"Thaaat's the last of it," I grunted, breathing a sigh of relief as my experiment settled into its molds. "Now we just gotta let this stuff cool down and we can enjoy"

My voluntold assistant was breathing a sigh of relief… or was that a gasp for air? Either way, it proved me right that these albinos needed more exercise. I grab the giant pot by myself and place it into the simmering fireplace.

"{Create Water}!"

Water pours into the cauldron and hisses, reacting to the heat of the cauldron. The lizardman looked at me with panic, before I grabbed a bristle brush and waved it at him with a chuckle. "Don't sweat it, I'm just cleaning it at this point to get rid of the grime. Wouldn't do to have anything caked down in there. You can relax now".

He visibly relaxed, and then I saw that sigh of relief. While I was going about scrubbing the shit out of the pot, I heard him shuffle to take a proper seat on one of the stools.

"So… what are you making that's so important?" He asked curiously. To that I couldn't help but smile.

"Candy," I responded. "I've seen you lot use honey, so I know you have a sense for sweets, but I think you'll find this to be far more worthwhile"

"Candy…?" He asked, irritation grumbling in his throat. "You… your important creation that required making me lift such a heavy pot was candy?"

I shook my head and I couldn't help but chuckle again. "I know it sounds bad, but this isn't just any candy. I wanted to experiment with a couple of things that Crusch helped me out with earlier. It'll be a surprise later, trust me, but believe me when I say this would potentially revolutionize the medical fields of your tribe"

That made him pause, and I could feel the eyes of uncertainty at the back of his head. "How do you figure as such? I must admit I've seen you do enough things for our tribe that I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt, but…"

"Stupid… gah!" I grunted, putting in more effort on a particularly stubborn splotch. "Er, to put it into perspective, I've noticed that potions tend to take up a lot of space as well as usually find themselves contained in fragile bottles. Not that it can't be worked with, and some of the bottles I know your people use special techniques to toughen them up, but that still leaves weight and space as an issue. Er, think of these candies like broth cubes for potions actual, except you can just pop them right in your mouth. Their lightweight design makes them something easy to carry around in a side satchel rather than just a couple bottles max. Not to mention they're flavored too, so that's a bonus"

I breath a sigh of relief, casting {Destroy Water}, reusing {Create Water} for the sake of rinsing the cauldron.

"So, you mean to tell me…" He trailed off, sounding as though he couldn't believe what I'd told him.

"Unlike all of the other things I've introduced to your tribe, this is far more experimental. We need a large amount for the sake of large scale testing. What is the potency of the potions? Are they all at once, or do they slowly heal over time? Will they work after being mixed in with some water? These are the kinds of things I'm looking to test, and we need a particularly large batch just to thoroughly run through all of our experiments. I can't guarantee much, at least not until I've tested every avenue"

"Where did you even get the idea for this?" The young teen asked. "Surely this didn't just crop up out of nowhere in your mind?"

Not really sure how I'm gonna explain 'Pokemon', but I can at least say my bullshit capacity has improved over the months with these lizards. Sad to say, but it's necessary in the long run to be good at things I don't like doing.

"Well, there's a legend of a confectionery in my homelands. A powerful hard candy, seemingly left on the trailside by fairies and pixies and wrapped in blue leaves. It is said that these candies would often grant the consumer immense strength, unwavering endurance, and many more traits. These sweets, with seemingly no known maker, only found in the depths of the wilds far from civilization, were called 'Rare Candy'. Many paid hefty prices just to get their hands on a singular piece".

"Fascinating…" Murmured the lizard. Ergh, I know there's a lot of them, but I should probably deign to ask him his name. I'm probably gonna end up mixing them up sooner or later. Before I could ask however, there was a knock at the door frame. I looked away from the pot I was scrubbing, and was pleasantly surprised to see old man Zaru standing there.

"Ah, Zaru you old man, gimme just a sec!" I jovially called, wrapping up my cleaning with a {Destroy Water}. I stepped away from the potfire, and looked towards Zarusosa. "Go pop a squat, would ya? Lemme grab something for ya to drink"

The old lizard laughed, taking a seat. "I can't stay too long I'm afraid, I'm going to have to get ready for the communal meal later tonight"

I shrugged at that. "Fair enough. So uh, I heard you and yours came by to talk with Kukri. Gotta say I'm a little jealous, I haven't seen the guy around here once"

The mirth seemed to suck itself right out of the lizardman. Even the albino looked a little nervous at the mention of the chieftain. Zarusosa sighed, and I looked between the two as I came up to the table with some cups of premade tea.

"Something tells me that that's a sore spot? Ah, shit, should I have sought him out to chat? I've been a bit busy so-"

"No!" Zarusosa spoke firmly, claw gripping the table. He softened, his grasp slipping away from the tabletop and toward a cup of tea. "No… Kukri is… ah, quick to act. Much like a shark that smells blood in the water. There is no small amount of hatred in his heart for your species. Seeking him out would only result in your immediate exile if you're lucky. And I mean divine intervention from the ancestors degree of lucky"

That… doesn't fully add up. "Then why hasn't that happened at all yet?"

He sighed, shaking his head. "You've not only given this tribe all kinds of resources, but you've also befriended many within it. Simply put, you are useful. I have no doubt in my mind that he plans on getting rid of you sooner or later, the only reason he hasn't outright killed you yet is likely at the behest of Marscha, as well as the others that have grown to accept you. With that said, it's only a matter of time before you and Todone are forced out of the village"

I clicked my tongue at that. "Damn. I was starting to enjoy it here too. Er, not that I didn't have plans on leaving to begin with sooner or later, but I still like being around you guys, you know?"

The old lizard laughed at that, some of his joy starting to come back to him. "Yes, I think you've established this pretty well at this point. Ancestors forbid someone try to pry you off like a tick, but…"

He seemed a little saddened again. Seems as though he couldn't keep that mirth for long. "No matter how hard you fight, trying to impress or befriend… there are those that simply won't change no matter what you do for them".

"I know that," I spoke simply with a scoff. "But it never hurts to try. With God as my witness, I refuse to give up trying to help people. The universe may often be cold and cruel, but it isn't always that way, nor should we let it be. I know what you're trying to do you old coot, and it isn't gonna work. I've struggled with demons and doubt plenty of times in the past, and came out on top. No amount of strife is going to keep me from what I believe in"

He stared at me long and hard, narrowed eyes seemingly peering into my soul. Then…

"Heh… Heheh… Hehehehahahahah!"

He was full-belly laughing, shaking his head. "Hahah! I… I don't know why I was worried! I suppose I've yet to fully understand your character Nolan! I'd like to apologize".

"Tch," I let through my teeth, before a slow grin crept up. "Don't know how to take that, so I'll just take it in stride. I appreciate that you're at least willing to test me, keeps me on my toes"

The albino meanwhile was looking between us, mostly confused more than anything. I wave a hand at him with a chuckle. "Ah, I see that look on your face. Don't sweat it kid, some things are the kind to just roll along with. Er, also, I know I've been keeping a hold on you for a sec, but don't you have to get that blueprint to Kika?"

The lizard seemed to want to say something at first, but then his eyes widened. "You're right! Sorry Mr. Potts! I need to move!"

He grabbed the handful of scrolls by the door, before bolting back out. A muffled clatter, followed by 'Sorry!' was heard outside. Zarusosa and I both chuckled, even though I still dislike being called 'Mr. Potts'. I wanted us to chat for a bit longer, I know he was probably busy. Lord knows I need my moments to gather my thoughts and plan, especially whenever something major is always around the corner.

"Well, I won't keep you for much longer Zaru, I know you've probably got to get things in order for talking to the chieftain as well as planning things out, and I've got my own things to get to before sundown. Keep me posted, yeah?"

"Will do," The old lizard responded. As he was walking towards the door, he turned back to look at me for a moment. "Er, do you happen to know where my sons ran off to? I know I sent them your way"

"Ah, yeah, sorry about that. I was pretty busy earlier, sent them both out with Crusch to take in the village sights. Used it as an excuse to give that girl a breather from keeping herself tucked away inside all day"

The lizardman nasally huffed, and shook his head. "Thank you, Nolan. Never lose that kind edge"

Once I was certain the lizardman was gone out the door, I sighed. I slumped in my seat, rubbing a hand through my hair.

"Well, I guess that confirms my suspicions…" I muttered, thinking about the way he spoke about the chieftain, Kukri.

He was intentionally avoiding me. I'd considered trying to meet him if he didn't come to me, especially since I was an outsider human helping out with things around here. However, judging by the way Zarusosa spoke of him, it would be ill advised to talk to him myself, let alone through a proxy. In fact, that would probably seen as underhanded and cowardly. Still, he couldn't hide forever. A chieftain needs to be well acquainted with his people and willing to go out and about with things after all. Or at least, they should be.

Ah, wait, I didn't tell Zaru about the goblin… eh, he'll be fine. I'm sure he probably heard from someone else at this point.

"Let's see… health candies… lesser stamina drops…"

I spent most of my time sifting through our daily experiments, organizing batches and brews, as well as making some last minute adustments to some of our cultures to make sure they would be fine to leave alone for the remainder of the night. I did want to drop by the communal dinner to chat with the guys later tonight after all. Needed to catch up with Yulg too, see how he's taking to the 'religion' thing.

"So much to do, so little time… pfft, to think I'd be saying that about ten years into the future…"

I look up at one of our experiments, a copper mirror polished to a shine. We were preparing it for one of our other builds, a light tower for signaling across the swamps and woods if I recall. It was so well smoothed that I could see my reflection easily enough, and what looked back at me was… I don't know how else to put it into words other than awe-inspiring. I guess I hadn't been paying much attention lately, but now that I see it I can't help but feel pleased in a strange sort of way. I flexed my arms, noticing the bulging muscle that was starting to form. Not quite up there with some of the beefcakes, but it would have made me noticeable back home. Combine that with my healthy diet, and all that unnecessary fat seems to have made it out of my system at this point, leaving a leaner layer of what I presume to be the healthier kind of fat.

My beard still needed trimming, it was easily thick enough that I occasionally had issues with food, but that was why I washed it every chance I could. Hair could use a trim too from the looks of it, but aside from that I was… wow. I guess spending some time away from my vices back home was doing me some good. No more bookish shut in that only got his exercise from work, hello brushman.

Actually, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to use this to gussy up. If Zarusosa is here with the other lizardmen chieftains, then I should probably look my best for a good impression. Now where the hell did I put those soap bars…

The goblin breathed in deeply. He was done sparring for the day, and had no intentions of doing anything else. As such, now was the time for him to continue his prayers. At first, Yulg wasn't sure what kind of prayers, or offerings for that matter would bring the favor of The All. But then, the scarred goblin couldn't help but remember the Messenger's words.

'They are the apex above all existence, responsible for the creation of angels, demons, and fairies alike as well as all the races of the world. Everything that breathes and doesn't, both good and evil, owe their existence to them'

As such, after pondering the brief teachings he could receive from the Messenger that one day, he hopefully believed that merely praying and concentrating on the All would be the necessary key to show his thanks to Them. Of course, that was only because that was all he could offer at this time.

"So that's where you wander off to," Yulg heard, the familiar sound of one of the lizardmen from the tribe.

He broke his meditative prayers to turn and gaze at the lizardman. It was the same one he had defeated in the ring before Todone and the newcomer fought. His gaze seemed to unnerve the warrior, and the lizard raised his hands placatingly.

"Hey, easy there, I don't want any trouble, I was just curious"

Yulg nodded, turning back to his 'altar'. It was a pitiful thing, he wasn't even sure if the All had any symbols to denote its existence. All he could do was give something. But then again, if the All was everything, then maybe it would understand.

Of course, that would only work if Yulg wasn't constantly being bothered by the lizardman.

"So uh… what are you doing?" He asked.

Yulg had no frame of reference for lizardman age, but he was getting the feeling that this one was one of the younger ones.

"Yulg… praying," He responded simply. "Giving thanks to Vota, the Apex. God of Gods"

"A… God of Gods?" The lizard asked, looking at the meek altar hidden away from the village. "Huh, can't say I've ever heard of that. I didn't even know goblins worshiped something"

"We don't," Yulg responded. "Most goblins only worship shiny, not see more to it. Nolan show me that, show me new kind of shiny… starlight"

Yulg's eyes widened at that. Maybe that could be the symbol of Vota? Yulg would have to ask Nolan to make sure, but it was certainly an interesting thought.

"Starlight?" The lizardman asked.

The goblin shook his head. "More than starlight. Moonlight, sunlight, firelight, buglight… Apex is light of all. At least, human say so"

The lizard seemed torn between to things, but what they were Yulg couldn't say. However, there's one thing that he was curious about. "And this… God. It's okay with a goblin worshiping it?"

"Goblins are children of Apex. Humans, lizardmen, undead… everything under the light of Vota"

A brow ridge rose on the lizardman. "Everything? Huh, gotta admit that's a new one for a human god. From what my father says, they usually preach hate of anything not human"

Yulg smiled, feeling glad he could share what little he knew of the All. "Yulg share what he know, if you like?"

The lizardman looked behind him, to where he came from, before shaking his head with a laugh. "Ah, why not. All my chores are done for the day, not like i got much better to do. Name's Kyro"

The goblin cleric smiled at that. "Take seat, pray"

The lizardman sat down next to him. "Uh, sure, why not… what do I say or ask for exactly?"

"Vota is All, Vota is in everything. All parts of life that can be worshiped are the Apex. What would you pray for?"

"I…" He seemed to stutter, unsure of what to ask for. "I would like to grow stronger"

"Why?"

"So… our tribe is ready. It's all but an open secret at this point that we're gearing for war. I want to have the strength to defend our tribe"

"Then pray for that. Offer Vota your wish, your hope, your dream… offer that, and Vota should bring you strength"

"That's… that's it?"

Yulg realized that it would take a show in order to prove this to the lizardman. He stood up, firmly clutching the mace he almost never left home without. He turned to a firm willow tree, and unclasped his mace. With a mighty swing, he called upon the strength of the Universe.

"{Blessed Strike}!" The goblin called out, a flash of holy light slashing outward like a blade, cracking and cutting the tree bark deeply. With a simple heft, he reclasped his mace and turned to the lizardman. "Vota gave me strength in my time of need, when Yulg was in corner. Gave me light, to protect comrades. This is what Apex offers those that follow"

Kyro was left gazing at the aftermath in shock, surprised at the sight of a demihuman wielding holy magic. He'd heard that only humans were 'blessed' with such an ability by their gods. To see a goblin casting as such… the proof of prayer was there. The lizardman simply nodded, before turning to the altar. It took him a moment to gather his thoughts, but then the prayer came to his mind. He whispered faintly, bowing his head to the altar.

Meanwhile, Yulg was just glad that the Messenger had another follower.

Nolan Potts, Human (Karma: 70 [Neutral]) [20/24 Spell slots used]

Classes: Brawler (6), Ranger (3), Druid (5), Clothier (3), Translucer (1). Total Level (18).

Spells (Druid): Frostbite, Entangle, Create or Destroy Water, Guidance, Jump, Cure Wounds, Dust Devil, Protect from Poison, Hold Person, Spike Growth, Lesser Restoration, Water Breathing, Darkvision, Sleetstorm, Ice Knife, Lightning Arrow

Spells (Ranger): Animal Friendship, Speak to Animals, Ensnaring Strike, Conjure Animals

Items of Note: {Humble Beginnings}

Party Members are as follows…

Member One: Todone, Son of Kodrotti, Toadman (Karma: -10 [Neutral])

Classes: Toadman Warrior (9), Brawler (9), Martial Artist (1), Total Level (19).

Member Two: Yulg (Karma: 50 [Neutral])

Classes: Goblin Marauder (1), Brawler (8), Warrior (4), Cleric (1), Total Level (13)

Member Three: Crusch Lulu of the Red Eyes (Karma: 50 [Neutral])

Classes: Awakened Elder Blood Lizardman (1), Druid (6), Spirit Shaman (3), Summoner (1), Scientist (2), Total Level (13)

AN: Tryna shake the dusties off, a month was all it took to make me a little rusty. Enjoy this little tidbit, but in the meantime...

vtorx: Actually, New Worlders can level up, though that depends on what their 'innate talent' is. Personally, I think that's kinda bullshit kinda not. I think that given the proper resources and incentives any New Worlder could level up pretty high up given the resources and incentives, but on the same note some folks probably couldn't fight to save their life like Climb.

Spatialyeti8: Sorry about that, I know there's a difference between all sorts of polearms from the bardiche to the halberd, all the way to glaives and pikes, but that was a gross oversimplification on Nolan's part.