Tiberius, his young heart heavy with grief, stands motionless in the dimly lit alley, tears streaming down his face like a torrential downpour. The voice, relentless in its pursuit of understanding, pierces the oppressive silence, its words dripping with curiosity and a touch of guilt. "Was that your mother I killed?" it inquires, seeking validation and clarity.

A surge of memories floods Tiberius's mind, recalling the menacing growl of the beast responsible for the death of his beloved guardian. That voice, deep and rough, resonated with an unmistakable ferocity. But the voice that now permeates the shadows, despite its depth, carries a peculiar smoothness that sends a chill down his spine and causes goosebumps to prickle his skin. With a resolute shake of his head, Tiberius rejects the notion, knowing deep down that this voice could not possibly be that of the man lurking in the shadows.

Perplexed by this revelation, the voice endeavors to unravel the mystery that shrouds Tiberius's sorrow. It ponders the existence of an unknown presence, a hidden connection that evokes such profound grief. Determined to comprehend, the voice beseeches Tiberius once more, its words laced with a mixture of curiosity and sympathy. "Then, for whom do your tears truly fall, young one?" it implores, awaiting a response that will unravel the depths of this heart-wrenching tale.

Tiberius, his tiny frame trembling, musters the strength to wipe away the tears that clouded his vision, all the while sniffing and hiccupping. His finger quivers, extending to point at the figure cloaked in shadows, the lady who had been his caretaker and the only source of solace in his shattered world.

From the shadows emerges a figure larger than life itself—a massive goblin, his presence commanding and formidable. The goblin's gaze falls upon the young boy, a mixture of curiosity and something more sinister lurking within his eyes. His deep voice resonates through the alley as he addresses Tiberius, seeking answers to the tangled web of sorrow that surrounds him. "You cry for this female human? Are you of her womb, young one?" The goblin's large hand reaches out, lifting the lifeless body of Tiberius's guardian by her head, inspecting her with an unsettling fascination.

Tiberius, though not fully comprehending the concept of a womb, shakes his head, conveying the understanding that he does not share a biological connection with the deceased woman. However, he knows that she has been his caretaker, a guardian who provided him solace and protection in a world filled with darkness.

The goblin's lips curl into an eerie grin, stretching from cheek to cheek, as he contemplates the fallen woman's fate. "Such beauty she possessed. If she were still alive, she could have been my plaything, the vessel to bear my offspring," he utters with a chilling tone. His words twist with a sadistic imagination, envisioning a grotesque scenario where his children would devour their own mother, emerging from her womb to feast upon her flesh while she still drew breath. With a callous disregard, the goblin hurls her lifeless body against the alley wall, watching it splatter upon impact. "Since she is not your mother, I shall claim her as my own," he proclaims, asserting his dominion over the deceased caretaker.

Seizing Tiberius's guardian by her lifeless legs, the goblin turns around, dragging her lifeless form through the streets. However, as they set off, his stomach emits an audible growl, interrupting his macabre procession. A sinister grin creeps across his face as he addresses the young boy trailing behind him. "Hmm, boy," he speaks with a chilling tone.

Tiberius, his senses heightened, responds with a hesitant voice, "Yes?"

The goblin's grin widens, revealing sharp, jagged teeth. "I may have use for you later. Follow me," he commands, his words laced with a pang of predatory hunger. Tiberius, his heart pounding with fear and uncertainty, obediently follows the goblin, unaware of the dark fate that may await him. As they continue their journey, the goblin's thoughts become consumed with the tantalizing taste that the young boy's flesh could provide, his hunger growing with each step they take.

Carrying both the lifeless body of the monster lady he had slain and Tiberius's mutilated guardian, the goblin ventures out of the town, traversing hills and valleys until they reach the imposing mountains that loom on the horizon. Here, hidden from the prying eyes of the world, lies a massive cave—the goblin's domain, a sanctuary untouched by the gaze of others. As they stand atop the peak, Tiberius gazes back at the desolated fields and fragmented tree lines, remnants of the paths carved by the destructive dream walkers and the relentless beast folk.

"Hey, boy, get in here," the goblin beckons, his voice reverberating through the cavernous entrance.

Entering the cave, Tiberius finds himself immersed in an awe-inspiring sight. The cavern stretches far and wide, revealing an intricate network of tunnels and chambers. Ancient stalactites hang from the ceiling like frozen daggers, while luminescent moss clings to the damp walls, casting an ethereal glow. The air is heavy with a mix of damp earth and an acrid scent peculiar to the goblin's lair. As Tiberius takes in his surroundings, his gaze is drawn to the two imposing stone statues flanking the entrance. Carved with remarkable artistry, they depict formidable beasts frozen in stone, their fierce eyes seemingly watching over the domain with an unwavering vigilance.

At the heart of the cavern, bathed in an otherworldly light that filters through a crevice above, sits a grand throne—its elaborate design a testament to the goblin king's self-proclaimed dominion. Crafted from obsidian, the throne possesses a sinister allure, its sharp edges contrasting with the smoothness of its polished surface. On this throne, the goblin king reclines, a cruel smile playing upon his lips as he regards Tiberius.

"Boy, do you know why I told you to follow me? It was so I could feast upon your flesh. So, strip," the goblin king demands, his voice dripping with a twisted hunger.

Tiberius, taken aback by the abruptness of the command, hesitates for a moment. Fear courses through his veins, urging him to comply. Slowly, he removes his hood, revealing eyes as blue as the sky, curly brown hair, and fair, tanned skin. His body, however, bears the marks of a lean frame, devoid of the fat the goblin king seeks.

"So skinny. I suppose I'll have to fatten you up. You shall be my sustenance, just like all those fools in the town down the mountain," the goblin king declares with a hint of sadistic pleasure. Leaning back in his throne, he continues, curiosity evident in his voice. "Now, tell me, what brings you so far away from the human domain?"

Tiberius retrieves his discarded clothes, the weight of his past trauma heavy upon him. With a deep breath, he begins to recount his harrowing tale. His voice trembles with a mixture of pain and determination as he recalls the day his life was shattered.

"My village was raided," Tiberius starts, his voice carrying the weight of loss and anguish. "My parents died in the attack, and I was left all alone." His eyes glisten with unshed tears, but he pushes onward, determined to share his story. "I ran away, fleeing from the devastation until I couldn't go any further. And then, my guardian found me. She took me in, and we traveled together, seeking refuge in different villages along the way."

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"What an interesting story, young one," the goblin king remarks, sitting up in his throne. His gaze locks with Tiberius's eyes, an intensity burning within his own. "Your tale resonates with my own. I, too, witnessed the loss of my family, slaughtered by adventurers whose screams still haunt my mind. Alone, I wandered the country roads until I found a goblin lady who became my queen. Together, we built a network of villages, and I ascended to the position of king. But the monster kingdoms united, forming a colossal army of adventurers hell-bent on eradicating my villages. I barely escaped with my life, my body grievously injured. It was then that these statues, brought to life by a magical slave of mine, saved me," the goblin king explains, gesturing toward the imposing stone guardians. "Upon my injury, they went on a rampage, tearing through the sea of adventurers, exacting a brutal revenge."

Tiberius takes in the goblin king's words, a mix of awe and unease settling within him. The weight of his own fate becomes palpable, entangled with that of the goblin king in this realm of shadows and secrets.

"Oh..." Tiberius responds his voice barely above a whisper, his eyes fixed upon the colossal stone sentinels.

“Yea, but let's get back on track. I suppose I can no longer indulge in the pleasure of feasting upon your flesh," the goblin king concedes, his words laden with a tinge of regret. "Instead, I shall take on the responsibility of raising you, nourishing you until the time comes when you can fulfill your purpose. Alas, I no longer possess the grandeur of a dungeon, and my strength wanes. But fear not, for you now reside within the treacherous realm of the beasts. Even if you were to attempt an escape, the merciless terrain would claim you, or one of my subjects would end your feeble existence at first sight.”

Tiberius, his gaze lingering on the colossal stone statues, absorbs the goblin king's words with a mix of relief and apprehension. The realization that his life is spared, for now, brings a fleeting sense of respite. However, the goblin king's intent to raise him as sustenance remains a haunting reminder of the precariousness of his situation.

As the goblin king's expression shifts into a frown, Tiberius can't help but feel a tinge of unease. The prospect of being raised by a creature of darkness, devoid of compassion, raises countless questions and fears within his young mind. Yet, he is keenly aware of his limited options in this treacherous realm.

"I understand, Your Majesty," Tiberius musters the courage to respond, his voice betraying a hint of uncertainty. "I have nowhere else to go, and surviving in this land is a challenge in itself. I will stay by your side, and perhaps, together, we can navigate these perilous lands."

The goblin king's gaze lingers on Tiberius, his eyes gleaming with a mix of hunger and newfound interest. He leans forward in his throne, an eerie smile curling his lips. "Yes, survival is the key in this ruthless domain. You may prove to be a valuable companion, young one. But remember, in the end, hunger always prevails. We shall see if fate favors your existence or seals your doom."

“May I step out?” Tiberius asked the goblin king.

The goblin king, intrigued by Tiberius's request, contemplates for a moment, his piercing gaze fixed upon the young boy. The dim light in his eyes flickers with a twisted blend of curiosity and amusement, casting an eerie glow upon his angular features. Slowly, a smirk tugs at the corners of his twisted lips, revealing rows of sharp, jagged teeth. "Very well," he says, his voice a low, gravelly rumble that reverberates through the cavernous lair, dripping with a hint of sadistic pleasure.

With cautious steps, Tiberius moves toward the entrance of the goblin king's forbidding abode. The air inside feels heavy and oppressive, suffused with a dampness that clings to his skin. As he finally steps out into the open air, a gust of wind rushes to embrace him, carrying with it a sense of liberation. The mountain breeze dances through his tousled hair, whispering secrets from distant lands, while the scent of pine needles lingers in his nostrils, mingling with the earthy aroma of the untamed wilderness.

Before him, the panorama of nature unfurls like a magnificent tapestry. Towering peaks punctuate the horizon, their rugged edges etched against the canvas of the sky. Majestic and unyielding, they stand as sentinels of an ancient realm, their snow-capped peaks glistening in the fading light. The sun, a ball of fire, begins its descent, casting a warm glow upon the rugged terrain below. Shadows stretch and dance across the landscape, embracing the hidden corners of the world with a sense of mystery.

As Tiberius gazes upon this breathtaking vista, his heart swells with conflicting emotions. The weight of grief, like a thorny vine, tightens around his chest, constricting his breath. Tears, once cascading down his cheeks like a torrential downpour, now linger as a bitter reminder of the pain that courses through his veins. But amidst the sorrow, a seed of hatred takes root—a seething rage that fuels his determination.

In a surge of adrenaline, Tiberius falls to his knees, his small frame trembling with an intense mixture of grief and fury. The ground beneath him trembles in resonance with his raw emotions. Rising with newfound resolve, his tear-stained face contorted with a grim determination, he begins to run. Each stride propels him forward, his feet pounding against the cold, unforgiving ground, the sensation a stark contrast to the pain that gnaws at his heart.

As he races down the mountain, the chilling wind tears at his clothes, whipping against his face like a merciless adversary. With each breath, his lungs fill with a mix of exhilaration and exhaustion, his body pushed to its limits. He releases the clothes he had clenched in his hands, letting them fall to the ground, their significance now rendered insignificant in the face of his burning hatred.

As Tiberius collapses into the dense forest, the air becomes heavy with an eerie stillness. The ancient trees, towering and majestic, form a canopy overhead, their branches interwoven like skeletal fingers reaching for the heavens. Shafts of fading twilight struggle through the dense foliage, casting an ethereal glow upon the mossy ground below.

But as Tiberius lies there, his body battered and weary, a sinister presence awakens within the heart of the forest. The roots, once dormant and silent, begin to writhe and twist, emerging from the earth like serpents seeking their prey. They slither and coil around Tiberius's prone form, tightening their grip with a malevolent intent. The vegetation, previously lush and welcoming, now reveals its true nature—a merciless captor intent on ensnaring its victim.

The tendrils of moss, once soft and inviting, now constrict around Tiberius's limbs, their gentle touch turning into a suffocating embrace. The decaying foliage, with its earthy scent, now fills his senses with a suffocating mustiness, amplifying the feeling of entrapment. The forest, once a sanctuary, transforms into a nightmarish prison, trapping him in its clutches.

Through the gaps in the treetops, Tiberius's blurred vision catches a glimpse of the creature lurking beyond the confines of the forest. It stands tall, towering over the tree line like an abomination birthed from the twisted depths of the forest itself. Its emerald-green skin glistens with a sickly sheen, blending seamlessly with the verdant foliage that surrounds it. A grotesque amalgamation of various creatures, it defies all laws of nature—a monstrous hybrid of an octopus, a dragon, and a distorted human form. Its enormous frame stretches into the heavens, its appendages reaching out with otherworldly grace.

The creature's eyes, dark and ominous, lock onto Tiberius's struggling form. Within its gaze, a hunger rages, an insatiable thirst for dominance and control. The creature's mouth contorts into a jagged-toothed grin, its raspy breath echoing through the forest, carrying with it a mix of malice and sadistic pleasure. It revels in the display of suffering, finding perverse joy in the torment it inflicts upon the vulnerable child.

As the forest's grip tightens, Tiberius's vision begins to fade, the world around him morphing into a blur of darkness and despair. The pain, both physical and emotional, consumes him, threatening to extinguish the flicker of resilience within his soul. Yet, in this moment of agony, a glimmer of defiance remains a refusal to surrender to the forest's malevolence.

With the last vestiges of his strength, Tiberius musters a primal scream, the sound of defiance tearing through the oppressive silence of the forest. His blurry eyes meet the creature's gaze, a challenge burning within his gaze. Though weakened and on the brink of oblivion, he refuses to succumb to the clutches of the monstrous entity and the suffocating grasp of the forest.