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."

his findings, was left deflated by Smallsnake's

him, Smallsnake didn't care in

logistics center, we found out that there are two different

"Blacksmith and Engineer."

said with my

were two

the engineers were in charge of developing the blueprint and designs of

since we figured that Ryan wouldn't have enough time to help you with the chip, due to

talking, Smallsnake patted Ryan's

it looked like he took

just been me,

lie in the engineering sector, and according to him, a guy called Jomnuk

of times,

what did you say

sounded extremely

"Jomnuk Dramegrip?"

"…hah?"

brow raised all the way

of what I was thinking, Smallsnake nodded his

to Bemus, our supervisor, he's

world is

then that it

that the person that I was supposed to protect turned out to be the person that could

Talk about coincidences.

"Tell me more."

"Sure."

Smallsnake started to tell me everything he knew regarding Jomnuk. As he spoke, I made sure to not miss a single

I knew about him, the

*

listened to Smallsnake recount to me all the information he knew about Jomnuk. As he spoke, I took careful note of everything

promptly rejected by everyone who wanted to remain on the frontline.

me, I decided to leave them be after pondering for a bit. In fact,

I was pressed for time, I just bid them a short goodbye

"Is this the place?"

the map that Douglas had given me beforehand, I stopped in front of a

where I was as I had been going through a maze of

told me, the map I was given would only work

tunnels rearranged themselves every day, and so a new map

"Should be the place."

I double-checked with the

I am in the

I raised my hand and knocked on

Do Dong—!

"Who be it?"

the door, a cold voice rang out from the

of the

out a small device from my dimensional space, I placed

placed the object on the door, a subtle clicking sound rang

Clank—!

revealed behind it was a massive room. The decoration of the place was quite simple. Hanging on the high ceiling of the room was a bright

hung by the side of the hall,

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

"This way."

at the entrance of the place was a dwarven guard that led me directly towards a

Clank—!

However, this time the room was not empty as a few individuals

room,

as not only were there dwarves present but there were multiple

Ren, you're

was then that Waylan, who was also seated on the

me

had already dragged

place, I decided

aura that each individual seated emitted was far stronger

didn't seem to mind this as he sat down and clasped his hands together. Then, pointing towards the dwarf seated in the middle of the

here is Jomnuk, the individual that you are supposed to be

turning his attention back to Jomnuk, Waylan pointed

to bring along. Don't be fooled, though. I didn't bring him here just because