Chapter 2

“Nimora is the foundational energy used to tap. It is found out in the open, but it is more commonly found within the tapper’s vault. There are three different kinds of tappers that we will discuss here shortly. Although each different tapper utilizes nimora by converting it into another energy or material, such as fire or metals.”

-Triforge lecture part one - Nimora

The entire village filled with activity as the Nabi people moved about, following their delegations. Groups of people were digging trenches, making rope, and cutting down nearby trees solely for the sake of their land. Koden stood on a tree bridge in front of Rato’s home, making sure everyone was performing their tasks. Ensuring the people are being as efficient as possible is key for they do not have much time to get such a large job done. Koden’s biggest impediment to his strategies is the primitive state the Nabi people were still in, even though most of the Plathara Continent they live on have moved to metal tools and utility artifacts. After Koden confirmed the people were working to his standard, he decided to lend a hand to speed up the process. He turned towards a ladder pinned to the trunk of the tree Rato’s house set in. As he turned, he saw Rato and a younger man walk out of his decorated hut, and walk towards Koden. The young man was slender and tall. He wore loose-fitting tan clothes and similar to Rato he wore a bundle of beads around his neck. Koden grew distasteful as he saw that he was wearing wooden sandals, hooked to his feet by a strip of straw in between his toes. The Atomo family never believed in wearing foot wear that exposes any part of the foot. They find it heathenous and outdated as if they were still stuck in the broken age. “Koden, I'd like to introduce you to my eldest son, Bahka,” Rato proudly said.

“Very nice to meet you,” Bahka said, slightly bowing his head.

Koden grew more and more in astonishment by the humility and politeness the Nabi people held. “You as well,” he replied with a smile.

“Bahka is the next in line to lead the Nabi Tribe, so I want him to assist you in commanding my people,” Rato kindly suggested.

“Absolutely, the more help, the better,” Koden stated.

Rato retired to his home while Koden and Bahka climbed down the ladder to the forest floor. They began walking through the heart of the small village, heading towards the group of tribesmen shoveling the trenches. “These trenches should deter most of the boar’s, but most importantly of all, we are using this dirt at the ambush point,” Koden said, informing Bahka of his plans.

“That's very resourceful,” Bahka complimented.

Half of the villagers working on the trenches used arrow shaped shovels made from thick sharpened wood slabs, attached to a sturdy pole that was once a branch. The other half of the group transported the fill dirt to the ambush point nearby using a handful of large wooden carts pulled by mules. The shovelers were over half of the way there to their mission of digging a ten-foot deep trench in between the village and the boar's place of dwelling.

Koden saw in the distance at the ambush point a group of villagers manipulating the fill dirt into a steep hill flowing down into an opening in the trees where many beasts travel through. As his plans came to life, he grew more confident in his decisions. “Well these men don't look like they need any assistance,” Koden said with confidence.

They moved on further out from the village where a group of people were in the process of cutting down trees. Koden understood that the Nabi people might not have been as advanced as what he is used to, but what they lack they make up with perfecting certain professions, like working with wood. Never in his life has Koden seen individuals so skilled in toppling trees, the immense precision and clean-cut patterns that followed after their work impressed him greatly. Their orders were to cut down three giant trees selected by Koden. After they are cut down, they are to be dissected into twenty foot sections free of all branches and transported to the ambush point. One of the three trees had already fallen moments before Koden and Bahka’s arrival. The people began smoothing down the surface of the trunk freeing it from all the branches growing from it. “So, how often do the boar’s trouble your tribe?” Koden asked, turning to Bahka.

“Every few weeks or so, it seems they are attacking more frequently as time goes on,” Bahka explained, watching his people cut the fallen tree into the ordered sections.

Koden remained silent as he looked away from him, focusing back on the working villagers. “That's a shame, they won't be troubling you soon,” Koden reassured.

A faithful expression developed on Bahka’s tanned face and a faint smile made its way to the corners of his mouth. Koden could tell the entire moral of the tribe has been slowly diminished by the frequent attacks they have endured. He tried to place himself in the positions of the Nabi people and what they have gone through, but he couldn't. His entire life has been successful, his family has led one of the strongest nations on the continent for centuries. Although Koden and his brother have engaged in multiple military actions fighting pirates at sea, groups of bandits, and raiders, but at the end of the day, they always had a secure and strong haven to return to. “Well let's get to work,” Koden said.

Bahka nodded his head and began helping the villagers cutting down the second tree. Koden returned to the trench diggers and grabbed a shovel lying nearby. He began digging alongside them, flinging the dirt he dug up to the pile slowly being transported away. The sun was directly above them speckling light through the dense foliage, slowly pulling to the west. Sweat began forming on Koden’s brow and started to run down him, following the contour of his face.

The Tribe and Koden have been working continually for hours without much rest. The entire village was exhausted but knew they had to keep going. The sun was now setting, leaving only half of the star exposed. The light in the forest became dull and scarce, making it harder to see their work as the minutes passed. The Nabi people began lighting tall torches stuck into the ground, sporadically placed throughout their territory and now spread to the ambush point as well. The hundreds of lit wicks filled the forest floor with a warm orange glow, casting ever-changing shadows as the flames danced. In the center of the village stood a strong powerful fire that has been burning since the morning. The fire was edged with assorted meats being cooked for the workers to indulge on to give them the energy to continue their labor.

Koden and the group he had been digging with for the past several hours sat at the edge of the deep trench they have almost completed. Koden cycled between squeezing his hands and shaking them vigorously in hopes of bringing the feeling back to them. The constant pressure of holding the shovel had not been forgiving on him. He assured that everyone he was working with had been rehydrated and rationally rested before he himself stood, hopelessly brushing the dust off of his clothes. “Alright, men let's-” Koden said before he was interrupted by a deep horn.

The horn radiated through the village but Koden could tell it was designed to not travel too far out. Immediately after the horns call every single villager attentively looked towards the sound and systematically fell to their knees, facing the east. An eerie feeling formed within Koden, he didn't know what to do. The people all bowed their heads to the ground pressing their palms to the forest floor. A moment of silence followed as Koden was the only one standing. It sounded as if he were alone in the forest. Seconds later the Nabi people stood back up and went back to work as if nothing had happened. Bahka approached Koden and saw the confusion on his face. “Koden, the trees are all ready. They'll just need to be placed on the hill once it's done,” Bahka informed.

Koden turned to Bahka and smiled “Very good, the trench will be done shortly as well.”

“Excellent! Your strategy is really coming to life,” Bahka said.

“Yes, with the passion of your people we are getting some amazing things done,” Koden replied.

Koden and Bahka stood silently for a moment, scanning the area noticing all the hard working individuals. “Hey, you mind telling me what that was just a few minutes ago?” Koden asked.

“What? Oh, our prayer?” Bahka questioned.

“Yes, the bowing,” Koden said.

“Ah yes, it's our prayer to the night. The Nabi people believe that the night falls to the world to punish those that do the land wrong. So to keep the village safe during the nights, every inhabitant of the village must completely submit to the darkness,” Bahka explained.

Koden smirked unwillingly at the story that was just told before him. “Is that amusing to you?” Bahka asked.

“Oh I’m sorry, please don't feel offended by my action. My people don't believe in worshiping anything other than ourselves,” Koden reassured.

“But don't your people want blessings from the Laws?” Bahka said curiously.

“The Atomo Clan believes that if we cannot obtain something as an individual, it is because you aren't strong enough, and therefore you don't deserve it,” Koden said.

“You don't worship any Laws at all?” Bahka said, baffled by what he was hearing.

“No, we acknowledge their existence but refuse to submit to them. We more or less admire their power, and we believe that it is possible to eventually rise to that level,” Koden continued to explain.

“That's a very confident way of looking at things,” Bahka said.

“Yes well if you're not confident in your ability then what are you?” Koden asked.

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“Good question,” Bahka complimented.

As they conversated a new group of freshly rested villagers arose from their homes, coming down to the ground to take over for their counterparts so they can recuperate. As the Nabi people that have been working for hours got relieved, they immediately retired to their homes to eat and sleep. Only to wake up again and start over again. “Well Koden, I'm going to rest for a few hours before we get to finishing up the loose ends on this ambush, my father has set up a place for you to sleep in his home if you would like to,” Bahka offered.

“That sounds very nice,” Koden said.

As Koden rested for the night, the village stayed alive, working strenuously. The sun began to breach the horizon shedding light upon the Coldcrown Forest. Koden awoke from his cot to the smell of meat cooking. He arose from bed knowing that he had a lot of work to do. At sunset Nivra was going to lure the boars to the ambush point, so ensuring all labor gets done in a timely fashion is pinnacle. He laced his dirty black boots to his sore feet and rubbed his eyes. He stood up and exited the small room, leaving behind his comfortable cot. He entered the living quarters of Rato’s home. Decorative furniture was strategically placed around an indoor fire pit centered in the middle of the house, emitting a controlled flame. Atop the fire hung a pot full of the meats and vegetables Koden awoke to. Rato sat at the edge of the fire pit stirring the meal. He lifted his head from the pot and realized Koden standing in the doorway. “Ah! Koden, how was your rest?” Rato inquired.

“Wasn't that bad at all actually,” Koden replied, recalling in his head the last week of uncomfortable bed choices he has been forced to use.

“Come get a bowl of meat,” Rato offered, motioning his hand.

Koden walked over and took a bowl of Rato’s cuisine. He began feasting on the meal, staring at the fire before him. “So, Rato I've been meaning to ask you,” Koden said with food in his mouth.

Rato perked his head up looking at Koden “Yes?” he replied.

“I know my brother Nivra took a number of your people's best tappers,” Koden said stirring the remainder of his meal. “But do you have any more that would be useful for tonight?”

“Oh yes, we have a few left. I'll gather them up for you,” Rato said finishing his meal and getting up.

“Okay, thank you,” Koden stood up as well.

Rato stopped in the doorway and turned back towards Koden. “Before you get back to work I would like to give you something,”

Koden wore an inquiring face while Rato walked over to a desk amidst his living quarters. Atop the desk sat an intricately carved wooden statue of a heroic warrior equipped with Nabi Tribe battle armor, standing only about a foot high. Rato lifted the statue of the desk and walked it over to Koden. “This is a hand-carved model of our tribe's founder, the Great Nabi,” Rato explained while displaying the masterpiece.

“He alone brought light to this territory and protected us from the dark,” Rato explained. “Everything we do in this village is to honor him. Koden, regardless how tonight goes, I want to thank you and your brother for being so generous to us. I’d like to give you this, as a small gift of our appreciation.”

“I'm honored to work with you and your people Rato. Thank you,” Koden said accepting his heartfelt gift.

Rato smiled and slightly bowed his head to Koden. “Well I better fetch those tappers for you,” he said as he left his home.

After gently placing his gift near his belongings Koden followed behind Rato and stepped out onto the balcony made from stained wood attached to the front of his house. He looked around to see the overnight progress and was amazed at their work. Almost half of the smoothed logs have now been hoisted at the top of the man-made hill with thick rope, ready for release. The trench Koden and the group of Nabi people slaved over all of the day before was finally complete. The village was secured, the only thing to focus on now was the ambush point. Koden walked over to the ladder placed near Rato’s home and began climbing down to the ground. As he placed both feet on the soil upon climbing down, he turned to see Rato and a group of five prideful Nabi men. Koden quickly analyzed the men, taking note of how confident they portrayed themselves to be. “These must be your tappers,” Koden said observantly while bearing a slight smirk.

“Yes, use them as you see fit,” Rato stated.

As Rato left the men, he brought stayed, staring at Koden. A quick moment of silence followed until Koden broke the silence. “So what kind of tappers are you?”

“Body,” all five men said in an unorganized and disorderly fashion.

Koden’s smirk evolved into a smile as the irony in the men's words hit him. Koden knew from there on that the village and its people do not understand how to properly tap. Body tapping is the tapping format to where the nimora that is withdrawn from the user's vault disperses within their body, utilizing it in different ways that improve their physicality. Whether it be increasing their strength, speed, or any other variation of physical alteration, every body tapper uses their tapping differently. Aside from body tapping, there are two other tapping methods, mind and soul tapping. Because of the natural instinct of physicality that every human shares, body tapping is the easiest to learn. Koden wondered how many people in the Nabi Tribe were mind or soul tappers but did not have access to proper teaching to make them aware of their talent. “Okay, what are your specializations? Strength?” Koden said, assuming the most common answer.

All five men shook their heads in confirmation. Koden then explained to them the details of their duties during the ambush. Where their locations should be, what actions they should enact, and what their ultimate motive is. As the tappers all came to an understanding, they departed from the meeting to aid the rest of the village with their labor.

Koden walked toward the ambush point until he saw Bahka out of the corner of his eye. “Good morning Koden, how was your night?” he asked.

“Very well,” Koden quickly answered. “How was your’s?”

“Good, we have eight more logs to set up on the hill, and I was wondering if you wanted to help us finish them?” Bahka asked.

“Definitely, let's get it done,” Koden said walking towards the hill.

The morning turned to the evening as they continued working. The sun began to fall in the latter half of the west. The village was only hours away from Nivra bringing the boars to them. They still had three logs to set, but the mules they have been using grew exhausted. The village rested for a moment trying to recuperate as much energy as they can. “How are we going to finish these logs?” Bahka asked concerningly, looking at the three massive logs not yet relocated.

“We will just give the mules some time, and then we can get them back at it,” Koden said confidently.

All that was needed was the logs, and the village would be completely prepped for the ambush. Within the next hour, the sun will be setting meaning Nivra would be coming. Koden understood the urgency of the situation. “Alright, grab those mules and hook them-” Koden said until an extremely loud squeal interrupted his words.

Koden jumped and looked over at the noise, only to see a pack of eleven boars were charging the Nabi Tribe. “Damn the Laws! They're early!” Koden yelled. “Everybody get to your stations! Tappers redirect the boars to the ambush point!” Koden commanded, running full force to the village.

As the boars came into the vicinity of the tribe, they met the newly dug trench, tripping them into it. They squealed in confusion as they flailed back and forth trying to get out. Koden approached the pack and analyzed that Nivra and his men were nowhere to be found. It now dawned on him, this pack of boars came here on their own.

Koden quickly formed a small Shredder-star in his right hand and shot it at a boar. It made contact quickly with its snout ripping a chunk off of it, spraying blood to the ground. Nabi people frantically ran around trying to pester the boars into following them. After moments of trying to get their attention the boars took to the manipulation and started charging at the villagers, luring them to the ambush point. As they arrived at the ambush point, Koden looked at the top of the hill to see that there wasn't anybody there to send a log rolling, even though he commanded everyone to assume position. “Tappers where are you?” Koden shouted. “Do something!”

Koden ran up the man-made hill quickly and approached one of the logs that were properly suspended. “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!” he quickly yelled to himself as he unsheathed his sword.

With one clean cut he severed the rope holding the log in place, sending it quickly rolling down the hill. “Heads up! Log rolling!” Koden yelled.

The logs velocity increased as it rolled down the hill, just before it made contact with a boar. The beast let out a pain filled squeal as it smashed into its side, flinging it into a tree to where the log crushed its organs, instantly killing it. A villager ran up the hill and approached Koden. “I'll get this!” the villager said.

“About damn time!” Koden yelled running down the hill.

Koden approached another boar and channeled nimora energy from his right hand and expelled it out in front of him, turning it into a club made of gravity. He swung the energy at the boar sending it flying into the air due to the extreme upward gravitational force that the club emitted. As the nimora flowed through his body a surge of elation followed, tingling his stomach with butterflies. His sight crisped along with the rest of his senses. “Someone get to the snake trap!” Koden ordered.

A nearby villager heard his command and ran towards a tree with a contraption attached to it, consisting of wooden pulleys, rope, and one of the fangs that Koden and his brother confiscated from the snake beast he killed days prior. The villager detached the rope that was tied to a close branch and strongly gripped it. “Ready!” the villager yelled, directing his words at Koden.

Koden looked up at the villager and shook his head in confirmation. He looked to his right and saw a boar charging him. Koden channeled nimora throughout his entire body. Then by transferring the nimora into gravitational energy, he radiated it from every inch of his being, making gravity just around him lighter. As the boar got closer Koden kicked off the forest floor bolting him into the air much quicker than normal. The boar ran under him confused. When the boar came into Koden’s line of sight, he pointed all the fingers of his left hand at the beast. With one fluid motion, he formed several needles made from silver energy in his hand and shot them all at once. As they left his hand multiple shockwaves rippled through the air increasing in size until they dissipated, followed by a deep yet cracking boom. They quickly drilled through the boar dispersing wider as they met more flesh, bringing the beast to the ground. He looked behind him and saw yet another boar coming after him. “Dammit!” Koden yelled as he formed another gravity club.

“Get ready to use the snake trap, I’m sending him your way!” Koden said to the villager mounted on the contraption above.

With one clean hard hitting swing, Koden struck the boar in the head with his club, sending it rolling over to the tree the tribesman was in. As the boar rolled to a stop, it was directly under the hanging snake fang. The villager knew it was his time to act, so he released his grip on the rope sending the snake fang still coated in venom plummeting down. Quickly the fang sunk deeply into the boar's chest. The beast flinched with a loud squeal before it was quickly killed. Upon the death of the boar, the villager grabbed the rope again and reeled the fang back up to be released again. Koden witnessing the success of the maneuver finally had time to summon his familiar Layna to assist him with this chaos. He released energy from his core thus forming into the silver energy lion. Immediately Layna began attacking the boars.

The fight continued on without relief, the tappers of the village including Rato and Bahka were of no use because they were so uneducated on the proper tapping procedures. Koden felt he was fighting alone. He wondered where his brother was and when he would show. Was this a different family of boars? He thought to himself. It seemed hopeless as if it were to never end.

Faintly in the distance, he heard a roaring sound. He looked to the opening of the forest where the boars were supposed to be lured from and saw Nivra being chased by the white boar and his followers. They were headed straight for the dismantled ambush point. Koden’s eyes widened and his stomach sunk as he realized that what he and the Nabi people were dealing with was not, in fact, the ambush. Koden’s face grew pale as he stood frozen in the middle of the warzone. He knew the Nabi People were going to be absolutely no help. Koden began to see how much more detrimental this situation was about to be.