Mork stood in the middle of the ground, with Snagrot circling around him.
"To become a fighter, you must build yourself like a fighter. You must think like a fighter, and most importantly, you must adapt like a fighter. We will start with building you like a fighter," said Snagrot.
Mork stood at attention, looking forward and listening carefully.
"As for stamina and strength, your daily chores will help increase your stamina and build your muscles. For now, we will focus on your agility," said Snagrot.
Mork nodded.
"I want you to jump, as high as you can," ordered Snagrot.
"Yes, Master," said Mork.
With a deep breath, Mork jumped. When he landed, he stumbled but steadied himself and stood upright.
"You have a lot to learn, kid," said Snagrot.
"Yes, Master," Mork replied eagerly.
"Have you ever seen a lion attack?" asked Snagrot.
"No, Master. I have never even seen a lion," said Mork.
Sigh… As expected, Snagrot muttered to himself.
"Before attacking its prey, a lion steps back and then strikes with full force. Similarly, if you want to jump higher, you must first go lower before you leap," explained Snagrot.
Go lower before jumping… Mork repeated in his mind, looking down at his feet.
"Now try again," said Snagrot.
Mork took a deep breath, bent his knees, lowered himself, and then, with a single thrust, straightened his legs and leapt. This time, there was a clear difference in height—he jumped nearly twice as high as before. Mid-air, Mork smiled proudly as he reached his peak. But then, he crashed down hard, landing on his backside.
"Ahhh!" Mork exclaimed.
He stood up, rubbing his back, and glanced at Snagrot.
Snagrot stood there coldly, staring at him. Then he said, "Well done."
W… what? Did he actually praise me? Mork thought in disbelief.
"Now it's time to focus on your balance. You see that fence? I want you to climb up on that fence post, jump as high as you can, and then land back on it safely," said Snagrot.
Mork nodded, ran toward the fence post, and climbed on top of it. He stood straight, ready to jump. Looking down, he thought to himself, Okay… I can do this. I can do this.
"Jump," said Snagrot.
Mork took a deep breath, bent his knees, and jumped. At his highest point, he looked down at the fence post and tried to land, but as soon as his foot touched it, he slipped and fell hard to the ground.
Snagrot looked down at him with disappointment. Without a word, he turned toward his cabin and began walking away. "Keep doing it until you become perfect," he said without looking back.
Mork lay on the ground, watching Snagrot leave. His fist clenched. He punched the earth, stood up, and glared at the fence post with burning determination. He climbed back up.
Snagrot reached his cabin. As he opened the door, he turned and looked at Mork one last time.
Mork jumped again—and once more, fell to the ground.
"This will take some time," Snagrot muttered before entering the cabin and closing the door.
But Mork didn't stop. He stood, climbed the fence post again, and kept jumping and falling.
That midnight, Snagrot lay in his bed, restless and turning from side to side. He was lost in a nightmare. In it, he was running through a dark forest with a female goblin, who carried a newborn child in her arms.
"Run faster! They're coming!" said Snagrot
A burning arrow shot from behind, striking a tree. Flames spread rapidly, engulfing the branches.
Snagrot and the female goblin kept running, never looking back, until they reached the edge of a high cliff. Below, the entire forest was ablaze. The female goblin stared in terror, clutching the baby tightly.
Suddenly, Snagrot heard a wet, sickening shhk, followed by a muffled gasp. His eyes widened as he saw her collapse, a dagger buried deep in her back. Reaching desperately, Snagrot tried to catch her before she fell from the cliff.
He jolted awake, gasping for breath. Sweat rolled down his face as his chest heaved. Slowly, his breathing calmed. Then he heard it—a steady thump… thump… thump.
He rose, walked to the door, and opened it.
Out on the training ground, Mork was still jumping. But not just jumping—he was leaping perfectly from one fence post to another, landing without losing balance.
A faint smile tugged at Snagrot's lips.
As Mork landed on another post, he paused and looked back at the cabin. Snagrot stood in the doorway. Their eyes met. Mork looked at him, silently yearning for praise.
Snagrot gave a single nod of admiration.