Khrus let out a triumphant yell as he falls down on his knees with his arms raised to the afternoon sky, his head bent back and his face filled with accomplishment.

“YEEEEEEAAAAAHH!”

Khrus was the first one to run to the first lap. Well, he actually gave out halfway through the lap and just started to crawl the next half all the way to the end. Behind 13 meters from him was Barnon, still trying to run to the lap with the log behind him was being dragged across the ground. The rest behind Barnon either walked, or crawled with their logs on their back.

Unlike the males who had to suffer heavy burden literally, the females have already past did their first lap and is now closing in to the second one. The females had to jump from tree to tree in the edge of the forest. Although they had a lot of mishaps, they eventually got used to the tree hopping thing. This was because it was still inclined to these kobolds high stamina and crazy agility.

The males, on the other hand, had to do strength training which their muscle-less body cannot get used to easily. They have been training for 7 days straight, stopping only to hunt and eat then finally sleep. Their bodies still have a long way to go, but their endurance sure are progressing well.

The observant god, Nemer, had been watching their training from the start. The steady progress of the training pleased him quite well, since he expected that the kobolds wouldn’t be able to do the first lap in the first week. Actually, they were crawling and walking instead of running, but that’s good enough. Nemer only wanted them to be at the minimum health requirement for Arcs. At least the muscle-less can now be replaced with muscle-good-enough.

“Alright guys, that’s a wrap. All of you rest until your next training.”

Is what the kobolds heard, and surely enough, they immediately took the chance to stop whatever they are doing and go to their huts and sleep. The straight days training really strained their bodies that caused them to always be feeling exhausted even though they had a good night’s sleep.

As for the god, he loosened the link from his altar and started to think. From the time he had watching the kobolds train, he has been thinking a ‘lesson plan’ of sorts for the teaching of the kobolds about ‘Arc and Arcus’, a universal phenomena and system akin to the other worlds’ magic and mana. This pseudo-scientific system has been the foundation of every arcusian on Taerrea that could date back to the beginning of time.

The universe that Nemer and others knew is entirely made out of arcus, an element that encompasses everything that existed. From the atoms to the galaxies, all of those are arcus.

Arc would then the ways of manipulating arcus according to one’s will, bending reality just like how an arc line bends. There a lot of types and kinds of arcs, and all of them uses arcus.

Just as the universe has the law of physics and theories, so does arc and arcus. One of the universal arcs and arcus law, is that no one can destroy arcus. Even the gods cannot defy this law, as some tried and failed. Another important law, is that arcs override physics. That means no matter how illogical, impossible and absurd an arc is, you have no choice but to accept the fact that it broke reality.

All of these information are definitely important, but not obligatory. For one, only dedicated or intelligent arcusians would want to have extensive knowledge about the universal law of arc and arcus, that or they are just bored. Most of the accomplished arcusians simply go by with general information and experience, making it more clear that you do not need to know everything about arc and arcus to make a difference. Knowledge would still certainly help though.

Nemer himself is not that knowledgeable, but he knows a thing or two regarding the matter. Which is why he finally decided on the approach of the training. Of course he would have to wait-

Snooore

-because he can in no way teach a sleeping village.

The next morning, the kobolds have realized that they slept all the way through from afternoon till morning. The worried look of the kobolds in their huts indicates that they're worried that their slumber may have irritated Nemer. From what the kobolds have heard, gods were supposed to be impatient, and anyone who would dare test their patience would be smitten.

Of course, this was just a baseless rumor spread by people for the purpose of making offerings and prayers be as brief as possible. Patience has been the overwhelming virtue of most of the gods, including the naturally energetic goddess of peace.

The kobolds hurriedly changed and gathered around the altar. Just then, the Bluemark Altar would emit it’s signature glow, before the kobolds hear a voice speak.

“Hm? Why are you all here?”

Inquired the confused god, as he had never told them to gather just yet.

“Ermm… we fell asleep yesterday afternoon, my lord, and slept through the whole remaining training hours, so we gathered here to see if you are… mad at as.” Barnon spoke with a nervous tone.

Nemer is quite happy they are fiercely loyal to him, but their loyalty seems to be caging them more than they were still slaves.

This was no surprise however, since their previous masters would be mad if they slept through their ‘working’ hours, and be beaten or abused or anything related to those. Not one of the kobolds had a kind master to tend to them.

“I said to rest till your next training right?”

“But my lord-”

“No buts. Do as I say, but keep in mind that you are still free. I’m not going to force you to do something that you don’t want.”

Barnon, who had much left to say, kept quiet. He never thought that his lord would be this benevolent. Truly, their lord is befitting of a god.

“So rest up. The next training will only be given to those who want it.”

The kobolds then bowed with a ‘Yes, my lord’ before going to to their village grounds to relax and rest. As Nemer expected, Barnon would take part of the training seeing how his face once again was filled with determination. He understood that lving beings like them still has freedom, and he doesn't want to take that away from them.

Nemer underestimated the will and loyalty of these kobolds. The next morning, right before him were 10 kobolds standing in front of the altar, bodies tuned and faces stern. Turns out, these kobolds would do anything for their beloved lord, and what other way to do that than to partake his training?

“I see all of you have gathered.”

Nemer has sent out a message to the kobolds to go to the altar if they want to do the activity, and all of them wanted to do it. The shocked but amused god was grinning like an idiot over his followers. He could’ve never asked any better followers than these lot.

“Yes we have, my lord. If I may ask, what training are we going to do today?”

Barnon and co could not wait anymore, as their enthusiasm is slowly showing on their wagging tails.

“Ah, right.” Nemer then cleared his throat. “Todays training will be about Arc and Arcus.”

The kobolds halt their wags, and looked at the altar, curious and confused. ‘What’s an arc? Is it tasty?’ ‘Arcus? Who is that?’ And other related questions started sprouting from their mouths, or snouts, as they murmur from each other. Even Barnon, the cleverest of them all, has no idea what those are.

Of course they wouldn’t, since their previous masters were despicable lowlifes with less than desirable constitution that their body and mind could not do any Arcs. The fact that even their kingdom are devoid of arcusians is enough of a reason to why the kobolds weren’t exposed to anything regarding arcs and arcus.

“First off, arcus is what we call the element that makes up everything you see. Rocks, trees, air, even your body is made out of arcus.”

“Does that include you, my lord?” asked Barnon.

“Yes it does.”

The gods were not exempt from this law. Even the 3 Planes are made out of arcus, with the Planes of Gods having the most amount and concentration of arcus. It is only right, because a god needed a lot of arcus to maintain themselves.

“Second, arc is the thing were you manipulate arcus to your will and bend reality.”

The kobolds got once again excited. The very thought of being able to do impossible stuff was tempting to them.

“Lastly, for the next few weeks, I will be teaching all of you arcs.”

The kobolds threw out a cheer for the upcoming training.

And so the kobolds once again trained, but with arcus instead of arcus. Nemer told them the basic arcs: expand, contract, focus, spread, contain, release, attract, repel, imbue, and absorb. These arcs are called the ‘Essential Arcs’, where if one to use master arcs, one must know the essentials.

The Essential Arcs uses the arcus of one’s body, because no matter where you go, your body will always be the first thing available that has arcus. No, the arc does not manipulate the arcus of body, but the arcus of the soul.

There are two things essential for arcs, which are; The Heart and The Soul. The Heart is responsible for pleasures and instinct, and is also responsible for one to control arcus. The Soul is responsible for compassion and sympathy, and is also responsible for containing arcus. This is why only living beings can control arcus, and this includes non sentient life like ants or worms.

The kobolds are doing meditation of sorts, standing up while breathing very slowly with eyes closed. They needed to bring out the arcus from their souls in order to use their arcs. They have been doing this for over an hour already.

“Snifffff, haaaaaa…”

Those onomatopoeia are the only sounds coming from the group, save for the swaying of leaves and the gentle breeze of the wind. Nemer watched closely as his followers are about to breakthrough.

Just then, the kobolds feel something burst from them. It wasn’t painful, but actually pleasant, as if their bodies were now relieved of burden. They felt their body got colder, and the air became minty. When the kobolds opened their eye, the knew they succeeded.

The kobolds saw arcus for the first time, flowing out from each other’s bodies. Like smoke, they diffuse, but like water, they look viscous. The shock in the kobolds faces were amusing for the god. He purposely omit anything that would happen during a breakthrough as a surprise, and boy did he like it.

“Is this… arcus?”

One of the kobolds asked, a brown fur kobold that wore only shorts just like the other males.

“Yep. Congratulations on your breakthroughs.” Nemer declared.

The kobolds celebrated while their bodies emit arcus and automatically forming auras. There was clapping, high five-ing, hugging, and other celebratory stuff.

“But we aren’t done yet.”

The kobolds abruptly stopped their celebration and once again focused their attention to the altar.

“Now, what you need to do is manipulate your arcus in any way possible. This one’s on you guys. I’ll be stepping out from here.”

The kobolds were confused. They have no idea how to manipulate arcus. Sure, Nemer has already told them what to do, but they needed ‘how’, not ‘what’. At least one kobold has an idea. Khrus grunted all he could, earning the attention of the others as he tried his best to manipulate his arcus. He flexed his arms downwards and slouched, trying to imbue his aura of arcus to his skin. The kobolds were in awe of Khrus’ demonstration.

Pooooot

Then that awe turned to laughter. Khrus let out a ghastly air with a whistle, in it wasn’t pleasant for the wolf-like kobold. However, Khrus grinned when his highly hazardous gas reached the nose of the other kobolds, and he laughed in turn to the faces of disgust, all trying to cover their nose from the horrid smell. Their higher attuned senses made it even worse for them, and Khrus. It took a while before Khrus smelled his own fart and started rolling on the ground teary eyed.

Nemer shook his head on the kobolds, but nevertheless happy for Khrus. That gas wasn’t just a normal fart, but an arcus infused one that multiplied its intensity several times. In a way, Khrus succeeded, through his ass. Now, if only he could do that to anything else other than his fart.

…

….....

…...........

A carriage zooms on a road with the horse in front kicking in full gear. 5 armed guards escort the carriage, as they ride their horses and trying to flee from a group of people.

“Faster! Do not let them take away the princess!”

One of the guards yelled, donned in a steel armor, and was replied with a ‘Yes sir!’ by the others.

One of the guards took out a bow and aimed at his back. He shot an arrow and pierced the horse of one of the people chasing them, resulting in the horse going down and taking another three with him before disappearing behind the group.

The attackers then retaliated by sending a ball of fire that struck the ground under the carriage, exploding and throwing the carriage and escort away from the blast. The resulting explosion kicked up a lot of dust, and covered the area of impact.

The attackers stopped, and investigated the area once the dust settled after a while, and realized that the VIP has escaped and the opposition was met with retaliation of 3 guards.

At least, the princess is safe for now.