《Dragon Of Eternity: Reincarnated As A Dragon With System [Time Loop]》 Chapter 1: Death And Reincarnation Chapter 1: Death And Reincarnation Warmth surrounded him¡ªa stifling, unbearable heat that pressed against his entire body. He couldn¡¯t breathe. The tight space closed in on him, choking, suffocating. His limbs twitched, struggling to move, but the walls pressed back, smooth and unyielding. What is this?The thought barely formed in his mind, panic drowning out everything else. He pushed harder, desperate to escape the crushing weight. His efforts met resistance, the hard surface refusing to give. The walls were too small, too confining. He twisted and strained, muscles screaming in protest. I need to get out. I can¡¯t¡­ breathe¡­ With a burst of frantic energy, he slammed against the barrier. A sharp sound rang out, cutting through the suffocating silence. Crack. He froze, his heart¡ªor what felt like a heart¡ªhammering in his chest. For a moment, the panic receded, replaced by raw confusion. What just happened? Another push, and the barrier splintered further. Pieces crumbled around him, and a sliver of light pierced through the oppressive darkness. Encouraged, he struck again, harder this time. The surface shattered. Cool air rushed in, sharp and overwhelming after the suffocating heat. He tumbled forward, collapsing onto a rough, uneven surface. Gasping for breath, he blinked, his vision blurred by the sudden light. All around him lay fragments of something pale and smooth, scattered like shards of glass. An egg. The realization sent a jolt through him. He stared at the broken pieces, his mind spinning. Why was I inside an egg? His gaze shifted downward¡ªto himself. His limbs felt strange, heavier than they should be. They glinted faintly in the light, as though covered in scales. What am I? As the panic subsided, fragments of memory began to surface in his mind, like pieces of a puzzle slowly falling into place. Wait¡­ I wasn¡¯t¡­ always like this, was I? He closed his eyes¡ªor, at least, he thought he did¡ªand the image of a tired man slumped over a desk came to mind. Papers piled high, a blinking cursor on a screen, and the faint hum of an ancient office air conditioner. Oh no¡­ He remembered it now. His life before this¡­ whatever this was. The endless days of sitting in a cubicle, staring at spreadsheets, answering emails, and pretending to laugh at his boss¡¯s awful jokes. God, I hated those jokes. Nine to five, Monday to Friday, with the occasional unpaid overtime. That was his existence. Well, except for Fridays¡ªFridays were pizza days, and if you got there early enough, you could snag a slice with extra cheese. Man, I miss pizza. Then, the memory shifted. He recalled the streetlights flashing by, the rumble of the bus as it carried him home, his earbuds playing the same overplayed pop songs he never bothered to update. It had been a normal day. Or so he¡¯d thought. Until it wasn¡¯t. The truck. His eyes¡ªor whatever he had now¡ªsnapped open. He could still see it: the blinding headlights, the screech of tires, the loud honk that screamed, ¡°Get out of the way, you idiot!¡±Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. But he hadn¡¯t gotten out of the way. Seriously? I got taken out by a truck? How unoriginal can you get? It was almost laughable. Years of mind-numbing work, saving up for a vacation he never took, and dreaming of a life more exciting than spreadsheets¡­ only to get reincarnated like some cheap isekai protagonist. Wait. Is that what this is? Reincarnation? He looked down at himself again, taking in the glinting scales and clawed limbs. His tail twitched involuntarily, sending a small rock skittering across the ground. So, I¡¯m some kind of lizard now¡ªa dragon, I guess? Not exactly what I had in mind. I mean, being human again would¡¯ve been nice¡ªmaybe a prince or even a regular old commoner¡ªbut a dragon? Well¡­ it could¡¯ve been worse. At least I¡¯m not a slime. Or, God forbid, a goblin. The thought almost made him chuckle¡ªif dragons could chuckle. But as the reality of his situation began to settle in, a new question emerged, one that loomed over him like the shadow of a very large truck. What the hell am I supposed to do now? As he grappled with the absurdity of his new form, a faint, metallic sound cut through his thoughts. Ding. The noise echoed in his mind, sharp and foreign, sending a strange shiver down his spine. Before he could process it, words¡ªno, glowing symbols¡ªmaterialized in the air before him, their light shimmering faintly against the jagged walls of his surroundings. [Player Synchronization Complete. Attempt #93,556.] He froze, his mind struggling to wrap around the information. ¡°Wait, what? Ninety-three thousand what?¡± he muttered¡ªor tried to. His voice came out as a strange growl, startling even himself. The words shifted. [Initializing System Access¡­ Player: Synchronizing Memory Logs¡­ Complete. Congratulations! You are now bound to the Predator System]. More words appeared, scrolling faster than he could follow. Terms like ¡°previous failures,¡± ¡°memory resets,¡± and ¡°system activation delay¡± flashed briefly before vanishing. ¡°What¡­ the hell is going on?¡± As if in answer, the system responded. [Explanation: Host has experienced 93,555 fatal resets. Cause of death: Predation, starvation, environmental hazards.] The words hung there, stark and unfeeling. ¡°Wait. Fatal resets?¡± The realization struck him like a punch to the gut¡ªor the tail. ¡°You mean I¡¯ve died? Ninety-three thousand times?!¡± [Affirmative.] He staggered back¡ªor tried to, his still-uncoordinated limbs fumbling beneath him. His tail thumped awkwardly against the ground. I¡¯ve died that many times?He tried to piece it together. The loops, the resets, the suffocating darkness of the egg¡­ He hadn¡¯t just been born today. He¡¯d been born and reborn¡ªagain and again. ¡°But¡­ why didn¡¯t I remember any of this before?¡± [Memory retention was disabled until successful synchronization with the system. Without memory, progress was nullified after each reset. Furthermore, you did not have the ''Copy'' skill to make a copy of your memories and experiences.] The pieces began to fall into place. Every death, every failure, every loop¡ªit all reset him back to the beginning, erasing everything he¡¯d learned. He hadn¡¯t just been hatching today; he¡¯d been hatching for what felt like an eternity, stuck in a cruel cycle. ¡°But why now? Why synchronize me after all this time?¡± [System Activation: Host survived initial hatching phase for the first time. Synchronization threshold met.] For the first time. He stared at the words, his scaled body still trembling. ¡°So¡­ I finally broke out of the egg without dying?¡± [Correct. Previous causes of death include crushing by predators, suffocation due to egg shell thickness, and improper nutrition upon hatching.] He couldn¡¯t believe what he was reading¡ªor seeing. ¡°You mean I¡¯ve been eaten, crushed, and starved over ninety thousand times?!¡± The system didn¡¯t respond, though the silence spoke volumes. His claws twitched, his body coiling as frustration surged within him. ¡°This¡­ this is insane. You couldn¡¯t have synchronized earlier? Maybe after the first hundred times?¡± [System Synchronization is dependent on host survival. Delayed activation ensures the system is not prematurely disabled by fatal resets.] He groaned¡ªor growled, the sound echoing off the rocky walls. ¡°Right. Of course. Makes total sense,¡± he muttered sarcastically. But beneath the sarcasm, a strange sense of relief began to settle in. He wasn¡¯t stuck in an endless loop anymore. With the system, he could finally move forward. ¡°So¡­ what now? You gonna give me missions?¡± The system responded immediately. [Beginner Quest Initiated: Survive for 24 Hours. Reward: Memory Retention and Basic Survival Instinct Package.] A timer appeared in the corner of his vision, ticking down from 24:00:00. He blinked. ¡°Wait, what happens if I fail this quest?¡± He vaguely remembered the few times he¡¯d played games or read manga. Upon failure, there would be some heavy penalty, me that¡¯s what he was worried about. [On Failure: Reset.] The casual bluntness of the answer made him shudder. ¡°Right. No pressure then,¡± he muttered, glancing nervously at his surroundings. The shattered remains of his egg lay scattered across the rocky ground, and the faint echoes of distant growls and screeches reached his ears. For the first time, he truly understood his situation. He wasn¡¯t just a hatchling¡ªhe was a very vulnerable hatchling, stuck in a world that had already killed him over ninety thousand times. But not this time. With the system on his side, he finally had a chance to fight back¡ªor at least, survive long enough to figure out what the hell he was supposed to do. Chapter 2: Cause Of Death鈥擯redation Chapter 2: Cause Of Death¡ªPredation The ground beneath him felt rough and cold, the jagged stones pressing into his underbelly. His limbs¡ªthick, short, and awkward¡ªtwitched as he tried to push himself upright. Why am I so¡­ heavy? He rolled onto his side, his thick tail swinging behind him and almost throwing him off balance. He struggled, claws scraping against the dirt, until he finally managed to lift his upper body. His breathing was heavy, ragged, each motion feeling like he was carrying an entire truckload of bricks on his back. Okay. Legs next. The hind legs were thick, powerful, but unwieldy. With a grunt of effort, he braced his claws into the dirt and pushed himself upright. He wobbled for a moment before finding his footing, his tail swaying behind him to keep him balanced. There. Not so bad¡­ I think. He took a step forward, only for his claws to sink into the soft earth, nearly sending him sprawling. His massive feet left deep impressions in the ground as he stumbled forward, trying to adjust to the weight of his body. As he moved, a flicker of realization passed through his mind. This is¡­ familiar. Too familiar. A faint memory surfaced: running, falling, snapping jaws behind him. The sound of something crunching¡ªhis bones, maybe? He shook his head, trying to focus. The system chimed, breaking his thoughts. [System Alert] Detected: Previous Cause of Death #14,229¡ªPredation. The sound made his body freeze instinctively. He glanced around, every nerve in his body screaming to find the source of the danger. The tall grasses ahead rustled, and he saw it¡ªa sleek predator, low to the ground and watching him with piercing yellow eyes. Its skin was dark and leathery, blending into the rocky terrain, and its sharp claws scraped against the earth as it moved. The system chimed again. [System Update] Target: Lesser Clawstalker. Recommended Action: Flee. Survival Rate: 3%. He swallowed¡ªor tried to. His throat felt dry as the creature began to circle him, its muscles coiled and ready to pounce. "Three percent?! That''s it?" he growled, his deep voice rumbling in his throat. His tail twitched, and he stumbled back a step, his claws dragging across the dirt. The Clawstalker moved closer, its sharp teeth glinting in the faint light. He didn''t need the system to tell him what would happen if he stayed here. The predator''s growl deepened, a low, guttural sound that sent shivers through his oversized body. Instinct screamed at him to run, so he did¡ªwell, he tried.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. As he turned, his tail swung too far, smacking into a rock and throwing him off balance. He stumbled, his legs flailing wildly beneath him. For a moment, he teetered on the edge of falling flat on his face. Okay, no big deal. Just a small¡ªwhoa! His claws caught on a root, and he toppled forward, landing face-first in the dirt with a loud thud. Smooth. Real smooth. Scrambling back to his feet, he pushed off with all the strength his stubby legs could muster, his claws gouging the ground as he ran¡ªor waddled, really. His steps were clumsy and uneven, each one a monumental effort as his massive tail dragged behind him. Why can''t I run like a proper ¡­dinosaur?! Behind him, the Clawstalker let out a bone-chilling roar. Its footsteps thundered closer, each one a reminding him of just how slow he was. The system chimed in again, almost mockingly. [System Update] Current Survival Rate: 2%. "Two percent?!" he bellowed, his voice rising in a panicked roar. "Are you kidding me?!" The ground shook beneath him as the predator closed the gap. He barely had time to glance over his shoulder before he saw it¡ªa blur of claws and teeth lunging through the air. It hit him with the force of a speeding truck. The impact hit like a freight train, sending him sprawling, his massive body crashing into the dirt with a sickening thud. Sharp claws sank into his side, tearing through his scales like paper, and the pain exploded across his body. He let out a guttural scream, the sound raw and desperate, as searing agony ripped through him. The Clawstalker''s teeth sank deep into his flank, ripping through muscle and sinew with horrifying ease. He could feel the jagged teeth scraping against bone, pulling chunks of his flesh free. His legs kicked and thrashed wildly, but his short, stubby limbs could barely reach the predator, much less stop it. The growling didn''t stop. It was relentless¡ªdeep, guttural, vibrating through his chest, almost in sync with the tearing of his body. Blood¡ªhis blood¡ªspattered onto the ground in heavy, pulsing streams, pooling beneath him. The metallic scent of it filled the air, nauseating and sharp. He tried to fight, claws flailing weakly at the creature that was ripping him apart, but every movement was agony. The pain was too much, too overwhelming. His vision blurred, dark spots swimming before his eyes, and his screams turned hoarse, choking off in a ragged breath. No, no, no! Not again! I can''t¡­ I don''t want to¡­ The system chimed one last time. [System Alert] Fatal Damage Detected. Reset Imminent. The growling and the pain faded into a deafening silence. Darkness crept into the edges of his vision, swallowing everything as his body went limp. The last thing he saw was the Clawstalker looming over him¡ªa sleek, terrifying predator with sinewy muscles rippling beneath its dark, leathery skin. Its yellow eyes glowed with cold, predatory focus, and its maw, lined with jagged, bloodstained teeth, opened wide. The creature''s long, serrated claws gleamed as they plunged deeper into his chest, a final, brutal end to his struggle. Darkness swallowed him whole. For a moment, there was nothing. No pain, no sound, no sense of time or space. Just an empty void that stretched endlessly. Then¡ªlight. His eyes snapped open, and he sucked in a sharp breath, his claws twitching against the ground. The warmth of the sunlit rocks beneath him felt jarringly familiar. He blinked, disoriented, and looked around. The jagged terrain, the shattered pieces of his egg scattered nearby¡ªit was the exact same spot where he''d hatched not long ago. "What¡­?" His deep, guttural voice rumbled softly as confusion gave way to realization. The system chimed. [System Alert] Checkpoint Reached: Synchronization Complete. He stared blankly at the glowing words hovering before him, the memory of his death still vivid in his mind. The Clawstalker, the pain, the blood¡­ all of it was real. And now, he was back where he started. "Is this¡­ the reset?" His voice trembled slightly, a mix of disbelief and dread. He looked down at his body, completely intact, no wounds or blood in sight. It was as if the encounter had never happened. But it had. The faint sound of distant growls reached his ears, and his heart sank. He was back, but so was everything else¡ªthe dangers, the predators, and the brutal fight for survival. His claws scraped against the ground as he forced himself upright. This time, though, he wasn''t entirely the same. He remembered the Clawstalker, its speed, its ferocity. He remembered how it had killed him. And he wasn''t about to let it happen again. This time, he would do something¡­ something that a human would do, probably - use his intelligence. [System Alert] Detected: Previous Cause of Death #93,556¡ªPredation. Chapter 3: Death Again Chapter 3: Death Again His claws scraped against the ground as he forced himself upright, the faint growls in the distance sending a chill down his spine. The jagged remains of his egg were still scattered around him, and the rocky terrain stretched out, unchanged from before. But this time, he wasn''t the same. He could still feel the Clawstalker''s claws raking through his flesh, the metallic tang of his blood pooling on the ground. The image of its glowing yellow eyes and the serrated teeth ripping into him was burned into his mind. He clenched his claws, his body trembling with a mixture of fear and determination. "This time," he muttered, his voice a low growl, "I''ll do things differently." The faint growls in the distance grew louder, echoing off the rocky terrain. His heart¡ªor whatever passed for it now¡ªthumped heavily in his chest. If the system functions how it should normally do, then¡­ "Show me the Clawstalker''s profile." The system chimed, its glowing text appearing before him. [Target Profile Identified] Name: Clawstalker Level: 4 Skills: ¡ú Stealth Predator: Conceals presence in tall grass and rocky terrain. ¡ú Ambush Strike: Increases attack speed and damage during surprise attacks. ¡ú Piercing Claws: Ignores weaker defensive scales. His claws twitched as he read the glowing text. "Level four?" he muttered, his deep voice trembling slightly. "What the hell am I, then?" The system''s text shifted. [Player Profile] Name: Unnamed Hatchling Level: 1 Passive Skills: ¡ú Rewind: Resets to the most recent checkpoint upon death. ¡ú Copy: Retains all new memories and skills learned before death and carries them into the reset. Active Skills: ¡ú None Acquired He blinked at the glowing text, his claws freezing mid-motion. "So that''s it. That''s how I''m still alive." His mind flashed back to the Clawstalker''s glowing eyes, its claws tearing through him, the unbearable pain, and then¡ªdarkness. "It''s not a second chance," he muttered, his voice low and hoarse. "It''s the same chance, over and over again."You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. The growling grew louder, cutting through his thoughts like a blade. He had no time to dwell on the implications of his newfound abilities. His claws scraped against the dirt as he crouched low, scanning the rocky outcrops and patches of tall grass ahead. It''s faster. Stronger. And it''s got the element of surprise. But he had something it didn''t: a second chance¡ªor, more accurately, a thousand chances if needed. He shuffled awkwardly toward a nearby rock, keeping low to the ground. His thick tail dragged behind him, leaving a trail in the dirt, but he had no other option. He needed to stay hidden. The growling stopped. His heart pounded as he pressed himself against the rock, straining to hear any movement. The silence was deafening, every muscle in his body tense. Then, a faint rustle of grass to his left. His mind raced. It''s circling. Looking for an opening. He spotted a loose rock nearby, half-buried in the dirt. Awkwardly, he picked it up with his claws, its weight almost too much for his uncoordinated limbs. With a grunt, he hurled it toward a patch of tall grass on his right. The rock landed with a soft thud, rustling the blades as it rolled. The silence broke. A blur of movement shot toward the grass, the Clawstalker pouncing where the sound had come from. He didn''t wait to see if the predator had figured out his ruse. He bolted toward the next rock outcrop, his heavy legs pounding against the dirt. Each step felt clumsy and slow, but he pushed forward, adrenaline surging through him. He reached the rocks just as the Clawstalker turned, its glowing yellow eyes locking onto him. It let out a furious roar, crouching low as it prepared to strike again. He pressed his back against the rocky surface, breathing heavily. "Come on," he muttered to himself. "Think. What would a human do?" Just this much took a lot of time, he failed to think of anything. The Clawstalker pounced faster than he could react. Its claws tore into his back, slamming him to the ground with bone-crushing force. He let out a guttural scream, his legs kicking uselessly beneath him as pain erupted across his spine. He tried to move, to crawl away, but the weight of the predator pinned him in place. Its claws raked down his sides, shredding his scales and leaving long, bloody gashes. His screams grew hoarse as the Clawstalker''s teeth sank into his belly, ripping through muscle and flesh. The pain was excruciating, his body convulsing as the predator pulled back, dragging his entrails with it. His intestines spilled onto the ground in a grotesque mess, glistening in the dim light. The Clawstalker growled, its jaws snapping shut around the mass of organs as it tore them free. Blood gushed from his open wounds, pooling around him in thick, dark streams. He tried to move, to fight, but his limbs wouldn''t respond. He was trapped, helpless, forced to endure every second of the predator''s feast. His vision blurred, but the pain remained sharp and unrelenting, every nerve screaming in agony. I''m dying¡­ again. The Clawstalker''s growls echoed in his ears as it buried its teeth deeper into his body, pulling and tearing at whatever remained. Darkness crept into the edges of his vision, but the pain lingered, sharp and vivid, until the very end. Rewind- Light- His eyes snapped open, his chest heaving as if he were still gasping for air. The warmth of the sunlit ground pressed against him, and the jagged remains of his egg were scattered around him once more. He trembled, his claws scraping weakly against the dirt. The memory of his death was fresh and searing, the phantom pain of torn flesh and spilled guts leaving him breathless. This was the second time. And thanks to his memories, it was now deeply etched into him. The system chimed. [System Alert] Detected: Previous Cause of Death #93,557¡ªPredation. He stared at the glowing text, his body trembling with a mixture of terror and exhaustion. I need to survive¡­ need to run¡­ I¡­ His mind was in shambles, thoughts scattered, his will hanging by a thread. The pain of his previous death was etched into every fiber of his being. Just thinking about the Clawstalker made him gulp down chunks of saliva, his body trembling uncontrollably. He knew the truth. He was just a level 1 dragon hatchling¡ªweak, slow, and unskilled. Against the towering level 4 Clawstalker, he didn''t stand a chance. It had already found and killed him every time, no matter how fast he tried to flee. Running wouldn''t save him. The thought of dying again, of being torn apart and consumed, filled him with despair. But despair gave way to something else¡ªrage. The fear in his chest twisted into anger, a burning determination that coursed through his veins. His claws dug into the dirt, his trembling replaced with a clenched resolve. "Run?" he growled, his voice low and venomous. "No." His claws tightened into fists, his teeth grinding as the words escaped him like a vow. "I need to kill it." His glowing eyes narrowed, his tail swaying as fury overtook his fear. "I will kill it!" Chapter 4: The First Hunt Chapter 4: The First Hunt His eyes gleamed with determination as he crouched low on the jagged ground. The faint growls of the Clawstalker echoed in the distance, but this time, he wasn''t trembling. He glanced at his claws, flexing them experimentally. They were short, stubby, and dull¡ªbarely capable of scratching the ground, let alone inflicting real damage. His lips curled in frustration. These claws are useless. How am I supposed to fight with these? His gaze shifted, falling on the shards of his egg scattered around him. The jagged pieces glinted faintly in the sunlight, their sharp edges catching his attention. He reached out, picking up one of the shards. It was heavy and solid, the uneven edges sharp enough to cut into his scaly palm. Curious, he called out to the system. "This¡­ tell me something about it." The glowing text appeared immediately before his eyes. [System Alert] Item Identified: Dragon Egg Shard. ¡ú Description: Fragments of a dragon egg, renowned as the hardest natural shell in the world. While they can be cracked, they cannot be digested by most predators due to their durability and sharpness. ¡ú Potential Use: Can be wielded as a makeshift weapon. "Perfect." The Clawstalker lunged from the grass, its yellow eyes blazing with hunger. Its claws tore through the ground as it charged, faster than anything he could match. But this time, he didn''t freeze. He didn''t run. He swung the shard as hard as he could. The jagged edge caught the Clawstalker''s hide, but the force of its leap knocked him backward, slamming him into the dirt. His claws scrabbled against the ground as the beast tore into him, its claws raking down his sides. Blood poured from his wounds, the metallic tang filling the air. He screamed as the Clawstalker''s teeth sank into his belly, ripping through scales and flesh. But through the haze of pain, he noticed something: the shard had left a faint scratch along the Clawstalker''s side. The system chimed. [System Alert] Damage Dealt to Target: -1 HP. A guttural laugh tore from his throat, raw and broken. Even as the Clawstalker began feasting on his entrails, he couldn''t stop laughing. I did it. I actually hurt it. Darkness consumed him, but he died with a smile on his face. ¡­ He blinked into the harsh sunlight of the reset, his body trembling as the memories of his brutal death faded. Blood pooling beneath him. The sound of claws raking against flesh. The darkness swallowing him whole. He shivered but didn''t falter. Slowly, he turned to the scattered shards of his egg. His claws traced along their jagged edges, and his mind began to race. A scratch isn''t enough¡­ Hmm¡­The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. If I can''t kill it from the outside¡­ maybe there''s another way. This time, he wasn''t planning to escape. He was planning to sacrifice. The growls echoed across the rocky terrain as the Clawstalker closed in, its yellow eyes glowing with predatory hunger. The hatchling crouched low, his breathing heavy but steady. He clenched his right claw tightly, blood trickling down his palm as the sharp shards bit into his scales. He winced but didn''t loosen his grip. The predator circled him, its claws scraping against the dirt as it moved closer. The hatchling''s gaze locked onto the beast''s maw, sharp teeth glinting as it growled. Slowly, he raised his right arm, holding it out deliberately. His tail swayed behind him, but he didn''t move. The Clawstalker froze for a moment, its glowing eyes narrowing. "Come on," he whispered, his voice trembling. "You want it, don''t you?" The beast lunged. Pain exploded in his arm as the Clawstalker''s teeth sank into it. He screamed, but he didn''t pull back. Instead, he shoved his arm deeper into its mouth, forcing the shards further into its throat. The beast growled, its jaws snapping shut as it tore the limb from his body. He collapsed onto the ground, blood pouring from the stump where his arm had been. His breathing was ragged, his vision swimming, but he forced himself to watch. The Clawstalker swallowed, its growls turning into a low whine as it stiffened. The system chimed. [System Alert] Damage Dealt to Target: -1 HP. The beast''s body jerked, its claws scraping against the dirt as it thrashed. [System Alert] Damage Dealt to Target: -1 HP. A weak, bloodied laugh escaped the hatchling''s throat. The Clawstalker roared, its movements frantic as it tried to dislodge the shards cutting through its insides. Blood dripped from its jaws, its growls growing weaker with each passing moment. The hatchling''s vision blurred, darkness creeping in at the edges. He collapsed onto his side, his breathing slowing. "Hurts, doesn''t it?" he whispered, his voice faint. The system chimed one last time before the darkness swallowed him. [System Alert] Damage Dealt to Target: -2 HP. Light returned, and this time, he didn''t hesitate. He gathered the shards of his egg, carefully spreading them across the ground. He focused on the rocks and the terrain, arranging the shards in a pattern that would force the Clawstalker to step on them. "This time¡­ it''s the legs." The system chimed again as he worked. [System Inquiry] Weakness Identified: Clawstalker has low stamina. Delicate legs are vulnerable to damage. He nodded grimly, the plan falling into place. When the Clawstalker charged, he didn''t run. He stood in the open, waiting. "Come on!" he roared, his voice echoing across the rocky terrain. The Clawstalker''s yellow eyes blazed with fury as it lunged at him, its claws tearing into the ground. The first shard pierced its paw, drawing blood. [System Alert] Damage Dealt to Target: -2 HP. Another shard tore into its other leg. [System Alert] Damage Dealt to Target: -3 HP. The Clawstalker howled, collapsing onto the rocky ground. It struggled to rise, but its delicate legs gave out as more shards pierced into its flesh. Blood pooled around its feet, staining the ground. For the first time, the predator looked vulnerable. The system chimed repeatedly. [System Alert] Damage Dealt to Target: -1 HP. Damage Dealt to Target: -2 HP. The Clawstalker''s eyes flickered with desperation as it thrashed, unable to move. And for the first time, it felt terror. The hatchling stepped forward, his claws gripping several shards. "This is for all the times you killed me," he growled. He drove the first shard into its eye, the beast screaming in agony. ROARRRRRRRR [System Alert] Damage Dealt to Target: -5 HP. He drove another shard into its neck, then another into its belly. Blood poured from its wounds as its growls turned into pitiful whines. The system chimed one last time. [System Alert] Target HP: 5/20 He climbed onto the beast, gripping the largest shard he could find. "This is the end," he snarled, driving the shard repeatedly into its throat. "Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die." The Clawstalker''s body twitched, then stilled. But he didn''t stop. "Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die." He continuously stabbed it at least 50 more times. [System Alert] Target Defeated. Breathing heavily, he stepped back, blood dripping from his claws. The predator that had killed him so many times lay motionless at his feet. He let out a guttural laugh escaped his throat, raw and triumphant. "Hahahahahahahahahahaha!" "I told you I''d kill you." [System Alert] The player has killed a Level 4 Clawstalker. [Level Up] ¡ú Current Level: 2 [Inventory Unlocked] [Achievement Unlocked] Relentless Survivor ¡ú Effect: Increases damage dealt by 10% after receiving a fatal injury. [Title Unlocked] Hunter of Predators ¡ú Effect: Increases critical damage by 15% against enemies of a higher level. [Reward Granted] New Skill Acquired: Trap Mastery ¡ú Description: Enhances the effectiveness of traps, increases the durability of materials used, and provides a minor detection bonus for enemy weak points. The only thing that was left after reading this messages was a taste of victory. [System Note] ¡ú The checkpoint of reset has been adjusted to the current moment. Chapter 5: The Hunters Path Chapter 5: The Hunter''s Path The hatchling stood amidst the battlefield, his breathing steady now as the system''s notifications faded from his vision. Blood still stained the rocky ground, but his focus shifted to something more pressing¡ªthe system itself. Inventory unlocked, the message had said. "Inventory," he murmured. "Let''s see how this works." The thought barely formed before a glowing interface appeared before his eyes, a translucent grid with empty slots. His gaze shifted to the massive body of the Clawstalker lying motionless before him. He reached out hesitantly with his claw, imagining the beast disappearing into the system. The system chimed. [System Alert] Do you want to store Clawstalker (Level 4) in your inventory? "Yes," he growled, his voice low and firm. The body shimmered before dissolving into particles of light, vanishing into the grid. One slot now displayed the faint silhouette of the predator, its name and level glowing faintly beneath it. "Good," he muttered. "I''ll need that later." Satisfied, he turned his attention to himself. "System," he called, "show my profile." The glowing text reappeared, hovering before him. [Player Profile] Name: Unnamed Hatchling Level: 2 HP: 8/8 MP: 10/10 Species: Blackscale Wyrmling (Dark Variant) Title: Hunter of Predators He stared at the text, his claws twitching slightly. "Blackscale Wyrmling," he murmured, tasting the words. "Dark Variant¡­ so that''s what I am." The words lingered in his mind as he studied the profile. The numbers weren''t impressive, but they were enough¡ªfor now. A sudden gust of wind swept across the rocky terrain, cutting through the bloodied air like a blade. The hatchling shivered, the chill brushing against his scaled body. His claws dug into the dirt as he glanced around, the harsh environment now unnervingly quiet. It''s over, he thought, his gaze falling to the ground where the Clawstalker had once been. But as his eyes scanned the horizon, a new realization settled over him. "I''m still out in the open," he muttered. The memory of the system''s earlier notification flickered in his mind¡ªthe first quest. "System," he called, "show the mission." The glowing text appeared immediately before him. [Quest Alert: Active] Objective: Survive for 24 Hours. Time Remaining: 23:33:21 His claws twitched as he stared at the timer. "Only 30 minutes?" he muttered, his voice laced with disbelief. The battle with the Clawstalker had felt like hours, every moment drawn out by pain and desperation. But the timer was clear: he was barely getting started. He turned briefly, his gaze shifting toward the forest behind him. The tall grasses swayed ominously, their dark shadows stretching across the rocky ground. That''s where the Clawstalker had come from, slinking through the grass with predatory precision. His eyes narrowed. "No way I''m going in there," he growled softly. "God knows what else is lurking¡ªserpents, beasts, worse." The thought sent a shiver down his spine, and he turned back toward the rocky terrain ahead. His gaze settled on the uneven outcroppings in the distance. "A cave," he murmured, his voice heavy with caution. "It''ll have to do." His claws scraped against the ground as he started forward but hesitated. What if something''s inside? Another beast¡­ or worse? He turned back to the scattered shards of his egg, their jagged edges gleaming faintly in the light. Carefully, he picked up several pieces, their weight reassuring in his claws. "System," he called. [System Alert] Do you want to store Dragon Egg Shards (x99) in your inventory? "Yes," he growled firmly. The shards shimmered, vanishing into the system with a faint glow. He flexed his claws, now empty but prepared. "If anything''s in that cave," he muttered, "these might come in handy." With a final glance at the forest behind him, he set off toward the rocky outcrops, his eyes scanning every shadow for signs of movement. The jagged terrain gave way to a steep incline, the faint shadow of a cave entrance looming ahead. The hatchling''s claws scraped against the rocky ground as he climbed, his tail swaying for balance. Each step felt heavier as a strange sensation crept over him¡ªa prickling at the back of his mind, like an unseen danger pressing down on him. He paused at the mouth of the cave, his gaze fixed on the pitch-black interior. The chill of the wind whispered against his scales, but this wasn''t just cold. It was something else. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Something''s wrong. His claws twitched, his instincts screaming at him to turn back. "I shouldn''t be here," he muttered, his voice a low growl. Just as he began to step away, he noticed them. Dozens of golden eyes blinked from the darkness, their faint glow piercing through the shadows. They were small, scattered, but unmistakably watching him. His body froze. "What¡­" he whispered, his voice barely audible. The shadows shifted, the faint sound of shuffling feet and low growls reaching his ears. Panic surged through him, and he turned, ready to run. The system chimed. [System Alert] Target Identified: Goblin No. 221 Status: Kneeling, head bowed in respect. [System Alert] Target Identified: Goblin No. 345 Status: Trembling violently, radiating fear. [System Alert] Target Identified: Goblin No. 129 Status: Kneeling deeply, body language showing reverence. [System Alert] Target Identified: Goblin No. 104 Status: Cowering against the wall, avoiding eye contact. [System Alert] Target Identified: Goblin No. 587 Status: Standing still, observing with cautious respect. [System Alert] Target Identified: Goblin No. 476 Status: Kneeling with both hands pressed to the ground in deep submission. [System Alert] Target Identified: Goblin No. 214 Status: Backing away slowly, trembling in fear. [System Alert] Target Identified: Goblin No. 189 Status: Huddled behind others, shivering with unease. [System Alert] Target Identified: Goblin No. 321 Status: Standing stiffly, arms at its sides, posture indicating cautious respect. He skidded to a halt, the flood of messages making his head spin. "Goblins¡­?" he muttered, his voice shaky with disbelief. His gaze darted back to the golden eyes. Some of them were bowing. Others were trembling. The sheer variety of reactions was baffling. Respect, reverence, fear¡ªit was all there, scattered across the cave''s occupants. He turned slowly, his claws scraping against the ground as his instincts warred with the system''s information. What the hell is this? Why would they¡­? His voice trailed off as he stared into the darkness. The goblins didn''t move, their glowing eyes fixed on him. They weren''t advancing, nor did they seem ready to attack. Instead, they remained still, their silence heavier than the tension in the air. "What¡­ is going on?" he whispered, his confusion mounting with every passing second. He stared into the cave, his claws twitching as he processed the surreal sight before him. Goblins trembling, kneeling, showing fear and respect¡ªit was bizarre, to say the least. "Wait¡­" he muttered, his gaze flickering between the golden eyes in the darkness. "If they''re respecting me¡­ does that mean I can control them? Bring them under me?" I need to survive for 24 hours right? I think their cave would be safe. Before he could spiral further into his thoughts, the system chimed. [System Alert] Reminder: During Attempt #222,567, goblin children mistook the egg for a ball and broke it while playing. [System Alert] During Attempt #224,359, goblins offered the egg to a Clawstalker for protection but were scammed and promptly eaten. [System Alert] During Attempt #325,873, goblins hunted and ate the player, mistaking him for an oversized lizard. [System Alert] During Attempt #456,112, goblins boiled the egg in a soup but set their camp on fire. [System Alert] During Attempt #512,845, goblins worshipped the egg for a week before forgetting about it and leaving it to rot. [System Alert] During Attempt #684,921, goblins sold the egg to a traveling merchant, only to be cheated with counterfeit coins. His jaw dropped as he stared at the flood of messages, his tail stiffening in disbelief. "¡­What the hell?" he muttered. A laugh bubbled in his throat despite himself, his claws scraping against the dirt as he shook his head. "This has got to be some kind of cosmic joke." He turned back toward the cave, his glowing eyes narrowing as he straightened his posture. "But maybe this time¡­" he said softly, determination creeping into his voice. Maybe I''ll figure this out. Kek, let''s see if they dare to even lift a finger. Chapter 6: Commanding Fear Chapter 6: Commanding Fear The golden eyes flickered nervously in the darkness, the faint murmurs of the goblins growing louder as they shuffled among themselves. The hatchling''s claws clicked against the stone floor as he stepped forward, his gaze sweeping across the trembling creatures. Before he could say anything, a group of larger goblins emerged from the shadows, their movements deliberate but cautious. Their rough, leathery skin bore faint scars, and crude weapons dangled from their belts. One of them, an older goblin with a hunched back and a gnarled staff, stepped forward, bowing slightly. Its voice was gruff but laced with nervousness. "Sir Lord¡­ why you come here?" The hatchling blinked, tilting his head. Did that goblin just talk? He hesitated for a moment, then smirked, his claws scraping lightly against the ground. "Why? Am I not allowed to come here?" The elder goblin flinched, its eyes widening. It shook its head rapidly, the others following suit, their low murmurs turning into frantic whispers. "N-no, no! Not what I meant, Sir Lord!" the elder stammered, bowing lower. "How may we humble ones help you?" The hatchling froze, his glowing eyes narrowing. Sir Lord? What the hell is going on? He opened his mouth to ask another question, but the words caught in his throat. A realization hit him¡ªhe understood them. Every word. "How am I¡­" he started, his voice trailing off. The system chimed in, interrupting his thoughts. [System Alert] Universal Language Translation Active. ¡ú All spoken languages are automatically translated for the player''s understanding. He blinked, the glowing text hanging in the air as he processed the explanation. "¡­Of course," he muttered. "Because why not?" The elder goblin raised its head slightly, its wrinkled features twisted in confusion. "Sir Lord¡­?" The hatchling shook his head, exhaling sharply as he straightened his posture. "Nothing much," he growled, his tone casual. "I just wanted to visit and look around. Can''t I?" The goblins froze for a moment, then collectively scrambled into frantic bows. "Of course, Sir Lord!" the elder cried. "This place is yours to visit as you please!" The hatchling smirked internally, his tail swaying behind him. Perfect. I can stay here for the next 24 hours and complete my mission. Kekeke¡­ The goblins had finally settled, their murmurs fading into the background as they returned to their positions, some kneeling, others keeping a respectful distance. The hatchling stretched his claws and glanced around the cave, his glowing eyes scanning the dimly lit interior. Before he could step further in, a small figure darted out from the group. "Sir Lord!" The voice was high-pitched and squeaky, a stark contrast to the gruff tones of the elder. The young goblin skidded to a stop in front of him, nearly tripping over its own feet. It was smaller than the others, barely reaching his chest, with wide, gleaming eyes that sparkled with admiration. "Let me guide you, Sir Lord!" the young goblin exclaimed, its voice brimming with excitement. The elders immediately stiffened, their expressions horrified. "Forgive him, Lord!" the elder goblin with the staff cried, scrambling forward. "He is but a foolish child. Please do not¡ª" The hatchling raised a claw, silencing the elder mid-sentence. "I need a guide," he said, his tone calm but firm. "Let him show me around." The elder froze, their mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. "O-of course, Sir Lord," they stammered, bowing deeply. The young goblin practically bounced with excitement, its small frame trembling as it pointed toward the deeper parts of the cave. "This way, Sir Lord! I''ll show you everything!" The hatchling followed, his claws scraping lightly against the stone as the young goblin led him through the winding paths. The cave was large but sparsely decorated, its rocky walls jagged and uneven. Pools of water collected in shallow dips, and small, makeshift areas appeared to be used for storage and sleeping. "Look, Sir Lord!" the young goblin chirped, gesturing toward a corner piled with shiny objects. "That''s our treasure hoard! Well¡­ what''s left of it after the raids¡­" The hatchling raised a brow, his tail swaying slightly. "Treasure hoard?" "Mostly shiny rocks, Sir Lord," the goblin admitted sheepishly, scratching the back of its head. "But it''s ours!" The tour continued, the young goblin''s chatter filling the otherwise quiet cave. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. As they passed a larger chamber, the young goblin suddenly turned, its eyes wide with excitement. "Sir Lord, you were so cool! The way you killed that beast outside¡­ it was amazing!" The hatchling blinked, the goblin''s words settling in his mind. So that''s why¡­ He glanced back toward the entrance of the cave, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. The battle with the Clawstalker had drawn attention¡ªfear, respect, even admiration. "Well," he said, his voice low and calm, "I couldn''t let it kill me again, could I?" The young goblin tilted its head. "Again?" "Never mind," the hatchling said quickly, brushing past the question. "Show me the next part." The young goblin chattered on as they moved deeper into the cave. Small groups of goblins peeked out from behind corners, their expressions ranging from wary to curious. Among them were female goblins, distinguishable by their slightly smaller frames and intricately braided hair adorned with tiny beads and feathers. One of the females bowed slightly as they passed, her eyes flickering with a mix of fear and curiosity. The hatchling''s gaze lingered for a moment before the young goblin tugged at his attention. "Over here, Sir Lord! Look!" The goblin pointed to a patch of faintly glowing plants growing in a damp crevice. Their leaves shimmered with a strange iridescence, and tiny blue flowers dotted their stems. "What''s this?" the hatchling asked, crouching to inspect the plants. "Those are healing herbs, Sir Lord!" the goblin said proudly. "We use them for wounds. But don''t touch those!" It pointed to a nearby patch of red-veined plants with spiky leaves. "Why not?" "They make your head all spinny and weird," the goblin said, twirling its finger around its head for emphasis. "Korg tried chewing one once, and he couldn''t walk straight for a whole day!" The hatchling smirked, carefully plucking a few of the blue flowers. "Healing and intoxicating plants in the same cave. Not bad." He was about to reach for more when a sudden, deafening noise reverberated through the cave. THUD. The sound of heavy footsteps echoed, followed by guttural growls and startled cries. The hatchling''s head snapped toward the entrance, his claws instinctively digging into the ground. "What was that?" he growled. The young goblin cowered, clutching at his tail. "Something big¡­ something angry! It is him!!!" "Him?" Without a second thought, he bolted toward the cave''s entrance, his claws clicking against the stone as the noise grew louder. When he emerged into the open, his glowing eyes widened at the sight. A towering goblin stood before him, its hulking frame significantly larger than the others he had seen. Its skin was a dark, muddy green, its muscles taut under crude leather armor. A massive, spiked club rested on its shoulder, and its yellow eyes glinted with malice and disdain. The other goblins behind the hatchling immediately dropped to their knees, trembling as they whispered among themselves. The larger goblin''s deep voice rumbled, echoing off the rocky walls. "So," it growled, its eyes narrowing, "you''re the one sent from the other tribe to collect protection fees, hmm?" The hatchling froze, his glowing eyes locking onto the Goblin Warrior. His instincts screamed at him to run, but the system''s chime interrupted his spiraling thoughts. [System Alert] Target Identified: Goblin Warrior Level: 5 Status: Aggressive The sight of the creature sparked something deep within him¡ªa memory he couldn''t suppress. [System Alert] First Death Registered: Cause¡ªGoblin Warrior ate the dragon egg whole. [System Alert] Second Death Registered: Cause¡ªGoblin Warrior crushed the player''s body with its club. [System Alert] Third Death Registered: Cause¡ªGoblin Warrior tore the player limb from limb. [System Alert] Fiftieth Death Registered: Cause¡ªGoblin Warrior devoured the player after roasting him over a fire. [System Alert] One Thousandth Death Registered: Cause¡ªGoblin Warrior stomped the player into the ground. [System Alert] Ten Thousandth Death Registered: Cause¡ªGoblin Warrior used the dragon egg as bait to lure other predators, leaving the player to be eaten alive. The notifications kept flashing, some glitching as the system struggled to keep up. [System Ale¡ª] [Sys¡ª] [S¡ª] The hatchling''s claws dug into the ground as he stared at the towering Goblin Warrior. The memories of countless deaths surged through his mind¡ªevery gruesome detail, every failure. His body trembled slightly, but his eyes burned with defiance. "So what?" Chapter 7: The Warriors Shadow Chapter 7: The Warrior''s Shadow The Goblin Warrior''s towering frame loomed menacingly, his spiked club resting lazily on his shoulder. His yellow eyes glinted with malice as he sneered at the hatchling. "How dare you come here to collect my fee," the warrior growled, his deep voice echoing across the rocky terrain. "I''ve killed lizards like you countless times before. Do you know who I am? I''m from the Rusty Stone Tribe! No other tribe name strikes as much fear and dominance as ours!" The smaller goblins behind the hatchling cowered, their low murmurs carrying faint whispers of "Rusty Stone." The warrior''s words clearly carried weight among them. The hatchling tilted his head slightly, his glowing eyes narrowing. "Rusty Stone Tribe, huh?" he said, his voice calm, almost disinterested. "Not bad. Not bad at all. But¡­" The Goblin Warrior''s brow furrowed as the hatchling continued, his tone sharpening. "Have you heard of the Void Reaver Tribe?" The warrior froze, the name striking like a blade through his confident demeanor. For a moment, his sneer faltered, and his grip on the club tightened. Behind the hatchling, the smaller goblins gasped audibly, their whispers growing frantic. "Void Reaver Tribe¡­" one muttered. "Such a tribe exists¡­?" another whispered, wide-eyed. The Goblin Warrior quickly cleared his throat, his yellow eyes darting nervously to the hatchling before narrowing again. "Tch. Void Reaver, you say?" he growled, forcing a laugh. "You think throwing around some fancy name will intimidate me?" "Does it?" the hatchling asked, his smirk widening. The warrior flinched ever so slightly, the faintest bead of sweat forming on his brow. The hatchling took a step forward, his claws scraping against the rocky ground. "Let me ask you something," he said, his voice low but sharp. "Do you think you''re strong?" The Goblin Warrior straightened, his sneer returning with forced bravado. "Of course I''m strong!" he barked. "Can''t you see how dark my skin is? It''s a mark of power and superiority!" The hatchling chuckled softly, lifting his own claw into the faint light. His dark, nearly black scales shimmered ominously in the dim surroundings. "Interesting," he said. "Because my scales are darker than yours. And where I come from? Everyone looks like this." The Goblin Warrior''s eyes flickered between the hatchling''s scales and his own skin. His forced calm wavered, his fingers tightening around the club as his chest rose and fell unevenly. "Now," the hatchling continued, his voice dropping to a near-growl, "do you think you can handle the consequences of crossing someone like me¡­ or my tribe?" The silence that followed was deafening. The Goblin Warrior said nothing, his breathing shallow as his grip on the club faltered. Behind the hatchling, the smaller goblins held their breaths, their wide eyes darting between the two figures. The silence was broken once again by the high-pitched, enthusiastic voice of the young goblin. "Sir Lord is unstoppable!" The hatchling turned to see the young goblin stepping forward, its small frame practically vibrating with energy. "Do you know what Sir Lord did?" the young goblin exclaimed, its wide eyes gleaming with excitement. "He fought a Clawstalker! The dangerous, terrifying Clawstalker!" The Goblin Warrior''s sneer faltered, his eyes narrowing slightly. "A¡­ Clawstalker?" "Yes!" the young goblin chirped, already moving into an exaggerated reenactment. "It roared and snarled, trying to tear Sir Lord apart, but Sir Lord didn''t even flinch!" The goblin took a dramatic step forward, puffing out its chest and raising its chin high. It mimicked walking slowly, each step deliberate, its face scrunched into an exaggerated look of cold determination. "Sir Lord walked like this!" it declared, its voice rising with excitement. "Silent! Calm! His eyes were like fire, and his claws were ready to strike!" The smaller goblins gasped, watching the young goblin''s performance with rapt attention. "The Clawstalker charged!" the young goblin continued, pretending to crouch like a predator. "But Sir Lord didn''t move. He just stood there, like a mountain, waiting for the right moment!" The Goblin Warrior''s hand tightened around his club, his knuckles turning white. "And then¡­" The young goblin froze dramatically, holding its breath for effect before shouting, "BAM! Sir Lord struck with such force that the Clawstalker didn''t know what hit it!" You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. The young goblin mimicked clawing at the air, spinning and stumbling as if imitating a dying beast. "Blood everywhere!" it cried, throwing its arms wide. "The Clawstalker tried to escape, but Sir Lord walked after it, silently, like death itself!" The Goblin Warrior''s eyes flickered nervously to the hatchling, who stood still, his glowing eyes locked on the warrior. The tension in the air grew heavier, the smaller goblins whispering in awe. The young goblin struck a triumphant pose, arms stretched wide as it finished its exaggerated retelling. For a moment, there was silence. Then, the other goblins erupted into applause. "Yes! Sir Lord is amazing!" "Did you see that acting?" "Just like a real warrior!" They clapped their hands, stomped their feet, and cheered with excitement. Some even began mimicking the young goblin''s dramatic movements, pretending to walk silently and strike imaginary foes. The hatchling blinked, utterly dumbfounded. What¡­ is happening? He glanced at the clapping goblins, their wide eyes filled with admiration. Are they¡­ praising him for the acting or for me? His gaze flicked back to the young goblin, who was now bowing theatrically, soaking in the applause. The hatchling''s lips twitched, fighting back a smirk. Sure. This is exactly how it happened. I totally walked silently like a ''mountain of death'' and didn''t scream at all. His tail swished slightly, his internal monologue dripping with sarcasm. Maybe I should hire this kid to write my autobiography. The young goblin spun around, grinning up at him with unabashed pride. "Was I good, Sir Lord? Did I tell it right?" The hatchling tilted his head, his glowing eyes narrowing slightly as he stared at the goblin. "¡­Close enough," he muttered. The Goblin Warrior, however, wasn''t as amused. His eyes darted nervously between the cheering goblins and the hatchling, his once-confident demeanor crumbling under the combined weight of the exaggerated tale and the unwavering presence of the supposed "Void Reaver." The hatchling took another step forward, his claws clicking against the stone. "Now, where were we?" he said calmly, his voice cutting through the noise like a blade. The goblins immediately fell silent, their applause dying as quickly as it had started. The hatchling''s claws clicked against the stone as he stepped closer to the Goblin Warrior, his glowing eyes fixed on the larger goblin. "So," the hatchling said, his tone calm but sharp, "why do you collect taxes from these people?" The Goblin Warrior hesitated, his grip tightening around the club. "To¡­ to protect them," he muttered, his voice quieter than before. "Protect them?" the hatchling repeated, tilting his head slightly. "Protect them from what?" The Goblin Warrior''s mouth opened, but before he could respond, the hatchling cut him off. "Protect them from the Clawstalker that terrorized them?" the hatchling growled, his voice rising slightly. "Did you?" The Goblin Warrior stiffened, his mouth snapping shut. He didn''t answer. The hatchling''s tail swayed behind him as he stepped even closer, his glowing eyes narrowing. "I did," he said coldly. "I protected them. I fought that beast. I bled for them. And because of that, I can''t even take their gratitude or collect a single tax?" The Goblin Warrior''s gaze fell to the ground, his confidence crumbling entirely under the hatchling''s words. His shoulders slumped, and he lowered his head in shame, unable to meet the hatchling''s piercing stare. The hatchling''s claws clicked against the rocky ground as he took one final step forward. "Go," he snarled. "Go and tell your lord this: If you or he ever steps foot here again, I will rip you apart and show no mercy." He paused, his glowing eyes glinting with menace. "And when you describe me," he continued, his voice icy and deliberate, "don''t forget to mention what you saw here today. Tell him how small and scrawny I am¡ªbut also tell him what I''ve done." The Goblin Warrior swallowed hard, his trembling hands loosening their grip on the club. Without another word, he turned and retreated, his massive frame shrinking as he disappeared into the shadows. The smaller goblins erupted into whispers, their wide eyes fixed on the hatchling. He stood still, his glowing gaze lingering on the cave''s entrance long after the warrior had gone. Chapter 8: The Blackscales Rise Chapter 8: The Blackscale''s Rise The hatchling stood at the center of the goblin cave, his glowing eyes surveying the gathered goblins. Their whispers carried a mix of fear and awe, the weight of his earlier confrontation with the Goblin Warrior still fresh in their minds. The young goblin guide hopped excitedly at his side. "Did you see that? Sir Lord scared him off! The Rusty Stone Tribe won''t dare come back!" The elder goblin shuffled forward, bowing low. "Sir Lord," he said, his voice trembling, "we offer ourselves to you. You have proven your strength. Please, allow us to serve you." The hatchling tilted his head slightly, his gaze thoughtful. If they follow me willingly, I can use them. But loyalty needs to be absolute. He raised a claw, his voice calm but commanding. "If you swear loyalty to me, understand this: I will protect you, but you will follow my commands without question. Disobedience won''t be tolerated." The goblins hesitated for only a moment before dropping to their knees in unison. "Yes, Sir Lord!" the elder declared. "Yes, Sir Lord!" the others echoed, their voices reverberating through the cavern. The hatchling''s tail swished slightly as he took a step forward, surveying his new domain. Good. This is a start. Now, let''s see what I''m working with. [Exploration of the Cave] The elder goblin guided the hatchling through the sprawling cave system. It was crude and poorly organized, with jagged walls and uneven floors. "This is our storage area, Sir Lord," the elder said, gesturing toward a pile of bones, shiny rocks, and other trinkets. "What little we''ve managed to keep after the Rusty Stone Tribe''s raids." The hatchling frowned. This isn''t a storage area¡ªit''s a junk heap. The elder moved on, leading him to a series of small alcoves lined with straw and fur. "These are our sleeping quarters. Not much, but¡­ they keep us warm." The hatchling''s glowing eyes scanned the alcoves. Most of the goblins were scrawny, their ribs visible beneath their leathery skin. Weak. If another predator comes, they won''t last a second. They passed a small pool of stagnant water, the surface covered in a thin layer of grime. "This is our main water source," the elder said, his tone apologetic. The hatchling sighed inwardly. This place is a mess. If I''m going to survive here, it needs improvements. The young goblin piped up, tugging on the hatchling''s tail. "Sir Lord, we''ll gather more! We''ll make this the best cave ever!" The hatchling smirked faintly. At least someone''s enthusiastic. The elder hesitated, his voice lowering. "Sir Lord, we''ve had trouble gathering resources. The Rusty Stone Tribe takes most of what we find. We barely have enough to survive." The hatchling''s claws scraped against the stone as he processed the elder''s words. If I don''t do something, this place won''t last long. "You mentioned about finding things," he said, his tone even but firm. "What about trading? Merchants?" The elder goblin flinched slightly at the question, his hunched form stiffening. "Trading, Sir Lord?" "Yes," the hatchling said, his gaze sharp. "Merchants. In one of the caves I''ve seen goblins before¡ªthey traded with humans. Exchanged goods for food, tools, even protection. Why don''t you do that?" I''ve seen no such thing. It''s just I remember the previous system alert of how they got scammed while trying to sell me¡­ to be fair, the egg, to a merchant. The elder hesitated, glancing nervously at the younger goblins nearby. "We¡­ we used to, Sir Lord," he admitted slowly, "but it became too dangerous. The Rusty Stone Tribe forbids us from trading. They say anything we have belongs to them, and if we try to trade, they punish us." The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. The hatchling''s claws tapped against the ground as his tail swayed thoughtfully. Figures. No tribe grows this desperate without someone making them weak. "They punish you for trying to survive?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of menace. The elder nodded, his gaze lowering. "They''ve killed those who defied them in the past¡­ taken everything we had as a warning to others." The hatchling narrowed his glowing eyes, his thoughts churning. "That''s why you''re stuck like this," he muttered, half to himself. The elder flinched, bowing his head. "We are¡­ weak, Sir Lord." The hatchling''s claws scraped against the floor as he turned to face the elder fully. "Weak because you''re chained," he growled. "Start trading again. Quietly. Reach out to merchants willing to deal discreetly. You need food, supplies, tools¡ªanything to strengthen yourselves." The elder''s eyes widened slightly, his trembling hands tightening into fists. "But if the Rusty Stone Tribe finds out¡­" "Then they''ll have to deal with me," the hatchling said coldly. "Let them come." The elder stared at him for a long moment before nodding, his hunched shoulders straightening slightly. "Yes, Sir Lord. We''ll find a way." The hatchling smirked faintly, as if it was going according to his plan but just then¡­ A sudden commotion echoed from deeper within the cave, drawing the hatchling''s attention. "What''s that?" he growled, his claws tensing. The elder''s face paled. "It''s¡­ it''s him." The hatchling''s glowing eyes narrowed. "Him again?" he muttered, recalling the same word being used when the Goblin Warrior arrived. Before the elder could explain, a goblin stomped into view. Larger than most but smaller than the Goblin Warrior, he carried a crude spear and glared at the hatchling with open hostility. He was one of the best warriors in the tribe, previously attempted to parry those of Rusty Stone tribe only to fail. "You expect us to follow a¡­ lizard?" the goblin spat, his voice dripping with disdain. "The Rusty Stone Tribe will crush us if we betray them. I won''t let some outsider get us all killed!" The young goblin stepped forward, puffing up his chest. "Don''t talk to Sir Lord like that! He defeated the Clawstalker and scared off the Rusty Stone Warrior! What have you done?" The rebellious goblin sneered. "Strength doesn''t make him a leader. I say we throw him out before he gets us all killed!" The hatchling stepped forward, his claws clicking against the stone. His glowing eyes locked onto the rebellious goblin, cold and unwavering. "Is that so?" he said, his voice quiet but laced with menace. "And what do you think will happen to you if you throw me out? Your situation will improve?" The rebellious goblin froze, his grip on the spear faltering under the hatchling''s intense gaze. The hatchling took another step forward. "I fought the Clawstalker. I drove away the Rusty Stone Warrior. I bled for this place. What have you done, other than cower under their rule?" The rebellious goblin took a step back, his defiance crumbling under the weight of the hatchling''s words. The smaller goblins whispered among themselves, their gazes filled with awe and respect. "This cave is mine now," the hatchling growled, his voice carrying across the cavern. "If you have a problem with that, you''re free to leave. But if you stay, you follow my rules. Understand?" The rebellious goblin hesitated for a moment longer before dropping his spear and lowering his head. "Yes, Sir Lord," he muttered. The hatchling smirked faintly, his claws flexing as he turned away. That''s more like it.