Chapter 56
Dane ran for hours; he felt light, and not a drop of sweat came out of his body. The large mana capacity made him this way. He knew the changes in his body were unnatural, and certain aspects of his earth body were reconstructed to fit this new reality. It was an obvious matter, and the subtle alterations were at first unnoticeable, but as the days progressed, his mind was opening to the realization that his mind was the only thing that still held his human traits.
His personality, mindset, and memories were the only things keeping him connected to his humanity, as his physical body continued to transform. The realization filled him with both fear and curiosity about what he was becoming. The fact he died and felt the cold hands of emptiness and the lingering darkness of the abyss.
Those who experience death and gain life again are no longer the same. Such an encounter leaves an indelible mark on the soul, transforming one's perspective and understanding of existence. Having faced the ultimate unknown and returned, these individuals often emerge with a profound appreciation for life, a deeper sense of purpose, and a heightened awareness of the fragility and beauty of human experience.
They no longer take life for granted; instead, they see it as a rare and precious gift. The fear of death, which once may have governed their decisions, is replaced by a courage to embrace the unknown and live fully in the present. Their eyes, having glimpsed the edge of eternity, now see the world with a clarity and depth that was previously unimaginable. They are reborn, not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally, carrying with them a wisdom that only comes from having crossed the threshold of life and death.
"I should consider the structure. Starting with a broad statement about the power of individuals makes sense."
"I should also touch on the idea that change isn't always immediate or grand. It's often the small, persistent actions that lead to significant results."
"For now I will be emphasizing courage and conviction will resonate well, as it highlights the importance of belief in a cause."
"Master Dane, you've already begun to produce a more erratic flow of life from various angles, infused with a dash of defiance and fortitude, creating a dynamic and engaging narrative that captures the essence of overcoming challenges and pushing boundaries."
"and connecting each idea logically. Starting with the concept, moving to examples, discussing the nature of change, and ending with a motivational conclusion seems effective. I should ensure the language is clear and inspiring, avoiding overly complex terms to make it accessible."
Ward continued to express his side , knowing Dane was delighted with the progression he was making inside the Obelisk of Chaos..
Dane nodded and openly accepted what Ward said and was rather amazed at how Ward was also evolving. He did expect that the artificial intelligence he created would also adapt to the change, as he created it to learn and grow alongside him. Dane felt a sense of pride in his creation and looked forward to seeing how Ward and Miko would continue to evolve in the future, as all the lingering questions about everything have faded. The moment he woke up in a younger body, his actions and mindset were not synchronized.
As he emerged from the forest and stood a few meters from the mountain wall opening, he took a deep breath and mentally secured his resolve. he was actually enjoying his new life; it may sound unrealistic at first, so many unwanted twists and turns, his character, personality, and attitude were scattered, and he had to piece them back together like a puzzle.
But now, as he gazed up at the towering mountain before him, he felt a sense of clarity and thrill. He knows what was real. The sadness that bound him was gone. The thrill of the hunt has returned.
Meanwhile, as Dane planned his return to the kingdom of Solnara Cererindu, Siglorr Bouldergrove, the Drawven blacksmith, had already set in motion a profound transformation. His small, humble forge had blossomed into a place of renown, attracting dozens of people eager to purchase his crafted goods.
This sudden surge in fame drew his entire clan to his side, and upon their arrival, they were met with a staggering sight: the vast array of raw materials Siglorr had amassed, courtesy of his benefactor.
Recognizing the boundless opportunities before them, Siglorr and his clan were filled with renewed purpose. They dedicated themselves to crafting weapons and armor of the highest quality, quickly establishing themselves as Solnara Cererindu's premier blacksmiths. Their reputation spread far and wide, drawing customers from every corner of the kingdom.
The headquarters of the forge was strategically located on a twenty-acre plot of land, part of a small woodland, purchased from a noble who owned the surrounding area. This land was just 100 meters from the ancient Tower Gate, a landmark that had stood for eons. To protect their new base of operations, Siglorr instructed his clan to use magic to enhance the surrounding trees, making them hard and impenetrable.
This not only provided an extra layer of defense but also allowed the clan to maintain their secrecy within the enchanted forest. The location was both practical and symbolic, representing a new beginning for the Bouldergrove clan.
Siglorr was determined not to repeat the mistakes of his father and grandfather. He understood the immense value of the raw materials he had gained from his benefactor and the potential they held for his clan's future. With Dane's support, his plan to resurrect his clan's reputation had taken root in mere weeks.
His new forge was constructed like a fortified war castle, with towering walls and intricate designs that reflected his family's legacy. As he worked the flames and shaped the raw materials into exquisite works of art, he felt a deep sense of pride and determination. Each strike of his clan's hammer was a step toward restoring their former glory, and he knew that their craftsmanship would be the key to their success.
To ensure unity and prevent the failures of the past, Siglorr required all 30 members of his clan to sign loyalty contracts. These contracts were not just symbolic; they were a commitment to uphold the clan's values and secrets. Even those who were not part of the clan but worked for them were paid generously and also signed contracts, ensuring their allegiance.
With this united front, Siglorr believed that his clan could overcome any obstacle and rise above their past failures. The blacksmith's vision was clear: through discipline, loyalty, and exceptional craftsmanship, the Bouldergrove clan would reclaim their place as the most respected blacksmiths in the land.
The war-forged castle was a testament to their ambition and hard work. It consisted of three forges, two alchemy breweries, a main lodging building, and two large underground warehouses. The addition of three human families, totaling 25 members, who migrated to live within the walls of the war forge, added to the bustling energy of the place.
These families were integral to the forge's operations, contributing their skills and labor to the clan's endeavors. The war forge had become more than just a workplace; it was a thriving community, united by a common goal.
In the heart of the enchanted forest, surrounded by magically enhanced trees and fortified walls, the Bouldergrove clan had carved out a new legacy. Their war forge stood as a symbol of resilience and determination, a beacon of hope for a future free from the shadows of their past. Siglorr Bouldergrove and his clan had not only resurrected their reputation but had also built a secure and prosperous future, one forge at a time.
As Dane used the teleportation spell he learned from Siglorr Bouldergrove, he spent 2000 mana points to cut the traveling time of ten long days to a mere thought. It was a complicated spell language, but Dane had the library to catalog and manage this information effectively. Ward changed the language to be more accurate and created necessary data on how to effectively use the spell.
By using actual coordinates rather than using visual landmarks, Ward started this process while they were running inside the enclosed mountain range. The moment Dane stood at the opening of the mountain, Ward took all the acquired measurements and saved them. Having 19 thousand mana points and gaining the ability to expand his connection with the formless armor, Ward was able to map out the entire area while Dane was sleeping.
His tactical mind was beyond impressive; he was able to strategize and plan their next moves with precision. Ward's meticulous attention to detail and strategic thinking made him an invaluable asset to Dane, ensuring he could cover all the needed support. Each step Dane took was safe; the black-horned owls' ward took command from Miko as all ten took flight and gathered all the necessary data discreetly and effectively at a distance of 200 meters from where Dane was located.
Ward's metallic liquid snake form can manifest twenty serpents. With an attack range of ten meters each , as soon as Dane saw the tower gate miles away, Ward tracked and conducted the gathering of information. A map of the entire first floor began to manifest in Dane's subconscious library as soon as Dane cast the teleportation spell that will drain any high-rank player..
Dane was able to successfully teleport to Siglorr Bouldergrove's location with precision and efficiency. This not only saved time and mana points but also showcased Dane's dedication to mastering complex spells.
As he emerges from the teleportation gate, and he notices he is no longer up in the air as he previously encountered, he knows Ward took the initiative to alter the spell language to be more accurate. Delegation of tasks was the reason he created the two AIs; even if Miko is conducting her own task, Ward is still there to manage the task he's left behind.
Ward is more than happy to help. As he casually observes the area, he notices the drastic change of the place. He is amazed to see that the area near where the vacant land was where the huge tree stump he demolished was filled with temporary houses. The crater he created a few days ago was still there, but beside it was a lodge filled with parked merchant wagons.
The sounds of a dozen people talking about the new product that the warforged will soon sell were filling the air. It was clear that the once quiet area had transformed into a bustling marketplace in just a matter of days. The man couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and curiosity about what other changes were in store for the neighborhood.
And Dane noticed the area where Siglorr dragged him before, near a small patch of woodland, had changed too; a tower castle was seen inside the different-looking trees surrounding the area.is was a peculiar sight. He assumed it was Siglorr doing it, but the timing of constructing a castle that big was too short. Dane thought he might have hired mages to help him with the construction. The mysterious appearance of the castle sparked Dane's interest even more, wondering what Siglorr did to make this happen..
Upon reaching the woodland opening, he was met with a striking sight: a line of people stood patiently, their forms silhouetted against the backdrop of a colossal metal gate. The gate loomed before them, its towering height of ten feet and matching width giving it an air of formidable authority. Its surface gleamed faintly in the dappled light filtering through the trees, a harsh contrast to the natural beauty of the surrounding woods.
To either side of the gate, high walls stretched out, their tops uneven as they followed the contour of the land. The terrain here was far from flat, with hills and dips that the wall adapted to seamlessly, as if it had grown organically from the earth itself.
Despite its imposing presence, there was something strangely harmonious about the structure, as though it had been crafted to blend with the rugged landscape while still asserting its dominance.
The people waiting before the gate seemed undeterred by its grandeur, their patience a testament to whatever lay beyond. The air was heavy with anticipation, and the gate stood as a mysterious sentinel, guarding secrets and stories that only those who passed through might uncover.
As soon as more people came , the road path in front of the gate was getting crowded. The merchant buyer was preparing for the gate to open when an arrogant voice was heard , it was a familiar face, and Dane recalled the person as a player , and based on the insignia on their clothing, it was from the Brilliance Guild.
"Ah! You're another prime example of arrogance at its best," the player sneered, looking down at Dane with disdain. "You think you can just waltz in here and claim whatever secrets lie beyond this gate? Think again."
"Lady, I am tired and hungry. I came here just to see what's going on."
"I am Lirael Schafer, sub-captain of the Brilliance Guild. Based on your cheap-looking outfit, you seem to be poor and unworthy to be here," Lirael responded, her voice dripping with condescension.
"But I guess being poor is not a sin , but it certainly doesn't entitle you to anything beyond that gate."
"I spent a lot of gold just to get a proper reservation to enter first; those people in line are clearly not on my level."
With a dismissive wave of her hand, Lirael turned and walked away, leaving Dane , as she thought, with a bitter taste in his mouth. But Dane didn't even care, as he never did react to these types of people in the first place, knowing that entitlement and arrogance were not traits he valued in others.
The people were getting larger as he decided to walk to a lodge to get some fresh-cooked food when he remembered he actually didn't have any money on him. He walked toward the only lodge facing the open path toward the castle where the large group of people was gathering. He took out an energy bar from his storage and just ate that.
A young darven child saw him as Dane sat on the discarded wooden crates in front of the shop, right next to the lodge. The young dwarf was curious about what Dane was eating, so he asked him about it. Dane explained to the young dwarf that it was an energy bar, a convenient snack for when he's on the go. The child's eyes widened with interest, prompting Dane to offer him a piece to try.
The young Dwarven lad was friendly and eagerly accepted the offer, taking a bite and immediately enjoying the taste. Dane smiled at the child's enthusiasm and felt a sense of camaraderie with the young dwarf. Boy, as he sat on the other wooden crate next to where Dane was sitting, he enjoyed the energy bar. As more people lined up, the dwarf reacted and gave his reaction on what was happening.
"Those people are greedy; they never change. My father took a lot of time rebuilding our reputation."
"They never gave him any opportunity before and saw him as a nuisance before."
"They never appreciated the hard work and dedication, but look at them.,"
"They are drooling all over the ground, seeking to buy our clan's creation."
"Mr., this is just between you and me, the products my father make and sold to these greedy people are all defective in some way, as my dad pointed out…"
"So your father sells products that are subpar and faulty, yet they are still in high demand. It's ironic how quickly perceptions can change based on the value of a product."
"Perhaps it's time for them to recognize the true worth of your father's creations and not just the profit they bring."
"The truth is that my dad is capable of creating and forging high-quality weaponry, even though it costs a little more than the other equipment available on the market."
"We all owe everything to a certain player named Dane Lazarus."
"He is our benefactor and is the only one who truly appreciates the craftsmanship and quality of my father's creation."
"He knows and saw the value of a well-made weapon, unlike those other buyers. And yes, my father is Siglorr Bouldergrove, the master behind these creations."
"By the way, mister, thanks for the food, and might I ask what your name is?"
"My name is Dane Lazarus."
He replied with a smile, causing the young man's eyes to widen in surprise.
"I'm glad you appreciate your father's work," Dane said warmly, before adding, "and it's always a pleasure to support skilled craftsmen like him."
The young dwarf stuttered, and with a shocked facial expression, he stood up and screamed fanatically. Suddenly, Siglorr Bouldergrove came out from the store holding a bag of spices. As he ran toward his son, he saw Dane, and with pure joy, he dropped the spice bag and ran toward him. Many saw Siglorr Bouldergrove, the leader and owner of the war forge; they all ran toward him to gain his attention.
They were all shouting and asking that they have the privilege to buy his products, but Siglorr just stood in front of Dane and asked what took him so long.
Everybody saw Siglorr Bouldergrove's reaction and wondered who was the person he was talking to, Many arrogant merchants forced their way into the crowd and demanded they get treated well by the Siglorr clan, but he just ignored them and delightedly introduced his son. The people surrounding them were noisy and eager to see the products that Siglorr's was about to sell. They pressed on, and it was getting under Siglorr Bouldergrove's skin.
He was getting annoyed by the fact that the only person that should be talkingf to him was Dane himself, and nobody cared to respect his privacy and just continued to crowd around, making it difficult for him to focus on his conversation with Dane. As the noise and chaos escalated, Siglorr Bouldergrove's patience wore thin, and he began to regret bringing his son out.
But he was still holding his anger; he wanted to show Dane that he wasn't the hot-tempered person he was before and gain Dane's approval based on what he perceived to be the proper action he was hoping to hear from him.
But the noise and arrogance of the people around him were turning the place into a disaster. Siglorr knew he needed to remain calm and composed in order to set a good example for his son, despite the chaos surrounding them. He hoped that Dane would see his restraint as a sign of strength.
When ten fully armored Dwarven soldiers came out from a hidden doorway, they were wearing high-tier equipment and dashed toward the people with the three-foot-tall shield. Push the people aside with no effort at all. The person leading the group was Siglorr's younger brother, Cragmir, who was the appointed head guard of the war forge.
He shouted and pushed all the people aside like they were mere ragdolls, displaying his authority and power effortlessly. Siglorr's actions demonstrated his commitment to protecting their clan leader.
"Move! Clear a path for the war forged guards!"
The crowd quickly dispersed, intimidated by the commanding presence of Cragmir. As he forced all the people away , he was the same height as the head forge master , the remaining nine holding their shields and facing the crown of people, and the two-foot-wide and three-foot-tall shield suddenly expanded the moment the nine drove the shield into the ground..
The distance between te nine was enough to surround Siglorr's and his son, the shiled they were usng were hiigh tier and light weight and has an ability to expand and double its side with just a press of a botton on the handle, whileCragmir. Walked toward his brther he saw how the forge master was reacting toward the young in front of him,
He knew this person was important, as he knew very well that his older brother would never let just anyone approach him in such a manner. So he remained alert as he approached the three. To his surprise, the forge master knelt in front of the young man and thanked him and swore his loyalty. Many who saw this were now more eager to understand what was going on, but the shield of the nine guards was blocking their view; the people could only see a small portion of what was happening behind the shield. The young man's expression remained unreadable, leaving everyone wondering about the significance of this unexpected display of loyalty from the forge master.
Suddenly the two also kneel down. Dane smiled and politely asked Siglorr that they continue the conversation in a more private setting. The forge master nodded in agreement, signaling for the guards to lower their shield and allow the curious onlookers a glimpse of what was about to transpire. The tension in the air was palpable as Dane and Siglorr prepared to discuss matters of great importance.
The nine guards retracted their shields and opened a path for the four to walk in, but before they could proceed, a figure stepped forward to block their way. Lirael Schafer, the sub-captain of the Brilliance Guild, stood tall, her voice dripping with arrogance as she demanded access to the war forge. She made no effort to hide her irritation, emphasizing that she had spent hundreds of coins to secure entry.
Her words carried a weight of entitlement, as if the mere mention of her status and wealth should be enough to grant her whatever she desired. The guards, though disciplined, exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions a mix of respect and annoyance at her audacity.
Lirael's gaze swept over the group, her eyes lingering on the shabby-looking man who stood among them. She scoffed openly, her voice rising as she declared that his appearance and demeanor were beneath her.
"You think to compare yourself to someone of my standing?"
she sneered, her tone sharp with mockery
. "I am a sub-captain of the Brilliance Guild, and you"
She paused, her lips curling into a disdainful smile. "You are nothing but a shadow of the greatness that I represent." Her words were meant to belittle, to assert her dominance over the scene.
Cragmir r Bouldergrove, however, was not one to be intimidated. He stepped forward, his deep, resonant voice cutting through the tension like a blade.
"Who was the person you are referring to, woman?" he demanded, his tone heavy with authority.
Lirael's smirk faltered, her confidence waning as she realized she had overstepped. She tried to regain her footing, insisting that the warforged representative had approached her, accepting her gold and promising her access to the weapon they were to sell. "The warforged doesn't have a representative in this settlement?" she challenged, her voice steady but her eyes betraying a flicker of doubt.
Cragmir's expression darkened at her audacious claim. He knew the forge master well, and the idea that he would resort to such dishonest tactics was unthinkable. "Prove it," he growled, his steely gaze boring into hers.
Lirael hesitated, her pale face a testament to her growing unease, but she could not back down. Not now, not in front of so many witnesses. She gestured sharply to a man standing beside her, a bulky, fat man with a peculiar mustache. "He was appointed by the forge master," she declared, her voice firm.
"The proof is the dagger he carries, a keepsake from Siglorr Bouldergrove."
The man in question stepped forward, his movements awkward as he produced the dagger. The Bouldergrove insignia gleamed on its hilt, and for a moment, it seemed as though Lirael's claim might hold weight. But then,
Siglorr Bouldergrove himself approached, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of the man. Without a word, he reached out and slapped the man hard across the face. The man crumpled to the ground, the dagger slipping from his grasp. Cragmir stooped to retrieve it, his movements deliberate as he unsheathed the blade. The room fell silent as he revealed the truth: the dagger had no blade. The insignia, it seemed, was the only thing of value about it.
"As we are all aware of the deception," Siglorr declared, his voice cutting through the tension in the room. "This fake dagger will not go unpunished." With a steely gaze, he turned to Lirael Schafer, who now stood trembling before him, and spoke in a low tone. And wanted to give out a rational explanation,
She insisted she was a victim of the man's deceit, claiming she had no knowledge of the dagger's true nature. However, Siglorr remained unconvinced.
"You will face the consequences of your actions," Siglorr said, his words heavy with authority. Lirael's eyes widened in fear as she realized the severity of her deceit, but her arrogance would not let her pride get ruined by admitting her guilt. So, like the arrogant person she was, she continued to deny any involvement in the deception, even as Siglorr's gaze bore into her with unwavering certainty. Despite her fear, Lirael refused to show weakness and maintained her facade of innocence.
Lirael Schafer used her influence to even turn the people against the warforge, but Siglorr Bouldergrove didn't even take time to see her reaction and just moved on. The gate opened, a magical barrier suddenly activated, and those whom the forge master allowed to enter was able to get past the barrier. While the rest remain outside the barrier, including Lirael Schafer and a few members of the Brilliance Guild,.
Lirael Schafer screamed in anger as her ego was stepped on; she swore revenge and vowed to find a way to break through the magical barrier and confront Siglorr Bouldergrove. The members of the Brilliance Guild standing with her nodded in agreement, their determination fueled by Lirael's fiery resolve.
Knowing that personality may have negative effects, the group outside the barrier watched as Lirael's fury increased. "And we shall kill that man who entered with them. How dare a poor and unknown player like him gain more significance than me?" they said. The man who had unwittingly gained access with Siglorr Bouldergrove became the object of their vindictive plans as they planned their next course of action.