It has been a day since I started being able to think for myself. During that time, I've encountered plenty of emotions and excitement that I never once experienced before. Although I still had no idea why I suddenly had conscious thought, it was something that didn't matter to me that much for now.

All I knew was that I could think, and that was that.

As of now, I was sitting on a log taking a break from walking. I was still inside the dense forest and was going around looking for something to do. I haven't encountered any monsters since last night and there really wasn't anything much I could do in the forest anymore. 

It was boring.

Sure, it's definitely a peaceful area to be in. The serenity and tranquility I felt last night still resonated in me. It's not like I'm backing out of the fact that peace is definitely a good emotion. It definitely is.

It's just a lot different when there's no sunset nor an animal orchestra around to keep my attention during the daytime hours. I mean, at this point the only thing that meets the eye is an endless stream of trees. It's just the same old thing.

Considering that, it was absolutely imperative I find a way out. I may have no clue what's beyond this repetitive forest, but I was sure whatever's out there would be much more interesting. 

After a few moments, I felt refreshed from my break. I got up and started walking once more.

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Finally, after walking for a good amount of time, I was out of the forest. What I saw out there nearly took my breath away.

In front of me, a vast expanse of grassland stretched out afar and wide with scattered flowers dotting about. In the background, mountains stood tall and strong, enchancing the landscape with its majestic appearance. Small rabbits and slime were roaming about while butterflies fluttered from plant to plant. The sun shone high in the sky with wispy clouds floating around.

I took in a deep breath as I let in the fresh air of the open space. It was a very peaceful and beautiful sight. At the very least, it was far better than the sea of trees behind me.

I started walking about and exploring the area. As I continued on, I noticed a few isolated rural houses in the vicinity. I didn't catch any humans working on them thus far, but it was a sight to see. While I've been on expeditions in the past raiding human villages, it was the first time I was able to admire the craftmanship those humans put into their shelters. It kind of made me a little regretful of the terrible things I used to do.

I kept walking for another few hours, passing by plenty of interesting plants, animals, and houses along the way. The grasslands were getting thicker, with weeds growing and bushes popping up. The rural houses I passed by were becoming less frequent. Soon enough, as the frequency of weeds and bushes reached its peak, I finally ended up somewhere interesting.

I was maneuvering through a huge thicket of weeds when I suddenly tripped up and fell down on the ground face first. Surprised at the event, I blanked for a moment before reorienting myself and getting back up. I looked ahead and saw something interesting.

In the middle of all these weeds was a huge pond glittering in the glow of the sun. The marshy shoreline was filled with both sand and various plants I've never seen before. Water lillies were scattered about dotting the water while small sea monsters swam with ease. A faint blue glow shone from the water providing a mystical backdrop for this storybook like scenery, albeit at the time I didn't really pay much heed to that.

Man, this world keeps on getting better and better. Just what the hell was I doing in a cave hunting humans everyday for when there's all this beautiful stuff all around? Goblins sure were missing out.

I ran up to the shoreline with vigor and found a good spot where I could sit and dip my toes comfortably in the water. I plopped on right down and relaxed myself while admiring the view. 

After a few minutes, I thought I may as well try and dip my whole body into the water. While I had no idea how to swim, I figured I'd probably be fine just standing there and not trying too much. 

I jumped right in the water with a big splash. Lucky for me, the water was shallow enough that my chest and head was still above water. I flung my body around while laughing like a little kid as I fooled around in the pond.

Fun...

That thought crossed my head as I played around in the water. Hell, it sure was fun. I've never done anything like playing around or even had a memorable childhood up to that point. I haven't even lived a full year. So, even though I was acting like a toddler, I didn't care. I was having a blast and that's all that mattered.

However, as I was flinging and splashing around water to some nearby lilies, all of a sudden there was a ripple of water right beside me.

"Boo!"

I jolted up in surprise as a teenage girl emerged from the pond and yelled in my ear. I staggered and fell backwards into the pond in response, serving only to cause the perpetrator to laugh her guts out. 

"Damn, you should've seen your face when I scared you! It was absolutely hilarious!" The girl exclaimed while laughing.

I scowled as I took a closer look at the sudden intruder. The girl had long sleek light blue hair tied together in a twintail dangling on her slender shoulders. She had smaller build and hadn't achieved much bust thus far, but still had a very cute appearance in general. Her flawless skin, sapphire eyes, and cute grin would make most guys her age drool while old perverts would easily be able to imagine her as a peerless beauty in adult form. 

However, seeing her hysterically laughing right now pretty much destroyed any positive thought I had of her.

Annoying...

That thought crossed my mind while I waited for her shrieks to stop. First time I felt that feeling towards someone, and hopefully the last. It wasn't a good feeling to say the least.

Honestly, she was just like a toddler reveling most immature prank ever. It was just plain old annoying. 

After she finished laughing, the girl stepped out of the pond and sat down on the shore. She motioned towards me to sit down right beside her. At first, I resisted and stayed where I was at, but then she waved her hand with a shrug.

Suddenly, I felt something invisible tugging at me. I didn't like that feeling and tried removing it somehow, but to no avail. Before I knew it, I lost control of my body and made to sit right beside her against my will. 

She giggled once more while I scowled at her in anger.

"Oh come on, I don't bite! What's so scary about me?" She complained while "sulking."

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

"Gyahohaorhouahfohr aoghohoshog apiihslitbfooha grahaohohbohabrarar aohr." (Oh I don't know, maybe the fact you came out of nowhere, surprised the shit out of for a little laugh, and then forcibly use magic to do something against my will?) I complained to her angrily.

"Oh come on, it was just a little prank!" She said trying to defend herself. "Here, let me make it up to you by at least allowing you to speak this world's language. Even though I can understand you just fine, not everyone else can after all."

"Gyahahoraor---" (I don't want your stupid shi---) I began to retort but was soon interrupted.

Suddenly, the girl stretched out her arm and placed her hand on my forehead. Light formed and condensed in the area between palm and hand as she chanted out some sort of spell. Soon, I felt a burning sensation in my brain as something seemed to forcibly imprint inside. I yelled out in pain in response.

"Tehe. Don't worry, the pain will go away soon," she explained. "The magic's just being implemented in your brain that's all."

I was about to retort when the pain suddenly disappeared. A wave of enlightenment washed over me as I felt something click in my brain. 

"Oh go fu----oh huh?" I started but then caught myself. "I...can talk?"

"Hey! I told you that was going to happen already you silly goblin," the girl laughed. "Well, you know now. You can officially speak this world's language!"

She did a guts pose with a smug smile while looking at me intently. It was as if she was expecting me to bow down and worship her right there and then. I wasn't the least bit fazed nor entertained.

"Of course, this skill comes from me, so it's definitely top-of-the-line amazing," she continued rambling. "No matter what race or country, you'll be able to understand their language! Even demons can be understood, something that even the best mages can't boast! Congratulations!"

Well...that's actually kind of convenient. I thought to myself. After all, I've been only able to snarl off random incoherent grunts at best. As goblins were creatures who lived by instinct, the need for language wasn't necessary. Just grunts and action were all that's needed. Being able to speak this world's language might prove useful.

However, I was not about to thank whoever this girl was just yet. I still had plenty of questions to ask.

"Alright whatever. So who the fuck are you?" I asked her bluntly.

"Not even a slight reaction," the girl complained. "Can't you at least pretend to be excited about getting such a rare skill?"

"Not until I figure out whether I should try killing you or killing you if you keep this up. Leaning towards kill honestly." I threatened back.

"Alright, alright jeez party pooper," she whined. "Such a sensitive guy. You need to tak---"

"Oh shut the fuck up and tell me who you are already." I yelled back.

"Fine, fine," she finally relented. "I'm known as the Goddess of this Pond, Aqualis. I took notice of you entering and was surprised to see you were a goblin! However, seeing you play around in the water by yourself, I thought I could play around a little bit too."

She puffed up her cheeks and crossed her arms. I shrugged. She should've made a good impression first if she didn't want me being weary of her.

However, a goddess? Seriously? Her? I definitely have plenty of objections and questions about that. I could believe her being some powerful guardian of the pond, yet actual divinity seemed a bit too much.

Even as instinctive goblins they all had a sense of knowing whether they're in a divine presence or not. And I'm certainly not feeling anything divine from her whatsoever. Although something deep inside was telling me she was just a "cliche' bubbly goddess personality." Whatever that means.

I was about to question that when she suddenly continued talking.

"But yeah, I get it," Aqualis said as she sighed. "I was just so excited to see a real living being come here after so many millennia that I couldn't help myself."

I caught something that felt logically off.

"Wait, you said millenia? After so many millennia? That long?" I asked confused.

"Yeah, it was that long," Aqualis said as she tearfully recalled her past. "After doing something I can't even remember at this point, I've been imprisoned here. Eons probably have passed if I'm being honest. The Gods of old were always a bunch of war-mongering geezers, but knowing my luck, I probably allied with the losing group and was punished accordingly. As a result, I lost my divine aura and am probably going to be stuck here for eternity."

I sat there in silence. That did explain my lack of divinity perception. However, what most struck out to me was her cruel punishment. As someone who values exploration and freeing myself to relieve boredom, I couldn't imagine how terrible that would be.

"But yeah, it's only my aura and I still can use my divine skills and privileges." Aqualis said with a half smile. "It's not all too bad. I still have this beautiful pond and sea creatures all around to keep me company. Even though no one else can come in and I can't go out."

"Wait, speaking of coming in, how in the world did you ever get inside here?" She suddenly questioned. "There should've been an anti-being barrier blocking the way."

I shrugged my shoulders.

"Honestly have no clue," I replied truthfully. "I just came in here and voila. I mean, then again it's really only been about a day since I started having a consciousness and a constant drive to not be bored, so maybe something along those lines played a role?"

"Hmm, you may have a point. Let me check your soul real quick and see if I can find something." Aqualis replied after some thought.

She looked up and stared right into my eyes as she sharted chanting something. Suddenly, her eyes changed from pure sapphire to bright gold as beams of light charged right out and entered my own eyes. I steeled myself and trusted in what she was doing despite just meeting her.

After a few minutes, her eyes returned to normal. She shook her head and stared back at me for a little bit, almost as if doubting something about me. However, she then sighed and told me what she found.

"Your soul looks like a normal goblin soul," she said conclusively. "I have no reason to believe otherwise. You don't have another being's soul merged with yours, nor do you look like a reincarnated or summonedone."

"Reincarnated one? Summoned one?" I asked quizzically.

"People who've retained their memories from another world in some way shape or form," Aqualis explained. "They're excessively rare, but from my whims I'd guess there are about four or five roaming about right now. They're usually summoned or reincarnated as simple tools of war for some just cause humanity makes up. It's kind of sickening. At least, that's how it was during my time."

I nodded my head in understanding. So it seems that I'm definitely not one of those beings, given I don't think I've gained any memories from a past life or something similar.

However, even then, am I really just a normal goblin?

"I can't honestly believe at this point I'm a normal goblin," I interjected. "I mean, look at me. This is not a normal goblin you're speaking to."

"You have a point, but my soul scanning magic is absolute," She stated matter of factly. "Now, if we talk about the absurd cheat-like amount of power, potential, and strength you have, then perhaps you may have a point. That seems to be something you were born with for some odd reason."

I raised my eyebrows in surprise at her words. Now, I'm not oblivious to the fact I've been far stronger, faster, and better than all the goblins back in the day. But to be on the level of a cheat like power is mind-boggling. Though that may explain why I could easily hunt down that large bear last night.

"Now, don't get me wrong. You're nowhere near our divine level," Alqualis said correcting herself. "More or less you could be on par with top adventurers and knights in this world is what I'm getting at."

I nodded in understanding. That explanation made far more sense.

"Gotcha. So you're saying I have potential to be that strong, but I'm going to assume that I'm not at that level yet." I asked wanting to confirm my hypothesis.

"Yep. You are decently strong as is right now, but you're nowhere near your potential yet." Aqualis nodded in agreement.

I nodded. Guess if I wanted to reach that level, I'd have to train. However, as someone who just wants to explore the world, I could care less how strong I was. 

"Well, lucky for me I could honestly care less about how strong I am. I just want to explore the world and get rid of my boredom for good." I told her resolutely.

"That's a weird take," Aqualis laughed. "Not many people in general would have a goal like that and deny trying to gain more power."

"I'm a goblin. I'm not your normal person." I shrugged and said matter of factly. We both laughed after that.

As the hours went on, we continued on with our idle chat. Surprisingly enough, the annoyance and animosity I felt for her completely disappeared, replaced with a new feeling I couldn't quite put a finger on. I knew it wasn't love, but it certainly was something different.

Soon enough, the sun started to set in the horizon as the day drew to an end.

"Oh, well looks like the sun's setting." I commented, once again admiring the colorful portrait painted in the sky.

"Yeah. Sure is pretty..." Aqualia agreed. She told me earlier during our idle chat of her love for nature and the beauty of it. As a coping mechanism, she made it a point to always take the time to watch the sun set and rise everyday. I definitely respected her for that.

And, especially with the pond reflecting the sky's painting on its shiny surface, this place was definitely an ideal spot to watch the sun's natural course. It was another picture perfect scene that I burned straight into my memory.

Peace...

We both sat there in tranquil quiet as we watched the sun set in admiration.