The cave air felt cold and damp as Kael walked deeper into the darkness. Blue glowing rocks gave just enough light to see the rough walls. His new body felt strong and quick, but his heart still pounded. *What's lurking here?*
A rustle came from the shadows.
A green, rat-like creature with pointy ears jumped out! It held a rusty knife and hissed.
*Goblin!* Kael froze.
The goblin lunged—SLASH!
Pain burned Kael's arm as the knife cut deep. Blood soaked his sleeve.
Memories flooded Kael's mind:
- Brad's fist smashing his nose
- His father's hateful words
*No more weakness.*
Rage exploded in Kael. He grabbed the goblin's head and CRACKED it against the wall! The creature went still.
**[Add points?]** Anis's voice chimed urgently.
Kael thought fast: *Add 2 to STRONG!*
STRONG: 5 → 7
POINTS: 10 → 8
Power surged through his arms!
Hisses echoed. Three more goblins crawled from cracks!
Kael moved like lightning (FAST:5):
- **PUNCHED** one's chest—bones snapped!
- **GRABBED** another—threw it into the wall!
- **STABBED** the last with its own rusty knife!
**[New skill: MIRROR SELF!]** Anis announced.
*Use it!* Kael thought. *Cost 3 points!*
POINTS: 8 → 5
**WHOOSH!** A perfect copy of Kael appeared beside him!
"Fight with me!" both shouted.
They finished the last goblin together.
Kael panted, clutching his bleeding arm. Suddenly, his skin **itched fiercely**. He watched in shock as the wound **stitched itself closed**—muscle and skin weaving together. In seconds, only smooth skin remained.
[Healing: Active] Anis confirmed.
A deep **ROAR** shook the cave. Stones rattled from the ceiling. Something huge was coming...
Kael and his clone raised their knives.
"Ready?" they whispered together.
(Chapter 4 Fin)