บท 2: Rebirth - Becoming Garu

In the wake of Hiroshi Takashi's valiant sacrifice, a profound transformation awaited him in the afterlife. As his soul drifted through the ethereal planes, it was drawn towards a mysterious portal that beckoned him with an otherworldly allure.

With a rush of energy, Hiroshi was drawn into the portal, his senses overwhelmed by a kaleidoscope of colors and sensations. Time and space seemed to meld into an indiscernible blur, until finally, he found himself in a world vastly different from the one he had known.

Opening his eyes, Hiroshi took in his new surroundings. He stood in the midst of a dense forest, its vibrant foliage unlike anything he had seen before. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting a warm, golden glow on the verdant landscape.

Yet, as Hiroshi looked down at his own form, he could hardly believe what he saw. His body had transformed drastically, now that of a small, green-skinned creature with sharp claws and beady eyes - a goblin.

"I-I'm a goblin?" Hiroshi muttered, disbelief and confusion mingling in his voice.

As the reality of his new existence settled in, he took cautious steps, testing the agility of his goblin body. The ground felt different beneath his feet, and the air carried scents he had never before noticed. It was as if a whole new world had been unlocked before him.

With each passing moment, Hiroshi's memories of his previous life began to fade, replaced by the experiences and instincts of the goblin form. The sense of camaraderie and loyalty to his former comrades dwindled, leaving him with a newfound sense of self-preservation.

Venturing deeper into the forest, Hiroshi - now Garu, as he had come to name himself - encountered other goblins, the native inhabitants of this land. Their sharp, curious gazes fell upon him, sizing up the newcomer in their midst.

Feeling a mixture of apprehension and curiosity, Garu attempted to communicate with the goblins using gestures and guttural sounds. While his efforts were met with puzzled expressions, some of the goblins responded in kind, attempting to convey basic ideas and concepts.

As Garu navigated the goblin territory, he experienced the harsh reality of life at the bottom of the food chain. Survival became a constant struggle, with danger lurking around every corner. Yet, amidst the challenges, he observed the goblins' close-knit bonds and their resourcefulness in adapting to their environment.

Though his goblin form lacked the strength and power he once possessed, Garu sensed an innate resilience within himself. Each small victory - whether it was outwitting a predator or finding sustenance in the wilderness - brought a sense of accomplishment and survival.

Days turned into weeks, and Garu's understanding of the goblin way of life deepened. He learned to scavenge for food and avoid dangerous creatures, all the while yearning to understand the purpose behind his rebirth in this unfamiliar world.

In the solitude of the forest, Garu often found himself reminiscing about his former life. Memories of his comrades, their camaraderie, and the battles they had fought together lingered in the recesses of his mind. Though the details were becoming hazy, a sense of duty and a longing for redemption remained.

As Garu continued to explore his new existence, a sense of determination began to bloom within him. He might have been reborn as a goblin, but he refused to let his identity be defined solely by his form. There was a greater purpose to his rebirth, and he was determined to uncover it.

With newfound resolve, Garu set forth on a path of discovery and growth, ready to embrace the challenges that awaited him in this strange and wondrous Western Fantasy world.