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

trying their best

"...you guys."

"Hehe."

was next to me chuckled and eyed

does yer

did it

at Elluid, who burst out laughing and

me;

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

behind me, I followed Elluid deeper into

tunnel,

my eyes and passing through the end of the tunnel, a bright light instantly clouded my vision, prompting me

my eyes adjusted to the light, staring at the scenery presented

"Woah."

had amazed looks on their faces as they looked at

fresh air and light to seep through to the city below, a vast and bustling

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

infrastructures that ranged in sizes. However, though they were all

as each infrastructure was built to the most delicate

as far as I can

proudly looked

turning around, he slapped

money ye make, bring me

"...Sure."

replied as I

was small, his

best o'

"Thank you."

I let out

enough fun? Let's

slapped in the ass and thigh

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

place, I could hear the

and cheerful atmosphere shrouded

to my expectations, grass and trees grew in the city, making the place look that much

where should

on my

let's go find a place to settle down for

replied after musing for

"Sure."

Smallsnake nodded in agreement.

looked like everyone was itching to go around the city to have

better understand the place before

were understanding and

that an

also see an

much to everyone's surprise, Henolur did not only have dwarves

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

the elves 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

I

matters worse, I

wait for me

stopped by a couple of important places and directly sold some of the ores I had brought

had to have some

ores I had brought with me, asking the direction of the nearest

"We're here."

[Rusted Hammer Lodgings]

sizeable metallic sign hung on the wall

it was written in human language; it was only after a

display the words based on the language

Pretty neat.

"Let's go in."

the building, I urged the others to follow me from

lady with thick black hair tied into two ponytails, holding onto a broom, and leisurely cleaning the

stepped in, turning her head, the

haven't seen one in

she

for a

say that there were other humans

just say that you saw