I sighed heavily, although because of my rat form, it sounded more like a hiss. The reason for my sighing however, was the fact that me and my clan (I grow tired of calling them group, and they're not truly a gang, so I've accepted them as my clan) are now at war with the local goblin tribe.

I can admit it: this is my fault. Two weeks ago I met with the local rabbits. The agreement we came to was this: They would be absorbed into our group, and we would make them strong. In exchange, they would act as our eyes and ears, supplying us with information. They would also gather herbs and vegetables for us, cause I feel our meat diet is somewhat lacking.

Well, according to this world, what was the most efficient way of gaining strength? killing and eating creatures more powerful than yourself. So we would team up, and attack things, but always the rabbits kill it, and eat more. They had a bit of a problem with eating meat, but they eventually got past it.

We hunted plenty of wolves, spiders and deer until all off the rabbits had grown a horn, and half the rats had evolved again, becoming either ratmen like me, or even bigger versions of themselves. Many battle rats, and all of the bats chose this option. The result was quite scary, their physical abilities were superior to us ratmen… but the ratmen seemed to get smarter, while the larger rats simply stayed on a beast’s level.

Anyway, The leader of the rabbits had also evolved, gaining two more horns, and a lithe, agile body. we decided that we had to get at least half the rabbits to that level, and the rest of my rats evolved.

Logically, the next step after hunting wolves and other beasts could only be goblins right? so, we hunted them… and they didn't like it. They sent out a rather large force and attacked some of my guys while they were out hunting. there were around five deaths on our side. The extremely wounded survivors ran back home to the tree, where for some reason, the goblins didn't wish to follow.

I was careless. These kids aren't ready for a war, I never trained them for one, that's partially why they ran, they were scared. But war is upon us nonetheless. But I don't know what to do.

I mean preparing them mentally won't be hard, I have experience with that. But things are different here, the terrain, the weapons, magic, the creatures. Everything was outside my experience range. At least since I would only let around 75 fight, the numbers aren't too different than what I’m used to.

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Wait there is something I can do! Luckily this new evolution comes with something Ive been dying for: proper vocal cords. I’ve talked some with some of my fellow ratmen, but they prefer their native squeaks, so I haven't gotten in much practice.

But more importantly now, I can converse with Kyleah, my patron goddess. She can help me! I get on my knees and close my eyes. I don't have much experience with this whole prayer thing, So I kinda just say some random official sounding stuff.

MC: Dear Lord Kyleah, please hear my prayer and grant me your presence.

My voice is annoyingly childlike. I know its probably because I evolved from a rodent but damn, How am I going to expect to be taken seriously with a high voice like this? This sucks man...

After a few minutes, I got a reply. It was like her voice was directly in my skull, but it wasn't a bad feeling.

Kyleah: I see you've managed to contact me. Your prayer needs a little work, but itll do. How can I help you Dorian, or should I call you Gray now?

MC: Gray I guess. But hey I kinda need your help, so if you could hit me with some kind of super blessing, that would be nice.

I quickly informed her of everything that has transpired. However when I asked her for aid, I got an unexpected reply

Kyleah: I cannot, or rather I will not help you. This is your first major campaign, yes? If I baby you now, you will become dependent upon my power. I will only tell you this. your enemy has 90 troops, you have 75 not counting rabbits, and they are coming to attack you tomorrow. Thats it. Do with that what you will.

I felt her presence leave my mind. Well thats just great. There are more of them than us. I would have at least liked some information on goblin weaknesses! Oh well, might as well get to planning, being angry won't get me anywhere.

Wait I just realized… they're attacking US. which means, they have to come here, to our turf. Oh this changes everything. If I play this right.... none of mine will have to die. My golden eyes glowed in the coming darkness as I made plans for what was to come. The goblins will know hell by the time I’m through.