The stench of blood filled the air. Gorath stood in the middle of a rough stone room, surrounded by the corpses of the goblins he had just slain. Yet his breathing was still labored—not from exhaustion, but from something greater staring him down.
Across the room, on a throne of bone and leather, stood a figure far larger than any ordinary goblin. Its skin was a dark green, its muscles were thicker, and its eyes glowed red like embers. This was no ordinary goblin.
Goblin Warlord.
The creature growled lowly, glaring at Gorath with hatred. It wore armor of rough metal and animal hide, and in its hand was a large, rusty but deadly-looking axe.
"You slaughtered my children…" the creature's deep voice echoed in a language that Gorath could now somehow understand. "And now you want to take my throne?"
Gorath grinned.
"I care not for the goblin throne. I only hunger."
The warlord growled in anger. With speed unexpected for its size, it leapt and swung its axe with enough force to split stone.
BOOM!
Gorath dodged to the side, but the axe slash hit the ground right where he had been standing a few seconds ago, leaving a large crack in the stone floor.
"Fast… but not fast enough."
Gorath leapt forward, his claws raised, ready to rip his opponent's throat—
However, before his claws could reach their target, a massive blow slammed into his stomach!
THUMP!
Gorath was thrown back, hitting the wall hard. Blood spurted from his mouth, pain coursing through his body.
He's stronger than I thought… Gorath thought as he struggled to get to his feet.
[HP: 70%]
His eyes narrowed. This was the first time since his resurrection that he had suffered a serious injury.
The Goblin Warlord stepped forward, a mocking smile on his face. "Foolish orc. Do you think just because you killed a lowly goblin, you can fight me?"
Gorath grinned even as blood dripped from his lips.
"I devoured those goblins, and soon… I will devour you."
Something vibrated inside him.
[Devour activated.]
[Analyzing enemy…]
[Learning movement patterns…]
Gorath's eyes glowed even brighter red. He felt his body begin to adapt to his opponent's speed and strength. The Goblin Warlord's every move before him was recorded in his mind—now he knew how to defeat him.
"Now, it's my turn."
The Goblin Warlord raised his axe again, but this time, Gorath didn't dodge to the side. He leapt forward, straight at his enemy!
"DIE, ORC!"
The axe came down with terrifying speed—
But Gorath had expected the attack. He tilted his body just a little, just enough to avoid the flying blade. As soon as the weapon passed his body, Gorath lunged in, charging at his enemy's neck.
CRACK!
His fangs sank deep into the Goblin Warlord's shoulder.
"ARRRGH!!!"
Green blood gushed. Gorath grabbed his enemy's body, then brutally bit deeper.
[Consuming Goblin Warlord's blood. Skill acquired: Berserker Strength Lv.1]
Instantly, wild power surged within his body. His muscles swelled, his claws and fangs sharpened.
"GAAAAH!" With his newfound strength, Gorath tore into the Warlord's shoulder, tearing through flesh and tendons until the bone was exposed.
The Goblin Warlord roared in pain and swung his axe wildly, but Gorath was now much faster. He easily ducked, dodging every brutal slash.
And when there was an opening—
"YOU DIE!" Gorath lunged forward and pounced on his enemy's head.
CRACK!
With one brutal bite, he tore off half of the Goblin Warlord's face.
Green blood flowed profusely. The creature groaned, kneeling, before finally falling to the ground, motionless.
[Consuming Goblin Warlord. Skill acquired: War Cry Lv.1]
The room fell silent.
Gorath stood over the Goblin Warlord's corpse, his body covered in blood, his breathing heavy.
But his eyes shone with satisfaction.
"I've grown stronger…"
In the distance, the sound of footsteps could be heard. The remaining goblins in the den gathered at the entrance, witnessing the horrific scene that had just occurred.
Fear filled their eyes.
And then, something unexpected happened.
One of the goblins knelt down. Then the others followed suit.
Before long, all the remaining goblins bowed their heads deeply.
They no longer saw him as an enemy.
They saw him as their new king.
Gorath grinned widely.
"Good. You are now my army."
"Get ready... for this is just the beginning."