Byung became curious about the rebate requirements, but he didn't know how to communicate with the system yet.
He was still coming to terms with its existence. Part of him thought he was going insane, but then again—what part of this entire existence was normal to begin with?
There had to be a reason it worked when it did. But for now, Byung had been promoted and had a goblin tethered to him because his conscience wouldn't let him watch another living thing suffer when he had the means to help.
He realized he wasn't the only one promoted. Several others in the room were exceptional miners—hence why they got breaks.
Byung had thought he was special, but in the end, others received the same treatment. There was a difference, though.
Byung was exceptionally young—far younger than any of them. His promotion was impressive considering he'd only been born a few months ago.
These other goblins were over a year old. Byung had accomplished in months what took them twice as long.
Byung noticed something interesting—no one had called these goblins by any names.
They had no names. Instead, they were assigned numbers according to the order they entered the system.
The numbers were reallocated with each promotion, with the lowest number signifying the oldest member.
Byung was among the last five. He noticed they hadn't brought in anyone new for quite some time.
This showed the goblins weren't reproducing at an overwhelming rate. He wasn't sure how long the pregnancy process took either—weeks, months, or even years before reaching maturity.
"You okay?" the timid goblin asked.
The stutter was gone, showing he'd begun to trust Byung.
"I distracted..." Byung responded with an exhausted sigh.
There was still so much he didn't know about this world. This little bubble the goblins kept him in would ensure that remained the case—including understanding the system he'd either been blessed or cursed with.
"What your age?" Byung asked the timid goblin.
Without hesitation, he answered. "I two years old."
Byung was shocked. The goblin had a smaller frame, yet he was a well-grown adult. So why was he being picked on?
Being older and looking like this must be some genetic defect.
But Byung knew he'd have to leave him behind eventually, or the goblin would drag him down. However, he noticed the goblin become self conscience the moment their eyes met.
"You older! I just surprised," Byung couldn't hide his astonishment. Quickly downplaying whatever insecurity was building up.
They were interrupted when someone walked in.
Byung's eyes shifted to focus on the newcomer. He recognized him immediately—one of the mine supervisors.
"Which one of you is 402?" the goblin asked.
Everyone's eyes focused on Byung. The fact that this goblin spoke in full sentences told them he wasn't average. If that didn't send the message, his clothing certainly did.
"That me," Byung responded.
The goblin standing before him was none other than Murkfang. He'd come here personally—something that had never happened before. Promotions were usually processed through the supervisors.
"Come with me," Murkfang commanded.
Byung knew without question he had to obey. The way Murkfang spoke and carried himself—this was someone he'd need on his side if he wanted to climb the ladder.
Byung followed him outside, admiring what Murkfang wore. The clothing was simple but had a hint of savagery woven into the ragged fabric.
"I spoke to the supervisor. He told me you're the hardest working among the last batch." Murkfang paused, then added, "You are not like the other goblins, are you?" A cough followed his words.
Upon closer observation, Byung noticed Murkfang's skin looked paler than usual—even accounting for the green tint.
"You okay?" Byung questioned.
Murkfang quickly downplayed it. "I'm fine..."
But Byung noticed he'd come alone. In his past life, Byung had studied herbs and medicine extensively because of his disability, hoping to find a cure or an easier way to live.
If he could be certain of anything, it was that the words coming out of this creature's mouth were a blatant lie.