Sora ventured deeper into the forest, his senses on high alert. A noise caught his attention—something 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—larger 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—human 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.

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  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—more human—brought 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 final 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 will 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 its face as it groans. "I wanted those goblins to fight that child, so I gestured them towards his general direction but instead a bunch of pioneers had to show up near him, this is such bull- ah *sigh* is it too much to ask to 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, let's 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 walked towards the danger.