He was still on top of the tree.
The scent of the forest was a mix of leaves, mushrooms, and soil—blended into one strange, earthy fragrance. Sunlight filtered through the branches, bright and warm across the countless trees.
Nolan watched as the goblins moved closer. They were about to strike the boar.
In his mind, he imagined using his power—without speaking.
Suddenly, time stopped.
Do I really need to speak for this to work...?
He climbed down from the tree, eyes scanning the goblins. More were approaching—about fifteen in total.
The boar stood frozen, staring at the goblins.
One goblin—the closest—had raised its stick. Nolan walked up and turned its body to the side.
Another just behind it had also raised a stick. Nolan positioned them so the first goblin’s swing would strike the second.
Then he moved to a pair near the boar—both holding rusted swords. They were close together. He carefully turned them to face each other, swords raised.
Once I unfreeze time... they’ll strike each other instead, he thought.
I should name this power. I just imagined it, and it worked... I’m getting the hang of this.
No... reminds me of ice.
He touched his jaw, thinking.
Disrupt Time? Disrupt... Time Disruptor?
"Time Disruptor," he said quietly. "That’s perfect."
"I guess I should try it," Nolan muttered. "Looks like I’m finally getting the hang of this fantasy world."
Then he shouted, "Time Disruptor!"
The goblins, who were about to strike, suddenly turned on each other. Chaos erupted.
One struck another with a stick. Two slashed each other with swords. It was brutal—and unexpected.
Four goblins dropped instantly.
Though not smart, the goblins sensed something was wrong. They had been seconds from attacking the boar—how did they end up hitting each other?
They stepped back, confused and tense.
That’s when they noticed—Nolan was gone.
No longer in the tree. No longer in front of them.
They backed up instinctively, taking defensive stances.
Even the boar, weak on the ground, lifted its head. It had seen everything.
It thought it was dead.
But Nolan had saved it.
The goblins wandered, trying to understand. They moved back slowly, cautiously.
They knew some humans possessed powers beyond their understanding.
Then, all at once—they ran.
Nolan was still trying to make sense of it.
Then it clicked—he knew goblins.
They feared the unknown. They weren’t dumb enough to fight what they didn’t understand.
They knew humans could be unpredictable. They got some weapons from attacking adventurers—but they also knew some humans were far beyond their power.
At the first sign of that power, they ran.
Nolan watched them go.
It was standing, walking slowly toward him.
Do I have to end this boar? he thought. It’s coming toward me.
Should I stop time and finish it? I finally understand my power now.
He stepped back, hand raised, tightening his fist.
The boar kept moving closer—then stopped.
Nolan didn’t understand.
It made a sound—but not an aggressive one.
It was as if it was thanking him.
"It’s fine... it’s not going to hurt me... right?"
But his body moved on its own.
He touched the boar’s head.
Suddenly, his palm began to shine.
A golden, star-shaped light appeared where his hand met the boar’s head.
The same star now shone on both the boar’s head and his hand.
What’s going on? he muttered.
He looked at the boar.
"Roll... like a dog," Nolan said, stepping back.
The boar rolled, even though it had never seen a dog before.
He had the Beast Tamer skill.