Chapter 35 - 34
When the eighth fighter stepped into the ring, something changed.
This goblin looked hesitant. His stance was unsure, eyes wide with fear—not like the fierce fighters before him.
The hobgoblin grinned. This was familiar. Fear. Submission. He could smell the weakness, and it reenergized him.
As the match began, he stormed forward, delivering wild, powerful slashes. The smaller goblin scrambled to dodge, unable to counter. A vicious side kick shattered the goblin’s guard and broke his arm.
"Aghh!" he cried out, clutching his side.
He staggered back, fear rising in his chest. He didn’t want to die—but he also didn’t want to disappoint his captain... or worse, his Lord. Maybe, he thought, if he held on a little longer, the fight would be stopped.
The hobgoblin laughed darkly, releasing pent-up frustration with every brutal swing.
"Kehehehe, die mongrel!"
Slash after slash forced the goblin back, cuts lining his arms and chest. Blood trickled down his body. His instincts screamed at him to run.
’I wasn’t made for this. Why am I even here? I’m not like the others who are fearless, that’s why I always followed orders, did what I was told...’
A downward slash opened a gash across his chest, and in that moment—time slowed.