On the way to Korthyn Mire, I glance over at Varis, and something feels… off.

  "Hey, Varis, you look different," I say, narrowing my eyes.

  He turns to me, blinking. "Really? How so?"

  I study him closer. His body looks leaner, but also more defined—his arms, once scrawny, now have actual muscle tone, and he even seems taller. Not in a "goblin got fat" way, but in a "goblin hit the gym for six months straight" kind of way.

  "You're bigger," I say, gesturing at him. "Not like fat big, but muscle big."

  Varis looks down at his hands, flexing his fingers. "Now that you mention it… I do feel stronger."

  Finn, who’s been listening from the driver’s seat, glances back at us. "Whoa! Maybe he’s evolving or something!"

  "Evolving?" I ask, raising a brow.

  "Yeah! I heard monsters that survive long enough and get strong enough can change into a whole new species! Like, slimes turning into greater slimes, or kobolds turning into drakekin!" Finn explains enthusiastically.

  Varis frowns. "So... what does that make me?"

  I scratch my chin. "No idea. But considering you wiped out three goblin nests in a day, I’d say something’s happening."

  Varis looks down at his hands again, his grip tightening. "I don't feel… like a normal goblin anymore. But I also don't feel like something else. Just… different."

  I lean back in my seat, arms crossed. "Well, if you suddenly start growing horns or breathing fire, let me know. Otherwise, just keep doing what you're doing."

  Varis nods, his expression unreadable. Meanwhile, Finn just grins. "This trip is getting more interesting by the second!"

  Yeah… I have a feeling interesting is an understatement.

  Varis' growth was definitely noticeable. His once frail goblin frame was now bulkier, his limbs more defined. He still had that greenish skin, but his stature had changed—almost like he was evolving.

  I narrow my eyes. "You been lifting logs when I wasn't looking or something?"

  Varis tilts his head. "No? I’ve just been killing goblins like you told me to."

  "Huh… Guess murder is one hell of a workout," I mutter.

  The kid driving the cart glances back at us, wide-eyed. "You guys sure talk about scary stuff casually..."

  I shrug. "Get used to it, kid. The world ain't sunshine and rainbows."

  With that, we continue down the worn dirt road, heading straight toward Korthyn Mire—the land of demons.

  I shoot Finn a question. "Hey, kid, since you seem to know a lot about this world, can you tell me everything you know?"

  He grins, rocking back in his seat. "That'll cost you extra!"

  I squint at him. What? A scammer in training? I sigh, reaching into my pouch and tossing him a few extra coins. "Fine."

  Finn catches the coins with practiced ease, tucking them away before leaning forward. "Alright, listen up. You probably already know about mana and divine blessings, right? How people are born with different affinities, and some get chosen by the gods while others don’t."

  I nod. That much was common knowledge.

  "But here’s something not everyone knows," Finn continues. "There's a barrier—The Great Divide. It separates the human territories from the demon lands. Nobody knows exactly how it was created, but it’s been there for centuries, keeping both sides from wiping each other out. Only problem is..." He pauses for dramatic effect.

  I raise a brow. "Let me guess. It’s failing?"

  "Bingo." He points a finger at me. "Rumors say the barrier is getting weaker. Some believe it's just natural decay, others think someone is messing with it. Either way, war is coming. The demons have been getting bolder, and the big shots in the human kingdoms are scrambling to prepare."

  I lean back, processing his words. A war, huh? That could explain why so many adventurers were moving between towns lately, why security seemed to be tightening in the cities. It also meant things were about to get real messy.

  I glance at Varis, who’s been quietly listening. His grip tightens around his arm, his expression unreadable.

  I turn back to Finn. "And which side are you on, kid?"

  Finn smirks. "Whichever side pays more."

  I chuckle. "Smart answer."

  Varis finally speaks, his voice low and serious. "And what about us?"

  I smirk, looking out at the road ahead. "We’re on our own side."

  Finn raises a finger, as if remembering something important. "Oh yeah, you should know more about demons. They’re not all the same. Some look like beasts—wolves, lizards, even giant insects. Others look just like us, but don’t let that fool you. They aren't human. And there’s a little trick to knowing how dangerous they are."

  I cross my arms. "Go on."

  He leans in slightly. "The number of horns. If a demon has one, they’re strong—stronger than your average adventurer, at least. If they have two, they’re still powerful but usually more manageable. But…" He pauses for a second, as if deciding whether to continue.

  "But?" I push.

  "If they don’t have any horns at all," Finn says, lowering his voice, "then you’re as good as dead. That’s usually a sign of a Demon Lord or an Archdemon. Their power is so refined, so immense, that they don’t need horns anymore."

  I glance at Varis, who seems to be absorbing every word.

  Finn sits back with a grin. "So if you see a hornless demon? Run. Or, you know, make peace with whatever gods you believe in."

  I scoff. "Great. Just what I needed—another reason to be paranoid."

  Finn laughs. "Hey, knowledge is power, right? Consider that a freebie."

  Finn smirks, leaning back. "Now, do you want to know about some well-known demons?"

  I narrow my eyes. "Is it free?"

  He shrugs. "Sure… why not."

  I cross my arms, waiting for him to continue.

  "First, there’s the Tikbalang. Half-human, half-horse, and absurdly strong. They rely on raw speed and brute force to overwhelm their enemies. If you ever see one, don’t even bother running. They’ll catch you before you take five steps."

  "Great," I mutter. "What else?"

  "Next, the Manananggal." His voice lowers slightly. "They’re the stuff of nightmares. Their upper body detaches from the rest, leaving behind their lower half as they take to the skies. They use their bat-like wings to swoop down on unsuspecting prey, attacking with razor-sharp claws. They don’t usually travel alone, either… and their favorite targets?" He pauses for effect. "Children."

  I glance at Varis, who doesn’t seem fazed.

  "Then there’s the Kapre," Finn continues. "Easiest to spot. They’re giants, towering over the trees. You’ll know you’re dealing with one if you ever see a massive figure, just sitting in the forest, puffing away at a cigar. If you smell thick smoke but don’t see where it’s coming from? Run. You’re already too close."

  He leans back with a grin. "That’s all I know."

  I let out a sigh. "Well, that’s plenty."

  Finn laughs. "You wanted to know about demons. Welcome to the nightmare."

  Suddenly, a shift in the air—a strange pressure. A heavy sensation pressing down on my stomach.

  Wait.

  No.

  I need to shit.

  "Stop the wagon!" I blurt out.

  Finn yanks the reins, and the wagon lurches to a halt.

  "This is as far as I can go, anyway," he says, crossing his arms. "I'll be waiting here, but if you're not back by tomorrow, I'm gone."

  I barely hear him as I jump off, scanning for a spot. Forest? No, too risky. Behind a rock? No cover. Damn it, where—

  Varis looks at me, confused. "Kelvin?"

  "Not now, Varis!" I bolt toward the nearest bush.

  "That felt good!" I stretch, feeling ten pounds lighter.

  Now that my stomach isn’t waging war on me, I take a proper look around.

  The place is… unsettling. The houses are run-down, barely standing. Some have collapsed roofs, others are nothing more than rotting frames. The dirt path stretches out in a perfect straight line, leading deeper into the ruins. No twists, no turns—just an ominous road disappearing into the dark.

  I narrow my eyes. "This shit is scary."

  Varis steps up beside me, gripping his sword tightly. "I don’t like this place."

  "Good," I mutter, cracking my neck. "That means we're in the right spot."

  Varis and I step forward, the eerie silence wrapping around us like a suffocating blanket.

  Walking through this place feels like a nightmare. Each step echoes too loudly in the vast emptiness. The houses, if you could even call them that, are nothing more than skeletal remains of what once stood. Their wooden frames creak and groan, as if whispering warnings to turn back.

  Despite the open space, the air feels thick, heavy—like something is watching. The path ahead is unnervingly wide, stretching far into the darkness. The deeper we go, the less the light seems to reach.

  "This place is seriously messed up," I mutter, gripping my weapon tighter.

  Varis, sticking close, nods stiffly. "Feels like something’s waiting for us."

  "Yeah," I exhale slowly, my instincts screaming at me. "Let’s hope it’s not hungry."

  Then suddenly, a shape slithers out from the darkness.

  A demon.

  Its body is covered in jagged black scales, its limbs unnaturally long, and its slit-like eyes gleam with hunger. A forked tongue flicks out, tasting the air, as it lowers itself to the ground, preparing to strike.

  I call out my UI, focusing on the creature.

  [SYSTEM]

  [Name]: Lesser Basilisk

  [Type]: Demon

  [Threat Level]: C-Rank

  [Abilities]: Petrifying Gaze, Venomous Claws, Enhanced Agility

  Great. A damn basilisk. If I had looked it in the eyes first, I’d probably be a stone statue by now.

  "Varis, don't look it in the eyes," I warn, keeping my gaze locked on its body. "This thing can turn you into stone."

  Varis grips his sword tightly, his expression tense. "Got it. What’s the plan?"

  I smirk, adjusting my grip on my weapon. "Simple. We kill it before it kills us."

  "Go, charge at it, Varis!" I command, my voice firm as I activate [Weapon Transfigure]. My spear shifts in my hands, morphing seamlessly into a sleek, black bow. The string hums with tension as I pull it back, forming an arrow of pure energy.

  Varis grips his sword tighter, his breathing steadying. He hesitates for only a second before nodding and rushing forward.

  While I could easily kill this lizard myself, that wouldn't help Varis grow stronger. This is his fight. His chance to improve.

  "I’ll cover your back!" I assure him, positioning myself to provide support.

  The demon—a massive, lizard-like creature—hisses and lowers itself to the ground, its golden eyes locked onto Varis. Its long, muscular tail lashes out, cracking against the dirt like a whip.

  Varis doesn't slow down. He leaps over the tail, blade gleaming in the dim light as he swings down at the demon’s shoulder. The impact is solid, but the creature barely flinches.

  Tough bastard.

  I narrow my eyes, tracking the basilisk’s movement. My arrow is already formed, crackling with energy.

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  Time to see how well this thing can handle a real hit.

  The lizard demon screeches, twisting its body unnaturally to swipe at Varis with its claws. He barely manages to dodge, rolling to the side before launching himself back at the creature. His blade slashes across its scaly hide, but it barely leaves a scratch.

  I exhale slowly, steadying my aim. [Enhanced Reflexes] kicks in, time slowing just enough for me to track the demon’s movements. I release the arrow.

  SHNK!

  The glowing projectile pierces through the demon’s leg, pinning it to the ground. It screeches in pain, thrashing as dark blood oozes from the wound.

  "Now, Varis!" I shout.

  Without hesitation, he rushes in, gripping his sword with both hands and driving it straight into the demon’s skull.

  The creature spasms violently before finally going limp.

  Varis pulls his blade free, panting heavily. Blood drips from his face, his hands shaking from adrenaline.

  "Good work," I say, slinging my bow over my shoulder as I approach.

  He glances at me, his expression unreadable. Then, after a moment, he nods.

  I call out my UI to check his status. If he leveled up from this, then we’re on the right track.

  [SYSTEM]

  [Level]: 8 → 11

  [STATS]

  [STRENGTH]: 14 → 19

  [VITALITY]: 18 → 25

  [AGILITY]: 22 → 27

  [ENDURANCE]: 16 → 21

  [DEXTERITY]: 20 → 26

  [Skills Gained]:

  — Lesser Regeneration (Passive)

  — Savage Instinct (Passive)

  Not bad. He jumped three levels from that one fight. His stats were steadily increasing too, though he was still nowhere near human adventurers at this rate.

  "How do you feel?" I ask, closing my UI.

  Varis grips his sword tighter, his breathing slowing. "Stronger… but it’s weird. I feel… hungry."

  Huh. "Hungry?"

  He nods. His pupils seem slightly more dilated, and he keeps clenching and unclenching his fists, like he’s resisting some kind of urge.

  …Hold on.

  I pull up his new skill.

  [Savage Instinct (Passive)]

  — The user’s combat instincts sharpen upon engaging in battle.

  — Prolonged fighting increases aggression and enhances physical ability at the cost of mental stability.

  — Hunger for battle may manifest after defeating opponents.

  I raise an eyebrow. So that’s how it is.

  I glance at the demon’s corpse. Its body hasn’t dissipated, which means its flesh is probably still intact. Monsters usually evaporate when they die, but demons? Their corpses remain.

  "You wanna eat it?" I ask.

  Varis hesitates, his throat bobbing as he swallows. "…Would that be bad?"

  I smirk. "I don’t know. Try it."

  Varis stares at the demon’s corpse. His hands tighten into fists, his breathing growing heavier. He hesitates for a moment before kneeling beside it, reaching out with trembling fingers.

  The lizard-like demon’s flesh is dark, almost charred-looking, but still solid. Varis grips one of its arms and, after a brief pause, sinks his teeth into it.

  For a second, nothing happens. Then—

  His eyes widen. His body shudders.

  [SYSTEM]

  Varis has consumed demonic flesh.

  New skill gained: [Demonic Adaptation (Passive)]

  Huh. That was unexpected. I pull up the skill description.

  [Demonic Adaptation (Passive)]

  — Grants the ability to assimilate traits from consumed demonic entities.

  — Effects vary depending on the demon consumed.

  — Excessive consumption may lead to physical mutation.

  "Interesting…" I mutter.

  Varis groans, gripping his head. His body twitches, muscles spasming as veins pulse under his skin. Then, suddenly, his breathing steadies. He looks up at me, his red eyes glowing slightly brighter than before.

  "I feel… different," he mutters.

  "Different how?"

  He glances down at his arms, clenching his fingers. "Stronger. Like my body is adjusting to something."

  I check his stats.

  [SYSTEM]

  [Varis has gained partial traits of the consumed demon.]

  [STATS UPDATED]

  [STRENGTH]: 19 → 23

  [VITALITY]: 25 → 30

  [AGILITY]: 27 → 31

  New Trait Gained: Lizardkin Resilience

  — Slightly enhanced durability and resistance to pain.

  I grin. This could be useful.

  "Well, congratulations," I say, clapping him on the shoulder. "You just found a shortcut to getting stronger."

  Varis looks down at the corpse, then back at me. "Should I… keep eating them?"

  I chuckle. "Only if you don’t mind turning into something worse than a goblin."

  His expression tightens, but he nods. "I don’t care what I become. I just don’t want to be weak."

  Now that’s the right mindset.

  I glance at the dark road ahead. If this place really is full of demons, then we’re sitting on a goldmine of potential power.

  "Let’s keep going," I say. "We’ll find out just how far this can take you."

  As we were about to continue walking, a sudden, thunderous thud echoed behind us, followed by a thick cloud of smoke rising into the air.

  Shit. Shit.

  My instincts screamed at me to move, to run, to do anything, but my body refused to listen. A heavy, crushing pressure filled the air, pressing down on my shoulders like an invisible force.

  I turned my gaze to Varis.

  His expression was unreadable—stone cold, yet his eyes were locked onto something behind me, unblinking. His grip on his weapon tightened, knuckles turning pale.

  I swallowed hard and forced my body to respond, slowly turning my head.

  Through the settling smoke, a massive shadow loomed, its form stretching high above us. My breath hitched in my throat.

  What the hell is that?

  My muscles stiffened as pure, primal dread settled into my bones.

  The smoke cleared just enough for me to make out the creature’s form. A massive, hulking figure stood behind us, its glowing crimson eyes piercing through the darkness.

  The air grew thick, heavy with an oppressive presence that made every instinct in my body scream at me to run. But I couldn't. My legs refused to move.

  Varis gritted his teeth, his grip tightening on his weapon. "Kelvin," he muttered, his voice tense, "I don’t think we’re dealing with some low-level demon this time."

  No shit.

  The figure finally stepped forward, the ground trembling beneath its sheer weight. Its enormous frame was covered in thick, obsidian-like scales, jagged horns protruding from its head—two of them.

  Not one… two.

  Finn’s words from earlier echoed in my mind. "If they have two horns, they’re usually weaker… but if they have none, you’re as good as dead."

  I took a slow breath, forcing myself to regain control. If this thing was weaker than a one-horned demon, then maybe—just maybe—we had a chance.

  The demon exhaled, its breath hot and reeking of sulfur. Then, in a deep, guttural voice, it spoke.

  "Who dares trespass into Korthyn Mire?"

  My fingers twitched, inching toward my weapon.

  Looks like we had no choice but to fight.

  Before I could even process what was happening, Varis lunged forward, his blade flashing in the dim light.

  I barely had time to react. "What are you doing?!" I shouted, my voice sharp with panic.

  The demon turned its gaze toward the charging goblin, its eyes narrowing in amusement—or maybe irritation.

  "Foolish."

  A massive claw swung downward.

  "UI!" I barked, instinctively calling up the system as my mind raced. I needed to know exactly what we were dealing with.

  [SYSTEM]

  [Class]: Enforcer of the Abyss

  [Level]: ???

  [Stats]: Error. Difference too vast.

  [Description]: A powerful entity tasked with maintaining order within the demon territories. Unlike lesser demons, an Enforcer does not act on impulse. If encountered, escape is advised.

  …What. The. Hell.

  My stomach dropped. "Difference too vast"? That’s never happened before. And escape is advised?

  Varis wasn’t just charging at an enemy—he was running straight into a goddamn death sentence.

  But it was too late for him to run.

  His feet pounded against the dirt, sword raised high. The Enforcer barely acknowledged him, its massive claw still mid-swing.

  Shit—!

  I didn’t hesitate. Pulling back the bowstring, I infused my shot with everything I had, aiming straight for the demon’s head.

  Thwip!

  The arrow whistled through the air, cutting through the smoke and striking its mark—

  Or so I thought.

  With a flick of its wrist, the Enforcer swatted my attack aside like a stray fly. The arrow spun off into the darkness, embedding itself uselessly into a ruined wall.

  It didn’t even glance at me.

  Varis was nearly within striking distance. His sword gleamed under the faint moonlight as he roared, bringing it down in a powerful arc.

  The Enforcer finally reacted.

  Boom!

  A shockwave burst through the air as the demon moved—faster than my eyes could track.

  One moment, it was standing still. The next, its claw was inches from Varis’ chest.

  My [Enhanced Reflexes] activated—everything slowed down.

  Think, Kelvin, think! What can I do?!

  Then it clicked.

  Varis had eaten that lizard demon earlier. His body changed after that. What if he could do the same here?

  But how the hell was I supposed to make that happen mid-fight?!

  The Enforcer’s claw was inches away from Varis. If it hit, he’d be dead before he even realized what happened.

  No time to hesitate.

  I reached into my inventory, yanking out the strongest explosive I had—one I looted from a previous quest. Without a second thought, I hurled it straight at the ground between them.

  BOOM!

  The explosion erupted in a blinding flash, kicking up dust and debris. The Enforcer’s attack was interrupted just enough for Varis to stumble back, coughing from the smoke.

  “VARIS! EAT IT!” I shouted through the chaos.

  He barely had time to process my words, but his survival instincts kicked in. His eyes darted to the still-twitching severed limb from the lizard demon he killed earlier.

  Hesitation.

  “NOW!” I roared.

  Varis gritted his teeth, grabbed the chunk of flesh, and sank his teeth into it.

  The moment Varis bit into the demon’s flesh, his body convulsed. His muscles tensed like coiled steel, veins bulging as if something inside him was rewriting his very being.

  His breathing grew ragged. His pupils shrank. His claws—wait, claws?!

  Varis dropped to his knees, gripping his head as if trying to contain something threatening to explode from within. His already muscular form expanded slightly, sinewy and more defined, his skin taking on a darker, almost obsidian tone.

  The Enforcer, still half-obscured by the dust, let out a guttural snarl. Its massive form shifted, preparing for another attack.

  I notched an arrow, aiming straight at its glowing red eyes. "Varis, if you're about to turn into something, now's the time!"

  And then, he moved.

  No, moved wasn’t the right word. He disappeared from where he was standing.

  A streak of shadow—then a sickening crack.

  Varis ripped through the Enforcer's arm, severing it in a single slash.

  The Enforcer howled in agony, stumbling backward as black blood spurted from the wound. I barely had time to process what happened before Varis lunged again, his movements impossibly fast, his claws glinting under the dim light of the ruins.

  He wasn’t fighting like a goblin anymore.

  He was a predator.

  And the Enforcer? It had just become prey.

  The Enforcer roared, its remaining arm swinging wildly in desperation, but Varis was too fast. He weaved through the attacks like a wraith, his movements sharper, more refined—nothing like the hesitant goblin I had been training.

  I took a deep breath, my grip tightening on my bow. I can’t just stand here. If Varis was evolving mid-fight, I had to keep up.

  [Weapon Transfigure]

  The bow in my hands shifted, morphing back into a spear. I dashed forward, flanking the Enforcer from the opposite side.

  Varis ducked under a sweeping strike, his claws digging into the Enforcer’s ribs before he ripped downward, tearing through flesh and bone. The demon’s wail echoed through the ruins, shaking the very ground beneath us.

  Now!

  I thrust my spear forward, aiming for its throat.

  The Enforcer’s blood splattered across my mask as the blade pierced clean through. It gasped, its monstrous form twitching before its massive body collapsed.

  Silence.

  Then, Varis let out a slow breath, standing amidst the corpse, his body still shaking from whatever had just awakened inside him.

  I stepped forward, watching as his claws slowly retracted, his darkened skin returning to normal—though now, he looked different. Taller. Stronger.

  "Varis," I called out.

  He looked at me, his breathing heavy.

  "...I feel incredible," he muttered, clenching and unclenching his fists.

  I smirked under my mask. "Good, because we’re not done yet."

  I turned toward the ruins ahead. If demons as strong as this were lurking here, then the deeper we went... the stronger we’d become.

  I called out my UI, my eyes scanning the system notifications.

  [SYSTEM]

  [LEVEL UP!]

  [Kelvin – Level 22 → 24]

  Not bad. But now, for the real surprise—Varis.

  [SYSTEM]

  [LEVEL UP!]

  [Varis – Level 12 → 18]

  "Whoa," I muttered. Six levels in one fight? That was ridiculous.

  I turned to Varis, who was still flexing his fingers, getting used to his newfound strength. "You just jumped six whole levels. How do you feel?"

  He grinned, sharp teeth showing. "Like I could take on another one of those things."

  I chuckled. "Don’t get cocky. We got lucky this time. If we run into something stronger, we need a plan."

  Varis nodded, but I could tell he was itching for more.

  I pulled up my UI again, this time checking for any skill upgrades or new abilities. If we were going to push deeper into the ruins, we needed every advantage we could get.

  [SYSTEM]

  [NEW SKILL ACQUIRED – VARIS]

  [Predator's Feast]: Consuming the flesh of fallen enemies grants temporary stat boosts and a small chance to inherit a minor skill.

  I raised an eyebrow. Well, that explains a lot.

  I turned to Varis, who was still flexing his fingers. "Looks like you've got a new skill," I said, reading the description aloud.

  "Wait! What are you doing?!" I yelled, reaching out to stop him, but it was too late.

  Varis had already sunk his teeth into the Enforcer’s massive arm, tearing off a chunk of flesh. The sickening sound of ripping muscle filled the air as he chewed, his expression unreadable.

  I grimaced. I know goblins eat raw meat, but damn...

  Almost instantly, his body trembled. His muscles tensed, veins bulging slightly as if something inside him was shifting. Then, the air around him changed. It was subtle, but I felt it—like a ripple in the atmosphere.

  [SYSTEM]

  [NEW SKILL ACQUIRED – VARIS]

  [Reinforced Hide]: Increases physical durability. Scales with the strength of devoured enemies.

  Varis exhaled sharply, clenching his fists. "I feel... stronger."

  I pinched the bridge of my nose. "You're lucky that actually worked instead of poisoning you, idiot."

  He smirked. "Worth it."

  I sighed. "Fine. Just don’t go around eating everything you kill—at least let me check if it’s safe first."

  Varis wiped his mouth, still grinning. "No promises."

  Great. Now I’m babysitting a goblin with a taste for power—literally.

  I turned my gaze back toward the ruins ahead. If the Enforcer was just the beginning, then whatever else lurked in this place would be even worse.

  "Let’s move," I said, stepping forward. "And try not to bite off more than you can chew."

  Throughout the night, we searched every corner of the ruins, but all we found were more of those lizard demons and some oversized spiders. Nothing that could really push us to our limits.

  I sighed, glancing at my UI. Barely any progress. It was a little disappointing, but at least Varis had gotten stronger. That was my goal, after all.

  Varis, on the other hand, seemed more fired up than ever. Every time he fought, he moved more efficiently, his attacks sharper, his reactions faster. Whatever weird power-up system he had going on, it was definitely working.

  By the time the sun began to rise, we decided to head back.

  Finn was right where we left him, sitting on top of the wagon, chewing on a piece of jerky.

  "You guys are alive," he said, blinking in surprise. "I was about five minutes away from leaving your asses here."

  I rolled my eyes and tossed a small bag of coins at him. "Told you we'd be back. Now, take us back to town."

  Finn caught the bag, grinning. "You got it, boss."

  Varis climbed onto the wagon, stretching. I sat down beside him, leaning back and closing my eyes for a moment.

  As the wagon rolled along the uneven path, I pulled up my UI, my eyes scanning the skill description of [Weapon Transfiguration] once again.

  [Weapon Transfiguration]

  A skill that allows the user to alter their weapon into various forms, adapting to combat needs.

  — Requires manual intent for transformation.

  — The effectiveness of each form depends on the user's proficiency.

  "Tch." I clicked my tongue. So it won’t automatically shift into the best weapon for the situation.

  I was hoping for something a little more… instinctive. Like a skill that would sense danger and immediately swap to the most effective weapon without me having to think about it. But no—this skill required me to actively decide what I wanted.

  I leaned back, sighing. Guess I’ll have to get better at predicting fights then.

  Varis glanced at me. "Something wrong?"

  "Not really. Just wish my skill did more work for me."

  Finn, who was still chewing his jerky, chuckled. "Sounds lazy."

  I ignored him.

  If I wanted to maximize this skill’s potential, I needed to train my adaptability. The faster I could swap between weapons, the better. Maybe I should start forcing myself to fight in different weapon forms until it became second nature.

  Yeah. That sounded like a plan.

  And so I did—over and over again.

  Every fight became an opportunity to test it out. Whenever I engaged in combat, I forced myself to swap weapons mid-battle.

  Spear to bow.

  Bow to dagger.

  Dagger to sword.

  Sword to hammer.

  At first, it was clunky. My transitions were slow, and I often hesitated between shifts. There were moments when I fumbled, nearly getting myself injured because I swapped at the worst possible time. But after countless battles and relentless repetition, my instincts sharpened.

  By the third day, switching weapons became second nature. The moment an enemy closed the gap, my bow would shift into a spear before I even thought about it. If I needed to block, a shield would form in my hands as if responding to my intent alone.

  It was exhilarating.

  Meanwhile, Varis was undergoing his own transformation. Every battle, every monster he slew—and consumed—pushed him further beyond the limits of what a goblin should be. His body had grown leaner, his muscles more defined. His movements were faster, more precise. The wild, reckless way he fought before had been replaced by something... calculated.

  On the fifth day, I tossed him a new weapon. "Try this."

  He caught it mid-air, his fingers tightening around the handle with ease. "You really think I need a weapon now?" His grin was sharp, predatory.

  I smirked. "Try me."

  And with that, we clashed under the setting sun, testing just how much we had both evolved.