"DIE FOR US!"
The goblin duo roared at the top of their lungs as they charged forward. Their movements were unconventional, zigzagging erratically and making them difficult to target.
While this increased the time needed to close the distance, it allowed them to do so safely. Several seconds later, they were right at Kyle's doorstep, weapons raised and ready to strike.
Thud!
Contrary to their expectations, Kyle didn't retreat. Instead, he ignored the club-wielding goblin and dove straight toward his counterpart, fireball blazing in one hand and dagger clenched in the other. At the same time, steam poured out of his body as his scales gave off a faint glow. He threw himself forward, completely ignoring the sword swinging down at him.
'This is it…'
Kyle smiled and shut his eyes.
In that moment, his short life in this strange world flashed before him. Memories he had once tossed aside now carried weight. Every interaction with his half-siblings revealed deeper meaning and emotion.
Only now did he notice the beauty of the life he had lived.
Group baths with his siblings in the same pool at the lower levels of their home. Brief interactions with Tu'ka that reminded him of his old self, moments he had ignored because he felt out of place.
As the memories came to an end, Kyle realized something crucial he had been overlooking all this time. From Sl'k's silent rivalry to Tu'ka's clinginess, and many other experiences, he had been shown human-level intent and awareness—yet he had dismissed it all simply because they didn't look human.
He had been racist toward a race he had become a part of.
That was why it never occurred to him that goblins and Boa would hold grudges, or that they would go through the trouble of trailing him all the way back home. To him, that had been a "human" thing to do.
And now, he was about to be killed by the very beings he had looked down on.
'I'm such a fool…'
Kyle admitted his fault silently, letting out a faint chuckle.
It was too late to regret now.
With that realization, Kyle's consciousness faded from exhaustion—mana and stamina depleted—before the attacks could even land.
"As long as you understand your mistake, it's alright."
A cold, shaky elderly voice rang out, echoing in everyone's ears.
It wasn't loud or domineering. It was soft and calm, as though the speaker stood right beside them—yet he was nowhere to be seen. Or so they thought.
Hundreds of vines erupted from the ground, writhing wildly. In an instant, the goblins were bound, dragged into the air, and hanged by their necks. Boa, who had tried to flee, was ripped from its hiding place and dragged out as well.
'A sorcerer! It's that sorcerer!'
Boa panicked.
Such finesse and control over an element could only belong to a sorcerer. As far as anyone knew, only one existed within Wyvern's Reach—the old shaman of the Dan'Tai clan, a small union of kobolds from various clans beyond the Evergreen Forest who had formed a clan of their own.
This figure alone was the reason the regional wars had yet to reach this part of the domain.
Lu'k.
As the goblins kicked and thrashed against the choking vines, Lu'k approached slowly with the aid of his cane. By the time he reached Kyle's unconscious body lying on the ground, the two goblins were already dead. Boa was left alone, facing the small yet terrifying figure it had only heard about from stronger magic beasts.
"I believe I have a pact with your kind concerning the safety of my children."
If Kyle had been awake, he would have been shocked to see the cold, murderous gaze burning in Lu'k's eyes—contempt so deep it resembled the way a dragon might look upon a feeble human.
He even referred to magic beasts as "your kind," making his disdain unmistakable. Boa was terrified.
"I swear I didn't know it was your offspring! We're aware of your clan's situation, so I thought it was a rogue adult kobold from beyond the Evergreen Forest!"
Boa confessed without hesitation.
It was common knowledge that Lu'k was the last remaining adult of the Dan'Tai clan, so it genuinely believed Kyle was an outsider.
Lu'k studied Kyle closely, his eyes narrowing. Even he had to admit he was stunned by the child's rapid growth over just three months. It was unnatural—especially considering the awakening of Kyle's bloodline mere minutes before this expedition.
There was much about this child that confused him. That was why he had remained reserved and silent all this time. Why he had chosen to observe and understand rather than interfere.
"Now you know… Scram!"
Lu'k waved his hand, and the vines released Boa.
"Thank you, esteemed elder kobold!"
Boa cried out fervently.
The moment the serpent hit the ground, it fled without hesitation, vanishing toward the bed of reeds. Only after it disappeared did Lu'k return his gaze to Kyle, his thoughts hidden behind dull yet unfathomable eyes. Stroking his white beard, he pondered in silence before shaking his head.
"This should be a good place to set camp, don't you think?"
He asked, glancing over his shoulder.
From within the thick forest, Ma'ya emerged, carrying several sticks for a campfire. It was clear they had planned this in advance.
"Should we treat first brother Kyle's injuries first?"
Ma'ya asked, unable to hide her worry upon seeing his condition.
Lu'k shook his head and laughed. He gently patted her head before replying.
"Don't worry. First brother Kyle is very tough. He won't die easily. Hahahahaha!"
The old kobold's hearty laughter was a stark contrast to the silent, secluded prophet Kyle was used to. Around Ma'ya, Lu'k seemed completely at ease.
"Mmh!"
Ma'ya nodded before walking past Kyle.
Under Lu'k's guidance, she began learning how to build a campfire for the first time in her life. Laughter and cheerful voices filled the clearing as Kyle lay on the ground—not lost to darkness as usual,
but lost in memories of his past life on Earth.