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."

my depression, I found the others holding onto their mouth's with red

best to suppress

"...you guys."

"Hehe."

to me chuckled

there, does

bastard did it

Elluid, who burst out laughing and twirled his bulky hand in the air,

me; we're almost

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

I followed Elluid deeper into the

the ending of the tunnel, I could see the light

tunnel, a bright light

at the scenery presented before me,

"Woah."

only one that felt that way as the others, too, had amazed

top of the hill to allow fresh air and light

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

many uniquely shaped infrastructures that ranged in sizes. However, though they were all different, the infrastructures brought me

all looked like structural masterpieces as each infrastructure was built to the most delicate of details, showcasing the dwarves masterful

as far as I can

Elluid proudly looked

around, he slapped my thigh

manage ta trade successfully, with tha money ye make, bring me ta have a

"...Sure."

replied as I

small, his slap sure packed

best o' luck,

"Thank you."

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

enough fun?

getting slapped in the ass and thigh really that funny? I couldn't

into the city. The moment we set foot into the city,

place, I could hear the raucous

joyful and cheerful

in the city, making the place

where should we go

tapped on my shoulder

find a place to

musing for

"Sure."

Smallsnake nodded in agreement.

looked like everyone was itching to go around the city to have a look, at the moment,

I needed to better understand the place before

others were understanding and didn't fuss over

is that

see

have dwarves roaming the streets as we could see orcs and elves roaming the

already knew this beforehand; with Henolur being the place where artifacts were sold and crafted, the fact that other

were a lot better looking than I had expected. Be it male or female; their appearance made me once again realize just how average I was in this

I was

matters worse, I

for me

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

had to have

the ores I had brought with me, asking the direction

"We're here."

[Rusted Hammer Lodgings]

hung on the

it was only after a while that I

would automatically display

Pretty neat.

"Let's go in."

a step into the building, I urged the others to follow

moment I stepped into the place, I saw a dwarven lady with thick black

head, the

haven't seen one

she moved towards the

here for a

there were other humans

that you saw another