The Author's POV

"Pftt..."

Walking out of the utility center, I let out a chuckle.

Remembering what had happened in there, I shook my head.

'Who would've thought that he'd go that crazy over an ore?'

The moment I took the Okleum out, Malvil went into a crazy fit and started shouting everywhere. For a moment I was worried that he would directly steal the ore in my hand.

Fortunately, that did not happen. Well, given my height advantage, I managed to stop him from stealing it by just raising my hand.

But it was his over-the-top behavior that made me realize just how precious the ore in my hand was.

Had it not been for his behavior, I would've never been able to tell.

The scene of Malvil jumping up in the air trying to grab the ore was quite comical.

In fact, it was so funny that even now, I was still laughing.

"Hehe."

'At least, I've come closer to my dream of forging my ideal sword.'

Yes.

After calming down, Malvil finally agreed to make a sword for me. Well, sort of.

He didn't explicitly say that he would craft the sword for me, but he did say that he was now more willing to do it as long as I managed to improve my swordsmanship to the point where he would have no qualms giving it to me.

I, of course, agreed to his terms.

"Should've probably showed this before."

'Hmm, but it wouldn't have made that much of a difference.'

Either way, Malvil was not going to make me a sword if I didn't prove that I was worthy of it. Therefore, even if I didn't show him the ore, the requirements would've been the same.

"How is it that the dwarves are so technologically advanced yet can't create a damned elevator."

I inwardly grumbled to myself as I climbed up the stairs of the northern tower. Because the utility center was located all the way down towards the fourth level, the walk up the stairs was actually quite a long one.

If not for my stamina, I would've long passed out of tiredness.

"You guys rested enough?"

Upon finally reaching the middle area of the northern tower, what greeted me was the sight of Ava and the others.

Compared to when I left them, their complexion was much better. Although their clothes and hair were still a mess, it was now an acceptable mess, if that made any sense.

"Oh, Smallsnake, Ryan, good to see you guys too."

Upon spotting Ryan and Smallsnake who I had not seen in a while, I warmly smiled.

"Took you long enough..."

"Ren!"

Ryan excitedly shouted as he ran up to me.

"Ren, Ren, I think I've found a way to help you with the chip in your head."

"Oh?"

My interest instantly piqued.

"You see—"

But before Ryan could speak, Smallsnake spoke over him.

"We know a guy who can help you remove the chip."

"…Smallsnake."

excited about sharing his findings, was left deflated by Smallsnake's

him, Smallsnake didn't care

center, we found out that there are two different types of professions

"Blacksmith and Engineer."

with my arms

like Smallsnake said, there were two professions that handled

were responsible for creating the artifacts, whilst the engineers were in charge of developing the

you with the chip, due to how swamped we are at the

he was talking, Smallsnake patted

it looked like he took pleasure in

just

of problems usually lie in the engineering sector, and according to him, a guy called Jomnuk Dramegrip can help with regards to the

of times,

wait, what did you say

name sounded

"Jomnuk Dramegrip?"

"…hah?"

all the

what I was thinking,

supervisor, he's the

world is truly

was then that it finally hit

that I was supposed to protect turned out to be the person that could help me solve the chip

Talk about coincidences.

"Tell me more."

"Sure."

to tell me everything he knew regarding Jomnuk. As he spoke, I

knew

*

information he knew about

and the others to join me, but I was promptly rejected by everyone who wanted to remain on the frontline. The reasoning behind this was because they felt like they could

to follow me, I decided to leave them be after pondering for a bit. In fact, this may have been for the

just bid

"Is this the place?"

I stopped in front of a large metallic

had been going through a maze of tunnels. This was to be expected, though, since the

told me, the map I was given would only work for a day before it would

and so a new map needed

"Should be the place."

I double-checked with the map displayed on my

am in the right place, so I guess I'm

I raised my hand and knocked on the metal

Do Dong—!

"Who be it?"

a cold voice rang

the guards assigned

a small device from my dimensional space, I placed it against the socket of

after I placed the object on the door, a subtle clicking sound rang out,

Clank—!

the place was quite simple.

of the hall, and a soft red carpet rested

different places of the underground mansion. Since this place was where Jomnuk had to live for

"This way."

dwarven guard that led me directly towards a

Clank—!

large room. However, this time the room was not empty as a

I entered the room,

the room as not only were there dwarves present but there were multiple

you're

that Waylan, who was also seated on

Ren, let me

Waylan had already dragged me towards

I

each individual seated emitted was

together. Then, pointing towards the dwarf seated in the middle of the sofas he

this here is Jomnuk, the individual that

attention back to Jomnuk, Waylan

fellow human whom I decided to bring along. Don't be fooled, though. I didn't bring him here just because he is a human. He has the skills to