original

I'm just a Goblin

Chapter 1: Chapter 1

"Rigur, that will be your name," said a voice as I passed out. Despite my unconsciousness, I could still sense everything around me, like a sixth sense. The sensation was both eerie and comforting, like floating in a dream where I was aware of my surroundings without truly being present.

When I came to, I found myself in an old, rundown hut. The walls were made of roughly hewn wood, with gaps that let in slivers of light. The floor was covered in a thick layer of dust, and the air smelled musty, like the place hadn't been aired out in years. Whoever lived here either didn't know proper hygiene or just didn't care. As I looked down at my hands, I yelped. They were... green, with rough, calloused skin and long, pointed nails.

Panic surged through me as I took in more of my surroundings. A rickety table stood in one corner, piled high with what looked like primitive tools and scraps of cloth. Then, a searing headache hit me, like someone was splitting my head open with an axe. Memories flooded back, overwhelming me.

My name was Freddy. I had been returning from a mountain climbing trip with friends when everything started going haywire. People began killing themselves—stepping out in front of cars, slitting throats, and bashing their heads in. The streets had turned into a chaotic, blood-soaked nightmare. Out of nowhere, a random vehicle rammed into my friend's car, sending it spinning. That was the last thing I remembered before hearing that strange voice.

"Where am I?" I whispered to myself as I struggled to get up. My voice sounded strange to my ears, higher-pitched and slightly raspy. I quickly realized the body I was in was smaller than my own. I should be 6'2", yet now I felt more like 5'8". My clothes hung loosely on my frame, and my limbs felt awkward and unfamiliar. Hobbling my way to the exit of the hut, I heard chatter outside. As I stepped out, I saw little green people, all shorter than me, bustling about in what looked like a small village.

The village was a mix of primitive and mystical. Small huts similar to the one I had woken up in were scattered around, with smoke rising from a few chimneys. The ground was packed dirt, with patches of grass and wildflowers. In the distance, a huge dense forest.

Suddenly, an old green man made his way to me, hugging me and exclaiming, "Thank Lord Veldora you're okay!" His voice was filled with relief and joy, his eyes misty with tears. He wore simple robes and carried a wooden staff.

Another green kid stood nearby, looking shocked and relieved. He had a striking resemblance to the old man, perhaps his grandson. They both had the same pointed ears and wide, expressive eyes. Bewildered, I thought, 'Thank Lord who now?'

The old man pulled back, his hands still gripping my shoulders. "We were so worried about you, Rigur. When the Dire wolves attacked, we thought we had lost you for good."

A Dire Wolves? My mind raced, trying to piece together what was happening.

"Come, you must be exhausted," the old man said, guiding me back into the hut. "There's much to discuss, but first, you need to rest and regain your strength."

As I sat down on a crude wooden bench, the weight of everything began to sink in. I was in a completely different world, in a different body, with people who seemed to know me. Words echoed in my mind: "Rigur, that will be your name." Was this some kind of second chance, or was I trapped in a nightmare I couldn't wake from?