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."

who was excited about sharing his

Smallsnake didn't

found out that there are two different types of professions that

"Blacksmith and Engineer."

calmly said with my

said, there were two professions that handled

artifacts, whilst the engineers were in charge

have enough time to help you with the chip, due

talking, Smallsnake

it looked like he took pleasure in teasing

could've just been me,

to him, these kinds of problems usually lie in the engineering sector, and according to him, a guy called

couple of times, my eyes snapped

did you say

sounded

"Jomnuk Dramegrip?"

"…hah?"

brow raised all the

of what I was thinking, Smallsnake nodded

supervisor, he's the best

world is

then that it

turned out to be the person that could help me solve the

Talk about coincidences.

"Tell me more."

"Sure."

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

knew about

*

to me all the information he knew about Jomnuk.

offered him and the others to join me, but I was promptly rejected by everyone who wanted to

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

time, I just bid them a short

"Is this the place?"

given me beforehand, I stopped in front of a large metallic door that

forgotten where I was as I had been going through a maze of tunnels.

from what Waylan told me, the map I was given would only work

day, and so

"Should be the place."

head, I double-checked with

is saying that I am in the right place, so I guess I'm not

I raised my hand and

Do Dong—!

"Who be it?"

on the door, a cold voice rang

one of the guards assigned

out a small device from my dimensional space, I placed it

door, a subtle clicking sound rang out, and the

Clank—!

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

side of the hall, and a

underground mansion. Since this place was where Jomnuk had to live for an extended period of time, it was understandable for

"This way."

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

Clank—!

me was another large room. However, this time the room was not empty as a few individuals could be seen seated on a large red sofa in the

moment I entered the room,

a lot of diversity in the room as not only were there dwarves present but there were multiple orcs and elves here

you're finally

then that Waylan, who was also seated

Ren, let me introduce you

already dragged me towards where the

I decided to remain

seated emitted was far stronger than mine. Sitting down might displease

hands together. Then,

this here is Jomnuk, the individual that you are

his attention back to Jomnuk,

over here is Ren. A fellow human whom I decided to bring along. Don't be fooled, though. I didn't bring