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."

I found the

their best

"...you guys."

"Hehe."

chuckled and eyed me

does

it on purpose,

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

follow me; we're

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

I followed

of the tunnel, I could see the light coming

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

light, staring at the scenery

"Woah."

that felt that way as the others, too, had amazed looks on their faces

top of the hill to allow fresh air and

a hole at the top of the mountain, forming into a pool in

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

as each infrastructure was built to the most delicate of details,

as far as I

his steps. Elluid proudly looked at the city

around, he slapped

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

"...Sure."

wrily replied as I massaged my

his

best o' luck,

"Thank you."

into the tunnel, I let out a sigh before looking

fun? Let's

and thigh really

city. The moment we set foot into the city, it was as

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

and cheerful atmosphere shrouded

and trees grew in the city, making the

should

tapped on my shoulder and

go find a place to

replied after musing

"Sure."

Smallsnake nodded in agreement.

everyone was itching to go around the city to have a look, at the moment, the priority was to settle down

I needed to better understand the place before deciding

and didn't fuss over my

is that an

also see

not only have dwarves roaming the streets as we could see orcs and elves

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

I had expected. Be it male or female; their appearance made me once again realize

that I was

make matters worse, I had only myself

for me for a

stopped by a couple of important places and directly

have some money after

trading some of the ores I had brought with me, asking the direction of the nearest lodging, we soon arrived in front of

"We're here."

[Rusted Hammer Lodgings]

sign hung on the wall of the

human language; it was only

artifact that would automatically display the words based on the language the viewer

Pretty neat.

"Let's go in."

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

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

we stepped in, turning her head, the dwarven lady exclaimed in

a human, haven't seen one

broom down, she moved towards the

for a

just say that there

that you