Living as an ogre baby wasn't exactly glamorous. Between the constant squabbling, questionable food options, and my charming new nickname, "Little Weakling," it was a miracle I hadn't thrown myself to the nearest predator yet.
Still, survival had its perks. I was finally learning to differentiate between "safe mushrooms" and "digestive nightmare mushrooms," which was a plus. The tribe had also started leaving me scraps instead of outright stealing my food—a sign that my regular bouts of flailing and biting were finally paying off.
But it wasn't enough. Being the runt of the group didn't sit well with me. Sure, ogres weren't exactly known for their intelligence or ambition, but I wasn't about to settle for being a punching bag.
That's how I found myself wandering the edge of the cave one afternoon, eyes peeled for anything remotely useful.
The other babies were busy gnawing on a leftover deer carcass, completely ignoring my absence. It was the perfect opportunity to explore without getting trampled—or eaten.
As I shuffled toward the darker corner of the cave, something caught my eye. A faint glimmer, almost like sunlight reflecting off water, danced across the rocky surface. Curious, I crept closer, my tiny ogre heart pounding in excitement.
What I found was… weird.
Nestled between two jagged rocks was a small, misshapen stone covered in strange, glowing runes. It pulsed faintly, almost like it was alive.
[SYSTEM MESSAGE]
You have discovered an Ogre Relic. Title Unlocked: Curious Crawler.
"Oh, great," I muttered, poking the stone cautiously. "Another cryptic system message. Just what I needed."
Despite my sarcasm, I couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. This was the first time the system had acknowledged me since my reincarnation. Was it a reward for not dying? Or was this some kind of test?
Before I could overthink it, the runes flared brighter, and a warm sensation spread through my hand.
[SYSTEM MESSAGE]
Skill Learned: Stone Toss (Level 1).
I stared at the message, unblinking.
"Stone Toss?" I said aloud, my voice echoing through the cave. "What kind of skill is that? Throwing rocks? Really?"
My incredulity was interrupted by a loud, familiar growl. I turned to see Grumpy—the biggest, meanest baby ogre in the group—stomping toward me. His tusks glinted menacingly in the dim light, and his beady little eyes were locked onto the Relic in my hand.
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"Figures," I sighed. "Of course, you'd want this, too."
Grumpy didn't bother with words (not that ogres were particularly eloquent). He lunged at me, his massive fists swinging wildly.
Panicking, I scrambled backward, clutching the Relic like a lifeline. My brain screamed at me to fight back, but with what? I was barely strong enough to lift a rock, let alone—
Wait.
A rock?
Desperate, I focused on a nearby pebble, willing it to do… something. Anything.
To my surprise, the pebble began to glow. A soft hum filled the air, and before I knew it, the rock flew straight into Grumpy's forehead with a resounding THWACK.
The hulking ogre froze mid-charge, his eyes crossing as he swayed on his feet.
Then—THUD.
Grumpy hit the ground like a felled tree, his giant body kicking up a cloud of dust.
The cave went silent. Every ogre, from the smallest baby to the grizzled adults, turned to stare at me.
[SYSTEM MESSAGE]
You have inflicted Stun (5 seconds). Bonus XP awarded for first combat victory.
I blinked, still clutching the glowing Relic. Did I… did I just win?
Before I could bask in my triumph, Grumpy let out a groan and began to stir. My brief moment of glory evaporated as panic set in.
"Uh-oh."
Grumpy's eyes snapped open, now filled with even more rage than before. He pushed himself to his feet, growling low and deep.
Time for Plan B: Run like hell.
---
Dodging through the cave was no easy feat. The adults barely spared me a glance as I weaved between their massive legs, trying not to trip over stray bones or rocks. Behind me, Grumpy roared in frustration, his heavy footsteps echoing like thunder.
Eventually, I found myself backed into a corner, the Relic still clutched tightly in my hand. Grumpy loomed over me, his tusks gleaming in the faint light.
This was it. I was done for. No more system messages. No more second chances. Just a squishy ogre pancake.
But then, something unexpected happened.
A faint glow enveloped the Relic, and I felt a surge of warmth in my chest.
[SYSTEM MESSAGE]
Skill Activation: Stone Toss.
The words flashed before my eyes, and suddenly, I wasn't scared anymore.
I reached for another rock, this one larger than the first. It felt warm in my hand, almost as if it were alive. Without thinking, I hurled it straight at Grumpy's face.
THWACK.
The rock hit its mark with pinpoint accuracy, knocking him flat on his back.
[SYSTEM MESSAGE]
Critical Hit! Skill Level Up: Stone Toss (Level 2).
The other ogres stared in stunned silence as Grumpy lay sprawled out on the cave floor, groaning weakly.
For the first time since my reincarnation, I felt… powerful.
I turned to face the group, holding the Relic high above my head like some kind of tiny green hero.
"This cave," I declared, "has a new boss!"
Okay, maybe that was an exaggeration. But judging by the awed (and slightly terrified) looks on their faces, I'd at least earned a little respect.
---
Later that night, as the cave settled into its usual chaotic lull, I sat in my corner, examining the Relic.
What was this thing? And why did it feel so… familiar?
I didn't have answers yet, but one thing was clear: this was just the beginning.
If I wanted to survive—no, thrive—in this world, I needed more than just luck and instinct. I needed power.
And this Relic? This strange, glowing stone?
It was the key to everything.