The Author's POV

KOOOONG—!

Entering the gates, the grandiose door soon closed shut behind us.

"Me name be Elluid Brickpike, an' I'll lead ye ta tha first level."

Following the dwarf from before whose name was Elluid, we walked through a narrow tunnel, that was lit up by multiple bioluminescent plants planted by the side of the walls.

"There be four different levels ta tha city, with each level differentiating by depth. At tha moment we're currently going towards tha first level, where tha main city be located."

Listening to Elluid speak as I looked around, I understood somewhat what he was saying despite his accent.

In short, there were four levels to Henolur.

Each level dwelling more deeply into the mountain.

Currently, we were headed to the first level, around 50 meters below the mountain and where the central city was located.

"From tha second level onwards, everything be aff limits. That be if ye value your lives. "

Below the second level, were where the vault, and working facilities were. Simply put, the temperature below was far too hot for regular beings to go.

Therefore, unless you wore special gear, it was off-limits.

Most of the stuff Elluid was saying, I knew. However, I still paid close attention to what he said as I didn't want to make any mistakes.

If there was one thing I've learned, it was that it was always best to have as much information as possible regarding a new location.

As such, opening my mouth I asked.

"Is that so, by the way, I've been meaning to ask, is there anything I need to be wary of when going to the city? Like the areas I'm not supposed to go, and how I should behave myself?"

"huh? good question."

Elluid's footsteps halted.

Stroking his long ginger beard, Elluid mused before shaking his head.

"Nae, in general, if ye dinna go below tha second level, there will be nae trouble."

—Smack!

Smacking the palm of his hand, Elluid suddenly remembered.

"Ah, right, it's best ta nae wonder too much outside o' tha city, as those pesky tunnelling monsters will give ye a hard time."

Monsters?

'I guess he must be referring to the beasts.'

Just because Henolur was underground, it didn't mean that it was safe from the threat of beasts.

As long as I was in the city, there shouldn't be any problems though.

"...actually there be something else, but it's best if ye dinna know too much."

"Hm?"

Elluid's next statement caused my brows to furrow. Didn't this sound a little too ominous?

Turning around, Elluid's tone became a bit graver.

"Human, it's nae that I dinna want ta tell ye, but it's best if ye dinna know since yer nae strong enough ta know. Had ye been stronger, I might've helped ye."

"...alright, I won't ask."

Squinting, I eventually nodded my head. Elluid smiled in response as he raised his hand and forcefully patted me on the back.

"Great, I'm liking ye more an' more human. "

Or at least tried to, but in the end, he ended up patting my ass.

"Hur, I like dealing with people that understand their limits."

"T-that so."

My mouth twitched, and I took a step forward.

As I stepped forward, I suddenly heard weird noises coming from behind me.

"Pfttt."

to my depression, I found the

best

"...you guys."

"Hehe."

who was next to me chuckled

does yer

did it on purpose, didn't

laughing and twirled his bulky hand

me; we're

"...I won't forget this."

the others behind me, I followed Elluid

as we neared the ending of the tunnel, I could see the light coming from

eyes and passing through the end of the tunnel, a bright light instantly clouded

the

"Woah."

had amazed looks on their faces as they

of the hill to allow fresh air and light to seep through to the city below, a vast and bustling city appeared before my

the middle of the city, a great waterfall dropped through a hole at the top of the mountain, forming into

were many uniquely shaped infrastructures that ranged in sizes. However, though they

as each infrastructure was built to the most delicate

far as I

looked at

slapped my thigh and

ta trade successfully, with tha money ye make, bring me

"...Sure."

replied as I massaged

was small, his slap sure

best o' luck,

"Thank you."

disappear back into the tunnel, I let out a sigh before looking at the

fun?

ass and thigh really

set foot into the

and bright lights illuminating the place, I could hear the raucous laugh of the dwarves in

and cheerful atmosphere shrouded

grew in the city, making the place look that

where should we go

tapped on my

let's go find a place to settle down

after musing for

"Sure."

Smallsnake nodded in agreement.

the city to have a look, at the moment, the priority was to settle down

to better understand

others were understanding and didn't fuss

is that an

see an

have dwarves roaming the streets as we

Henolur being the place where artifacts were sold and crafted, the fact that other races

admit, the elves were a lot better looking than I had expected. Be it male or female; their appearance made

that I

make matters worse, I had

me

further ten minutes, I stopped by a couple of important places and directly sold some of the ores

to have

brought with me, asking the direction of the nearest lodging, we soon arrived in

"We're here."

[Rusted Hammer Lodgings]

on the wall

surprise, it was written in human language; it was only after a while

display

Pretty neat.

"Let's go in."

the building, I urged the others

I stepped into the place, I saw a dwarven lady with thick black hair tied into two ponytails, holding onto a broom,

her head, the dwarven lady

human, haven't seen one

the broom down, she moved

here for a

there were other humans in

say that you