The giant black feather lay on the large table in the Goblin's Grove meeting hall. All the goblin leaders had gathered—Godon with a tense expression, Draksra leaning against the wall, Moji holding his magic staff, and Kang Minho seated with his spear resting across his lap.
MC began his explanation, pointing at the feather. "We found this at the northern cliff, along with claw marks this deep." He gestured in the air with his fingers to indicate the length. "The creature had just hunted there."
Godon tapped the hilt of his sword against the floor. "If it dares to approach our territory, we should go and cut it down before it comes back."
Draksra shook his head. "You have no idea how high it flies. It can strike from above and vanish before we can even aim."
Moji spoke quietly but sharply. "A bird that size usually isn't alone. If this one's the leader, we might be dealing with a flock."
Minho exhaled heavily. "That means we prepare our defenses, not rush into a reckless hunt."
Before the discussion could continue, the sound of massive wings cut through the air. The entire hall trembled, dust falling from the ceiling. A long, piercing screech raised the hairs on everyone's neck. They all rushed outside.
The midday sky, once clear, was now shadowed by an enormous figure. The Raven Tyrant circled overhead, its wings stretching wide, feathers glinting with a bluish sheen under the sun. A single beat of its wings sent dust and leaves swirling into the air.
"Bows ready!" Godon shouted. The goblin warriors readied their arrows.
The Raven Tyrant dove with incredible speed, its glowing red eyes locked on its target. MC caught sight of its curved beak—sharp enough to snap bone like a twig. It aimed straight for a group of goblins carrying sacks of grain.
Minho leapt forward, planting himself firmly. A faint light enveloped his body—Iron Wall activated. The bird's massive talons struck with a force that could shatter stone, but the invisible shield absorbed the blow. Minho was driven back three steps, the ground cracking beneath his feet, yet he remained standing.
"Now!" MC shouted.
Godon and the warriors unleashed a barrage of arrows. Several pierced the bird's wings, drawing an enraged screech. The Raven Tyrant pulled back, soaring upward again, circling once before dropping something from high above—a deer carcass that crashed into the young rice field, destroying much of the crop.
Moji cast a protective barrier to shield nearby goblins as dirt and water sprayed everywhere. The Raven Tyrant hovered for a moment, as if observing their reaction, then flew off with heavy wingbeats.
Minho stood, breathing hard, and looked at MC. "It's testing us."
MC watched the massive bird vanish beyond the treetops. "And it will be back."