《The Golden Feather of Freedom》 Chapter 0: Beginning after the End Sora reads a book as he lays in bed, an easy smile on his face. Despite his terminal battle with cancer, Sora always wore a smile. Diagnosed at a young age, Sora spent much of his short life in and out of hospitals, enduring treatments and therapies that often left him exhausted. However, his resilience and optimism inspired everyone who met him. His family, deeply devoted and loving, made the most of every moment they had with him. They filled his days with laughter, stories, and adventures, creating precious memories to cherish. His parents who came by gave him some books and teaching him as he was home schooled due to him being terminally ill as for his siblings they play with him with cards, board games and table top and his favorite dungeons and dragons. Sora hears a sound out of the window when he looks outside he sees a flock of birds outside flying around. Sora looks on with envy as he wishes to go outside and experience the world like those birds turning away at his thoughts he goes back to reading his book before a the door opened he glance to the door only to see all of his family members came into the room. "Hey how''s my little man doing," Sora father said putting a smile. "Hey sweetie how are you feeling," his mom said waving at him and putting a gentle smile. Sora look at his family members faintly smiling. "Doing fine, but I''m a bit tired." Sora looks at them as he turns away the book, his brows furrowing in confusion. "Why are you all looking at me like that?" His mother leaned in, planting a tender kiss on his forehead. "Because we love you, Sora," she whispered, her voice trembling. "More than words can ever express." His siblings exchanged somber glances, their hearts heavy with the weight of unspoken farewells. They gathered around his bed, each taking turns to share memories of laughter and joy, of fights settled and adventures shared. Sora listened intently, a small smile playing on his lips as he soaked in their stories. As the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the room, Sora''s father took a deep breath, steeling himself for what needed to be said. "Sora," he began, his voice steady despite the ache in his heart, "there''s something we need to tell you." Sora looked at his father, sensing the gravity in his tone. "What is it, Dad?" His father hesitated, his gaze flickering to his wife for strength. "Today...," he started, his voice catching, "today is a special day. A day for us to be together, to share our love with you." Sora''s eyes widened in understanding, though he didn''t fully grasp the depth of what his father was trying to convey. "Is it because I finished the book?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. His mother''s tears fell freely now, her hand clutching his tightly. "Yes, sweetheart," she murmured, her voice trembling with emotion. "Because you''ve reached the end of a beautiful story." Then his oldest sibling his brother Caleb walk closer to him. "Hey little bro I uh wanna ask you something important." Sora turn to look at his older brother. "What is it big bro?" "What your goal after you uh... beat this thing," Caleb ask pausing for a moment. Sora looks out of the window as he sees a flock of birds before turning back at his brother. "I wanna travel the world like those birds over there," Sora said pointing at the birds. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. The siblings all exchange glances before Caleb spoke. "I see well then I will make sure that I-," Caleb stop turning glancing back. "We will get enough money to travel the world okay bro." Sora gave a big smile. "Thank you big bro." Then one by one, Sora¡¯s siblings gathered around him. His older sister, Maya, whispered about their shared dreams for the future. His younger brothers, Evan and Leo, babbled about school and their latest pranks, trying to keep the mood light despite the heaviness in their hearts. His youngest sister, Lily, placed a drawing beside him¡ªa colorful depiction of their family, forever frozen in a moment of joy. As the day went on Sora family spent time to read to him, play games, sang songs, and shared laughter together. Through it all, Sora remained serene, finding solace in the presence of those he loved most. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of gold and crimson through the hospital window as Sora yawned closed his eyes for the last time. The book slipped from his fingers dropping to the floor as the sound of the machine echo throughout the room. *BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE- _ _ _ As the quiet stillness of Sora''s final moments, as his family surrounded him with love and memories, an unknown being watched from the shadows. This being, smiles as it was touching to see yet it saw many similar fates this one somewhat touched him and decides to take pity so he takes Sora soul whisking it away and shape it into a ball and putting it on its hand? As the being morphs Sora soul into something else it decides to hold Sora hand a bit since it''s a 12 year old child it probably won''t survive it needs some kind of guidance the being though before dropping Sora soul into the world it chose. _ _ _ The night sky was interrupted by a bright golden light that lit up the night as it passes by like a comet catching the attention of some who wakes up In south west of the the capital where some of its inhabitants where woken up among them in the palace where a room of a young girl is woken up as the bright like shine through her window waking her up her blonde hair a mess. She groans as she opens her eyes getting up she walks towards her windows and opens them to the the bright golden light move like a comet. "Pretty," the girl said out loud In the seas a person on a ship with her navy hair who is soaking up the night wind catching the comet flying. "That''s interesting," she yawned before standing up and going towards her quarters. In the great western forest leaves and bushes part revealing a young woman looks at is waken from her slumber as she sees the bright golden light shine above her. "A comet that''s rare, I should probably sent the some of my subject to look for the crash site," she said as the leaves and bushes cover her once more. In the North West side of the world lies a castle where a certain demon and his co worker are working on paper work as he sees the bright golden light. "Huh what''s that," he questioned. "Did the humans do something." His colleague spoke to answer. " Oh it''s a comet that''s rare and bright one at that." "A comet really I never seen that before," the demon said as scratching the back of his head as the two stare at the comet only to be interrupted seconds later. "Hey slacking off we need to get these paper work done tomorrow now stat," the older demon shouted as the two flinch. "Y-yes ma''am," the two said as they resume working again. The older demon looks onto her employees as she turns to look on what they saw. "Huh a comet long time since we had those," she said before turning away to look at her desk as she writes. In the southeast of the scorching desert a young one horned individual with a cloak looks at the sky to see the comet staring at it for a minute or two as they continue to wander. In the southern part of the world a young child with long ears looks to the she spots the the bright light. "Woah, look Jawn look at that," she replied turning towards a rock covered in moss with a face as it turns to look at the bright light. In the cold north where the blizzard blinds the inhabitants the lights manage to peirce through the blizzard as a group of with what appears to be the leader stops to look at the light. "Interesting I wonder what is that," she said turning towards her group who are catching up with her during the blizzard. And in the center of the world a person on a building is praying on a statue before a bright light shine outside of the glass curious he heads outside and looks at the night sky as he gaze onto the bright light as it moves over head as the person watches in awe. "This must be the sign of the goddess," he murmured as he stares at the bright light as it continues to move northeast towards the mountains the person then runs towards a nearby building as the to tell them about it. As the the bright light moves towards a mountains before gently descending and settling in a cave where the bright golden light dimmed as it transforms into faint glowing golden egg. Chapter 1: Maybe a Dream Sora opened his eyes, greeted only by darkness. A warm, golden glow enveloped him, cradling him in its embrace. Confusion washed over him. Am I dreaming? he wondered, trying to blink, but it felt as though his body didn¡¯t respond. He reached out, his hands meeting something hard and unyielding. Slowly, he pushed against it, feeling something thin and brittle give way. With a sudden punch and kick, a loud crack echoed around him. One final push sent him tumbling out, landing in a heap on the cold, stone floor. I''ve broken free¡ªbut from what? As he stumbled out, bright light assaulted his vision, and his heart pounded in his chest. He looked around, finding himself in what appeared to be a dimly lit cave. Shadows flickered along the walls, cast by the faint light ahead. Sora tried to stand, his legs shaky and unsteady. When he looked down, his breath caught in his throat. Claws replaced his feet, covered in soft, downy golden feathers. His hands were gone, replaced by three razor-sharp talons, and his arms were partially merged with wings. He stared in a mix of fascination and fear. Wings? Feathers? What is happening to me? His mind reeled as he stumbled back, his heart racing. Wasn¡¯t I in the hospital? What is this place? Is this a dream? Questions flooded his mind as fast as his heavy breaths escaped his mouth. He tried to piece together how he had gotten here, but nothing made sense. The last thing he remembered was being in the hospital with his family. Now, he was alone in a cave, his body transformed into something unrecognizable. Wait, my family¡ªwhat about my family? He tried to speak, but only a high-pitched chirp came out. Panic set in as he tried to piece together how he had gotten here, but nothing made sense. The last thing he remembered was being in the hospital with his family. Now, he was alone in a cave, his body completely transformed. Desperate for answers, Sora tried to recall what his parents had once told him about dreams. If you¡¯re dreaming, pinch yourself to see if you feel pain. Try to think of something, like a plate of food¡ªif it appears, then you¡¯re dreaming. He pinched himself, wincing at the sharp pain. It felt real. He closed his eyes and tried to imagine a plate of food, but nothing appeared. His panic deepened, his breathing growing heavier as he struggled to calm himself. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Turning around, Sora noticed the source of the golden light¡ªa large, cracked egg. He stared at it, his mind racing. Was I in that egg? He reached out, touching the smooth surface for a moment before pulling his taloned hand back. The realization hit him like a wave. I had hatched from that egg. But how? And why? A loud growl interrupted his thoughts. Hunger gnawed at his belly, an instinctual urge that drove him to explore his surroundings. He needed food. The cave was cool and damp, the air thick with the scent of earth and stone. Sora stumbled forward, his new body awkward and unfamiliar. Each step was a challenge, his talons clicking against the stone floor. The air was cool and damp, thick with the scent of earth and stone. Stalactites hung from the ceiling like ancient teeth, and the faint sound of dripping water echoed in the distance. Near the cave¡¯s entrance, he found a small pool of water. Peering into it, he saw his reflection for the first time. A child¡¯s face stared back at him, with fair skin, golden hair, and large, hawk-like eyes with golden irises. He blinked, trying to process what he was seeing. What am I? Memories of fantasy creatures from books and games with his siblings flashed through his mind. A harpy? he wondered. It would explain the wings, the talons, and the feathers. But how had he become one? His thoughts were interrupted by a dry, scratchy feeling in his throat. He dipped his head to drink from the pool, the water cool and refreshing. As he drank, a sense of purpose began to fill the void left by his confusion. He might not know why he was here or what had happened, but he was alive. And that meant he had to survive. Taking a deep breath, Sora stepped toward the cave¡¯s entrance. The sunlight was blinding at first, but as his eyes adjusted, the sight took his breath away. He stood on a mountainside, with a dense forest stretching out below. The trees were lush and green, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze. To his right, another peak loomed in the distance, majestic and imposing. He was in a mountain range, high above the world below. The realization hit him hard. He wasn¡¯t just a newborn harpy¡ªhe was alone in an unfamiliar world. The vastness of the forest below was both intimidating and intriguing. A mix of fear and excitement surged through him, his heart beating rapidly in his chest. Driven by instinct, Sora spread his wings experimentally. Despite their size, they felt natural, as if moving them was as simple as flexing a finger. With a few awkward flaps, he managed to lift off the ground. The sensation was exhilarating, the wind rushing past him as he hovered unsteadily. Flying was going to take practice, but for now, I''m content to glide down to the forest floor. He landed clumsily, stumbling as his claws touched the soft earth. The forest smelled alive, a blend of pine, moss, and earth. Sora felt a connection to it, a sense of belonging that eased the loneliness gnawing at his heart. Exploring the forest, he noticed signs of other creatures¡ªfootprints in the soil, nests in the trees, and the distant rustle of unseen animals. He wasn¡¯t alone here; this world was teeming with life. For the first time since his rebirth, Sora felt a spark of hope. Maybe he could find others like him, or at least survive long enough to understand his new existence. A growl from his stomach reminded him of his hunger. He needed food, but the thought of killing something made him shudder. Maybe I can find some berries, he thought, though he quickly remembered that some berries were poisonous. He sighed, frustrated. Why didn¡¯t I pay more attention to those survival books? With determination and fear, Sora set off deeper into the forest, ready to face whatever challenges awaited. The unknown stretched out before him, but he was resolved to survive¡ªand perhaps, one day, to find answers. Chapter 2: First encounter Sora ventured deeper into the forest, his senses on high alert. A noise caught his attention¡ªsomething deliberate, something sinister. It wasn¡¯t the usual rustle of leaves or chirping of birds. His heart pounded as his instincts kicked in, urging him to hide. Spotting a thick bush nearby, he darted toward it, his movements swift and silent, guided by instincts he didn¡¯t fully understand. What is that? he thought, his breath shallow as he crouched low. Please don¡¯t let them see me. After what felt like an eternity, he peered through the foliage. In a clearing not far off, a group of five small, wiry creatures rummaged through the wreckage of a caravan. Their green skin and yellow, slitted eyes were unmistakable. Sora¡¯s mind raced. Goblins. Those are goblins. Actual goblins. He remembered playing Dungeons & Dragons with his siblings, laughing as they imagined these very creatures. But now, seeing them in person, they were far from amusing. They were terrifying. One of the goblins stood out¡ªlarger than the rest, with a giant axe slung over its shoulder, tusks protruding from its mouth, and a mohawk that made it look even more menacing. It raised its axe and let out a guttural shout, the others joining in with their own cries of victory. Sora¡¯s stomach churned as he watched them loot the caravan, their movements quick and efficient. The remnants of a brutal skirmish were everywhere¡ªhuman bodies lay scattered, their lifeless eyes staring blankly at the sky. This isn¡¯t a game anymore, Sora thought, his chest tightening. This is real. And I¡¯m not ready for this. The goblins worked swiftly, stuffing their plunder into sacks and pouches. Sora stayed hidden, his heart pounding so loudly he feared they might hear it. What do I do? I can¡¯t fight them. I don¡¯t even know how to use these claws properly. He glanced down at his talons, flexing them slightly. I¡¯m just a hatchling. I¡¯m not built for this. After what felt like an eternity, the goblins finished their looting. With their sacks full, they regrouped and disappeared into the forest, their harsh voices fading into the distance. Sora waited a few moments longer, just to be sure, before cautiously emerging from the bush. The smell of blood and death hung heavy in the air, making him gag. I can¡¯t throw up. Not now. I need to stay focused. He approached the scene, his heart heavy as he surveyed the carnage. The fallen humans had met a violent end, and now their possessions lay scattered, abandoned. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. There might be something useful here, Sora thought, forcing himself to push past the horror. Food, tools, anything that can help me survive. He swallowed his fear and began to search the area, his movements careful and deliberate. As he moved toward the first body, a thought struck him. Wait¡­ I¡¯m naked. He glanced down at himself, his golden feathers glinting in the sunlight. How did I not notice that before? He didn¡¯t feel cold or hot, likely due to his new harpy physiology, but the idea of being more presentable¡ªmore human¡ªbrought a strange sense of comfort. I can¡¯t run around like this. It¡¯s embarrassing. And impractical. He began to search the bodies for clothing, but most of the garments were damaged or armor that would only hinder his movement. I need something that won¡¯t weigh me down, he thought, his eyes landing on one body that seemed different from the others. The clothes were more elaborate, hinting that this person might have been a noble or someone wealthy. This might work. Sora quickly got to work, tearing the fabric to make it fit his new form. The pants were the first challenge. He ripped them to accommodate his feathered legs and talons, creating makeshift holes and shortening them to allow for better movement. Next was a white shirt with a hood. The center of the shirt bore an orange and black design resembling an eye, with gold ornamental designs featuring a wing motif. Fitting, Sora thought wryly as he tore the back portion to make space for his wings. The fabric gave way easily under his claws, and he adjusted the sleeves, careful not to tear them into a tank top. There. Not perfect, but it¡¯ll do. Dressed in his makeshift outfit, Sora felt a small sense of comfort. It¡¯s something, he thought, smoothing down the fabric. A way to hold onto my humanity while I figure out what I am now. With his new clothes in place, he resumed his search of the caravan wreckage. The goblins had taken most of the valuables, but a few items remained. He found a small dagger, its blade dull but serviceable. I can¡¯t fight with this, but it¡¯s better than nothing. Good for cutting meat or rope, at least. He tucked it into his belt, his talons flexing nervously. If I have to fight, it¡¯ll be with these. Next, he discovered two pouches. One contained a few pieces of dried meat, which he ate quickly, savoring the taste. I¡¯ll save the rest for later, stashing the remaining pieces in the pouch. The other pouch held a flask of water, which he drank deeply from, the cool liquid soothing his parched throat. The last cart caught his attention. Inside was a chest, its lid slightly ajar. Sora opened it, his eyes widening at the sight of gold coins. The goblins must have missed this, he thought, a small spark of hope igniting in his chest. Money is always useful, even in the middle of nowhere. He stuffed the coins into one of his pouches, the weight of them oddly comforting. If I find a city, this¡¯ll help. Assuming they don¡¯t treat me like a monster. He paused, his mind racing. What do they call people like me? Beastmen? Beastkin? He frowned, trying to remember. Yes, beastkin. That¡¯s it. I just hope they don¡¯t see me as a threat. With his newfound items gathered, Sora felt a small sense of accomplishment. I¡¯m not helpless. I can survive this. He took a final glance at the carnage around him, his heart heavy. I don¡¯t know how to bury them, and there¡¯s no shovel here. But I can at least pay my respects. He bowed his head briefly, a silent acknowledgment of the lives lost. I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t do more. Turning away from the clearing, Sora headed deeper into the forest, his steps cautious but determined. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s out there, but I can¡¯t stay here. The forest stretched out before him, vast and unknown. Please, don¡¯t let me run into anything worse than goblins. With a deep breath, he pressed on, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. <> ? <> "YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING ME" the being shouted as it reclines back clutching it''s face as it groans. "I wanted those goblins to fight that child, so I gestured them towards his general direction but instead a caravan had to show up near him, this is such bull- ah *sigh* is it to much to ask to a let a child with absolutely zero experience fight against 20 goblins," the being again shouted while sighed as it watches the boy in question looting of what the goblins left behind as the being contemplates what''s next. "I hope those people who died in the caravan weren''t important otherwise I''m gonna get yelled at again," Turning to his vision away from the boy the being searches for something. "Well let''s see then there''s bound to be something that can fight that child nearby, lets see." "No" "Not that" "Not that either" "Too strong" "Too weak" "Too... weird" "Too gross" "Ah here it is and the boy is heading straight towards it," the being let out a laugh. "Let''s see if this boy can survive or lucky yet perhaps kill it," the being began to laugh as the boy walks towards the danger. Chapter 3: yet another close call Sora¡¯s journey through the dense forest had been long and exhausting, but the sight of the serene lake in the clearing brought a momentary sense of relief. The water shimmered under the sunlight, its surface calm and inviting. Finally, a chance to clean up, he thought, his golden feathers ruffling slightly as he approached the shore. The grime and blood on his makeshift clothes were a constant reminder of the chaos he had endured, and the thought of being clean, even for a moment, was a small comfort. He removed his torn pants and shirt, the fabric stiff with dried blood and dirt, and dipped them into the lake. The water turned murky as he scrubbed, his talons working carefully to remove the stains. This is the best I can do for now, he thought, wringing out the clothes and hanging them on a nearby branch to dry. At least I¡¯ll feel a little more human¡ªor harpy¡ªor whatever I am now. With his clothes taken care of, Sora waded into the lake, the cool water enveloping him. It was a strange sensation, the water against his feathers and skin, but it was refreshing. He washed away the dirt and sweat, the tension in his body easing slightly as he floated on his back, staring up at the sky. What am I even doing? he wondered, his mind drifting. Surviving, I guess. But for how long? I need food, shelter, and¡­ friends. If there are any out there. The tranquility of the lake was a rare moment of peace, and Sora allowed himself to savor it. But as he closed his eyes, a faint ripple in the water caught his attention. His heart skipped a beat as the surface began to churn, the calm shattered by the emergence of a massive, multi-headed creature. Its scales glistened in the sunlight, each head thrashing and hissing as it rose from the depths. Sora¡¯s breath caught in his throat. What¡­ what is that? If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. The creature¡¯s heads turned toward him, its many eyes locking onto his small, vulnerable form. One of the heads reared back, its mouth opening wide as a noxious green substance began to form. Sora¡¯s instincts screamed at him to move, and he leaped to the side just as the creature spat a stream of acid. The ground where he had been sitting hissed and bubbled, the grass disintegrating into nothing. Acid?! he thought, panic surging through him. I can¡¯t fight this thing. I need to run! He scrambled to his feet, his wings flaring out as he sprinted toward the tree line. The monster roared behind him, its heads thrashing as it pursued him. Sora¡¯s heart pounded in his chest, his legs and wings working in unison to propel him forward. Don¡¯t look back. Just run. Run! He zigzagged through the trees, the monster¡¯s acid spitting and hissing as it missed him by inches. The forest around him was a blur, the sound of breaking trees and splintering wood growing fainter as he pushed himself to his limits. Finally, his legs gave out, and he tumbled to the ground, rolling into a bush. He lay there, panting and trembling, the darkness closing in as exhaustion overtook him. I can¡¯t¡­ I can¡¯t move¡­ he thought, his vision fading as he slipped into unconsciousness. Sora jolted awake, his heart racing as something hit his head. He frantically looked around, his golden eyes scanning the area, only to find a small nut lying beside him. What the¡­? He shook his head, trying to clear the fog of sleep, and cautiously peeked out from the bush. The forest was quiet, the monster nowhere in sight. Did I lose it? he wondered, his body still trembling from the adrenaline. Standing up, he took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. I need to get my clothes, he thought, glancing back toward the lake. The path of destruction left by the monster was unmistakable¡ªtrees had been uprooted, the ground scarred with acid burns. It¡¯s gone for now, but I can¡¯t stay here. He moved cautiously, his senses on high alert as he made his way back to the lake. The clearing was eerily quiet, the water calm once more. Sora quickly retrieved his clothes, slipping them back on with trembling hands. At least I¡¯m not naked anymore, he thought, though the small comfort did little to ease his fear. With one last look at the lake, Sora turned and headed deeper into the forest. The encounter with the monster had shaken him to his core, but it had also taught him a valuable lesson¡ªthis world was far more dangerous than he had imagined. I can¡¯t let my guard down. Not even for a second. As he walked, the sun began to set, casting long shadows through the trees. Sora found a small, secluded clearing and decided it would be a good spot to rest. Sitting on a moss-covered rock, he let out a long breath, his mind racing with thoughts of what to do next. I need food, water, and shelter. And I need to find out if there are others like me out there. Maybe¡­ maybe I¡¯m not alone. The thought gave him a small spark of hope, but it was quickly overshadowed by the weight of his situation. This world is huge, and I¡¯m just one harpy. How am I supposed to survive? He looked up at the darkening sky, the first stars beginning to twinkle. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s out there, but I can¡¯t give up. Not yet. With a heavy sigh, Sora leaned back against a tree, his golden feathers rustling softly in the evening breeze. Tomorrow¡¯s another day, he thought, closing his eyes. I¡¯ll figure something out. I have to. <> ? <> "Well that was entertaining at least," the being said as he watches the harpy preparing to go to sleep and contemplates whether or not he would give the kid a peaceful first night or... Chapter 4: First blood Sora found a spot nestled between the roots of a large tree, the soft moss beneath him offering a small measure of comfort. The forest around him was alive with the sounds of the night¡ªcrickets chirping, leaves rustling, and the occasional distant hoot of an owl. It was a stark contrast to the chaos of the day, and for a moment, he allowed himself to relax. His makeshift clothes, still slightly damp, clung to his feathers, but the cool evening air was slowly drying them. He curled up, trying to make himself as small as possible, his golden wings wrapping around him like a protective cocoon. He glanced around one last time, his sharp eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of danger. Nothing nearby, he thought, though the unease in his chest refused to fully dissipate. The forest was vast and unknown, and every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig set his nerves on edge. Still, exhaustion weighed heavily on him, and he knew he needed rest if he was going to survive another day. As he closed his eyes, his thoughts drifted to the events of the day¡ªthe goblins, the monster at the lake, the nightmare that had jolted him awake. I survived today, he reminded himself, though the thought brought little comfort. But what about tomorrow? Or the day after that? He needed to learn, to adapt, to grow stronger. But how? He was just a hatchling, thrust into a world he didn¡¯t understand. The peaceful sounds of the forest lulled him into a restless sleep, but it wasn¡¯t long before the tranquility was shattered. Sora found himself in a dark, empty void, the air thick and suffocating.A sense of dread settled over him, heavier than any physical weight. He tried to move, to call out, but his body refused to obey. The silence was deafening, broken only by the sound of his own heartbeat, loud and frantic in his ears. Then, a shadowy figure emerged from the darkness. At first, it was formless, a swirling mass of blackness. But as it drew closer, it began to take shape. Sora¡¯s breath hitched as he realized what¡ªor who¡ªit was. The figure was him, but twisted, wrong. Its body was pure darkness, its eyes white and lifeless, and its mouth stretched into a sinister smile that sent a chill down his spine. The shadowy doppelganger tilted its head, its grin widening as it took a step closer. Sora tried to back away, but his feet were rooted to the spot, just like before. This isn¡¯t real, he told himself, though the fear gripping his heart felt all too real. The figure advanced, its movements slow and deliberate, as if savoring every moment of his terror. ¡°What¡­ what are you?¡± Sora managed to choke out, his voice trembling. The shadowy version of himself didn¡¯t answer. It simply smiled, its white eyes boring into his soul. It was close now, so close that Sora could feel the cold emanating from its form. He braced himself, his heart pounding as the figure reached out a hand, its fingers elongating into sharp, claw-like points. Just as it was about to touch him, Sora woke with a start. His body was drenched in sweat, his heart racing as if he had just run a marathon. The forest around him was dark and quiet, the moon casting a pale light through the trees. He sat up, his breath coming in ragged gasps, and looked around, half-expecting to see the shadowy figure lurking in the shadows. But there was nothing. Just the quiet forest and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. Sora took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself. It was just a dream, he told himself, though the unease lingered. The image of his doppelganger¡¯s lifeless eyes and sinister smile was burned into his mind, and he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that it had meant something more. He stayed awake for a while, keeping watch over his surroundings. The nightmare had left him too unsettled to sleep, and he didn¡¯t want to risk falling back into that dark void. As the hours passed, the forest remained quiet, and eventually, exhaustion began to overtake him once more. Reluctantly, Sora lay back down, his golden wings curling around him protectively. Please, no more nightmares, he prayed closing his eyes. This time, sleep came more easily, and to his relief, the nightmare didn¡¯t return. The forest remained peaceful, the sounds of the night lulling him into a deeper, more restful slumber. When he woke again, the first light of dawn was filtering through the trees. Sora sat up, stretching his wings and taking in his surroundings. The nightmare still lingered in the back of his mind, but the light of day helped to push it aside. He had survived another night, and that was enough for now. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Today¡¯s a new day, he thought, standing and brushing the moss from his clothes. I¡¯ll figure something out. I have to. With a deep breath, reaching for the small pouch he had scavenged from the caravan wreckage. He pulled out a piece of jerky, tough and salty, but enough to fill the gnawing hunger in his stomach. As he chewed, his mind raced with thoughts of what lay ahead. I need to learn more about this forest. Find food, water, shelter. And maybe¡­ maybe I¡¯ll find others like me. Once he finished eating, Sora set off deeper into the forest. The early morning light filtered through the trees, casting long shadows and giving the forest an almost magical quality. The air was cool and fresh, and the sounds of the forest waking up surrounded him¡ªbirds chirping, leaves rustling, and distant animal calls. He moved cautiously, his senses alert to any potential threats. The memory of the hydra was still fresh, and he knew that there were more dangers lurking in these woods. As he explored, he paid attention to the details of his surroundings. He noticed different types of plants, some of which might be edible, though he wasn¡¯t sure which ones were safe. He also saw signs of other creatures¡ªtracks, broken branches, and nests high in the trees. The forest was teeming with life, and he knew he had to be careful. After a while, he came across a small stream flowing through the forest. The water was clear and inviting, so he knelt down and took a drink. The cool water refreshed him, and he felt a bit more energized. He followed the stream for a while, hoping it might lead him to somewhere useful¡ªperhaps a clearing, a town, or even a clue about where he might find others. Eventually, he stumbled upon a small, secluded grove surrounded by tall trees and thick bushes. It seemed peaceful, and the ground was covered in soft grass. It wasn¡¯t much, but it could serve as a temporary base while he figured out his next steps. This might work, he thought, settling down to rest for a while. But just as he began to relax, a low, menacing growl echoed through the trees. His heart skipped a beat, and he turned quickly, scanning the area. Emerging from the shadows were a pack of wolves, their eyes gleaming with hunger as they stalked toward him. Their gray fur blended in with the shadows, and their sharp teeth were bared as they moved in a coordinated formation, surrounding him. The lead wolf, a large and imposing creature with dark gray fur, stepped forward, sizing him up with cold, calculating eyes. The others circled around, their movements synchronized as they tested his reactions. Sora could feel the tension in the air; they were trying to decide if he was easy prey. Run? No, they¡¯ll chase me. Climb a tree? They¡¯ll just wait me out. Scare them off? They¡¯re already too close. His mind raced, but he knew there was only one option left. I have to fight. The standoff felt like an eternity. The wolves prowled closer, their growls growing louder, more aggressive. Sora could see the hunger in their eyes, the calculation as they prepared to strike. His claws tightened around the dull dagger he had taken from the caravan wreckage. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was better than nothing. Then, with a sudden burst of energy, the largest wolf lunged forward, its fangs bared. The pack followed, moving as one, their speed and coordination terrifying. Sora¡¯s body reacted on instinct¡ªhe flared his wings, leaping back and creating a gust of wind that knocked the wolf slightly off balance. The others quickly rushed him from the sides. He swung the dagger wildly, catching another wolf on its side, but it was only a glancing blow, barely slowing it down. The wolves were relentless, attacking from all sides. Sora dodged and slashed with everything he had, but they were quick, their jaws snapping dangerously close each time. One wolf managed to clamp onto his arm, its teeth digging into his flesh. He screamed in pain and fury, slashing at its face until it let go, blood staining his feathers. Then he noticed the knife was broken. Without thinking, he used his claws, tearing into the wolf with a ferocity he didn¡¯t know he possessed. His claws ripped through fur and flesh, and with a final, desperate blow, he managed to bring it down. The wolf collapsed, blood staining the grass as the rest of the pack hesitated, their confidence shaken. Sora let out a powerful screech, a primal sound that echoed through the grove. The wolves flinched, their ears flattening against their heads. For a moment, time seemed to freeze. Then, the larger wolf howled, and the remaining wolves turned tail and fled into the forest. The lead wolf turned its head to look at Sora one last time before vanishing into the shadows. Sora stood there, panting and covered in scratches, bite marks, and claw wounds. He could barely believe that he had survived. But before he could catch his breath, a glowing screen appeared before his eyes, hovering in midair. You have slain a lvl 15 Shade Forest Wolf Then a second message appeared below the first You have gained 357 exp. Then the third You have killed creature and gain the title "First Blood" all physical stats are raised by 3 Then a fourth You have slain a creature that is 10 levels above you and gained the title "Made Possible" all physical stats are raised by 10 And finally a fifth message appeared You have leveled up 1>7. Sora stared in shock as the screens faded away, leaving him standing alone in the grove. What¡­ what just happened? his mind reeling. Did I just level up? Like in a game? This world was stranger than he had imagined, with rules and systems he still didn¡¯t fully understand. But one thing was clear¡ªhe had grown stronger. And that gave him hope. Taking a deep breath, Sora glanced at the dead wolf lying at his feet. It had been a brutal fight, but he had won. And now, he had to figure out what to do next, how to harness this newfound power, and how to continue surviving in this dangerous world. After the adrenaline faded and the reality of what had just happened settled in, Sora found himself sitting beside the lifeless body of the wolf he had killed. His heart still pounded from the fight, but now a different feeling took over¡ªone of unease and uncertainty. He had taken a life, even if it was in self-defense. The wolf had been trying to kill him, but that didn¡¯t make it any easier to accept. He stared at the wolf¡¯s body, its fur matted with blood, and felt a pang of guilt. In my old life, I never hurt anything, even a fly, his chest tightening. But this world¡­ it¡¯s different. It¡¯s brutal. And if I want to survive, I have to make choices I never thought I¡¯d have to make. After what felt like hours of sitting in silence, Sora forced himself to move. The wolf¡¯s death couldn¡¯t be in vain. He had to make the most of it. With a heavy heart, he set about the grim task of skinning the wolf and taking what was of value. The process was messy and unpleasant, but he pushed through, using the broken dagger to carefully remove the hide. He didn¡¯t want to use his claws for something like this, so it took longer than he would¡¯ve liked. The fur was thick and warm, perfect for making clothing or perhaps a makeshift blanket. He set it aside, then turned his attention to the meat. He wasn¡¯t sure how to properly butcher an animal, but he did his best, cutting away the parts that seemed edible. The meat would be valuable for the days ahead, providing him with sustenance in the harsh wilderness. As he worked, Sora couldn¡¯t help but think about what this experience meant for him. I¡¯ve crossed a line, he thought, his hands trembling slightly. I¡¯ve killed. And I¡¯ll probably have to do it again. The thought made him sick, but he knew he had no choice. This world was dangerous, and it would take everything he had to survive. Once he had gathered all that he could from the wolf, Sora decided to drag the remains away from the grove. Leaving it nearby could attract predators, and he didn¡¯t want to invite more trouble. The weight of the carcass was manageable, thanks to his newfound strength from leveling up. He hauled it to a distant spot in the forest, where he left it to the scavengers and nature to take care of the rest. Returning to the grove, Sora felt a mix of exhaustion and resolve. I¡¯m not the same person I was when I hatched, he thought, staring at his bloodstained claws. I¡¯m changing. Adapting. And if I want to survive, I have to keep going. As night began to fall once more, Sora prepared a small fire to cook some of the meat. It took longer than he expected¡ªhis dad had made it look so easy when they used to go camping together. The memory brought a small smile to his face, but it was bittersweet. I miss them, he thought, his chest aching. But I can¡¯t let myself get stuck in the past. Not here. The aroma of cooking meat filled the air, reminding him of how hungry he was. As he ate, he reminded himself that every choice he made, no matter how difficult, was a step toward survival. And in this world, survival was the only option. <> ? <> "Huh, looks like the kid is taking it rather well of his first taste of blood and it looks like he discovered the thing I gave him" the being said scratching its chin as he watch the boy say out random words before looking like he saw the most awesome thing in his life. "I made sure its easy for the boy to understand and the fact the boy plays DnD was icing on the cake he didn''t have to do that much work to make it easy for the boy to understand the being smiled as he watch the boy accidentally almost burned his dinner. "Looks like things are about to be interesting tomorrow" Chapter 5: Something unexpected Sora woke with a yawn, stretching his wings as he stood up and shook off the remnants of sleep. The events of the previous night came rushing back to him¡ªthe fight with the wolves, the glowing screens, and the strange leveling system that seemed to govern this world. It still felt surreal, like something out of a game or a dream, but the aches in his body and the bloodstains on his feathers were a stark reminder that it was all very real. He sat down on the grass, taking a moment to focus his mind. Status, he thought, and just like the night before, a glowing screen appeared before him. Even though he had seen it once already, the sight still surprised him. The screen was filled with information, detailing his stats, skills, and titles. It was overwhelming, but he knew he needed to understand it if he was going to survive.
Name: Sora Calem
Lvl: 7 (47/320)
HP: 74/100 (+5/h)
MP: 100/100 (+3/h)
ST: 96/150 (+7/h)
Titles: First Blood, Made Possible
WILL:14 STR:16 AGI:27 DEX:15 VIT: 17
PASSIVES
Basic HtH Lv 3 Survival Instinct Lv 2 Enhanced Vision Lv 2 Stealth Lv 4
ACTIVE
Screech Lv 2 Gust Lv 1
Sora took a deep breath, his golden eyes scanning the screen. HP is my health, MP is mana, and ST is stamina, he piecing together the information. Titles give me stat boosts, and skills¡­ well, they¡¯re what¡¯s keeping me alive. He tapped on the [Gust] skill, and a description appeared. [Gust] - Allows the user to create a gust of wind that pushes nearby objects or opponents back from the user, now you can make use of how to blow your enemies away without hurting them former pacifist. Former pacifist? Sora frowned. I guess the system knows me better than I thought. He remembered using the skill during the fight with the wolves, the burst of wind that had saved him from being overwhelmed. It was a useful ability, one he¡¯d need to practice. [Basic Hand-to-Hand Combat (HtH)] - you learned how to fight with your hands and with your species being a harpy it becomes more deadly, allows you have better muscle memory on fighting and dealing more damage with your hands or claws in your case. That explains how I managed to take down that wolf, Sora thought, flexing his talons. I¡¯m stronger than I realized. I didn¡¯t even think about it¡ªmy body just moved on its own. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. He moved on to [Survival Instinct] [Survival Instinct] - A animals survival instinct is what keeps itself alive and you being a harpy gave you this advantage even though you lack finesse, you have now a sixth sense that allows you to sense danger, predict enemy movement and potential threats. It¡¯s not just luck¡ªit¡¯s instinct. This description its not even trying to be subtle with this time. Still explains why I was able to handle those wolves better than I expected, Sora relaxes. It¡¯s like my body knew what to do before my mind caught up. Then he checked [Stealth], and his feathers ruffled in annoyance. [Stealth] - Congrats you now know how to be a chicken and hide like a coward, creatures are less likely to notice you. I¡¯m a harpy, not a chicken! Sora glares at the screen. And hiding isn¡¯t cowardly¡ªit¡¯s smart! Still, he couldn¡¯t deny that the skill had saved him more than once. Still, it¡¯s useful. I¡¯ll take it. [Enhance Vision] - You can see far than most people and animals even though you didn''t see those wolves that where approaching you from a mile away. Hey, how was I supposed to know when I discovered this system last night. Sora protested internally. Give me a break. Sora grumbled internally, though he couldn¡¯t deny the skill¡¯s usefulness. At least now I¡¯ll be more aware of my surroundings. [Screech] - Let out a powerful scream that disorient any living being that is unlucky to hear it, Now you can cry like a baby to scare away your predators. I¡¯m not a baby! Sora practically shouted in his mind his feathers ruffling in annoyance. And I don¡¯t cry! Well, except that one time¡­ but that¡¯s not important! After checking his skills, Sora turned his attention to his stats. He had glanced at them briefly the night before, but now he took the time to understand what each one meant. WILL is my Mental fortitude and resistance to fear or manipulation. Good to know I¡¯m not completely weak-minded, Sora thought. STR is Physical strength. Not bad, but I could use more if I¡¯m going to fight more wolves¡ªor worse. AGI is Speed, reflexes, and overall agility. No wonder I was able to dodge those wolves. Being a harpy definitely helps alot. DEX is Coordination and precision. I¡¯ll need to work on this if I¡¯m going to use weapons or tools. VIT is my Stamina and overall health. Higher VIT means I can take more hits and keep going longer. But, Sora shivered slightly. I hate pain Understanding his stats gave Sora a clearer picture of his strengths and weaknesses. I¡¯m fast and agile, but I need to work on my strength and coordination if I¡¯m going to survive in this world. After studying his status and packing up his belongings¡ªthe wolf fur, the remaining pieces of cooked meat, and the few supplies he had scavenged¡ªSora set out to continue exploring. The morning air was crisp, and the light filtered softly through the canopy above, casting patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor. As he walked along the river, he occasionally stopped to examine something of interest¡ªa peculiar flower, animal tracks, or clusters of berries. He collected what he could, trying to memorize their appearances for future reference. I need to learn what¡¯s safe to eat and what¡¯s not, he thought. I can¡¯t afford to make a mistake. After some time, the terrain began to change. The ground became rockier, and the trees thinned out as the sound of rushing water grew louder. Sora soon found himself standing at the edge of a cliff, looking down at a massive waterfall. The water cascaded into a misty abyss below, the sound filling the air with a constant roar. But what truly took his breath away was the sight beyond the waterfall. He wasn¡¯t just standing on a cliff¡ªhe was standing on the edge of a floating island. The realization hit him like a punch to the gut. A floating island? He stared in awe as birds flew beneath him, their wings carrying them through the open air. In the distance, he saw a silhouette of a dragon soaring through the sky, its massive form heading northwest. For a moment, Sora was overcome with a mix of awe and fear. This world is more bizarre than I thought. Dragons, floating islands, weird screens, and a leveling system¡­ It¡¯s like something out of a fantasy novel. The sight was breathtaking, but it also reminded him of how isolated he truly was. I need to find others. I need to learn more about this world. Standing at the edge of the cliff, Sora felt the cool mist from the waterfall on his face and the breeze rustling his feathers. The view was stunning, but it also filled him with a sense of urgency. I need to explore further, but how do I get down from here? Gliding down seemed risky, especially with his limited flying experience. For now, I¡¯ll have to stay on this island. But I need to understand its geography and the creatures that live here. It¡¯s the only way I¡¯ll survive. Taking a step back from the edge, Sora felt a renewed sense of determination. There¡¯s so much I don¡¯t know, but I¡¯ll figure it out. One step at a time. With a deep breath, he turned away from the waterfall and headed back into the forest, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. <> ? <> "Well the kid is certainly handling this than I thought. Oh well I have better things to do right now so I hope I don''t miss anything entertaining while I''m gone." The being thoughted before standing up from its seat and disappear into the mist Chapter 6: Jinx it Inside the forest, a large boar is grazing on the grass, seemingly relaxed despite the many dangers in the forest, as it hears a rustle in the bush. Turning to look, the boar takes cautious steps as it steps closer to the bush, and nothing is there. Then another rustling sound is heard from another and the boar curious goes to investigate. After some time, the boar goes to investigate the noise and finds nothing, and another is heard. It finally reaches one where the rustling grows loud. Then, all it remembered was falling into a pit of wooden spikes. ... Sora perched on a low branch, his golden eyes fixed on the large boar grazing below. The beast seemed relaxed, its massive tusks glinting in the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. It was a formidable creature, but Sora had learned to be patient. Over the past three weeks, he had honed his survival skills, adapting to the dangers of this floating island. This boar was just another challenge¡ªone he was prepared to face. He had set up the trap days ago, digging a deep pit and lining it with sharpened wooden spikes. The rustling sounds he created by moving through the bushes had lured the boar closer, step by cautious step. Now, as the beast investigated the final rustle, it stumbled into the pit with a thunderous crash. The spikes did their job, piercing its tough hide and ending its life almost instantly. A notification appeared before Sora¡¯s eyes, glowing faintly in the dim light of the forest. You have slain a level 12 Iron Tusk Boar. You have gained 173 exp. Sora allowed himself a small smile of satisfaction. Another successful hunt, he thought, his wings flexing as he prepared to glide down to the pit. He had come a long way since his first days in this world, when he had been little more than a frightened hatchling. Now, he was a survivor, learning to navigate the dangers of this strange and unpredictable land. As he descended into the pit, he carefully maneuvered around the wooden spikes, his talons gripping the rough edges of the pit walls. The boar lay at the bottom, its lifeless body impaled on the spikes. Sora wrapped a rope around the beast and began the slow, laborious process of hauling it out. It was hard work, but he had grown stronger since his arrival, both physically and mentally. As he worked, his mind wandered back to the events of the past few weeks. The island was vast and filled with wonders and dangers alike. He had explored much of it, mapping out its geography and learning its secrets. The lake with the multi-headed hydra still haunted his memories, as did the peaceful grove where he had first taken refuge. The towering waterfall at the edge of the island had left him in awe, its misty abyss a constant reminder of how isolated he truly was. But it wasn¡¯t just the landscape that had tested him. The creatures of this island were unlike anything he had ever imagined. The goblin village he had discovered was a stark reminder of the caravan attack that had marked his arrival. The troll village, with its tusked inhabitants, had been a surprise, though he had managed to avoid detection. The orcs, however, had nearly been his undoing. He still remembered the day he had stumbled upon their hunting party. They had caught him off guard, their brute strength and numbers overwhelming him. They had bound his wings and dragged him toward their village, their guttural voices filled with triumph. But Sora had refused to give up. When the opportunity arose, he had used his wings to launch himself into the air, escaping into the trees and narrowly avoiding capture. The experience had left him shaken but more determined than ever to survive. As dusk finally settled in, the sky painted with hues of orange and purple, Sora finally arrived back at the cave¡ªthe very place where his journey began. Flying up here was trickier than I thought the first couple of times, but it helps me learn to fly even though not by much, as I see. The sight of the familiar rocky entrance brought a sense of comfort Sora, a reminder that, despite the challenges and dangers, I had managed to survive this long. Stepping inside, the cool air of the cave washing over him, and began unpacking the supplies he had gathered. The boar¡¯s meat was heavy, but it would be worth the effort. After setting up his makeshift fire pit, he carefully laid the meat out, using some of the herbs he had gathered to season it. The sizzle of the meat as it hit the fire was a welcome sound, and the aroma quickly filled the cave, making his mouth water. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. Sora sat cross-legged by the crackling fire, the warm glow illuminating the walls of the cave he now called home. The scent of roasting boar meat filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the cave. It had been a long day, but a productive one. The boar he had hunted would provide him with enough food to last for days, and its hide could be used to craft better clothing or tools. As he waited for the meat to cook, he took a moment to reflect on his journey so far. The cave had become more than just a shelter¡ªit was his sanctuary. The same place where he had hatched from that golden egg now served as his base of operations, a place where he could store his supplies, rest, and plan his next moves. The island was vast and filled with dangers, but within these stone walls, Sora felt a sense of safety and stability. As the fire crackled, he pulled up his status screen, the glowing interface appearing before his eyes. It had become a familiar sight over the past three weeks, a constant reminder of his progress and growth. He scanned the details, taking in the changes since his last check.
Name: Sora Calem
Lv: 14 (183/640)
HP: 125/125 (+7/h)
MP: 100/100 (+4/h)
ST: 210/225 (+14/h)
Titles: First Blood, Made possible, Tenacious Survivor, Lone Wanderer
WILL: 17> 19 STR: 16> 21 AGI: 27 > 39 DEX: 15> 19 VIT: 17 >26
PASSIVES
Basic Hand-to-Hand Combat Lv 6 Survival Instinct Lv 5 Stealth Lv 7 Enhanced Vision Lv 9 Tracking Lv 4
Grit Lv 3
ACTIVE
Screech Lv 4 Gust Lv 3
Sora¡¯s eyes lingered on the new titles he had earned. [Tenacious Survivor] and [Lone Wanderer] were badges of his resilience and adaptability. The first title, earned after narrowly escaping death at the claws of a panther, had boosted his physical stats. [Tenacious Survivor] - Survive almost being killed while killing your opponent. Adds 5% damage boost when low HP +2 to all PHYSICAL stats. That panther¡­ Sora shuddered at the memory. The sleek, black-furred predator had ambushed him while he was foraging. The fight had been brutal, and he had barely escaped with his life. But in the end, he had emerged victorious, earning this title and a boost to his physical stats. I¡¯m lucky to be alive, he thought, flexing his talons. But I¡¯m stronger for it. [Lone Wanderer] - Be alone for an entire week. Increased Perception and Stealth by 10%. +2 to WILL. I¡¯ve been alone for three weeks now, Sora mused, his gaze drifting to the cave entrance. The title was a reminder of his isolation, but also of his resilience. I hope I won¡¯t be alone for long, he thought, though he wasn¡¯t sure if he was ready to trust others in this world. The orcs had taught him that not all humanoid creatures were friendly. He focused on his skills next, reading their descriptions with a mix of pride and exasperation. The system¡¯s snarky comments had become a running joke, though they still managed to annoy him. [Tracking] - Congrats, you now know how to stalk someone without their permission. Increased chance of spotting prints or marks left behind by 7%. It¡¯s only for animals, Sora thought defensively. It¡¯s not like I¡¯d use it on humans¡­ right? He shook his head, amused despite himself. These skill descriptions are so mean. Why can¡¯t they just be straightforward? [Grit] - Congrats, you¡¯re now a masochist. 30% increased defense and pain tolerance. I still don¡¯t even know what a masochist is, Sora grumbled internally. But I¡¯ll take the defense boost, even if it comes with an insult. With a sigh, he closed the status screen and turned his attention back to the fire. The boar meat was almost done, its rich aroma making his stomach growl. He poked at it with a stick, ensuring it was cooked evenly, before pulling a piece off to cool. As he ate, Sora allowed himself a moment of peace. The past three weeks had been a whirlwind of challenges and discoveries, but he had managed to adapt. He had learned to hunt, to track, to fight, and to survive in a world that seemed determined to test him at every turn. The island was still full of mysteries, but he was no longer the frightened hatchling he had been when he first emerged from the egg. Everything is looking okay so far, he thought, leaning back against the cave wall. But I can¡¯t get complacent. There¡¯s still so much I don¡¯t know. The firelight flickered, casting dancing shadows on the walls as Sora finished his meal. He felt a sense of contentment, but also a quiet determination. The island was vast, and there was still so much to explore. The goblin village, the trolls, the orcs¡ªthey were just the beginning. There were likely other dangers, other secrets waiting to be uncovered. For now, though, he was safe. The cave was his sanctuary, and the fire was warm. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but tonight, he would rest. With a final glance at the fire, Sora curled up on his makeshift bed of leaves and fur, his golden wings wrapping around him like a blanket. The sounds of the forest outside were a distant hum, and soon, he drifted off to sleep, ready to face whatever the next day might bring. <> ? <> "All right, you fuck wits, we better find that bird, or else the warlock will have our heads," Kragg demanded as he watched his men search for that blasted bird that escaped their clutches. The head warlock needed a sacrifice for their spells, they needed those spells on the frontlines for the fight between the Eclipse Hoarder goblin tribe and the Dark Magi troll tribe and maybe he could finally get into the fray himself instead of gathering grass, herbs, and animals for the food and sacrifices for the warlock he needed a fight that gives him glory, sure the beast can put up a fight or two but they are few and far between which is exactly why he needs to go to the frontlines and why he needed that bird, it''s his ticket out there in the battlefield. He grinned. The sight of fighting something to test his metal on got him excited, and the warlock''s words in his head. "Chief hunter, you said you found this human bird and captured it but it escaped, yes?" "If you can bring it to me, I''ll see to it and ask the chieftain to let you go into the frontlines and let you test out something once I''ve finished with that bird." Kragg was interrupted from his memory as one of the orcs called "Chief hunter Kragg, we may have found something," one of the orcs said as Kragg turned his head to look at the orc, expecting good news. "All right, what is it." "You might want to see this," the orc said as he led Kragg towards a hole. "Seriously this is what you found a random hole!" He shouted at the orc. "But Chief Hunter, this is no ordinary hole. It has wooden spikes underneath. Look," the orc then gestured at the others as one of the orcs climbed from the hole with a wooden spear on his back. The orc in question then got the spear or, rather, spike once Kragg was handed the spike. As he examines the spike more thoroughly, he sees its broken tip with some blood on its shaft, which means this has been used, and a grin grew. "Get the wolves, looks like we found our bird." Chapter 7: To cage a bird Sora was awaken im the middle of the night as a noise was heard outside turning to see light. Confused heads to the entrance only see torches and silhouette of large big with weapons its orcs he tries to think as he sees a silhouette of wolves with them binded as they sniff the air he tries to think of a plan. Sora¡¯s heart pounded in his chest as he crouched at the entrance of the cave, his golden eyes scanning the scene below. The orcs were back, and this time, they had brought wolves. The torches they carried cast flickering shadows across the rocky terrain, and the wolves sniffed the air, their keen senses likely picking up his scent. They¡¯ve found me, he thought, his mind racing. I can¡¯t fight them here. Not in the cave. I need to lead them away. With a deep breath, Sora spread his wings and leaped from the cave entrance, gliding silently into the night. The cool air rushed past him as he descended, his talons barely grazing the ground before he took off running. The wolves immediately caught his scent and began to howl, their sharp barks echoing through the forest. The orcs shouted in their guttural language, their heavy footsteps thundering behind the wolves as they gave chase. Sora¡¯s wings beat furiously as he darted through the trees, his agility and speed giving him an edge. He wove through the underbrush, his sharp eyes picking out the best paths to lose his pursuers. The forest was his ally, its dense foliage and uneven terrain making it difficult for the orcs and wolves to keep up. But he knew he couldn¡¯t outrun them forever. He needed a plan. As he ran, Sora¡¯s mind worked quickly. I need to turn this chase around. Use the environment to my advantage. He spotted a rocky clearing ahead, the moonlight casting long shadows across the ground. It was as good a place as any to make his stand. With a burst of speed, he broke through the tree line and into the clearing, his wings flaring out as he skidded to a stop. The orcs and wolves emerged moments later, their torches illuminating the clearing. The orcs roared, their crude weapons raised high, while the wolves snarled, their teeth bared. Sora stood his ground, his claws extended and his wings spread wide. He might be outnumbered, but he wasn¡¯t going down without a fight. One of the orcs charged forward, its massive club swinging in a wide arc. Sora dodged to the side, his agility allowing him to evade the blow with ease. He countered with a swift slash of his talons, catching the orc on the arm and drawing blood. The creature bellowed in pain, but Sora didn¡¯t wait for it to recover. He used Gust, creating a powerful burst of wind that knocked the orc off balance and sent it stumbling backward. The wolves lunged at him next, their movements quick and coordinated. Sora leaped into the air, his wings carrying him just out of reach. From above, he surveyed the battlefield, his sharp eyes picking out the best strategies. The rocks, he thought, spotting a cluster of boulders nearby. If I can lure them there, I can use the terrain to my advantage. With a quick flap of his wings, Sora descended toward the rocks, landing lightly on one of the larger boulders. The orcs and wolves followed, their movements slower and more cumbersome on the uneven ground. Sora waited until they were close, then unleashed another Gust, this time aiming for the loose stones at the edge of the clearing. The wind sent the rocks tumbling, creating a makeshift barrier that slowed the orcs¡¯ advance. The wolves, however, were more agile. They darted around the rocks, their eyes locked on Sora. He braced himself, his claws ready. As the first wolf leaped at him, he sidestepped and slashed at its side, his talons cutting through its thick fur. The wolf yelped and retreated, but the others were already closing in. Sora knew he couldn¡¯t keep this up forever. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. His stamina was running low, and the orcs were regrouping. He needed to end this quickly. With a deep breath, he unleashed a powerful Screech, the sound reverberating through the clearing. The wolves howled in pain, their sensitive ears overwhelmed by the noise. The orcs staggered, clutching their heads as the piercing sound disoriented them. Seizing the opportunity, Sora leaped from the boulder, his wings carrying him over the heads of his enemies. He landed on the other side of the clearing, his talons digging into the soft earth. The orcs and wolves were still recovering from the Screech, giving him a precious few seconds to make his escape. Sora¡¯s heart pounded as he soared above the rocky plateau, the cold night air rushing past his feathers. Below him, the orcs roared in frustration, their hulking forms silhouetted against the dim moonlight. The wolves they had brought with them snarled and snapped at the air, their keen senses tracking his movements even as he flew higher. Sora¡¯s golden eyes scanned the terrain, his mind racing to formulate a plan. I can¡¯t fight them head-on, he thought, his talons flexing nervously. There are too many of them, and they¡¯re too strong. But I can¡¯t let them find the cave. It¡¯s my only safe place. The orcs were relentless, their crude weapons glinting in the faint light as they spread out across the plateau. Sora knew he had to act fast. He flapped his wings, gaining altitude, and focused on the terrain below. The rocky clearing was dotted with boulders and narrow paths, and he spotted a cluster of rocks that could provide cover. If I can lure them into a bottleneck, I might stand a chance. With a deep breath, Sora dove toward the ground, his wings tucking close to his body as he aimed for the narrow path leading into the forest. The orcs shouted and gave chase, their heavy footsteps echoing against the stone. The wolves followed close behind, their snarls growing louder as they closed the distance. As Sora landed near the cluster of rocks, he quickly activated Gust, sending a powerful burst of wind toward the approaching orcs. The sudden force knocked several of them off balance, giving him a moment to catch his breath. He darted behind the rocks, his heart racing as he prepared for the next move. The orcs regrouped, their leader barking orders in a guttural language Sora couldn¡¯t understand. The wolves, however, were more persistent. One of them lunged at him, its jaws snapping dangerously close to his leg. Sora reacted instinctively, slashing at the wolf with his talons. The creature yelped and retreated, but the others were already closing in. I need to thin their numbers, Sora thought, his mind racing. He spread his wings and leaped into the air again, using Screech to disorient the wolves. The high-pitched sound echoed across the plateau, causing the wolves to whimper and back away. The orcs, however, were less affected, their sheer determination driving them forward. Sora landed on a higher rock, his golden eyes scanning the battlefield. The orcs were advancing, their weapons raised, but they were slower and less agile than him. He needed to use that to his advantage. Spotting a narrow crevice between two large boulders, he darted toward it, his wings flaring to slow his descent. The orcs followed, their heavy footsteps shaking the ground. As they entered the crevice, Sora activated Gust again, this time aiming the burst of wind at the loose rocks above. The force dislodged several large stones, sending them tumbling down onto the orcs below. The creatures shouted in surprise and pain as the rocks rained down, forcing them to retreat.
<> ? <> Kragg¡¯s chest heaved with exertion, his massive frame trembling with barely contained fury as he stared down at the unconscious harpy. The young creature lay sprawled on the ground, his golden feathers dulled by dirt and blood. Kragg¡¯s fists clenched at his sides, his knuckles white with tension. He had been so close¡ªso close to proving his strength, to claiming a victory that would have silenced the whispers of doubt among the orcs. But now, that chance had been stolen from him. His gaze snapped to Guldar, the wiry warlock who stood at the edge of the clearing, his dark robes fluttering in the breeze his eyes glowing green with dark magic before dimming. The smug expression on Guldar¡¯s face only fueled Kragg¡¯s rage. The remnants of dark magic still crackled in the warlock¡¯s hands, a stark reminder of his interference. ¡°What have you done, Guldar?¡± Kragg¡¯s voice was a low growl, each word dripping with barely controlled anger. He stomped toward the warlock, the ground trembling slightly under his weight. ¡°That was my fight! My victory to claim!¡± Guldar¡¯s smile widened, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of contempt and amusement. ¡°Victory? Perhaps. But it was taking too long, and we have more important matters to attend to than watching you play with a child.¡± Kragg¡¯s nostrils flared, his massive chest rising and falling as he struggled to contain his rage. The orc warlord had always prided himself on his strength, his ability to fight and conquer. Glory in battle was what drove him, what made him who he was. And Guldar had stolen that from him. ¡°You had no right to interfere!¡± Kragg¡¯s voice rumbled like distant thunder, his frustration palpable. His gaze flickered toward the fallen harpy, who lay unconscious a few paces away. ¡°I was on the verge of ending that fight, and you¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªAnd you were about to get yourself killed,¡± Guldar interrupted smoothly, his voice carrying an unsettling calm. ¡°You¡¯re our champion, Kragg. Your role is to lead us to victory, not to indulge in pointless skirmishes. Putting you in a hunting party was a mistake if it made you think this harpy was a worthy opponent. You almost got yourself killed. Tch. Pointless.¡± Kragg¡¯s jaw tightened, his tusks grinding together as he fought to keep his temper in check. ¡°Pointless? That harpy was a challenge worth facing. He fought with skill and courage. He¡ª¡± ¡°He¡¯s a child,¡± Guldar snapped, his patience wearing thin. ¡°And you¡¯re wasting time. Do you want to be out there on the frontlines, fighting every day, or do you want to be stuck here, gathering herbs and animals? We both know what you¡¯d rather have.¡± Kragg could feel the frustration boiling within him, a hot rage that had nothing to do with the skirmish and everything to do with Guldar¡¯s interference. ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing. I¡¯ve fought harder battles than this. If you want me to stay behind and gather herbs, fine. But don¡¯t expect me to like it.¡± Guldar¡¯s gaze was unyielding, his voice calm but firm. ¡°Your place is with the orcs. You can¡¯t have it both ways¡ªglory and the frontlines or mundane tasks. And right now, we need you to follow orders.¡± Kragg gritted his teeth, his massive hands curling into fists. He wanted to argue, to challenge Guldar¡¯s authority, but he knew better. The warlock¡¯s magic was a force to be reckoned with, and Kragg wasn¡¯t eager to test it. Instead, he turned his attention back to the fallen harpy, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. ¡°And what about the harpy?¡± Kragg snapped, gesturing toward Sora¡¯s unconscious form. ¡°What do you plan to do with him?¡± Guldar¡¯s eyes flickered toward the harpy, a calculating glint in his gaze. ¡°We¡¯ll take him with us. We¡¯ve invested too much to leave him behind. Orders are orders.¡± He turned away, his cloak billowing as he addressed the remaining orcs. ¡°Get that harpy and bring him along. We¡¯re done here.¡± Kragg watched as the orcs moved quickly, gathering up Sora¡¯s unconscious form with grim efficiency. The anger still burned within him, but he knew better than to defy Guldar openly. The warlock¡¯s magic held its own kind of power, one Kragg wasn¡¯t eager to test. As the orcs began to clear the area, Kragg took one last look at the fallen harpy. There was a flicker of respect in his heart¡ªthe harpy had fought bravely, despite being outmatched. It was a rare thing, to see such spirit in a young opponent. The young creature had earned his grudging admiration. But now, that admiration was tinged with frustration. Kragg had wanted to prove himself, to claim a victory that would have silenced the whispers of doubt among the orcs. Instead, he had been robbed of that chance, his glory stolen by Guldar¡¯s interference. As the orcs began to move out, Kragg fell into step behind them, his massive frame casting a long shadow in the moonlight. The memory of the fight, and the harpy who had nearly bested him, stayed with him. He would remember this moment, and when the time was right, he would find a way to reclaim his glory. For now, though, he had no choice but to follow Guldar¡¯s orders. The warlock¡¯s words echoed in his mind: Your place is with the orcs. Kragg knew it was true, but that didn¡¯t make it any easier to accept. He was a warrior, born for battle, not for gathering herbs and chasing after children. As they left the battlefield behind, Kragg¡¯s thoughts turned to the future. The harpy was a wildcard, a creature of potential and danger. What Guldar planned to do with him, Kragg didn¡¯t know. But one thing was certain¡ªthis wasn¡¯t the last he would see of the young harpy. And when the time came, Kragg would be ready. Chapter 8: Old memory As I drifted in the darkness, the pain in my body fading to a dull ache, I heard a voice¡ªfaint at first, like a whisper carried on the wind. It was familiar, comforting, and it called to me from somewhere far away. ¡°Sora¡­ Sora, wake up.¡± Then, slowly, the darkness began to shift, melting away like mist under the morning sun. I found myself standing in a warm, sunlit room, filled with the sound of laughter and the clatter of dice on a table. The air was thick with the scent of parchment and ink, mixed with the faint aroma of something sweet baking in the oven. I looked around, recognizing the familiar faces of my siblings gathered around the table. Caleb was there, his usual grin in place as he leaned over the game board. Next to him was Maya, her brow furrowed in concentration as she considered her next move. Evan was bouncing in his seat, barely able to contain his excitement, while Leo was busy organizing his pile of dice with meticulous care. Lily, the youngest, sat cross-legged on the floor, her small hands clutching a stuffed dragon as she watched the game unfold with wide, eager eyes. ¡°Come on, Sora!¡± Caleb called, waving me over. ¡°It¡¯s your turn!¡± I blinked, still disoriented, but the pull of the memory was strong. I found myself moving towards the table, the familiar weight of my character sheet in my hands. I could see the intricate drawings of maps, the carefully painted miniatures, and the stack of notes Caleb had prepared as the Dungeon Master. ¡°Where were we?¡± I asked, my voice sounding younger, lighter. Maya glanced up from her notes, her eyes sparkling with mischief. ¡°We just defeated the goblin king, remember? But there¡¯s still the dragon guarding the treasure.¡± ¡°And we need to figure out how to get past it without getting roasted,¡± Evan added, his excitement bubbling over. ¡°We could try sneaking, or maybe use some kind of spell¡­¡± Leo shook his head, already rolling his dice. ¡°I say we charge in. We¡¯ve got the weapons, and we¡¯ve got each other. What could go wrong?¡± Lily giggled from her spot on the floor, clutching her dragon even tighter. ¡°Don¡¯t forget about Sparky! He¡¯ll help protect us!¡± I couldn¡¯t help but smile, the warmth of the memory filling me with a deep sense of comfort. This was one of those rare moments when we were all together, lost in a world of our own making, where the only battles we faced were the ones we imagined. I picked up my dice, feeling the cool plastic between my fingers, and rolled. The dice clattered across the table, finally coming to rest with a satisfying click. The number was high¡ªenough to turn the tide in our favor. Caleb leaned forward, his grin widening. ¡°A critical hit! Sora, you¡¯ve saved the day!¡± The room erupted in cheers, and I felt a swell of pride and joy as my siblings celebrated our victory. For a moment, everything was perfect. We were together, happy and carefree, and the world outside our little bubble didn¡¯t matter. But as the laughter faded, so did the warmth of the memory. The sunlit room began to blur around the edges, the voices of my siblings growing distant. I tried to hold onto the moment, to stay in this place where I felt safe and loved, but it was slipping away. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Sora¡­¡± Caleb¡¯s voice echoed again, and I realized it wasn¡¯t coming from the memory. It was pulling me back, back to the darkness, back to reality. I wanted to stay, to play just one more round with my siblings, but the pull was too strong. In an instant I jolted awake, my heart pounding in my chest. The lingering warmth of the memory evaporated in an instant, replaced by a cold, suffocating darkness. I tried to move, but my limbs were stiff and unresponsive, my body still aching from the battle. As my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I realized I was no longer in the forest. The familiar sounds and scents of nature were gone, replaced by an eerie silence and the musty smell of decay. My hands gripped cold, iron bars, and it took me a moment to fully grasp where I was. A cage. I was trapped inside a small, cramped cage, barely large enough to sit up in. The rough metal dug into my skin as I shifted, trying to get my bearings. My wings felt heavy, pinned awkwardly against the back of the cage, and I winced as pain shot through them. Blinking against the darkness, I slowly became aware of my surroundings. I was in a cage¡ªa cramped, iron cage barely large enough to allow me to sit up. The bars were thick, rusted, and covered in strange markings that seemed to pulse with a faint, sinister energy. The air was thick with the scent of decay, mingled with something sharp and acrid that made my stomach churn. I could barely make out the shapes around me, but what little I could see sent a shiver down my spine. Dark, twisted objects lined the room¡ªmalformed skulls, charred bones, and bottles filled with murky, writhing liquids. Strange symbols covered the walls, their meanings lost to me, but their presence was enough to fill me with dread. I reached up to touch my head, my claws brushing against the cold iron collar fastened around my neck. Panic flared in my chest as I tugged at it, but it didn¡¯t budge. The more I struggled, the more I realized how weak I felt. My wings, usually so strong and responsive, lay limp at my sides. A low hum thrummed through the room, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Whatever this place was, it reeked of dark power. As my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I noticed movement in the shadows¡ªa figure, hunched and cloaked, slowly approaching the cage. My heart pounded in my chest, and I scrambled back, pressing myself against the cold bars. The figure stopped just outside the cage, its face hidden beneath a hood. It spoke, the words low and guttural, but they meant nothing to me. The language was unfamiliar, each syllable alien and harsh, sending a chill down my spine. I couldn¡¯t understand a word, but the tone was unmistakably cruel. I tried to speak, to ask where I was, to demand answers, but my voice came out as a weak croak. The figure ignored my feeble attempts, turning away as if I were nothing more than a caged animal. It gestured to someone¡ªor something¡ªin the shadows, and a group of orcs stepped forward. They moved with an unsettling silence, their eyes devoid of any warmth or compassion. They unlocked the cage, dragging me out roughly by my arms. I struggled weakly, but my strength was no match for theirs. They forced me to my feet, and I stumbled, my legs nearly giving out beneath me. The orcs exchanged words in that same incomprehensible language, and I was too weak to resist as they began to haul me away, deeper into the darkness of this wretched place. Fear gnawed at me as the reality of my situation sank in. I was a prisoner, trapped in a place that seemed to ooze evil from every corner. And worst of all, I had no idea why. But one thing was clear: I had to find a way out. I had to remember who I was, what had happened, and how to escape this nightmare. --- The being sighs as he watches the meeting between his fellow... Coworkers as they argue and talk about the the worlds they oversee, he doesn''t know how long its been and wants to go back and continue watching his only GOOD entertainment. "And now Mobius its your turn for your status report." "Thank you Ocran, and now her is my report on the 314159265365 worlds and what happened over the last four thousand years." The being mentally groan as he thought when will this meeting end Chapter 9: First of many Kragg stood in the dimly lit chamber, his massive arms crossed over his chest, his sharp eyes tracking the orcs as they dragged the harpy out of the cage. The young creature, Sora, was barely conscious, his golden feathers matted with dirt and blood. He stumbled with every step, his wings limp and unresponsive as the orcs forced him forward. Kragg¡¯s jaw tightened, his tusks jutting forward in irritation. The sight of the harpy¡ªweak, defeated¡ªonly deepened the bitterness gnawing at him. This should have been my victory, Kragg thought, his fists clenching at his sides. He had been on the verge of reclaiming his honor, of proving his strength in a duel that would have silenced the whispers of doubt among the orcs. But Guldar had interfered, his dark magic ending the fight prematurely and robbing Kragg of his glory. The warlock¡¯s presence was like a shadow in the room, his long cloak sweeping across the stone floor as he approached. Guldar¡¯s face was hidden beneath his hood, but Kragg could feel the cold, calculating gaze of the warlock on him. The air grew heavier, charged with the faint crackle of dark magic. ¡°You should thank me,¡± Guldar said, his voice smooth and confident, cutting through the silence like a blade. ¡°I saved you from wasting time on that harpy. He¡¯s more valuable as a prisoner than a corpse.¡± Kragg¡¯s nostrils flared, his chest rising and falling with barely contained rage. ¡°You robbed me of a worthy opponent,¡± he growled, his voice a low rumble that echoed through the chamber. ¡°That was my fight.¡± Guldar chuckled softly, the sound grating against Kragg¡¯s nerves. ¡°A worthy opponent? A boy? You call that worthy?¡± The warlock stepped closer, his voice lowering to a venomous whisper. ¡°You want to return to the frontlines, don¡¯t you, Kragg? You dream of battle, of spilling blood in the name of our people. Or would you prefer to stay behind, gathering herbs and hunting small game?¡± The words cut deep, a reminder of how far Kragg had fallen from the glory of the frontlines. He hated the idea of being relegated to the role of a hunter, away from the chaos and honor of battle. The frontlines were where he belonged, where the strong triumphed and the weak were cast aside. But Guldar¡¯s reminder of his current role only fueled his anger. ¡°What do you want?¡± Kragg growled, his voice trembling with barely suppressed fury. Guldar¡¯s lips curled into a thin smile beneath his hood, Yes good. ¡°I want you to understand your place, hunter,¡± he replied, his tone cold and commanding. ¡°The chief gave you to me for a reason. You¡¯re valuable, Kragg. But not if you let your pride blind you to what¡¯s necessary.¡± Kragg bristled at the word ¡°hunter,¡± a title that felt like a shackle, a reminder of his diminished status. But he held his tongue, knowing that Guldar¡¯s magic was powerful, and that defiance would only lead to further humiliation. ¡°You want glory? You want to return to the frontlines?¡± Guldar continued, his voice like poison dripping into Kragg¡¯s ear. ¡°Then follow my orders. We¡¯ll use the harpy for more than just sport. His kind can be useful, and you can be part of something far greater than a simple duel.¡± Kragg¡¯s gaze shifted to the unconscious harpy, now being carried by the orcs. The boy looked fragile, so unlike the warriors Kragg was used to fighting. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. But there had been something in his eyes during their battle¡ªa fire, a determination¡ªthat Kragg couldn¡¯t deny. The harpy had fought with skill and courage, and for a moment, Kragg had seen a glimpse of a worthy opponent. As much as it pained him to admit it, Guldar was right. The harpy was more useful alive, at least for now. And if playing along with Guldar¡¯s schemes meant he could eventually return to the frontlines, then so be it. ¡°Fine,¡± Kragg muttered through gritted teeth, his voice heavy with resignation. ¡°But this isn¡¯t over.¡± Guldar¡¯s smile widened, a glint of satisfaction in his shadowed eyes. ¡°Good. Now, leave the harpy to me. We have much to prepare.¡± Kragg gave a curt nod, turning away from the warlock and the harpy. As he walked out of the chamber, his thoughts were filled with the distant sounds of battle¡ªthe clash of steel, the cries of the fallen, the roar of victory. His place was in the fray, where the strong triumphed and the weak were cast aside. One way or another, he would return to the frontlines. And when he did, he would make sure the orcs remembered the name Kragg. <> ? <> Sora¡¯s consciousness flickered like a dying flame, his body heavy and unresponsive as he lay strapped to the cold stone table. The dim, flickering light of the chamber cast eerie shadows on the walls, and the air was thick with the scent of blood and dark magic. His golden feathers, once vibrant, were now dull and matted, his wings pinned awkwardly beneath him. Every breath felt like a struggle, his chest rising and falling in shallow, uneven gasps. Where am I? The thought echoed in his mind, faint and distant. He tried to move, to lift his head, but his limbs refused to obey. The restraints bit into his wrists and ankles, holding him firmly in place. Panic surged through him, but it was a muted sensation, dulled by the exhaustion and pain that weighed him down. Footsteps echoed in the chamber, slow and deliberate, growing louder as they approached. Sora¡¯s golden eyes flickered open, his vision swimming as he tried to focus. A figure loomed over him¡ªa hunched orc draped in a dark, hooded cloak. The orc¡¯s face was hidden in shadow, but Sora could feel his gaze, cold and calculating, like a predator sizing up its prey. ¡°You¡¯re finally awake,¡± the orc said, his voice low and guttural, speaking in a language Sora couldn¡¯t understand. The words sent a shiver down his spine, though he couldn¡¯t tell if it was from fear or the lingering effects of whatever magic had been used on him. Sora tried to speak, to demand answers, but his throat was dry and raw. Only a faint rasp escaped his lips, barely audible over the crackling of the torches that lined the walls. The orc ignored him, his attention shifting to the strange objects that surrounded the stone table¡ªvials filled with glowing liquid, twisted bones arranged in arcane patterns, and tools that looked like they belonged in a nightmare. The orc muttered something under his breath, his clawed hands moving with practiced precision as he picked up one of the glowing vials. The greenish light spilled from it, bathing Sora¡¯s skin in an eerie glow. He wanted to recoil, to pull away, but his body wouldn¡¯t respond. The orc¡¯s presence was suffocating, his dark magic pressing down on Sora like a weight. ¡°Let¡¯s see what you¡¯re made of, little harpy,¡± the orc hissed, his voice dripping with malice. He lifted a thin, needle-like tool, the glint of metal catching the dim light. Sora¡¯s heart pounded in his chest, his breath coming in shallow gasps as the orc leaned closer, the needle hovering over his chest. The sharp prick of the needle sent a bolt of pain through Sora¡¯s body, and he gasped, his muscles twitching involuntarily. He tried to thrash, to break free, but the restraints held firm, and the orc¡¯s magic kept him paralyzed. The pain was overwhelming, a searing heat that spread through his veins like fire. The orc began to chant, his voice low and guttural, the words twisting and writhing in the air like living things. The symbols carved into the stone table beneath Sora began to glow, pulsing in time with the orc¡¯s words. Dark energy crackled in the room, seeping into Sora¡¯s body, crawling beneath his skin like a thousand tiny needles. No¡­ no, no, no! Sora¡¯s mind screamed, but his voice was gone, swallowed by the suffocating darkness. His vision blurred, the room twisting and warping around him as the orc¡¯s magic took hold. He could feel something cold and alien pushing into his chest, sinking deeper with each syllable of the orc¡¯s chant. The pain was unbearable, a searing agony that threatened to tear him apart. Sora¡¯s body convulsed, his wings twitching uselessly beneath him as the dark magic twisted and warped something deep within him. He wanted to cry out, to beg for it to stop, but he was powerless, trapped in a nightmare he couldn¡¯t escape. Then, just as quickly as it had begun, the chanting stopped. The pain receded, leaving Sora trembling and gasping for breath. The dark magic still clung to him, a shadow that wouldn¡¯t leave, but the worst of it had passed¡ªfor now. The orc stood over him, his expression unreadable beneath his hood. ¡°Interesting,¡± he muttered, more to himself than to Sora. ¡°You may prove useful yet.¡± He stepped back, leaving Sora strapped to the table, his body shaking from the aftershocks of the magic. Sora¡¯s mind was a haze of pain and exhaustion, his thoughts scattered and disjointed. He tried to focus, to think of a way out, but the darkness pressed in again, threatening to swallow him whole. As his vision began to fade, a familiar screen appeared before his eyes, glowing faintly in the dim light of the chamber. Sora barely had time to process the words before the darkness claimed him, his body going limp as he slipped into unconsciousness
"Danger host under curse initializing curse removal." "Curse failed to removed." "Searching for solution...'' "Solution found." "Using authority to counteract the Curse" "You have been given the skill: Divine Light" Chapter 10: Never cage a bird Sora¡¯s world had become a cycle of pain and darkness, the passage of time marked only by the arrival of the warlock and his minions. Each visit brought new horrors¡ªrituals, experiments, and tortures designed to break him, to extract whatever dark knowledge the orcs sought. But amidst the agony, something had changed. The system notification he had received during his darkest moment had left him with a new skill, one he hadn¡¯t fully understood at first. It had taken days¡ªweeks?¡ªto even realize he could tap into it. Divine Light Manipulation. The name was both comforting and, in its own way, mocking. [Divine Light Manipulation] ¨C Oh, congratulations! Blessed with the holy glow of a thousand suns, and yet, somehow, still clueless enough to need divine intervention just to survive a little curse. The system had to step in and gift-wrap this power to save your sorry hide¡ªbecause nothing says ¡°chosen one¡± like being too weak to break a curse on your own. Bend the light, heal wounds, smite your enemies... but don''t get too cocky. Uses 5 mana per use and an extra 2+ per minute to maintain. At first, the skill was just a faint flicker of energy, a whisper of light deep within the darkness of his thoughts. It took time to focus, to draw it out amidst the constant pain and suffering. Slowly, Sora began to understand. Each time the warlock or his orcs entered the chamber, he worked to hide his newfound power, knowing that if they discovered it, they¡¯d either strip it from him or use it against him. The experiments were relentless. They ranged from dark rituals to physical tortures designed to extract every last bit of information from him. But each time, Sora used Divine Light Manipulation to heal what he could. The worst wounds mended faster, but more importantly, he felt the purity of the divine energy washing through him, erasing the taint of the warlock¡¯s dark magic. One particular session stood out. The warlock was using a strange device, a metal contraption covered in glowing runes, to attempt some new form of enchantment on Sora. It was a brutal process, and Sora could feel the searing heat of the magic as it flowed over his skin. His muscles tensed, and he gritted his teeth against the pain. The warlock leaned over him, his hooded face shadowed but his eyes gleaming with a cold, calculating light. ¡°You¡¯re resilient, I¡¯ll give you that,¡± the orc muttered, his voice low and guttural. ¡°But even the strongest will breaks eventually.¡± Sora didn¡¯t respond mostly due to him not understanding what the warlock saying, his golden eyes locked on the warlock¡¯s face. He could feel the dark magic coursing through the device, a malevolent force that threatened to overwhelm him. But deep within, the spark of Divine Light Manipulation flickered, waiting to be unleashed. As the warlock focused on adjusting the device, Sora reached deep within himself. The room was dimly lit, shadows dancing on the walls, and in those shadows, he found the strength to act. Not with the void, but with light. The divine energy flared within him, small at first, but growing with each breath. His thoughts locked onto the warlock¡¯s device, and he let the light spill forth from his hands in a thin, controlled stream, purifying the taint within it. The runes flickered, the dark magic retreating as the light began to cleanse the device from the inside out. The warlock frowned, his concentration breaking as he adjusted the device. ¡°What is this?¡± he muttered, his voice tinged with irritation. He tapped the device, his clawed fingers moving with precision, but the runes continued to flicker and fade. Sora¡¯s heart pounded in his chest, but he kept his expression neutral, his body still and unresponsive. He couldn¡¯t let the warlock know what he was doing. The light continued to flow, subtle but steady, eroding the dark magic that powered the device. The warlock¡¯s frown deepened, and he stepped back, his eyes narrowing as he studied the device. ¡°Something¡¯s wrong,¡± he muttered, more to himself than to Sora. ¡°The enchantment¡­ it¡¯s failing.¡± Sora¡¯s mind raced with possibilities. If he could keep doing this¡ªlittle by little, creating these subtle disturbances¡ªmaybe, just maybe, he could find a way to escape. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Divine Light Manipulation was his only hope, a secret weapon hidden beneath the layers of his suffering. The experiments continued, each one more brutal than the last. But with each session, Sora grew more adept at using his new skill. He learned to channel the light in small, controlled bursts, just enough to disrupt the warlock¡¯s work without drawing attention to himself. He used it to heal his wounds, to cleanse the taint of the dark magic that lingered in his body. And as the days passed, he began to notice something else. The light wasn¡¯t just a tool¡ªit was a source of strength. It filled him with a sense of purpose, a flicker of hope amidst the darkness. He didn¡¯t know where the skill had come from or why the system had given it to him, but he was grateful for it. One night, as the warlock and his minions left the chamber, Sora lay on the cold stone table, his body trembling with exhaustion. The light within him flickered faintly, a small but steady flame in the darkness. He closed his eyes, focusing on the warmth of the divine energy, letting it wash over him like a soothing balm. I¡¯m not broken, he thought, his resolve hardening. Not yet. The light was his secret, his weapon, his hope. And as long as it burned within him, he would find a way to escape. No matter how long it took, no matter how much pain he had to endure, he would survive. And when the time came, he would use the light to smite his enemies and reclaim his freedom. For now, though, he would bide his time, gathering his strength and waiting for the right moment. The warlock and his orcs thought they had broken him, but they were wrong. Sora was still alive, still fighting. And as long as he had the light, he would never give up. Days passed, maybe weeks¡ªI couldn¡¯t tell anymore. Every moment felt like an eternity as I remained bound in the cold, dark chamber. But in those long, agonizing stretches of time, I learned how to master my new power. The Divine Light became my secret weapon, something I carefully honed while the warlock and his orcs believed me to be nothing more than a broken prisoner. Each time the warlock experimented on me, I used the smallest fraction of my power to test the limits of what I could do. It started with little things¡ªmanipulating the way the light bend making it harder for them to see my movements. I make subtly purify the warlock''s devices. He cursed often, frustrated that his magic wouldn¡¯t cooperate, oblivious to the subtle sabotage I was weaving into his experiments. After what felt like an eternity of suffering, I had honed the Divine Light to a razor¡¯s edge, perfecting every detail of my plan. Days of enduring the warlock''s cruel experiments had made me stronger. And now, I was ready to use it. The warlock was in the room, his back turned preparing another of his twisted experiments. He had no idea what was about to happen. The other orcs stationed around the chamber were equally oblivious, standing guard as if Sora were still just a helpless prisoner which he technically is. But I wasn¡¯t helpless anymore. Closing his eyes, drawing on the magic, letting it build within me. The familiar hum of the light shining in the back of my mind, growing louder as he focused on the space around around him. Now. It was my chance. With a burst of energy, Sora released a beam of Divine Light a ray began to form in the room. The warlock stepped back, confusion and anger twisting his face. But Sora didn¡¯t stop there. His body ached, his mana drained, but instead yielding he reached deeper into the light, summoning enough power to not only break the device but to start healing myself. The burns, the bruises, the torn flesh¡ªthey mended as the Divine Light wove through him. "What are you doing, get the harpy you fools, Tenebris obice." The warlock screamed something unintelligible, his fury rising, but Sora was no longer paying attention. He was free, unchained from the agony he had forced upon me for so long. The orcs around the room rushed toward me, weapons drawn. Calling upon the Divine Light, using it to form a protective barrier of glowing energy, keeping them at bay. The chamber was suddenly alight, filled with the brightness of the sun. Shadows scattered before me as the light intensified. One of the larger orcs swung his axe, but before it could strike me, Sora released the pent-up energy in a blast of radiant power. The orc was thrown backward, the axe disintegrating into nothingness as the light consumed it. Stood tall, my wings unfurled, glowing with the holy brilliance that the system had gifted me. As the warlock staggered back, focusing all of his remaining mana on a final spell¡ªa beacon of Divine Light that would cleanse the entire chamber. Raising his hand, light pouring from his fingertips, and sent a beam of purifying energy straight into the sky. It cut through the ceiling, shattering the stone above, and pierced the heavens. The warlock¡¯s tools melted in the heat of the divine beam, the twisted symbols on the walls burned away, and the darkness that had tainted this place was obliterated. The orcs scattered, terrified, fleeing the wrath of the light. The ceiling collapsed as the beam carved a hole through the heart of the warlock¡¯s lair, the light stretching far into the sky, a signal. I had finally broken free. Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the light faded. The roar subsided, leaving only a deep, echoing silence. Sora opened his eyes, blinking against the dust and debris that filled the air. The chamber was gone¡ªcompletely obliterated. The walls had been torn apart, reduced to rubble. The warlock and the orcs were nowhere to be seen, either killed in the blast. He staggered body aching but still intact. The magic still pulsed faintly within me, but the rifts were gone, the energy dissipated. Looking at my status to check on his health and how much mana he used.
Name: Sora Calem
Species: Harpy
Lv: 14 (183/640)
HP: 23/125 (+7/h)
MP: 42/100 (+4/h)
ST: 90/225 (+14)
Class: N/A
...
Closing the screen Sora tries to walk out as relief wash on his face. It had worked. I was free. For the first time since his capture, stood unbound, the cold air of the ruined chamber swirling around him. The weight of what he had done settled over him, a mix of relief and exhaustion. But there was no time to rest. Sora needed to escape this place, to get as far away from the warlock''s dark magic and the orc village as possible. The Light had granted the power I needed, but I knew it came at a cost. A wave of exhaustion hit him, but I smiled. I had done it. The warlock¡¯s hold was broken, his tools purified by the light, his minions scattered. For the first time since my capture, I was free. Stepping through the rubble of the chamber, Sora heart pounding with renewed hope. The Divine Light had saved me, and now, it would guide me to my next path. Chapter 11: Freedom so close yet so far
One of his trusted lieutenants, Grash, stepped forward, his hulking frame nearly as large as Doomhand¡¯s putting his hand on his chest saluting his bone claw made from the Hydra fangs after cutting one its heads from an encounter at the ready. ¡°Shall we mobilize the warriors, Chieftain? If the harpy¡¯s loose, it may be heading for the outskirts.¡± Doomhand clenched his gauntleted fist, his thoughts racing. He was no fool. Whatever Guldar had been playing with, it had clearly spiraled out of control. And if that harpy had somehow escaped with new powers, it could pose a threat to his leadership¡ªespecially if word spread among the clan of the warlock¡¯s failure. ¡°No,¡± Doomhand said, his voice low and measured. ¡°Not yet. We¡¯ll see what the scouts report. If the harpy¡¯s still alive, I¡¯ll deal with it myself.¡± His eyes gleamed with a mixture of fury and grim determination. ¡°Guldar¡¯s failure will not be tolerated.¡± The wind carried the distant echoes of the explosion, and Doomhand turned his back on the ruins, already formulating a plan. Whatever dark magic had been unleashed, it would not go unanswered. He would crush this threat before it had a chance to spread. Hours later, the scouts returned, dragging a wounded Guldar with them. The warlock¡¯s robes were torn and singed, his face pale and drawn. He looked far from the confident, calculating figure he had once been. The orcs around the camp murmured in unease, their eyes darting between Guldar and their chieftain. Doomhand stepped forward, his massive frame towering over the wounded warlock. ¡°Explain yourself,¡± he growled, his voice like the rumble of distant thunder. Guldar coughed, his voice weak but laced with defiance. ¡°The harpy¡­ he was stronger than I anticipated. He used some kind of light magic¡ªdivine energy. It overwhelmed my spells and destroyed the chamber.¡± Doomhand¡¯s eyes narrowed, his gauntleted hand twitching as if he wanted to strike the warlock down then and there. ¡°You promised power, Guldar. You promised results. Instead, you¡¯ve brought chaos and destruction to my camp.¡± Guldar¡¯s gaze flickered, a hint of fear breaking through his usual arrogance. ¡°I can still fix this. Give me one more chance. Let me hunt the harpy down. I¡¯ll bring him back, alive or dead.¡± Doomhand¡¯s lips curled into a sneer. ¡°You¡¯ve had your chance, warlock. And you¡¯ve failed.¡± He turned to his lieutenants, his voice cold and final. ¡°Take him away. Lock him up until I decide his fate.¡± The orcs moved to obey, but Guldar struggled against their grip, trying to salvage the situation. ¡°Wait! I can still be of use! The harpy is dangerous¡ªhe has powers we don¡¯t understand. Let me face him one last time." "If I fail, you can kill me yourself.¡± You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Doomhand paused, his eyes narrowing as he considered the warlock¡¯s words. The harpy was a threat, that much was clear. And if Guldar was willing to risk his life to rectify his failure, perhaps he could still be of use. ¡°Very well,¡± Doomhand said, his voice low and dangerous. ¡°You¡¯ll have one last chance. Hunt the harpy down and bring him to me. But if you fail, Guldar, your life is forfeit. Do you understand?¡± Guldar nodded, his expression grim. ¡°I understand.¡± Doomhand turned away, his mind already racing with plans. The harpy had escaped, but he wouldn¡¯t remain free for long. And if Guldar failed, Doomhand would deal with the threat himself. The orc chieftain¡¯s grip tightened on the hilt of his axe, his resolve unwavering. The harpy would learn the true meaning of fear. And Doomhand would make sure of it. <> ? <> Sora crouched behind the jagged rock, his golden eyes darting across the landscape as he assessed the situation. The orc scouts were spread out, their sharp eyes scanning the terrain for any sign of movement. They hadn¡¯t spotted him yet, but it was only a matter of time. His heart pounded in his chest, the adrenaline surging through his veins as he forced himself to stay calm. Think, Sora. Think. He couldn¡¯t afford to make a mistake now. Not when freedom was so close. The wind howled across the rocky plateau, carrying with it the faint scent of smoke and iron. Sora¡¯s wings twitched, the feathers ruffling as he considered his options. He was exhausted, his body battered and bruised from the explosion and the warlock¡¯s experiments. Fighting the orcs head-on wasn¡¯t an option¡ªnot in his current state. He needed to be smart, to use the terrain to his advantage. He glanced down at his hands, the faint glow of Divine Light Manipulation still lingering beneath his skin. The skill had saved him once, and it might just save him again. But he couldn¡¯t rely on it too heavily¡ªhis mana was already dangerously low, and he didn¡¯t know how much longer he could sustain it. Taking a deep breath, Sora peered around the edge of the rock, his eyes locking onto the nearest orc scout. The creature was about fifty feet away, its back turned as it scanned the horizon. Sora¡¯s mind raced as he formulated a plan. If I can take out that scout quietly, I might be able to slip past the others. He moved slowly, his talons scraping against the stone as he crept closer to the orc. His wings were folded tightly against his back, his movements deliberate and precise. Every step was calculated, every breath controlled. He couldn¡¯t afford to make a sound. The orc scout shifted, its head turning slightly as if it had heard something. Sora froze, his heart pounding in his chest. For a moment, he thought he had been discovered, but the orc¡¯s gaze swept past him, scanning the horizon once more. Sora exhaled slowly, his body tense as he prepared to strike. He closed the distance between himself and the orc, his talons flexing as he reached for the creature¡¯s throat. With a swift, fluid motion, he grabbed the orc from behind, his hand clamping over its mouth to muffle any cries. The orc struggled, its eyes wide with panic, but Sora¡¯s grip was firm. He channeled a small burst of Divine Light, the energy surging through his hand and into the orc¡¯s body. The creature went limp, its lifeless form collapsing to the ground. Sora¡¯s chest heaved as he released the orc, his golden eyes scanning the area for any signs of movement. The other scouts were still spread out, their attention focused on the horizon. They hadn¡¯t noticed the death of their comrade¡ªnot yet. He crouched low, his wings twitching as he prepared to move again. The exit was close¡ªhe could see the edge of the plateau, where the rocky terrain gave way to dense forest. If he could reach the trees, he might be able to lose the orcs in the underbrush. But as he took a step forward, a sharp pain shot through his side, forcing him to stifle a gasp. The wounds from the explosion and the warlock¡¯s experiments were taking their toll, and his body was reaching its limit. He couldn¡¯t afford to stop now, but he also couldn¡¯t afford to collapse in the middle of the open. Just a little farther, he told himself, his talons digging into the rocky ground as he pushed forward. The wind whipped around him, carrying with it the faint sound of voices. The orcs were getting closer. Sora¡¯s heart raced as he ducked behind another rock, his golden eyes scanning the area for any signs of movement. The orcs were closing in, their sharp eyes scanning the terrain for any sign of their missing scout. It was only a matter of time before they found him. He needed a distraction. Closing his eyes, Sora focused on the faint glow of Divine Light Manipulation within him. The skill was draining, but it was his only hope. He channeled a small burst of energy, shaping it into a radiant orb of light. With a flick of his wrist, he sent the orb soaring into the air, its brilliance illuminating the plateau like a miniature sun. The orcs shouted in alarm, their attention drawn to the sudden burst of light. Sora didn¡¯t wait to see their reaction. He darted forward, his wings flaring as he sprinted toward the edge of the plateau. The forest was close¡ªso close. But as he reached the edge, a sharp pain shot through his leg, forcing him to stumble. He glanced down, his golden eyes widening as he saw the arrow embedded in his thigh. The orcs had spotted him. ¡°There it is!¡± one of the orcs shouted, his voice carrying over the wind. ¡°Don¡¯t let it escape!¡± Sora gritted his teeth, his talons digging into the ground as he forced himself to keep moving. The forest was just ahead¡ªhe could make it. He had to. With a final burst of energy, he leaped off the edge of the plateau, his wings spreading as he glided toward the trees below. The orcs¡¯ shouts faded into the distance as he disappeared into the dense underbrush, his golden feathers blending with the shadows. He landed hard, his injured leg buckling beneath him as he collapsed to the forest floor. The pain was overwhelming, but he forced himself to stay conscious. He couldn¡¯t afford to stop now. The forest was alive with the sounds of nature¡ªthe rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, the distant calls of unseen creatures. It was a stark contrast to the cold, dark chamber he had escaped from, and for a moment, Sora allowed himself to feel a flicker of hope. But he knew the orcs wouldn¡¯t give up so easily. They would come after him, and he needed to be ready. With a groan, Sora pushed himself to his feet, his talons digging into the soft earth as he limped deeper into the forest. The trees loomed overhead, their branches forming a canopy that blocked out the sun. The air was cool and damp, the scent of moss and earth filling his nostrils. Sora rounded a corner, his breath coming in ragged gasps, when I caught sight of something that made my blood run cold. There, in the distance, Sora saw a group of orcs¡ªfar larger and more menacing than any he had encountered before. Among them were two figures that stood out from the rest: One was the biggest orc he''d ever seen, his massive frame imposing even from afar, and the warlock, still alive and looking more menacing than ever. Sora crouched behind the debris, his golden eyes locked on the warlock as the orc approached. The air was thick with tension, the oppressive weight of dark magic pressing down on him like a physical force. His heart pounded in his chest, each beat a reminder of how precarious his situation was. The warlock¡¯s eyes glowed with malevolent energy, his staff crackling with dark runes as he closed the distance between them. This is it, Sora thought, his talons digging into the ground as he prepared for the inevitable clash. The Divine Light hummed softly within him, a flicker of hope amidst the darkness. He couldn¡¯t afford to hesitate¡ªnot now. The warlock stopped a few paces away, his gaze locking onto Sora¡¯s. His lips curled into a cruel smile, his voice a low, menacing growl as he spoke in a language Sora couldn¡¯t understand. But the intent was clear. The warlock was here to finish what he had started. Sora¡¯s mind raced, his instincts screaming at him to act. He couldn¡¯t outrun the warlock¡ªnot in his current state. His only chance was to fight, to use the power of the Divine Light to turn the tide. Chapter 12: Demonification The wind howled through the landscape as Sora stepped out of the shadows, his heart pounding on chest. The warlock stood a few paces away, his dark, tattered robes billowing around him like an omen of death. His twisted staff gleamed with a faint, sickly light, and his yellowed eyes locked onto Sora with a mixture of hatred and twisted glee. The ground beneath him seemed to pulse, as if the very earth recoiled from his presence. The warlock sneered, his voice dripping with malice. I don''t know what he was saying but this was going to be a fight for survival, and every bit of focus I had would be needed. Sora muscles tensed as he prepared to use for the inevitable. His talons digging into the rocky ground as he prepared for the fight. The Divine Light hummed softly within him, a faint but steady reminder of the power he wielded. He knew this wouldn¡¯t be easy¡ªthe warlock was far more dangerous than the orc scouts he had faced earlier. But he had no choice. He had to fight. The warlock raised his staff, his voice a low, guttural growl. ¡°You think you can escape me, little harpy? You think your pathetic light can save you?¡± Sora didn¡¯t respond. He focused on the light within him, letting it build and grow. The shadows around him shifted, responding to the faint glow of his power. He could feel the energy coursing through his veins, a warm, radiant force that contrasted sharply with the warlock¡¯s dark magic. The warlock struck first, his staff slamming into the ground with a thunderous crack. A wave of dark energy surged toward Sora, the air rippling with its power. Sora reacted instinctively, his wings flaring as he leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding the attack. The ground where he had been standing erupted in a burst of black flame, the heat searing his feathers as he soared higher. He landed a few feet away, his talons scraping against the stone as he turned to face the warlock. The orc¡¯s eyes narrowed, his lips curling into a sneer. ¡°You¡¯re faster than I expected. But speed won¡¯t save you.¡± Sora didn¡¯t waste time with what the warlocks saying. He channeled the Divine Light, shaping it into a radiant orb of energy. He sent the orb hurtling toward the warlock. The orc raised his staff, the dark runes glowing as he deflected the attack. The orb exploded in a burst of light, the force of the blast sending the warlock stumbling backward. But the orc wasn¡¯t deterred. He swung his staff in a wide arc, sending a barrage of dark projectiles toward Sora. The harpy dodged and weaved, his wings beating furiously as he avoided the attacks. The projectiles struck the ground around him, each one erupting in a burst of black flame. Sora¡¯s movements were fluid and precise, his agility and speed giving him the edge he needed. But he knew he couldn¡¯t keep this up forever. His stamina was fading, and the warlock¡¯s dark magic was relentless. He needed to end this¡ªnow. Summoning the last reserves of his strength, Sora focused on the Divine Light, letting it build within him. The energy surged through his body, a radiant force that pushed back the darkness. He spread his wings, the light spilling from his feathers as he launched himself into the air. The warlock¡¯s eyes widened as Sora descended, his talons glowing with divine energy. The harpy slammed into the orc, the force of the impact sending them both crashing to the ground. The warlock¡¯s staff flew from his hands, skidding across the rocky terrain as Sora pinned him down. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. But the orc wasn¡¯t finished. With a snarl, he lashed out, his clawed hand striking Sora across the face. The harpy reeled, his vision swimming as he struggled to maintain his grip. The warlock¡¯s strength was immense, his dark magic fueling his power. Sora gritted his teeth, his talons digging into the orc¡¯s shoulders as he channeled the Divine Light once more. The energy surged through him, a brilliant burst of light that engulfed the warlock. The orc screamed, his body convulsing as the light burned away the dark magic that fueled him. For a moment, it seemed like Sora had won. But then the warlock¡¯s eyes glowed with an unholy fire, his body twisting and contorting as dark tendrils of magic wrapped around him. His skin stretched and split, his bones elongating and cracking under the pressure of the transformation. His robes shredded away, revealing a grotesque, demonic form. Sora stumbled back, his golden eyes wide with shock. The warlock was no longer an orc¡ªhe was a monster, his body swollen with dark power, his horns curling back like a demon¡¯s crown. His claws burned with black flame, and his eyes glowed with an infernal light. The chieftain, who had been watching from a distance, stepped back, his expression unreadable. He said something in a low, guttural voice. The warlock laughed, the sound inhuman, like the roar of a beast unleashed from the deepest pit. ¡°You thought you could defeat me, harpy? You thought your light could save you?¡± Sora¡¯s breath came in ragged gasps. The warlock¡ªnow a grotesque, demonic monstrosity¡ªstood towering over the battlefield, his glowing green eyes filled with malice. The chieftain, Doomhand, had stepped forward, his massive hammer gleaming in the dim light as he positioned himself between Sora and the demon. The tension in the air was palpable, the ground trembling beneath the weight of the demon¡¯s power. Sora¡¯s heart pounded in his chest, his body trembling with exhaustion and pain. He had fought the warlock once, but this¡­ this was something else entirely. The demon radiated raw, chaotic energy, its very presence threatening to overwhelm him. Doomhand¡¯s voice cut through the chaos, deep and commanding. ¡°You¡¯ve gone too far, Guldar,¡± he growled, his grip tightening on his large warhammer. ¡°This isn¡¯t the power I bargained for.¡± The demon¡ªGuldar¡ªlet out a guttural laugh, the sound inhuman and twisted. ¡°You think you can control me, Doomhand? I am beyond your petty wars and ambitions. I am power incarnate!¡± The chieftain¡¯s eyes narrowed, his expression hardening. ¡°You¡¯re a fool, Guldar. And I won¡¯t let you destroy everything I¡¯ve built.¡± With a roar, Doomhand charged, his hammer swinging in a wide arc. The demon snarled, his clawed hands crackling with dark energy as he met the chieftain¡¯s attack head-on. The clash of their weapons sent a shockwave through the air, the ground cracking beneath their feet. Sora watched in awe as the two titans clashed, their movements a blur of brute strength and dark magic. The demon¡¯s claws raked through the air, leaving trails of black flame, while Doomhand¡¯s hammer struck with the force of a thunderclap, each blow shaking the earth. But even as the battle raged, Sora knew he couldn¡¯t stay hidden. The demon was too powerful, and if Doomhand fell, there would be no one left to stop it. Summoning the last reserves of his strength, Sora pushed himself to his feet, his wings flaring as he prepared to join the fight. The Divine Light within him flickered faintly, a small but steady flame amidst the darkness. He focused on it, drawing on its power as he stepped out from behind the debris. His golden feathers glowed faintly, the light growing brighter with each step. The demon noticed him immediately, its glowing eyes narrowing as it let out a guttural snarl. ¡°You!¡± It roared, its voice a twisted echo of the warlock¡¯s. ¡°You think your pathetic light can save you?¡± Sora didn¡¯t respond, his mind focused on the task at hand. He raised his hand, the Divine Light surging forth in a radiant beam that struck the demon square in the chest. The creature roared in pain, its dark energy recoiling from the purity of the light. Doomhand seized the opportunity, his hammer slamming into the demon¡¯s side with a deafening crash. The force of the blow sent the demon staggering, its monstrous form flickering as the dark magic sustaining it began to waver. But the demon wasn¡¯t defeated yet. With a roar, it lashed out, its claws slashing through the air and striking Doomhand with enough force to send him flying. The chieftain crashed to the ground, his hammer slipping from his grasp as he struggled to rise. Sora¡¯s heart raced as he realized the tide of the battle was turning. The demon was too powerful, its dark magic overwhelming even Doomhand¡¯s strength. He needed to act fast. Summoning the last of his mana, Sora channeled the Divine Light into a concentrated beam, aiming it at the demon¡¯s chest. The light struck true, piercing through the creature¡¯s dark aura and causing it to howl in agony. The demon¡¯s form began to unravel, its monstrous body flickering as the dark magic sustaining it was purged by the light. But the effort left Sora drained, his body trembling as he collapsed to his knees. The Divine Light flickered and faded, its energy spent. He looked up, his vision blurring as the demon roared in defiance, its form beginning to stabilize once more. Doomhand, battered but not broken, rose to his feet, his hammer back in his hands. ¡°This ends now,¡± he growled, his voice filled with grim determination. With a final, earth-shaking roar, Doomhand charged, his hammer glowing with a faint, primal energy. The demon turned to face him, its claws raised, but it was too late. Doomhand¡¯s hammer struck with the force of a meteor, the impact shattering the demon¡¯s form and sending a shockwave through the battlefield. The demon let out a final, guttural scream as its body disintegrated, the dark magic dissipating into the air. The ground beneath it cracked and smoldered, the remnants of its power fading into nothingness. Sora watched in stunned silence as the dust settled, his body trembling with exhaustion. The battle was over, but the cost had been high. Doomhand stood amidst the ruins, his chest heaving as he surveyed the aftermath. The chieftain turned to Sora, his expression unreadable. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the tension between them thick and heavy. Finally, Doomhand broke the silence. ¡°You¡¯ve caused a lot of trouble, harpy,¡± he said, his voice low and measured. ¡°But you¡¯ve also proven yourself stronger than I expected.¡± Sora met his gaze, his golden eyes filled with defiance. Doomhand¡¯s lips curled into a faint smirk. He turned away, his hammer resting on his shoulder. ¡°For now, you¡¯ve earned your freedom, you won the deal fair and square. But don¡¯t think this is over. The orcs won¡¯t forget what happened here.¡± Sora watched as the chieftain walked away, his massive frame disappearing into the distance. The battlefield was silent now, the only sound the faint rustling of the wind. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Sora felt a flicker of hope. He had survived the warlock¡¯s experiments, the demon¡¯s wrath, and the orcs¡¯ relentless pursuit. He was battered and bruised, but he was alive. Chapter 13: Gold diggers Stood in the office, a figure writes on a piece of paper, his three talon move the feather filled with ink with precision. Mhm he looks out the window his sharp, golden eyes as he overlooked a sprawling city of floating sky islands. Airships drifted lazily through the clouds, their sails catching the sunlight as they moved between the islands. The view was breathtaking, a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of the people who had built this place. The office itself was a reflection of his status¡ªpolished wooden floors, shelves lined with books and artifacts, and a massive desk covered with papers and books. A map of the sky islands hung on one wall, dotted with pins and notes, while a collection of trinkets adorned another. Why did I remember that. A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. He turned, his golden feathers catching the light as they shifted with his movement. The door opened, and a young harpy with silver feathers poked her head in. "Hey, boss man, we need some help. The council is arguing again," she said, her voice tinged with urgency. The young man nodded, his expression calm but focused. "I¡¯ll be there shortly," he replied, his voice moderate and soothing yet commanding. He took one last look out the window, the memory of his past briefly surfacing. But there was no time to dwell on it now. He straightened his posture, hands behind his back, with his wings folding neatly behind him, and strode out of the office. Sora woke to the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the cracks in the cave¡¯s ceiling. The warmth of the morning rays brushed against his golden feathers, a stark contrast to the cold, oppressive darkness he had endured for so long. He blinked, his golden eyes adjusting to the light as he sat up, his body stiff and sore from the previous day¡¯s events. The memories came flooding back¡ªthe warlock¡¯s transformation, the battle with the demon, the chieftain¡¯s intervention. It all felt like a nightmare, but the aches and bruises covering his body were a painful reminder that it had been all too real. He glanced around the cave, his makeshift sanctuary, and took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing thoughts. I survived, he thought, his talons flexing against the stone floor. But I can¡¯t stay here forever. His stomach growled, a sharp reminder of his most immediate need: food. He hadn¡¯t eaten properly in days, and the exhaustion from the battle had left him weak and drained. He needed to find something to eat, and soon. Sora pushed himself to his feet, his wings twitching as he stretched them out. The feathers were still ruffled and singed in places, but they were functional. He glanced down at his body, noting the cuts and bruises that marred his skin. The Divine Light had healed the worst of his injuries, but he was far from fully recovered. Before heading out, he decided to check his status. Focusing his mind, he summoned the glowing screen that displayed his stats and skills. ____________ Name: Sora Calem Species: Harpy Level: 19 (13/1000) HP: 117/205 (+9/h) MP: 20/105 (+6/h) ST: 140/275 (+24/h) Titles: First Blood, Made Possible, Tenacious Survivor, Lone Wanderer WILL: 19 > 29 STR: 19 > 24 AGI: 39 > 50 DEX: 19 > 21 VIT: 26 > 31 PASSIVES: Basic HtH Combat Lv 8 Survival Instinct Lv 6 Stealth Lv 7 Enhanced Vision Max Tracking Lv 4 Grit Lv 4 ACTIVE: Screech Lv 5 Gust Lv 6 Divine Light Manipulation Lv 4 ____________ Eyes lingered on the Divine Light Manipulation skill. It had saved him more than once, but it was also draining, especially in his weakened state. He would need to be careful not to overuse it until he had recovered more of his mana. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Closing the status screen, Sora took a deep breath and stepped out of the cave, his talons scraping against the stone as he emerged into the sunlight. The forest stretched out before him, lush and green, the sounds of birds and rustling leaves filling the air. It was a stark contrast to the dark, oppressive atmosphere of the warlock¡¯s lair, and for a moment, Sora allowed himself to feel a flicker of hope. But he couldn¡¯t afford to let his guard down. The orcs were still out there, and he had no doubt they would come after him again. For now, though, his priority was finding food and regaining his strength. Sora moved cautiously through the forest, his sharp eyes scanning the terrain for any signs of danger¡ªor prey. His Enhanced Vision made it easier to spot movement in the underbrush, and his Tracking skill helped him follow the faint trails left by small animals. After a while, he came across a small stream, its clear water glinting in the sunlight. Sora knelt by the bank, cupping the cool water in his hands and drinking deeply. The water was refreshing, and he felt a small surge of energy as he quenched his thirst. Before continuing his search, his talons crunching softly against the forest floor. The sounds of the forest were calming, but he remained alert, his senses heightened by the constant threat of danger. After a while, he spotted a rabbit darting through the underbrush. His heart quickened as he crouched low, his wings folding tightly against his back as he prepared to strike. The rabbit paused, its nose twitching as it sniffed the air, unaware of the predator lurking nearby. With a burst of speed, Sora lunged, his talons outstretched. The rabbit tried to dart away, but Sora was faster, his AGI giving him the edge he needed. He caught the rabbit in a swift, precise motion, his claws closing around its body. The struggle was brief, and Sora felt a pang of guilt as the rabbit went still. He had never enjoyed killing, but survival in this world left him no choice. He quickly prepared the rabbit, using his talons to skin and clean it before starting a small fire to cook the meat. As the smell of roasting meat filled the air, Sora allowed himself a moment of respite. He sat by the fire, his golden eyes reflecting the flickering flames as he waited for the food to cook. The events of the past few days weighed heavily on his mind, but for now, he focused on the simple act of survival. When the meat was ready, Sora ate quickly, savoring the warmth and nourishment it provided. He felt his strength returning, his body slowly recovering from the ordeal he had endured. As he finished his meal, Sora¡¯s thoughts turned to the future. He couldn¡¯t stay in the forest forever. The orcs would come for him, and he needed to be ready. But for now, he allowed himself a moment of peace, the sunlight filtering through the trees and the sounds of the forest surrounding him. He was alive, and that was enough. For now. As Sora sat by the small fire, the aroma of roasting rabbit filling the air as he waited for the meat to cook. His golden feathers glinted in the sunlight, and his sharp eyes scanned the surrounding forest, ever alert for danger. But what he didn¡¯t notice¡ªat least not right away¡ªwas the trio of goblins lurking in the bushes nearby, their beady eyes fixed on him with a mix of greed and curiosity. The goblins were huddled together, whispering in their guttural language, their voices low but animated. They were small, wiry creatures with green skin, pointed ears, and mismatched armor cobbled together from scraps. The first goblin, named Snaggle, was the tallest of the trio, and the self proclaimed leader though that wasn¡¯t saying much. He had a crooked nose that looked like it had been broken one too many times, and his left ear was missing a chunk, giving him a lopsided appearance. He wore a patched-up leather vest that was too big for him, and his belt was adorned with an assortment of shiny trinkets he had scavenged over the years. The second goblin, Grizzle, was the shortest but the most muscular. His arms were thick and covered in scars, and he carried a crude wooden club that looked like it had been carved from a tree branch. His face was perpetually scrunched into a scowl, and his teeth were yellow and jagged. He wore a tunic made from what appeared to be a rat¡¯s hide, and his boots were mismatched¡ªone was too big, and the other was missing a sole. The third goblin, Nibbles, was the smallest and skinniest of the group. He had a nervous twitch in his left eye and a habit of chewing on his fingernails, which were already bitten down to the quick. He wore a tattered cloak that was too long for him, dragging on the ground as he moved. Despite his timid appearance, Nibbles was the brains of the operation, always coming up with plans¡ªthough they rarely worked out as intended. The trio had been tracking Sora for a while, drawn by the glint of his golden feathers in the sunlight. To them, he looked like a walking treasure trove, a shiny yellow rock that could fetch a hefty price if they brought him to their leader. Snaggle leaned in, his voice a harsh whisper. ¡°Look at dat bird-thing! Shiny, shiny! Like a big yellow rock! Boss love shiny things. If we bring it to him, he give us lots of gold!¡± Grizzle nodded eagerly, his club resting on his shoulder. ¡°Yeah, yeah! We grab it, tie it up, and take it to boss! Easy-peasy!¡± Nibble, however, wasn¡¯t so sure. His oversized ears twitched as he glanced nervously at Sora. ¡°But¡­ but what if it¡¯s dangerous? What if it bites? Or pecks? Or¡­ or flies away?!¡± Snaggle rolled his eyes, smacking Fizz on the back of the head. ¡°Shut up, Fizz! It¡¯s just a bird-thing! How dangerous can it be You supposed to be the smart one?¡± Grizzle grinned, showing off his missing tooth. ¡°Yeah! We¡¯re goblins! We¡¯re sneaky! We¡¯re clever! We¡¯re¡­ uh¡­¡± He paused, scratching his head. ¡°What¡¯s dat word again, Snaggle?¡± ¡°Formidable!¡± Snaggle declared, puffing out his chest. ¡°We¡¯re formidable!¡± Nibble blinked. ¡°I thought it was ¡®smelly.¡¯¡± Snaggle smacked him again. ¡°No, you idiot! Formidable! It means we¡¯re strong and scary and¡­ and¡­ uh¡­¡± He trailed off, his confidence wavering. ¡°Well, it¡¯s a good word, okay?!¡± Grizzle nodded sagely. ¡°Yeah, yeah. Formidable. Like me!¡± He flexed his scrawny arms, which were about as impressive as wet noodles. Nibble whimpered, wringing his hands. ¡°But what if it¡¯s not just a bird-thing? What if it¡¯s magic? Or cursed? Or¡­ or a demon in disguise?!¡± Snaggle groaned, rubbing his temples. ¡°Nibble, you¡¯re such a worrywart! It¡¯s just a bird-thing! Look at it! It¡¯s sitting there, all shiny and dumb, cooking its little rabbit. It¡¯s not even paying attention!¡± Grizzle grinned, raising his club. ¡°Yeah! We sneak up, use net , whack it on the head, and grab it, bring to leader. Get gold. Buy food. Lots of food!¡± Grizzle frowned, scratching his head. ¡°But¡­ we no have net.¡± Nibbles paused mid-chew, his twitching eye going still for a moment. ¡°Uh¡­ right. No net. Hmm.¡± The three goblins sat in silence for a moment, their tiny brains working overtime to come up with a new plan. ¡°What about¡­ rope?¡± Snaggle suggested, his crooked nose twitching. ¡°We tie rope around bird thing. Pull it down.¡± Grizzle snorted. ¡°Rope? Where we get rope?¡± Nibbles pointed to Snaggle¡¯s belt. ¡°You got rope. Right there.¡± Snaggle looked down at his belt, which was indeed adorned with a length of frayed rope. ¡°Oh. Right. Rope here.¡± Grizzle rolled his eyes. ¡°Fine. We use rope. But how we get close? Bird thing see us, it fly away.¡± Nibbles grinned, revealing a row of crooked teeth. ¡°We distract it. Throw rock. Make noise. Bird thing look other way. We sneak up. Tie rope.¡± Snaggle clapped his hands, nearly knocking himself over in the process. ¡°Yes! Good plan! We do it!¡± The trio nodded in agreement, their confidence growing despite the obvious flaws in their plan. They crept closer to Sora, their movements clumsy and loud, but the harpy was too focused on his meal to notice. Nibbles picked up a small rock and hurled it into the bushes on the opposite side of the clearing. The rock landed with a loud thud, and Sora¡¯s head snapped up, his golden eyes scanning the area. ¡°Now!¡± Snaggle whispered, his voice barely audible. The three goblins lunged forward, their plan already falling apart. Snaggle tripped over his own feet, landing face-first in the dirt. Grizzle, trying to untangle the rope from Snaggle¡¯s belt, accidentally tied it around his own leg. Nibbles, the only one still moving, charged at Sora with a wild yell, waving his arms like a madman. Sora turned just in time to see the goblin barreling toward him. His eyes widened in surprise, and he instinctively spread his wings, leaping into the air as Nibbles crashed into the spot where he had been sitting. The goblin tumbled to the ground, his cloak tangling around him as he let out a high-pitched squeal. Snaggle and Grizzle, still struggling with the rope, looked up just in time to see Sora hovering above them, his golden feathers glinting in the sunlight. ¡°Uh-oh,¡± Snaggle muttered, his crooked nose twitching nervously. Grizzle growled, finally freeing himself from the rope. ¡°Stupid plan! Now bird thing mad!¡± Nibbles, still tangled in his cloak, tried to stand but only succeeded in tripping over himself again. ¡°Run! Run!¡± The trio scrambled to their feet, their earlier confidence completely shattered. They turned and bolted into the forest, their screams echoing through the trees as they disappeared into the underbrush. Sora watched them go, his head tilted in confusion. HUUHHH!???? Chapter 14: Operation Uh Gold bird thing Sora watched them go, his head tilted in confusion. He had no idea what had just happened, but he couldn¡¯t help but feel a little amused. The goblins¡¯ antics had been so ridiculous that he almost felt bad for them. Shaking his head, Sora landed back by the fire, his meal now slightly cold but still edible. He sat down, his golden eyes scanning the forest for any signs of more goblins, but the clearing was quiet once more. As he ate, the the corners of his face curl. For the first time in a long while, he felt a flicker of lightness in his chest. The world was still dangerous, and his journey was far from over, but moments like these reminded him that not everything was doom and gloom. With a full stomach and a small sense of amusement, Sora finished his meal and prepared to move on. The forest was vast, and there was still much to explore. But for now, he allowed himself a moment of peace, the memory of the goblins¡¯ failed plan bringing a rare smile to his face as he eats. The trio of goblins¡ªSnaggle, Grizzle, and Nibbles¡ªwere nothing if not persistent. After their initial failed attempt to capture the "shiny bird thing," they regrouped in a nearby thicket, their tiny brains buzzing with new ideas. They were determined to catch Sora, no matter how many ridiculous plans it took. And so, as the sun began its slow descent toward the horizon, the goblins launched a series of increasingly absurd schemes, each one more disastrous than the last. Plan #1: The Pitfall Trap ¡°We dig hole!¡± Snaggle declared, his crooked nose twitching with excitement. ¡°Bird thing fall in. We catch it!¡± Nibbles nodded, chewing on his fingernails. ¡°Yes, yes. Dig hole. Cover with leaves. Bird thing no see.¡± Grizzle grunted, already swinging his club at the ground. ¡°Fine. But you two dig. I watch.¡± The goblins spent the next hour digging a pit in the middle of the forest path. Snaggle and Nibbles worked tirelessly, their tiny hands flinging dirt everywhere, while Grizzle stood guard, his scowl deepening with every passing minute. Finally, the pit was ready. The goblins covered it with leaves and branches, then hid behind a nearby tree to wait. Sora, blissfully unaware, wandered down the path, his golden feathers glinting in the sunlight. The goblins held their breath as he approached the trap. But just as Sora was about to step on the leaves, he paused, his sharp eyes spotting the uneven ground. With a curious tilt of his head, he spread his wings and glided over the pit, landing safely on the other side. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. The goblins groaned in unison. ¡°Stupid bird thing!¡± Grizzle growled, kicking the tree in frustration. ¡°Maybe¡­ bigger hole next time?¡± Nibbles suggested, his twitching eye betraying his uncertainty. Plan #2: The Decoy Feast ¡°We make food!¡± Snaggle announced, his eyes gleaming with inspiration. ¡°Bird thing hungry. It come to food. We catch it!¡± Nibbles nodded enthusiastically. ¡°Yes! Food good. But¡­ what food?¡± The goblins rummaged through their meager supplies, eventually settling on a moldy piece of bread, a half-eaten apple, and a suspicious-looking mushroom. They arranged the "feast" in the middle of a clearing, then hid in the bushes to wait. Sora, drawn by the smell of food, approached cautiously. He tilted his head, his golden eyes narrowing as he inspected the offering. The moldy bread and questionable mushroom didn¡¯t exactly look appetizing. Just as the goblins were about to pounce, Sora picked up the apple, took a single bite, and then dropped it, clearly unimpressed. He spread his wings and flew away, leaving the goblins staring at their failed feast. ¡°Stupid bird thing!¡± Grizzle growled, stomping on the bread. ¡°Why it no like food?¡± ¡°Maybe¡­ better food next time?¡± Nibbles suggested, though he didn¡¯t sound convinced. Plan #3: The Fake Fight ¡°We fight!¡± Snaggle declared, puffing out his chest. ¡°Bird thing see us fight. It come watch. We catch it!¡± Nibbles frowned. ¡°But¡­ we no fight for real, right?¡± Grizzle grinned, cracking his knuckles. ¡°I fight for real. You two weak.¡± The goblins staged a dramatic "fight" in the middle of a clearing, complete with exaggerated punches, fake screams, and Snaggle accidentally hitting Nibbles in the face with a stick. Sora, perched in a nearby tree, watched the spectacle with mild curiosity. The goblins¡¯ antics were so ridiculous that he couldn¡¯t help but let out a soft chirp of amusement. Encouraged by the sound, the goblins redoubled their efforts, their "fight" becoming even more over-the-top. But just as they were about to "accidentally" fall into a pile of leaves (where they had hidden a net), Sora spread his wings and flew away, clearly unimpressed. ¡°Stupid bird thing!¡± Grizzle growled, throwing his club on the ground. ¡°Why it no stay?¡± ¡°Maybe¡­ better acting next time?¡± Nibbles suggested, rubbing the bump on his head. Plan #4: The Disguise ¡°We dress up!¡± Snaggle declared, his crooked nose twitching with excitement. ¡°Bird thing no see us. We sneak up. Catch it!¡± Nibbles nodded, though his twitching eye betrayed his skepticism. ¡°Yes, yes. Disguise good. But¡­ what we dress as?¡± The goblins spent the next hour gathering leaves, sticks, and mud to create their "disguises." Snaggle covered himself in leaves, declaring himself a "tree." Grizzle smeared mud on his face and claimed to be a "rock." Nibbles, unsure what to do, simply wrapped himself in his cloak and hoped for the best. The trio crept toward Sora, who was sitting by a stream, his golden feathers glinting in the sunlight. Snaggle, trying to mimic a tree, swayed awkwardly from side to side. Grizzle, attempting to be a rock, crouched low and stayed perfectly still¡ªuntil he sneezed, sending mud flying everywhere. Nibbles, tangled in his cloak, tripped over a root and tumbled into the stream with a loud splash. Sora turned, his golden eyes narrowing as he spotted the goblins. He let out a soft chirp, clearly unimpressed, before spreading his wings and flying away. ¡°Stupid bird thing!¡± Grizzle growled, wiping mud from his face. ¡°Why it no fall for disguise?¡± ¡°Maybe¡­ better disguise next time?¡± Nibbles suggested, wringing out his cloak. Plan #5: The Final Attempt As the sun dipped below the horizon, the goblins sat in a circle, their energy spent and their spirits low. ¡°Maybe¡­ bird thing too smart,¡± Snaggle muttered, his crooked nose drooping. Grizzle grunted, his scowl deepening. ¡°Or maybe we just stupid.¡± Nibbles, chewing on his fingernails, nodded. ¡°Yes. Probably stupid.¡± The trio sat in silence for a moment, the sounds of the forest filling the air. Finally, Snaggle stood up, his eyes gleaming with determination. ¡°One more try,¡± he declared. ¡°We catch bird thing. Or¡­ we go home.¡± The goblins nodded in agreement, their tiny brains buzzing with one last, desperate plan. As dusk settled over the forest, Sora perched in a tree, his golden feathers glowing faintly in the fading light. He had no idea what the goblins were up to, but he couldn¡¯t help but feel a flicker of amusement at their antics. For all their ridiculousness, they had provided a strange sort of entertainment. The forest echoed with the sounds of their failure, a fitting end to a day filled with shenanigans. Chapter 15: Flying Pigeon or Ball? The goblins¡¯ final plan was, by far, their most ambitious¡ªand their most ridiculous. Snaggle, Grizzle, and Nibbles had spent the last hour gathering every piece of rope, vine, and string they could find in the forest. Their plan? To create a giant, goblin-sized slingshot and launch themselves at Sora in a desperate attempt to catch him. ¡°We fly through air!¡± Snaggle declared, his crooked nose twitching with excitement. ¡°Like bird thing! We catch it mid-air!¡± Nibbles, chewing on his fingernails, looked skeptical. ¡°But¡­ what if we miss?¡± Grizzle grunted, his scowl deepening. ¡°We no miss. We aim good. Right?¡± The trio worked tirelessly, tying vines to tree branches and fashioning a crude slingshot out of sticks and rope. Snaggle, the self-proclaimed "engineer" of the group, insisted on testing the contraption first. He climbed into the slingshot, his lopsided grin widening as the other two goblins pulled the vines taut. ¡°Ready?¡± Snaggle asked, his voice trembling with excitement. ¡°Ready!¡± Nibbles and Grizzle replied in unison. With a mighty heave, the goblins released the vines, sending Snaggle flying through the air like a poorly aimed cannonball. He let out a high-pitched scream as he soared over the treetops, his arms flailing wildly. Sora, perched in a nearby tree, watched in stunned silence as the goblin flew past him, disappearing into the distance with a faint thud. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¡°Snaggle!¡± Nibbles cried, his twitching eye going wide with panic. Grizzle growled, his scowl deepening. ¡°Stupid Snaggle. Always mess up plans.¡± Undeterred, the goblins decided to try again. This time, Grizzle climbed into the slingshot, his muscular frame straining against the vines. ¡°You no mess up,¡± Grizzle growled, glaring at Nibbles. ¡°Pull hard. Aim good.¡± Nibbles nodded, his hands trembling as he gripped the vines. With a deep breath, he and Grizzle pulled the slingshot taut and released it, sending Grizzle flying through the air. But instead of soaring toward Sora, Grizzle¡¯s trajectory was off. He crashed into a tree with a loud thwack, his club flying out of his hands and landing in a nearby bush. ¡°Grizzle!¡± Nibbles cried, his voice filled with panic. Grizzle groaned, sliding down the tree trunk and landing in a heap on the ground. ¡°Stupid slingshot,¡± he muttered, rubbing his head. Now it was Nibbles¡¯ turn. The smallest and skinniest of the trio, he looked at the slingshot with a mixture of fear and determination. ¡°Maybe¡­ I no do this,¡± he muttered, chewing on his fingernails. But Snaggle and Grizzle, now back on their feet, insisted. ¡°You do it!¡± Snaggle declared, his crooked nose twitching with excitement. ¡°You last hope!¡± With a nervous gulp, Nibbles climbed into the slingshot, his cloak tangling around him as the other two goblins pulled the vines taut. ¡°Ready?¡± Snaggle asked, his voice filled with anticipation. ¡°No,¡± Nibbles replied, his twitching eye betraying his terror. ¡°Too bad!¡± Grizzle growled, releasing the vines. Nibbles shot through the air like a tiny, screaming projectile. His trajectory was perfect¡ªstraight toward Sora. But just as he was about to collide with the harpy, Sora spread his wings and gracefully sidestepped, leaving Nibbles to crash into a bush with a loud thud. The goblins groaned in unison, their spirits thoroughly crushed. They sat in a dejected heap, their ridiculous plans having failed yet again. Sora, perched in the tree above them, couldn¡¯t help but let out a soft chirp of amusement. The goblins¡¯ antics had been so absurd that he almost felt bad for them. Almost. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the goblins finally admitted defeat. ¡°Maybe¡­ bird thing too smart,¡± Snaggle muttered, his crooked nose drooping. Grizzle grunted, his scowl deepening. ¡°Or maybe we just stupid.¡± Nibbles, chewing on his fingernails, nodded. ¡°Yes. Probably stupid.¡± The trio sat in silence for a moment, the sounds of the forest filling the air. Finally, Snaggle stood up, his eyes gleaming with determination. ¡°We go home,¡± he declared. ¡°Tell leader bird thing too tricky. Maybe¡­ we catch something else.¡± The goblins nodded in agreement, their tiny brains buzzing with the possibility of easier prey. They gathered their belongings and trudged off into the forest, their ridiculous plans left behind. Sora watched them go, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his beak. For all their foolishness, the goblins had provided a strange sort of entertainment. And as the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, he spread his wings and took to the air, ready to face whatever challenges the next day would bring.