Present day

So that was how, I came to this strange and unknown place. Let's get back to the topic at hand.

Still puzzled in equal parts anticipation and anxiety, I tried to take in the new found surroundings as much as possible. I was inexperienced when it came to the art of survival. It was like latin to me. Hence, with a steeled heart I venture forth to find civilization if any.

As I ventured deeper into the heart of the dense forest, I couldn't help but be captivated by the towering trees that surrounded me, their branches interlocked to form a thick, leafy canopy that blocked much of the sunlight from reaching the forest floor.

The air was filled with the earthy scent of moss and damp soil, and the gentle rustling of leaves added to the serene ambiance that enveloped me. Shafts of sunlight that managed to break through the dense foliage created pockets of brilliance amidst the shadowy undergrowth.

The sound of running water reached my ears, beckoning me with its gentle melody. Intrigued, I followed the stream's song, my curiosity guiding my every step. As I drew nearer to the source, the murmur of the stream grew louder, guiding me like a siren's call.

As I emerged into a small clearing, my eyes widened in astonishment at the sight before me. A group of goblin-like creatures had set up camp near the stream, their gnarled and misshapen figures huddled together. They had pointed ears, wild, unruly hair, and their skin was mottled with shades of green and brown.

With my heart pounding in my chest, I tried to stay hidden behind the thick underbrush, curious yet cautious about these unfamiliar beings. I had no intention of intruding on their territory; I merely wanted to observe from a distance.

But as fate would have it, my inexperience got the better of me. As I shifted my weight, my foot unknowingly landed on a dry twig, producing a sharp snap that echoed through the stillness of the forest. The goblin nearest to me jerked its head up, its beady eyes locking onto mine. It emitted a low growl, and in an instant, its companions followed suit, brandishing crude weapons fashioned from sticks and stones.

Fear surged through me as I realised I had been discovered. Panic welled up inside, but I knew that running would only provoke them further. Instead, I tried to reason with them, to make them understand that I meant no harm.

Please, I come in peace," I stammered, my voice trembling. "I .. I mean you no harm. I am but an explorer, curious about the wonders of this forest. I am looking for directions.

The goblins exchanged puzzled glances, seemingly unsure of what to make of my words. Their hostility wavered slightly, but the uncertainty in their eyes persisted.

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With my heart still racing, I slowly raised my hands in a gesture of peace. I have no intention of causing any trouble. Let us find a way to coexist peacefully.

Yet, before I could make further attempts at communication, the goblins suddenly let out a collective, guttural growl and charged at me with surprising speed. Fear gripped me tightly as I realised that I was ill-prepared for combat. I had never been in a physical confrontation before, and the thought of fighting these creatures filled me with dread.

There were 3 goblins in total, each one with fierce determination etched on their faces. I took a few steps back, trying to keep my distance, but they closed in on me rapidly, encircling me like predators cornering their prey. There was no way to reason with them now; they were beyond the reach of words.

With trembling hands, I swung the claymore in an attempt to fend off their attacks. My movements were clumsy and uncoordinated, and I struggled to anticipate their strikes. Fear and adrenaline clouded my thoughts, making it difficult to think clearly.

Their crude weapons struck against my claymore with force, sending painful vibrations through my arms. I felt the weight of the sword dragging me down, and I stumbled back, trying to keep my distance from the charging goblins.

Desperation fueled my movements, and I managed to knock one of the goblins back with a forceful strike. But their relentless assault continued, and my strength began to wane.

As the skirmish wore on, I could feel the bruises forming on my body, and my limbs grew heavy with fatigue. The forest seemed to echo with the sounds of battle, and my heart pounded in my ears.

My lack of combat experience became increasingly evident as the goblins closed in on me. Each swing felt like a clumsy attempt to protect myself, and I struggled to find a way to outmaneuver them.

Yet, despite my inexperience, I refused to back down. I had come this far, and I wasn't willing to let fear dictate the outcome. With each strike, I mustered all my remaining strength, fighting back the goblins with a newfound determination.

But the odds were stacked against me, and my body could only take so much punishment. The goblins' attacks grew more aggressive, and my defense began to falter.

I knew that I had to find a way to end this encounter before it was too late. Summoning the last reserves of my strength, I focused on each swing, trying to create an opening for a decisive strike.

And then, in a moment of resolute determination, I saw my chance. As one of the goblins lunged at me, I sidestepped its attack and delivered a powerful swing with my claymore. The blade connected with the goblin's side, and it stumbled backward, its grip on its weapon faltering.

With adrenaline coursing through my veins, I pressed on, refusing to let fatigue or fear consume me. One by one, I fended off the goblins' assaults, my claymore cleaving through the air with a resounding force.

As the claymore connected , the goblin was cleaved into half. Finally as the last goblin fell, a quiet stillness settled over the clearing. My body trembled with exhaustion, and I slumped to the ground, my claymore heavy in my grasp. The forest seemed to exhale, as if relieved that the conflict had ended.

I sat among the fallen goblin-like creatures, my mind reeling from the intensity of the encounter. It was a hard-fought victory, one that had pushed me to my limits, but I had prevailed. Yet, it was a victory tinged with sorrow, for these creatures were not the monsters of old tales, but beings defending their home, just as I had been defending myself.

This was the first time I had ever committed violence of any sort, not just violence but actually killing living sentient beings.

But deep down I new this is not Earth, this place very much followed the laws of the jungle, it was a sort of kill or be killed kind of scenario. It didn't take long to understand that I need to change, I need to adapt and I absolutely need to shed my old self.

Just like how a caterpillar undergoes metamorphosis, I too needed to strengthen my resolve and tap deep into reserves of primal instinct if I'm to escape unscathed, which is very unlikely.