"Are you certain, Nolan?" Todone asked.

I attempted a laugh to disarm any concern. "Nah, don't sweat it, just a little worn out is all. I'll be right as rain in a couple hours, probably just something I ate"

The toadman looked at me cautiously, as if trying to decide whether or not it would be worth it to push forward. Luckily, he didn't seem to want to, nodding. "Very well… if you need anything, let me know…"

And with that, the toadman left the hut, leaving me on my lonesome. I sat down at our table, nursing some of that willow tea to keep up appearances. In reality, I wasn't just 'a little sick'. I was currently fighting off mana exhaustion, being countered by a small infusion of that mana slime we'd gathered back at the cave to counteract the effects. This stuff was a little weird tasting to outright drink, making my tea more like slime in even texture, but it was a hell of a lot stronger this way.

"No crystals left after that damn mess, and fuck all for mana… ach," I grunted, flopping back and feeling exhausted even after waking up from a good night's rest.

I'd pulled my altar out and made some generic enchantments on a bunch of items last night that I'd pulled from the workshop. It was a bit of a rush job, truthfully the only things I put a strong amount of effort into was the dreamcatcher necklace and the pot of broth, and even that was more of a time and effort thing rather than any actual significant drain on my mana. Thankfully, I was still feeling keen enough to join in on morning exercises, but that was about it. I'll still have to drop by some places for a monthly check in though, so I'll have to fight through it.

I needed to make those items regardless of my personal condition however. We needed that alliance, especially considering my end goals. I can't say I know how I'm going to run the future government, preferably by council if I'm being honest. Honestly, with so many what ifs floating in the air, any single one plan I come up with could very well go up in smoke, and I'd prefer a decentralized government that wouldn't rely on any one figurehead. Thank god I'm such an overthinker or I wouldn't have any contingency plans in case one thing or another happens, it's the only reason I've been able to keep myself afloat. If it weren't for me even keeping those crystals stockpiled I probably wouldn't have been able to help the three tribes get the up they needed on the Red Eyes. I'm just hoping it works out.

I shook my head, before deciding to reach into a pocket on my jacket, and pulled out a simplistic ring forged from frost copper and given a simple twist style faintly reminiscent of vines. It shimmered softly in my hand, making me rub at it subconsciously. A {Ring of Minor Insomnia}, something I made alongside the other magic items from last night, though this one I kept for personal reasons. After all, every hour counted. I needed to grind away every second I had like a drunk sorority girl, especially now that my leveling has slowed significantly. I'm chalking it up to the fact that I'm simply not getting enough of a challenge lately, as well as the fact that I'm still dealing with these bandaged hands keeping Marscha from clearing me for leave. So for now, I've got something to help me work, even if it's more planning, scheming, and scheduling as I continue to write out my ideas for how to handle things.

Speaking of handling things, time to unwrap those and check my progress. Unwinding them again, I had to say the progress was coming along nicely. I was right in my presumption that they were going to scar, but at least they weren't as nasty as before. Some sensation did return, but it wasn't as strong as it used to be. I sighed, shaking my head. At least It could be worse, though I can safely say this is as good as it's probably going to get.

With my bandages off, I slipped the ring on and felt a faint refreshing sensation, as though a portion of some fatigue I hadn't realized I was feeling faded. Huh, so that's what a magic item feels like when you wear it? Weird. In a good way mind you, but weird.

"Just hope it goes through…" I muttered. I then heard the curtains to our hut flap open, and I turned to see Yulg standing in the doorway. "Ah, 'lo there. Been a sec since I've seen you in the hut. Forget something?"

He didn't answer me, instead looking over his shoulders and making a motioning nod. Another lizardman came in, this one seeming a little familiar. "Got a guest Yulg? Who's this?"

The lizardman seemed to fidget a bit, before regaining composure. "Ah, er yes… Mr. Potts?"

Ah, that's where I recognize him, he's one of the youngsters. I give off another disarming chuckle, trying to make the boy feel at ease. "You can stop with the Mr. Potts stuff if you'd like you know, it makes me feel old. Just Nolan works fine"

"Er, right sir… Are you uh…" Before he could sputter some more, the goblin placed a hand on his leg. The lizardman took a deep breath, long and heavy, before exhaling. He looked at me with renewed eyes. "What do you know of Vota?"

Vota? Ah shit. That's actually gaining traction? I hum thoughtfully, almost in a 'wise man' manner. Meanwhile, I was trying to buy myself time to think of how to handle this. "Tell you what, allow me to go ahead and prepare some more tea for you two. It's not often these days I get the time to sit down and exchange pleasantries for more than a moment's breath. What would you prefer?"

"Er, I don't know…" The lizardman admitted with a rub of his neck. "You pick?"

I nod with a smile. "Fair enough, how about elderberry tea then? It's fairly enjoyable as a refreshing beverage if nothing else"

The young man nodded, accepting that as a choice. As I prepared the pot for another batch of tea, I couldn't help but ask a couple questions as to the who, what, when, where, and why of my situation. I could roughly guess the how at least, since Yulg was probably the one to bring him here.

"So, while I prepare things, can I get a name? Wouldn't do to not have it"

"Ah, it's Kyro sir…" I heard the lizardman mumble just loud enough for me to hear.

"{Create Water}" I murmur, pouring a small spout into the primitive clay kettle. Note to self, commission a steel one from Kika. "Kyro, a strong name. Hmm, there was actually a village in my homeland with a name similar to yours"

Cairo, Ohio to be precise. When I say village I mean it. If I had to guess, that place probably had like four hundred people tops.

"Of course, the village itself got its name from a far stronger city, the capital of a nation to be precise, off in a land very distant from there, but I digress"

I plop the dried elderberries from a jar and into a cloth, before securing said cloth in a baggie style and leaving it to the side while the water heated up. Would have to wait before that was ready to steep the tea. In the meantime, I do have a couple more questions that came up, something that might help me get through this mess.

I sit down at the table across from them with a soft smile, before realizing they were still standing. I wanted to sigh internally, but I also realized these guys still have their own personal codes and beliefs. Damn you for being a foreign culture.

"Well go on, take a seat. We're going to be here a while"

They shyly accepted my request, both of them sitting across from me at the table. "So… I suppose I should start this with some questions of my own. Why is it that you seek the All?"

Smooth Nolan, give that old wise and all knowing vibe. Just might make it through this without making the lizardmen catch onto the fact that you've been bullshitting your way through things. Kyro didn't seem certain at first, but another nod from Yulg gave him comfort. He straightened his posture and stared me in the eyes.

"Strength," He spoke simply.

"To what end?" I began. "Strength of mind, of body, or of heart? And to what lengths would you go, or what purpose would you even extend such strength for?"

"The strength to protect my village!" He spoke with resolution. I made an 'ah' in understanding, nodding my head.

"There are many who seek strength purely for themselves, and there is nothing wrong with that. To want to better oneself is a perfectly natural want, both acceptable and understandable even for selfish gains. But to seek strength not for one's self, but for those they care for… that is a completely different flower. One that must be tended and nurtured to in a certain way"

I leaned forward, hands clasped together as I looked at the lizardman in his golden-brown eyes to try and get a read on him. "Tell me, Kyro, you speak of strength for the village, but I presume that would not be all. That in particular is too broad of a stroke, for you could not possibly have the strength to make sure every single warrior comes home safely from the hunt. No, you seek strength to protect particular individuals, or even just a single individual, to make sure that they do not suffer any injustices that are brought their way. Why do you do so? You've given me the reason you seek Vota for, but what is the reason behind your reason?"

The lizardman seemed to stop for a moment. He looked me square in my eyes, seemingly studying me in turn. Then, he gave his answer.

"For my clutch sister," He responded.

Clutch sister? Huh, I thought the lizardmen only laid one egg per… well, you know. Whatever, I'd have to ask about that later, I don't wanna look like a fool right now. I can at least gauge that he means a biological sister though.

"Laudible. To want to protect one so close with such vehemence that you would be willing to seek strength from all sources… why the Apex? And why ask me, or even Yulg for that matter considering he's the one that brought you here?"

"Because… the times are changing," Kyro began. "I'm not the brightest in the village. I know that, the albinos have that luxury. But I can tell when things are going a certain way. Our starvation being fought back by your lessons, and the… Yulg, defeating me in combat so thoroughly… it's made me realize just how much more to the world there is than just the lizardmen, the sheer scope of it. And that there's so much more out there to give me that strength. That's why I wish to study your God, to know the strength to stand tall and proud, against whatever may come. For my sister's sake"

I gasped for breath, having reached the end of my final lap. I faintly tasted copper on my tongue as I sucked in air, placing my hand against a tree on the park trail. I'd ran out of water in the final stretch and didn't want to slow down in fear I'd lose momentum. Realizing what I'd forgotten, I hurriedly clicked my wristwatch, stopping the timer on it.

"Two… miles… twenty five minutes… heck yeah…"

I slid down against the tree, ignoring the feeling of frost dethawing on my steaming legs. I didn't care, that was something I was adapted for at this point. Once I've got my cardio down, maybe then my dad would take me seriously in showing me how to fight.

Two miles in twenty five minutes. For an adult just getting into running? Pretty average. For a teen just recovering from cockroach induced asthma and a history of bronchitis? I'd say I was more impressed I didn't have a relapse and had another asthma attack. Just glad I ain't so fucked up in the lungs anymore, or else I doubt I'd last in this world past the first steps.

"I… know what that's like, believe it or not," I responded. "I've gone on my own journey, seeking strength to protect my brothers, to do anything that it takes to make sure they are safe and sound. Even now, when I am far away from them, I am constantly on the pressure of the hunt for strength, to be able to protect them and see their smiles. Very well, you come seeking strength. The strength to stand against whatever comes your way. That is… not an easy strength to train for, or come across. There will be many trials on your path ahead, some may even be tests from the All itself, though do not expect them to make themselves known as such. Do you understand the challenge facing forward?"

"I do," He responded, though I could see some trepidation.

Hmmm, what to do. You know, I could probably take a page out of Sebas' book and make myself seem a fair bit more profound, but this could also backfire depending on the young lizardman's reaction. It would all depend on how he stands on the matter. High risk, high reward… Nah, I don't think that would give such an effect on him at my current level when compared to his.

Option B it is.

"Well, we will see then. As I said, there are many challenges on the road ahead. Only time will tell if you truly are capable"

And I do mean that. Some folks got it, some don't. Simple as.

"Hmmm… alright, I must admit I still don't have a lot to go off of here. So tell me, Kyro, what is it you'd like to ask about the All?"

"Well… is this 'All' really the God of everything?" He asked.

"That would be correct, yes"

"Even… evil?"

I breathed in through my nostrils and sighed, giving a nod. "In a certain light, yes. The Apex is everything. For in every act of light, there is a sliver of shadow. As is with every dark act of evil, there is a shimmering ember of hope. You must understand however, that evil is a term not easily deciphered. Few things are truly evil, as few things are truly good. Even in the very absolutes of perspective it is uncertain. There is one thing I can say regardless…"

I give a moment's breath for the sake of accentuating what I was going to say next. "Vota does not care"

"H-huh?" He stammered. I can see that it even shook Yulg, which I kinda felt bad about.

"It is not that God does not care, but rather that they cannot afford to. The universe, in all it's boundless creation is cold and cruel. It must be, for without adversity one cannot grow. In order for everything to grow, to reach a pinnacle of love, it must constantly bob and weave, dancing between entropy in life. Do you know how small we are compared to the universe?"

The lizardman took a moment, before shaking his head. I smiled in kind.

"Alright, can you imagine the mountains off in the distance? How big those are?"

He seemed surprised for a moment, before thinking on it. "Ummm… much bigger than that?"

I laugh softly, gently placing my hands on the table to stand back up. The kettle was starting to whistle, and I needed to attend to it. As I handled the pot of boiling water, I continued the conversation.

"Much bigger than what you're thinking, I can assure you. Do you know how large this continent is? Or this planet?"

The words seemed to confuse him. "Planet?"

I shook my head. "Oh, I simply wish we had access to glass. What I'd give to hand you a telescope and show you what the heavenly bodies looked like. At least show you the surface of the moon. Hmmm… You know what the soil is like beneath our very feet, yes?"

"I mean, yes?"

"Then, tell me, what would you think if I told you that the moon was a place where you could plant your feet, and feel it's sand between the webs of your claws?"

Kyro and Yulg gawked at that. Yeah, that's fair, just went from tribal wisdom to hearing someone tell you that the moon is a place you can walk like any other. Now for the make or break.

"And as for the sun, it is bright, gives warmth, and life to this world. And yet it is so unfathomably large that it would easily swallow this world thousands of times over and not swell. The only reason it does not is because of the sheer distance between the sun and us"

"T-that's…" He muttered weakly.

"Preposterously large, I know. So much so, that… I would not blame you for calling me mad"

"No! T-that's not-"

I shushed him with a raise of my hand, smiling and chuckling. "Believe me, I'm no fool. I know that's exactly what was along the lines of your thoughts"

He looked down ashamedly. Yeah, knew that was gonna happen. I pulled the pot off and dropped the cloth of berries in the water. Now to let it steep. I lay it on the table, letting it do it's business, as I sat back down with the cups in hand, placing them down.

"Now, lastly… what do you know of the stars?"

"The… stars?" He asked curiously, to which I nodded. He seemed to be thinking back, as if recalling something from a time passed. "I… believe the story goes that the stars were actually the greatest of our ancestors, that a new one only appeared whenever a warrior had proven themselves a legend among tribes"

I smiled, shaking our head. "No, not quite. Would you believe me if I… well, I doubt you would, but it still needs to be said. What if I told you the sun and our stars actually have something in common?"

He cocked his head at that. "How… so?"

"Now tell me, I just told you that the sun is so large it could easily swallow our world a thousand times whole. And yet, it's so small in the sky you could easily use your thumb to blot it out. The mountains, you know they're large, and yet from here they're small. Why?"

A dawning of recognition came upon him, and he shuddered. "Distance".

"Exactly," I told him. "Now tell me, if the sun and stars supposedly have something in common, why is it that one looks so much smaller than the other?"

The goblin and the lizardman both looked completely shattered by the revelation. Really hoping I don't get called a madman, but if there's something that would nail down the sheer scope of my Patron, it would be describing the universe. Cause honestly, I don't remember much from that thing, but I do recall it was responsible for keeping an eye on the multiverse.

"Each star… has worlds around it. Some are so boiling hot that lead takes the place of water, molten oceans of metal and skies of boiling acid, raining sulfur and iron upon your head. Others are frozen to the point that you'd be lucky to see the sun on any given day of their year. And some still… are just like ours. There are many more stars out there than you can even see, but the ones that we do see are simply the ones close enough for us to witness in the first place"

Not quite true, a lot of things to account for, but yeah.

"The Apex, the All, the Holy Spirit… their domain is all of that. So far beyond our scope that we would not have understood it without scholars throughout the ages of my homeland deciphering it. Galileo, Isaac Newton, Einstein, Hawking… each played a part, adding on to the understanding of the universe and of the All's creation. That is why the All does not care. Not because it doesn't, but with all those worlds and lives at stake, it can't afford to. Every act of good, every act of evil, all sinners and saints play a part in the grand scheme of things"

I sigh, having finished my little… rant? Tirade? Whatever the case. I got money on being called a madman. This was a wholly different gamble on its own, one that had its own set of risks. But unfortunately, it was the only other thing I could come up with that would make such a heavy impact on things.

"We're… not even motes of dust on the wind, are we…?" He said, sounding… defeated? No, that's not quite it.

"Yes, sadly. The All is cold, cruel, and unforgiving solely because of that which must be sacrificed for a greater whole. But that does not mean that we have to be cold, cruel, and unforgiving. That is how we give our thanks to the All, by doing for them what they cannot afford to do. Laughing, crying, hating, and punishing… we creations, from the humblest of goblins to the mightiest of dragons, even the undead whom lack in heart compared to others, show their thanks to the All simply by doing their own personal and selfish things. Each and every single person you meet, no matter their actions, is a testament to why the universe is continuously functioning under the guidance of Vota…"

I poured between the three cups evenly, trying to get a steady flavor among them.

"It's just a matter of understanding this, and choosing to be kinder and more selfless for others once we know this. It's why I spared Yulg, and one of the reasons why I've helped the village. I won't lie, you're probably more than aware of the honest fact that my reasons behind helping your people were somewhat selfish and I mean it, but not all of them were"

With the cups poured, I placed the pot down and wafted in the steam of my own tea. Mmm, fragrant. A perfect sweetener to the sour taste of the kentucky fried bullshit I just spewed.

"Now, with that in the scope of mind… perhaps you understand the All a little better?"

I walked at a casual pace through the village, worn out both physically and mentally, now because I'm dealing with the fact that the religious explanations I gave for my superstitions from growing up around a clusterfuck of religious backgrounds is coming back to haunt me. Yet another thing I'll need to bullshit my way through, joy. Here's hoping I don't get kicked out for that, but with all the superstitious bullshit that happens in this world maybe I can get some leeway for once. Gotta remind myself that cynicism isn't a trait everyone has.

Still, after a few more questions and conversations, it really just boiled down to me copying and pasting from various religions and modern day media. A bit of Thel 'Vadamee here, some Mark Twaine there, and voila. They seemed pretty satisfied with my answers, drank my tea, and went on their way. I realistically knew they were going to come back for more, which was going to be stressful enough, but I'd burn that bridge when I got there.

Already made my rounds around the fisheries and workshops. Fisheries were running smoothly, at least no more fish had died now that they were steadily feeding them from the surrounding land portions of the area, as well as making sure they weren't cannibalizing again. Workshops were moving along swimmingly, even got to see one of the prototype crossbows in the making, though they seemed to be having some slight issues. It wasn't something I could help with sadly, it was just a matter of them building it together which even I didn't know. I could make a bow, sure, but all that pulley and trigger shit was more up their alley than mine.

As for the labs, yeah that was going along as per usual. Yeast cultures were coming together, and we put together a trial date for testing the candies. Past that, most of our projects have hit a snail's pace recently because of the chieftain, the only projects gaining any traction being the more militaristically applied ones. Hmmm, I wonder if making booze strong enough for firebombs would work…

I was broken out of my musings by the sounds of a gathering crowd, in particular near the commons area where certain events and feasts were held I've come to learn. To my surprise, there was Zarusosa up there with two other guys at his side on what looked to be a hastily made podium. On the right hand side, though I sure as hell didn't recognize all of them, I did recognize Osai amidst them. Was this some kind of announcement I missed the memo for?

"Attention, Red Eye clan!" The more prominent lizard of the right hand side spoke, and hey is that my dreamcatcher necklace?

The crowd hushed, clearly wanting to hear what was going to be said next. "We have gathered here today to make an announcement. For so long, our tribe has been left to its own. For so long, this was all we needed. But as of late, with the coming resource scarcity, even with all that we have managed it has simply been not enough. But today, that changes! These three tribes came to us, and offered to stand alongside us as we would them, for us all to act as brothers and sisters in battle for when the time came to fight. For the first time in the tribe's history, we shall no longer look at matters simply as matters of being 'friends of convenience', now we will have those that will help pick things up where we simply cannot.

Sukyu Juju, of the Small Fangs, a tribe denoted for their abilities to strike from afar like no other. Kyuku Zuzu, of the Razor Tails, they who would provide the strengths of heavily clad warriors as well as the wisdom of their elders in the field of combat. And finally, Zarusosa Shasha of the Green Claws. Though they do not fully claim superiority in any given field of expertise, they show strength not in war but in the ability to provide for and support the other two tribes, giving them the strength they need to persevere!

Thus, it is on this day, after much conversation and deliberation, that I, Kukri Lolo of the Red Eyes declare our alliance to the tribes, and our will to stand proud in the face of those who would take that which belongs to us!"

The crowd's response was quiet at first, but it slowly built up. Small claps, then a wave of them, and soon a whole cacophony of hollers and waves spread out throughout the mob. I, meanwhile, was partly relieved that things went well in the negotiations, and partly hung up on one thing.

Why is this guy giving me major villain vibes?

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)

Dran: Huh, no kidding? The odds of that, even if he was a warforged instead of a lizardman. Gotta say, not every day I meet a fellow warforged paladin enjoyer XD