With his demonstration over, Thorian issued another order. "Let's clear the branches of this tree. It will be a good exercise to learn how to use an axe." Thorian pointed at a random kobloid and said, "You, come here."
The kobloid looked confused for a second before walking toward Thorian with his axe in hand. Thorian took a stance and said, "Look closely at my hand; this is how we cut the branches." Thorian cleared the leaves from a large branch before striking it continuously with his axe. After a couple of hits, the large branch fell with a thud.
"Do the same thing I did but take your time and make sure your grip is firm." The little kobloid nodded at Thorian's words before following his steps. He also cleared the leaves from the branch, but his left arm was precariously aligned with the axe's trajectory, which immediately set off Thorian's internal alarms.
"Not like that," Thorian stopped the kobloid before disaster could strike. He then repositioned his hand, so it was no longer in the natural trajectory of the weapon. "Careful with your hand; an axe can cut through your wrist."
The kobloid nodded, oblivious to the danger he was just in, before striking the branch. The cut wasn't the best; it hit at a diagonal angle, and the edge wasn't properly aligned, but it still did the job. After seven or eight strikes, the branch was cut.
"You did well," Thorian praised the young furred monster before looking at the rest of his pack. He pointed at another random kobloid and said, "You come next."
The second kobloid wasn't as hesitant as the first one and stepped forward confidently. He followed Thorian's directions, but as with the first kobloid, his hand placement was terrible. After correcting the mistake, the second monster was also able to cut a branch with relative ease.
Thorian calmly taught every one of his followers the basics of handling an axe and cutting branches. Even the large kobold surrendered and learned after seeing everyone participating in the activity.
After fifteen minutes of work, the large branches were all cut, leaving a large naked trunk on the ground.
"We will be carrying this trunk," Thorian announced with a grin. "You're all strong and tough men, so I don't expect any complaining."
The kobloid laughed and howled, high on their achievement. Thorian's slight compliment also helped boost their morale and make them eager to work.
The pack of fifteen monsters raised the large tree trunk and put it on their shoulders. They then followed Thorian's lead to the Territory Altar.
"Demon," the kobold looked in shock at the Altar, and so did all the other kobloids. Their bodies were shivering, and they looked like they wanted to run away from this place at any moment.
"Calm yourselves, gentlemen," Thorian put down the trunk and walked toward the scary altar, touching the demon's face. "There is nothing to be scared of. It is just a rock."
The kobold still looked apprehensive, but he slowly inched forward toward the Altar. With shaking hands, he lightly touched the rock. Seeing that nothing happened, he touched all parts of the demon's face with more confidence before the fear fully dissipated. The other kobloids also slowly took up their courage and walked toward the demon's face on the Territory Altar. Once they were sure it was safe, they started playing around and jumping on top of it.
How fickle are these creatures? One moment they're experiencing the most primal fear, the other they're playing like children.
Now that they had reached their destination, Thorian’s true plan could finally start. He cleared his throat to get the attention of everyone before laying out his orders, "We will now need to cut down all the trees. Don't ask for the reason, you will understand soon. I just want everyone to take their axes and cut as many trees as they can. Whoever finishes with the most trees cut will become the tree-cutting champion."
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Thorian's words created an uproar as the kobloids chanted, "Champion! Champion!" Even the kobold was getting excited and made his way to a tree with a grin on his face.
Truly simpleminded.
Seeing that they got excited over a non-existent title, Thorian could only shake his head at the simplicity of his new species. However, it was that same simplicity that allowed him to unlock their potential with such ease; Thorian did not mind it.
Wait… Maybe, they're getting too excited.
The kobloids were striking the trees with their axes with no regard for their own or others' safety. If they continued at this rate, catastrophe was sure to strike.
"Stop!" Thorian shouted with a commanding voice. Thankfully, whether it was due to respect or fear, the kobloids followed his order and stopped to look at him. "Be careful of where the tree will fall after you cut it, don't crush your comrades due to your stupidity. Also, don't rely on others knowing what to do; keep an eye out if a tree is falling toward you and be safe."
The kobloids nodded at Thorian's words before nervously fidgeting in place, awaiting his next words.
"Continue," With Thorian's blessing, the kobloids resumed their work, but with less savage fervor.
Minutes slowly passed, and Thorian's worries did come to fruition, though to a lesser extent than expected. The kobloids who finished cutting through a tree trunk represented less of a danger to others and more of a danger to themselves. They almost always cut in such a way that the tree would fall on top of them, and they would need to hurriedly scurry out of the way lest they become shredded pancakes.
Fortunately, Thorian did not have to intervene many times, as the kobloids were fast enough to ensure their safety. It was only those cutting the tallest trees that Thorian had to keep an eye on. If he felt like they were about to royally mess up, he would stop them mid-work and finish the cutting process in their stead. For now, the safety of his subjects was paramount.
Hours quickly passed as the monsters cleared out the patch of the forest that the four statues surrounded. By the time the sun was about to set, all the small trees around them were already cut, and a significant portion of the medium-sized ones was taken care of too. Only the truly gigantic trees were not touched, as Thorian did not have confidence that they would be able to cut them without sending one of his subjects to meet Amay and the seven hell princes.
With the work now almost done, Thorian walked toward the kobold who was busy cutting through a medium-sized tree. His movements were now much more fluid and done with expertise. His edge was properly aligned in most of his strikes, and his rhythm was relatively consistent.
For someone who didn't want to use an axe, he truly learned the craft in a short time.
After the tree fell and the rumbling stopped, Thorian finally spoke, "I will give you the responsibility to keep an eye on everyone while I go back to the cave. When I am absent, you speak in my tongue; your orders are to be followed."
The kobold grinned at Thorian’s words. They sounded better than an angelic choir in his ears.
"For now, just keep clearing more trees. We will need as many as we can get."
The kobold looked at Thorian in confusion and furrowed his eyebrows, "Tree cut, why?"
"They will be useful very soon," Thorian responded simply. "Even if I try to explain it to you right now, you won't understand it until you see it. So just wait until you can see it."
Even though Thorian's words were not particularly convincing, the kobold still nodded, "Tree cut, me strong?"
Thorian chuckled at the question, I forgot. I should have gone with such an explanation in the first place.
He then nodded and responded, "Yes, the more trees that are cut, the stronger we will all get."
The kobold grinned and gripped the handle of his axe tighter. Even though he should be relatively weary from working without much sleep for hours, the thought of becoming strong pushed him to start cutting the next tree.
Seeing the kobold continue his work, Thorian walked toward the Territory Altar and checked the time.
Display Territory
System Error…
"The Territory Altar has not been fully activated yet. Please wait until the start of the new world."
ETA: 06:22:38
Six hours and a half? That should be enough time to get enough wood. We also need to hunt in these last peaceful hours before the Apocalypse truly starts.