The morning air in Goblin's Grove was cooler than usual. Sunlight pierced through gaps in the canopy, casting dappled light over the rice fields just beginning to sprout and the vegetable plots showing their first shades of green. Goblin farmers worked the land—plowing, weeding, tending to the irrigation channels. From a distance, the clanging of metal and sharp shouts echoed—Godon was drilling the warriors in the training yard.
And yet, something felt off. The MC frowned."Something's… missing," he muttered, counting the farmers in the fields. One was gone.
Draksra emerged from the gate, his expression grim."One farmer disappeared at dawn. I found tracks near the fields—large claw marks, and blood.""Heading into the forest?" the MC asked.Draksra shook his head. "No… the trail ended in the open ground. No tracks beyond that. As if something carried him into the air."
The MC fell silent, recalling the shadow that had flashed across the sky a few days earlier. Draksra added, "This isn't random. Something's watching us from above."
Before they could form a plan, a panicked shout rang out from the fields. A large predatory bird swooped down, talons aimed at a goblin farmer carrying a basket of seeds. Dust exploded as its wings struck the ground.
Godon sprinted forward, raising his spear. "Come down here, you overgrown chicken!" he roared, hurling it with all his strength. The weapon nearly struck the bird, but the creature twisted sharply midair and pulled away, leaving bloody claw marks on the farmer's shoulder.
Moji rushed over to check the wound. "It's shallow, but… there's a faint toxin, or perhaps residual mana in the claws," he said, narrowing his eyes. "This isn't an ordinary bird."
The MC issued swift orders:
Draksra to lead aerial patrols from high cliffs and treetops.
Godon to drill the warriors in anti-air combat—throwing spears, large nets.
Moji to develop a thin mana barrier to shield the fields and settlement from sudden strikes.
That night, Draksra returned, his face tighter than usual."I found it… or at least, its shadow."The MC's gaze sharpened. "How big?""Three times the size of the one we fought today." Draksra looked up at the empty night sky. "It wasn't hunting… it was scouting."
From far in the northern sky, a long, echoing screech rolled through the darkness.