then again, for most of you humans reading this, you probably are living a lifeof repetition. Modern human society is weird that way, constraining its people towardsa repetitive cycle of education, careers, and habits. At least, that''s what someone who reincarnated from said society told me.


    Alright,that''senough of a tangent from me. Just focus on the fact I was bored and how I knew I had to do something about.


    It was a few months after my birth when I realized this.I was out with about a group of 20 goblinshunting down humans as usual. Oh yeah, if you didn''t realize it already, I''m a goblin. Those mob early-level monsters you see in fantasy games and novels that do nothing except being a complete waste of space for both human and monster society. Unlike slimes, our species innately attacks human society on the regular, whether it be roadside ambushes or village raids. In short, we''re a bunch of weak pieces of shit.


    I couldn''t tell you why wespecifically hunted humans- hell, I still don''t even know to this day. Maybeitwas simply in our nature. Or maybe we''re just complete idiots. I''d argue for the latter honestly.


    Anyways, we all ran off with makeshift swords and spears in hand towards a bunch of bushes on the side of a dirt road. Despite our lack of intelligence and common sense, we could conceal and ambush a group of humans like first-rate bandits and spies. Honestly, it was a huge waste of talent on creatures like us. Even so, it was our specialty and something we just knew how to do.


    Hiding and freezing ourselves in position, wesat and waitedfor our prey to show up. It didn''t matter to us how long we had to wait. Sometimes, we could go a whole day and night staying in position without a second thought. Or hell, we didn''t even have any thoughts in the first place. We had instinct driving us completely, compelling us to wait and seek out any human no matter how long it takes.


    Soon, after a few hours, agroup of three adventurersshowed up all alone - one a mage, two swordsmen. All of them looking relatively weak in our eyes. Seeing potential targets, our group quickly calculated the risk/reward factor in ambushing the group of three.It was a simple calculation in reality. All we had to do was figure out whether we had more goblins than they had humans.And, realizing that twenty is indeed greater than three, wecame to a ratherswift decision.


    Immediately, we all lept out of the bushes and ran towards the adventurers like the crazed monsters we were. With sword in hand, I in particular led the charge as I locked my gaze onto the startled group.


    As I continued in pursuit towards my prey, a burst of wind suddenly came and tripped myself and a few other goblins over. I fell down and face-planted right into the dirt road. Shaking my head, I looked up to see a human with long brown hair in the distance with a staff in hand muttering something incoherent. At the time, I didn''t really realize exactly what happened, nor did I really care. My instincts were the only thing guiding me this far in life, and said guide was alerting me that the human with stick = bad.


    I readverted my gaze towards a single target in response and lunged at the perpetrator of my fall. My speed seemed to have surprised the mage, as she suddenly started to stutter and the magical aura faded around her. Seeing my chance, I swung my sword right at the mage and stabbed her right in the chest. Immediately, I could feel the sword penetrate and pop through muscle and arteries, as blood started to spurt around the edges of my plunged in weapon. Her bright blue eyes widened as she gasped in horror, only for the light in them to slowly fade away as she slumped and succumbed to death.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    I pulled out my sword after a successful kill and looked around at my comrades to assess their situation. Of course, with our numbers and swift surprise attack against a group of novice adventurers, the outcome was obvious. Five goblins stood pulling their swords and spears out of one novice swordsman, while another group of six jumped and slammed their weapons in the biggest guy of the group. All three of our original targets died without much of a word after being overwhelmed by our force.


    Now, that''s not to say we were stronger individually. Given how weak we as a whole were, there''s no doubt that, aside from myself who was abnormally strong for a goblin, most would be beat one on one in a fair fight. But given the surprise element of our attack alongside how large of a group we had, it goes without saying that the saying "strength in numbers" was ever so true in this situation.


    Afterwards, I went over towards my kill and readied myself to do what I usually do to dead female humans. Instincts taking over, I grabbed the corpse and was ready to violate it when a sudden intense migrane burst inside my head. Yelping in pain, I dropped down on my knees with my hands rubbing all over my head. Experiencing a new painful sensation I''ve never felt before, my instincts didn''t know how to react as I continued writhing and screaming.


    Suddenly, the pain went away, and I felt a wave ofenlightenmentflood over me. If I were to describe how it felt, imagine that feeling you get when you suddenly remember something important. It was exactly like that except times a thousand for me, as I overcame the bounds of instinct and started having rational thought for the first time in my life.


    With a blank expression I slowly walked away from the female corpse and sat down to organize and assess my sudden awareness of consciousness.


    What...is this?


    I suddenly thought to myself. Startled by the new voice in my head, my body jerked a bit in surprise at the new stimulus in my brain. After suddenly being freed from being driven by instinct, it was a bit much for myself at the moment to process just exactly how this came to be. Let alone how I even knew language in the first place.


    After a bit of contemplation, I realized I could in fact control the voice in my head and it simply was the internal vocalization of the new thoughts that popped up in my head.


    Why...am I doing this?


    I looked up and around.I took in the sight offellow goblins gnawing off an arm off the freshly killed swordsmen as bloody bits splurted and flew around. I looked in another direction and saw afew othersgiving into their carnal desire for pleasureby forcing themselves onto the dead corpse of the mage.


    I took all that in, andthoughtabout it and what I''ve been doing up to then for the first time in my life.


    How...boring.


    After thinking that, I felt boredom for the first time in my life. Who knowshow thatemotion came about suddenly, but I knew that it was a state I did not like being in. It was a helpless feeling that felt like a wave of despair slowly creeping up my skin. If I continued in this "boredom," I had a bad premonition that I may even commit suicide out of disdain for my current lifestyle.


    I need to find someway to pass the time quick!


    Suddenly, that thought came into my head as I tried thinking of a solution to my current dilemma. Hell, I didn''t even know where the phrasepass the timeeven came from. However, I knew if I followed this thought, I might find a way to resolve my boredom.


    "Gyuyauahrohahooruuuu!!!!" (I can''tbe doing thisany longer! I''m out of here!)


    With that sudden declaration,I stood up and left right there and then. My fellow goblin comrades looked up and started following me for a second confused, but their carnal instincts once more took over as they continued feasting on the three corpses. I paid them no more heed, as they were no longer of importance to me. As a source of boredom, they turned into enemies in my eyes that I can no longer associate with.


    As I walked away, I continued on with no particular set destination in mind. After all, I just spontaneously decided I had to leave, so it''s hard to expect me to think that far ahead after gaining rational thought for the first time. I hardly knew what the world was like outside my goblin tribe.


    Even then, I knew I had to go. Maybe then I''ll find a way to relieve my boredom and pass the time along the way.

 Chapter 1 - A Bored Goblin Discovers Nature

    I was walking back towards the forest aiming for nowhere in particular. It was getting a bit darker as the sun started to set in the horizon. The sky itself was painted in a variety of beautiful colors as I stood there staring in awe.


    It''s so pretty...


    Given I''ve never had any conscious thought beforehand, this was an eye-opening experience for me. I was absolutely mystified at just how beautiful nature really was. From the birds chirping in song to the trees swaying in the breeze, everything was simply amazing.


    Sure beat seeing a bunch of rotting human corpses daily.


    I continued walking, making sure to engrave every sensation and sight into my memory box.


    Perhaps nature could help take my boredom away...


    <hr>


    Soon, the sun set and the darkness of night set in. Given that it was a bit late, I felt that I''ve wandered enough and decided to stake out camp. I looked around and found a sturdy log I could sit and rest on.


    After sitting down, I started to take note of my surroundings. I was in some sort of heavily wooded area deep in some forest in the thick of night. From what I could tell, there weren''t many living beings around me other than a few owls and insects scurrying about.


    Determining that I was safe, I decided to go ahead and lay on the log to rest up.


    Minutes passed as I laid there. The owls and insects started breaking out in song, chirping and hooting away. In the distance, I could also hear a couple wolven cries and other noctural creatures. The whole forest seemed to be just as vibrant and alive as it was in the daytime.


    Peace...


    I smiled as that thought crossed my mind. Despite having no clue where that word came from, it felt right in this situation. No other word could describe what I was feeling any better. I felt absolutely comfortable and blissful out there in the woods. No adrenaline rush. No fear. No worries whatsoever.


    I was simply at peace.


    Blissful peace.


    Damn, what a wonderful feeling that was.


    It sure would be wonderful to stay like this forever.


    Unfortunately, reality wasn''t so kind to let that happen.


    Suddenly, the forest got quiet. Owls started flying away out of sight while other creatures ran off in panic. The crickets stopped chirping and the wolves ceased howling.


    Noticing the peculiar sudden change, I rose up into a sitting position and looked around. I didn''t see anything out of the ordinary during my quick scan. The only weird thing really was the fact there weren''t any animals nearby.


    Of course, I could go ahead and just run away like the other animals. But that would be insulting towards my newfound ability to rationalize thoughts. I felt that I needed to at least verify that danger actually existed rather than rely on animalistic instinct. I''d only be degrading myself if I did otherwise.


    I continued sitting there waiting sword in hand. One minute passed. And then two passed. And then three. Even when five minutes passed, I still saw nothing at all.


    I knew there was nothing wrong. I thought triumphantly to myself.


    Of course, that reassurance didn''t last long.


    Suddenly, a huge roar cried out in the distance. The ferocity and intensity of the sound shook the trees and ground around me. I jumped up in surprise as my bones rattled from the intimidating pressure.


    Looking into the distance, I saw the source of that monstrous sound appear.


    Out in the distance a huge bear-like beast appeared. With blood-red eyes, pitch black fur, and razor sharp fangs, this creature was by no means a cute and cuddly teddy. As it came closer, it became quite apparent that this being also had the size and weight advantage by far.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    Realizing the deep shit I was in, I felt myself shaking as an all too familiar negative emotion rose up in me.


    Fear...


    It was a feeling I''ve experienced before. Especially around opponents who looked more imposing than myself. Back when I lived off instinct, this feeling drove me to selfishly preserve my life in whatever way I could. I didn''t care for the fate of any of my goblin comrades nor anything else really. All I cared about was staying alive and getting away from whatever turned on my fear emotion.


    Naturally, that feeling helped lead me to this bright idea.


    Maybe I should run away.


    Immediately, I turned heel and sprinted off in the other direction. The only thoughts running through my head was to get the fuck away from whatever the hell that horrifying creature was.


    However, the beast itself was relentless. It chased after me with vigor and strength as it tore through trees in its haste. It showed zero signs of stopping its pursuit any time soon. While I was considered to be very fast among goblins and most creatures in general, this mammoth of a monstrosity unfortunately was also very fast.


    As I continued running, the bear-beast behind me started to gain ground. Frantically, I tried running faster and putting a bit more distance between us. Unfortunately, it only made the bear run even faster.


    After getting nowhere, I started to realize running any further was likely futile. The bear seemed to have an infinite energy pool inside of him while I didn''t. I started to panic in worry as I felt the situation get worse with each passing second.


    However, a sudden new emotion would change that outlook.


    Hope...


    Surprised, I started to process this new feeling while running. I don''t even know why it felt so comforting and safe, nor why it seemed to fill me with confidence. After all, logic says that trying to fight a monster twenty times your size is absolutely ludicrous. The thought of winning against such goes against all rational thought. However, maybe because it was a new stimulus, I decided to trust that feeling and let hope take over.


    Turning around, I felt my battle instincts flare up. My body quickly moved into a fighting stance as the bear instantly closed in with claws unsheathed.


    With a clink, I met his claw charge with my sword, pouring in all my strength to counter his momentum. The bear was pushed back from my sudden counter. However, as if that were a minor inconvenience, he came at me again with a different attack move.


    I immediately lept backwards and twisted myself away from the flurry of slashes that soon followed. With how fast he kept slashing, all I could do was try my best at dodging them while yelling out.


    "ARGHHHHH"


    I continued dodging the onslaught of slashes while thinking of a way to counter. All of a sudden, I felt my battle instincts amplify. With that new boost, I twisted myself away at a certain angle.


    As a result of my new angle, the bear lost his balance and teetered away a little bit. Unfortunately for the beast, it was all I needed to turn the tide in my favor.


    I recognized the opening real quick and sprung myself onto the bear''s back. In a panic, the bear switched to trying to gnash its teeth at me, but it was futile. I grabbed hold of a strong piece of fur and grounded myself on its back.


    "RAWRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!"


    The bear trashed about in a rage, trying to get me to fall off so it could slice me up. However, nothing worked in its favor.


    Using one arm, I lifted my sword up over the bear''s neck. Almost as if it had a premonition of death, the bear''s cries intensified with its struggle reaching maximum peak, prey-like fear replacing the predator''s eyes.


    Without hesitation, I plunged my crude sword downwards. A sloppy sound emitted as the sword sliced through flesh and bone. The bear roared out in pain as blood started gushing out of its wound. The monster spasmed and thrashed about as it desperately tried clinging on to life, but failed. Soon, the glimmering red in the bear''s eye reverted to a pitch black as its body slacked and collapsed.


    I got off the back of the bear and checked to see if it in fact died. The bear did look dead, given the intense blood loss after one of its arteries were cut. However, it was better to be safe than sorry. After waiting a few minutes and noticing no further movement, I relaxed myself and slumped down in exhaustion.


    I killed a very strong beast.


    I felt a small bit of pride at that realization.


    <hr>


    Soon enough, the peaceful atmosphere of the night trickled back in. The owls once again coo''d, the small insects and crickets chirped, and the wolves and small beasts howled throughout the night. The same chorus of tranquility and order restored itself once more.


    I sat on a tree stump taking everything in. I reviewed my experience this evening in totality. I felt a lot of new emotions today from peace, fear, and hope. A rollar-coaster like situation.


    Afterwards, I started thinking about nature. It certainly wasn''t boring. That feeling never once came up once. However, it certainly wasn''t peaceful all the time either, neither did I feel fear nor hope the whole time either.


    I frowned as I strained myself trying to figure out the perfect way to describe nature.


    And then it hit me.


    Nature is unpredictabe...


    Nodding my head, I decided to associate nature with unpredictable. Not being able to predict what''s going to happen nor what emotions are felt. Somedays, those emotions may lead to relaxation and comfort. Others, it may lead to horror and fear. It was impossible to predict just how nature will treat any given person on any day.


    With that thought, I smiled. It was certainly a fun experience overall. Even though I nearly got mauled by a bear, I stil never once felt bored during the whole ordeal.


    However, I knew I was only scratching the surface of what this world offered. As much as I loved nature, staying here for too long could have bad consequences. I still had plenty of things to discover outside of here.


    Soon, I laid down and slept comfortably, excited about what the next day has in store.

 Chapter 2 - A Bored Goblin Plays Around

    It has been a day since I started being able to think for myself. During that time, I''ve encountered plenty of emotions and excitement that I never once experienced before. Although I still had no idea why I suddenly had conscious thought, it was something that didn''t matter to me that much for now.


    All I knew was that I could think, and that was that.


    As of now, I was sitting on a log taking a break from walking. I was still inside the dense forest and was going around looking for something to do. I haven''t encountered any monsters since last night and there really wasn''t anything much I could do in the forest anymore.


    It was boring.


    Sure, it''s definitely a peaceful area to be in. The serenity and tranquility I felt last night still resonated in me. It''s not like I''m backing out of the fact thatpeaceis definitely a good emotion. It definitely is.


    It''s just a lot different when there''s no sunset nor an animal orchestra around to keep my attention during the daytime hours. I mean, at this point the only thing that meets the eye is an endless stream of trees. It''s just the same old thing.


    Considering that, it was absolutely imperative I find a way out. I may have no clue what''s beyond this repetitiveforest, but I was sure whatever''s out there would be much more interesting.


    After a few moments, I felt refreshed from my break. I got up and started walking once more.


    <hr>


    Finally, afterwalking for a good amount of time,I was out of the forest. What I saw out there nearly took my breath away.


    In front of me, a vast expanse of grassland stretched out afar and widewith scattered flowers dotting about. In the background, mountains stood tall andstrong,enchancing the landscape with its majestic appearance. Small rabbits and slime were roaming about while butterflies fluttered from plant to plant. The sun shone high in the sky with wispy clouds floating around.


    I took in a deep breath as I let in the fresh air ofthe open space. It was a very peaceful and beautiful sight. At the very least, it was far better than the sea of trees behind me.


    I started walking about and exploring the area. As I continued on, I noticed a few isolated ruralhousesin the vicinity. I didn''t catch any humans working on them thus far, but it was a sight to see. While I''ve been on expeditions in the past raiding human villages, it was the first time I was able to admire the craftmanship those humans put into their shelters. It kind of made me a little regretful of the terrible things I used to do.


    I kept walking for another few hours, passing by plenty of interesting plants, animals, and houses along the way. The grasslands were gettingthicker, with weeds growing and bushes popping up. The rural houses I passed by were becoming less frequent. Soon enough, as the frequency of weeds and bushes reached its peak, I finally ended up somewhere interesting.


    I was maneuvering through a huge thicket of weeds when I suddenly tripped up and fell down on the ground face first. Surprised at the event, I blanked for a moment before reorienting myself and getting back up.I looked ahead and saw something interesting.


    In the middle of all these weeds was a huge pond glittering in the glow of the sun. The marshy shoreline was filled with both sand and various plants I''ve never seen before. Water lillies were scattered about dotting the water while small sea monstersswam with ease. A faint blue glow shone from the waterproviding a mystical backdrop for this storybook like scenery, albeit at the time I didn''t really pay much heed to that.


    Man, this world keeps on getting better and better. Just what the hell was I doing in a cave hunting humans everyday for when there''s all this beautiful stuff all around? Goblins sure were missing out.


    I ran up to the shoreline with vigor and found a good spot where I could sit and dip my toes comfortably in the water. I plopped on right down and relaxed myself while admiring the view.


    After a few minutes, I thought I may as well try and dip my whole body into the water. While I had no idea how to swim, I figured I''d probably be fine just standing there and not trying too much.


    I jumped right in the water with a big splash. Lucky for me, the water was shallow enough that my chest and head was still above water. I flung my body around while laughing like a little kid as I fooled around in the pond.


    Fun...


    That thought crossed my head as I played around in the water. Hell, it sure was fun. I''ve never done anything like playing around or even had a memorable childhood up to that point. I haven''t even lived a full year. So, even though I was acting like a toddler, I didn''t care. I was having a blast and that''s all that mattered.


    However, as I was flinging and splashing around water to some nearby lilies, all of a sudden there was a ripple of water right beside me.


    "Boo!"


    Ijolted upin surprise as ateenage girl emerged from the pond and yelled in my ear. I staggered and fell backwards into the pond in response, serving only to cause the perpetrator to laugh her guts out.


    "Damn, you should''ve seen your face when I scared you! It was absolutely hilarious!" Thegirl exclaimed while laughing.


    I scowled as I took a closer look at the sudden intruder. The girl had long sleek light blue hair tied together in a twintail dangling on her slender shoulders. She had smaller buildand hadn''t achieved much bustthus far, but still had a very cute appearance in general. Her flawless skin, sapphire eyes, and cute grin would make most guys her agedrool while old perverts wouldeasily be able to imagine her as a peerless beauty in adult form.


    However,seeing her hysterically laughing right now pretty much destroyed any positive thought I had of her.


    Annoying...


    That thought crossed my mind while Iwaited for her shrieks to stop. First time I felt that feeling towards someone, and hopefully the last. It wasn''t a good feeling to say the least.


    Honestly, she was just like a toddler reveling most immature prank ever. It wasjust plain oldannoying.


    After she finished laughing, the girl stepped out of the pond and sat down on the shore. She motioned towards me to sit down right beside her. At first, I resisted and stayed where I was at, but then she waved her hand with a shrug.


    Suddenly, I felt something invisible tugging at me. I didn''t like that feeling and tried removing it somehow, but to no avail. Before I knew it, I lost control of my body and made to sit right beside her against my will.


    She giggled once more while I scowled at her in anger.


    "Oh come on, I don''t bite! What''s so scary about me?" She complained while "sulking."Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Gyahohaorhouahfohr aoghohoshog apiihslitbfooha grahaohohbohabrarar aohr." (Oh I don''t know, maybe the fact you came out of nowhere,surprised the shit out of fora little laugh, and then forcibly use magic to do something against my will?) I complained to her angrily.


    "Oh come on, it was just a little prank!" She said trying to defend herself. "Here, let me make it up to you by at least allowing you to speak this world''s language. Even though I can understand you just fine, not everyone else can after all."


    "Gyahahoraor---"(I don''t want your stupid shi---) I began to retort but was soon interrupted.


    Suddenly, thegirl stretched out her arm and placed her hand on my forehead. Light formed and condensed in the area between palm and hand as she chanted out some sort of spell. Soon, I felt a burning sensation in my brain as something seemed to forcibly imprint inside. I yelled out in pain in response.


    "Tehe. Don''t worry, the pain will go away soon," she explained. "The magic''s just being implemented in your brain that''s all."


    I was about to retort when the pain suddenly disappeared. A wave of enlightenment washed over me as I felt something click in my brain.


    "Oh go fu----oh huh?" I started but then caught myself. "I...can talk?"


    "Hey! I told you that was going to happen already you silly goblin," thegirl laughed. "Well, you know now. You can officially speak this world''s language!"


    She did a guts pose with a smug smile while looking at me intently. It was as if she was expecting me to bow down and worship her right there and then. I wasn''t the least bitfazed nor entertained.


    "Of course, this skill comes from me, so it''s definitely top-of-the-line amazing," she continued rambling. "No matter what race or country, you''ll be able to understand their language! Even demons can be understood, something that even the best mages can''t boast! Congratulations!"


    Well...that''s actually kind of convenient.I thought to myself.After all, I''ve been only able to snarl off random incoherent grunts at best. As goblins were creatures who lived by instinct, the need for language wasn''t necessary. Just grunts and action were all that''s needed. Being able to speak this world''s language might prove useful.


    However, I was not about to thank whoever thisgirl was just yet. I still had plenty of questions to ask.


    "Alright whatever. So who the fuck are you?" I asked her bluntly.


    "Not even aslight reaction," the girl complained. "Can''t you at least pretend to be excited about getting such a rare skill?"


    "Not until I figure out whether I should try killing you or killing you if you keep this up. Leaning towards kill honestly." Ithreatenedback.


    "Alright, alright jeez party pooper," she whined. "Such a sensitive guy. You need to tak---"


    "Oh shut the fuck up and tell me who you are already." I yelled back.


    "Fine, fine," she finally relented. "I''m known as the Goddess of this Pond, Aqualis. I took notice of you entering and was surprised to see you were a goblin! However, seeing you play around in the water by yourself, I thought I could play around a little bit too."


    She puffed up her cheeks and crossed her arms. I shrugged. She should''ve made a good impression firstif she didn''t want me being weary of her.


    However, a goddess? Seriously? Her? I definitely have plenty of objections and questions about that.I could believe her being some powerful guardianof the pond, yet actual divinity seemed a bit too much.


    Even as instinctive goblins they all had a sense of knowing whether they''re in a divine presence or not. And I''m certainly not feeling anything divine from her whatsoever. Although something deep inside was telling me she was just a "cliche'' bubbly goddess personality." Whatever that means.


    I was about to question that when she suddenly continued talking.


    "But yeah, I get it," Aqualis said as she sighed. "I was just so excited to see a real living being come here after so manymillennia that I couldn''t help myself."


    I caught something that felt logically off.


    "Wait, you said millenia? After so many millennia? That long?" I asked confused.


    "Yeah, it was that long," Aqualis said as she tearfully recalled her past. "After doing something I can''t even remember at this point, I''ve been imprisoned here. Eons probably have passed if I''m being honest. The Gods of old were always a bunch of war-mongering geezers, but knowing my luck, I probably allied with the losing group and was punished accordingly. As a result, I lost my divine aura and am probably going to be stuck here for eternity."


    I sat there in silence. That did explain my lack of divinity perception.However, what most struck out to me was her cruel punishment. As someone who values exploration and freeing myself to relieve boredom, I couldn''t imagine how terrible that would be.


    "But yeah, it''s only my aura and I still can use my divine skills and privileges." Aqualis said with a half smile. "It''s not all too bad. I still have this beautiful pond and sea creatures all around to keep me company. Even though no one else can come in and I can''t go out."


    "Wait, speaking of coming in, how in the world did you ever get inside here?" She suddenly questioned. "There should''ve been an anti-being barrier blocking the way."


    I shrugged my shoulders.


    "Honestly have no clue," I replied truthfully. "I just came in here and voila. I mean, then again it''s really only been about a day since I started having a consciousness and a constant drive to not be bored, so maybe something along those lines played a role?"


    "Hmm, you may have a point. Let me check your soul real quick and see if I can find something." Aqualis replied after some thought.


    She looked up and stared right into my eyes as she sharted chanting something. Suddenly, her eyes changed from pure sapphire to bright gold as beams of light charged right out and entered my own eyes. I steeled myself and trusted in what she was doing despite just meeting her.


    After a few minutes, her eyes returned to normal. She shook her headand stared back at me for a little bit, almost as if doubting something about me. However, she then sighed and told me what she found.


    "Your soul looks like a normal goblin soul," she said conclusively. "I have no reason to believe otherwise. You don''t have another being''s soul merged with yours, nor do you look like a reincarnated or summonedone."


    "Reincarnated one? Summoned one?" I asked quizzically.


    "People who''ve retained their memories from another world in some way shape or form," Aqualis explained. "They''re excessively rare, but from my whims I''d guess there are about four or five roaming about right now. They''re usually summoned or reincarnated as simple tools of war for some just cause humanity makes up. It''s kind of sickening. At least, that''s how it was during my time."


    I nodded my head in understanding. So it seems that I''m definitely not one of those beings, given I don''t think I''ve gained any memories from a past life or something similar.


    However, even then, am I really just a normal goblin?


    "I can''t honestly believe at this point I''m a normal goblin," I interjected. "I mean, look at me. This is not a normal goblin you''re speaking to."


    "You have a point, but my soul scanning magic is absolute," She stated matter of factly. "Now, if we talk about the absurd cheat-like amount of power, potential, and strength you have, then perhaps you may have a point. That seems to be something you were born with for some odd reason."


    I raised my eyebrows in surprise at her words. Now, I''m not oblivious to the fact I''ve been far stronger, faster, and better than all the goblins back in the day. But to be on the level of a cheat like power is mind-boggling. Though that may explain why I could easily hunt down that large bear last night.


    "Now, don''t get me wrong. You''re nowhere near our divine level," Alqualis said correcting herself. "More or less you could be on par withtop adventurers and knights in this world is what I''m getting at."


    I nodded in understanding. That explanation made far more sense.


    "Gotcha. So you''re saying I have potential to be that strong, but I''m going to assume that I''m not at that level yet." I asked wanting to confirm my hypothesis.


    "Yep. You are decently strong as is right now, but you''re nowhere near your potential yet." Aqualis nodded in agreement.


    I nodded. Guess if I wanted to reach that level, I''d have to train. However, as someone who just wants to explore the world, I could care less how strong I was.


    "Well, lucky for me I could honestly care less about how strong I am. I just want to explore the world and get rid of my boredom for good." I told her resolutely.


    "That''s a weird take," Aqualis laughed. "Not many people in general would have a goal like that and deny trying to gain more power."


    "I''m a goblin. I''m not your normal person." I shrugged and said matter of factly. We both laughed after that.


    As the hours went on, we continued on with our idle chat. Surprisingly enough, the annoyance and animosity I felt for her completely disappeared, replaced with a new feeling I couldn''t quite put a finger on. I knew it wasn''t love, but it certainly was something different.


    Soon enough, the sun started to set in the horizon as the day drew to an end.


    "Oh, well looks like the sun''s setting." I commented, once again admiring the colorful portrait painted in the sky.


    "Yeah. Sure is pretty..." Aqualiaagreed. She told me earlier during our idle chat of her love for nature and the beauty of it. As a coping mechanism, she made it a point to always take the time to watch the sun set and rise everyday. Idefinitely respected her for that.


    And, especially with the pond reflecting the sky''s painting on its shiny surface, this place was definitely an ideal spot to watch the sun''s natural course. It was another picture perfect scene that I burned straight into my memory.


    Peace...


    We both sat there intranquil quiet as we watched the sun set in admiration.