"Wait, Ragnar, don't go. Wait until Kalia comes to check you out."
"Don't worry, aunty. I feel good," I said, running out of the hut.
Honestly, I wanted to get that evolution chance as fast as possible… especially being in a forest where the strong literally eat the weak.
Heading toward the goblin clan felt like walking straight into a gang hideout with a sign that said, "I Hate Drugs."
Nevertheless, I needed to finish it. The evolution chance only happens once in a normal kobold's lifetime, and luck plays a big role in it.
Nearing the river, I saw their camp. It sat between dense trees, surrounded by a wooden barrier.
It was unusual that such a race had this level of craftsmanship.
The moment my feet stepped inside the barrier, I heard loud footsteps.
Little green bodies popped out from the bushes. There were at least twenty, all armed with spears.
Some of them barely held up their oversized clubs. It was funny , their clubs were bigger than they were.
They looked like angry kids demanding Halloween candy.
I lifted my hands slowly and said, "Whoa, wait, kids. Where are your parents? Did you lose your way here?"
The goblins growled at me. It seemed they understood the insult, but none attacked, as if waiting for orders.
Then someone came out from behind them.
Aria, Daughter of Kalmar, the goblin chief.
She held a long spear in one hand like it was as light as a twig. Just a glance told me she could fold me in my current state.
Her hips swayed with every step. Her armor was basically just leopard rags, and honestly, it was hot.
She was the tallest goblin I had seen so far, almost my height, with smooth green skin and toned, plump legs. She was clearly athletic.
Her chest was so big it strained her armor, jiggling with every movement.
"Damn," I said under my breath.
She had the vibe of a dangerous beauty who would stab a man in the throat the moment he annoyed her.
Her squad didn't dare look at her backside even once , that alone showed how much fear she inspired.
As for enemies… well, they were already dead.
Everyone knew that if she caught someone checking her out, that goblin would get a spear through his eye.
When her gaze fell on me, it wasn't warm or curious. It basically said, "Why is a kobold breathing my air?"
I stepped forward anyway, ignoring her intimidation attempt.
"Aria, daughter of Chief Kalmar," I said. "I've got a solution for your tribe's problem."
She scoffed, exhaling sharply as she pointed her spear at me.
"What offer can a kobold possibly bring me? You're lucky I haven't told them to crack your head open already."
The goblins behind her sneered. Their noises grew, and they tightened their grip on their clubs, ready to attack at her signal.
I didn't blink. Unbothered, I kept my posture straight, which only made them more wary.
"The Orcs are attacking you, aren't they?" I said directly to Aria.
They all fell silent. A few goblins gulped; others grew angrier, reminded of past harassment.
One shouted, "They killed my brother!"
Another clenched his fists. "They burned our farms and killed my family!"
Aria's expression didn't change, but her grip tightened. Orcs were a problem even for her.
Sure, she could kill an orc 1-on-1, but she was just one person. How much could she really change?
She stepped closer until we were just inches apart.
"Speak," she commanded. "But not here. Let's go somewhere alone."
Turning around, she walked ahead confidently, as if she didn't fear a backstab.
"Such a crazy woman," I muttered , she was either too bold or simply didn't think I would attack her.
Following her, I noticed her big, firm ass and perfect hips swaying. Her leopard rags hugged her tightly.
With every step, her rear jiggled under the fabric. She moved like a lioness , hot and dangerous.
I barely let my gaze rest on her for two seconds before I felt killing intent aimed at my head.
If I kept looking, my brain matter would've decorated the ground , and if this were an anime, it definitely wouldn't be PG-friendly.
I choked and looked away immediately, rubbing the back of my head.
"I wasn't checking you out," I said quickly.
She stopped and tilted her head. "Really?"
"Yes, I was looking at your armor."
I barely held back a laugh calling leopard rags "armor," but I had to commit.
Her eyes narrowed, then softened slightly.
"My armor? Why?"
I nodded. "Your plates are shaped for mobility. But the heavy shoulder guards don't match the shorter skirt. That's why you can't run fast while using the spear."
She stared at me, genuinely surprised.
"How did you know that?" she asked.
"I paid attention," I said. Honestly, I did , but not for the innocent reason she thought.
Her lips curved slightly as she looked at me, amused.
We reached a quiet spot near the river, hidden by trees.
The water flowed gently over stones. Aria rested her spear against a tree and crossed her arms.
"Alright. We're alone now. Speak your offer."
I took a deep breath.
"Orcs aren't harassing you for fun," I said. "They need resources and slaves. Your tribe has both."
Aria listened silently.
"And everywhere Orcs go becomes barren," I continued. "You already know that."
She clicked her tongue. "Obviously."
"So we can use that," I added.
She raised a brow. "Use what, exactly?"
"Their stupidity , to our advantage," I said.
I pointed behind her toward the dark mountain on the horizon, smoke rising from its top.
"You could spread a rumor to the Orcs saying you found resources there that could support you for a full year."
Aria blinked. "The volcano?"
"Yes. Once they go there to check, we push them from behind."
"Then they get cooked alive."
Hearing that, she burst out laughing , a loud, genuine laugh. She even held her stomach.
"You're insane," she said between breaths. "And unique. Honestly, I've never seen a kobold think like this." She leaned closer, brushing my arm. "I like this plan…"
Alright, that escalated quickly.
She stepped forward and poked my chest.
"You're coming with me," she said. "My father needs to hear this from you. I want to see his reaction when he meets you."
"What, right now?"
"Yes," she said firmly.
Before I could argue, she grabbed my arm and pulled me with her. Her grip was iron-tight.
Her squad saw us walking together and their jaws dropped , their expressions said, "What did that kobold just do to our boss?"
I didn't even bother looking at them.
As we headed toward the village, a ding echoed in my mind:
[System Notice:
Host, once they accept your plan, you can deliver the goods. Your quest will then be completed.]
You will be rated. If they give you 5 stars, you will receive the highest-quality rewards.
"Oh, I'm definitely gonna get that evolution chance…"