"Everyone stop!!"
We arrived at the gate to the central island sooner than I thought. We did encounter some bandits but the mercenary team was very aggressive in defending. They left three five-person teams to defend the caravan while four three-person teams were running around everywhere running down the bandits.
We encountered more bandits than my graduation trip here but there were times where a second or third bandit group arrived. However, unlike my first trip here where the other bandit group tried to help corner us, they were actually fighting the other bandits more.
I guess their priority is cleaning up the other bandits before the loot. Even if they didn't get the loot, if they defeat the other bandit team, they could absorb the surviving members and increase their numbers. It would cut down the competition and make them stronger at the same time.
*Creak* *Creak*
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*
"Yes?"
"Excuse me, we have arrived at the dragon's gate. We would need to charge the remaining fee before we cross."
I don't think there is a toll to enter the central island. Hmm, I doubt they are doing this because they are afraid that we, the tag-alongs, will escape once we reach the central island. There is no way to escape a proper business deal, especially on the central island.
Hmm, Actually, since the deal happened outside the island, the sea monsters won't be able to judge that someone reneged on a transaction. I guess you can technically escape if you made the deal outside the central island, and they won't be able to do anything about it. They won't be able to act upon it since any violent actions would only attract the attention of the guardian monsters.
They will be attacked once they step outside the central island, but if they don't plan to leave then all is good.
This gateway is very safe and even if they leave us here, you can reach the central island by foot.
"Here."
"Thank you, we will proceed to the central island very shortly. We thank you for your patience."
We would part once we reached the central island. I need to find an inn the moment I arrive.
"All right, let's advance!"
*Creak* *Creak* *Creak*
"Welcome to the central island. Please line up over here while we identify you. Don't worry, everyone is allowed here. We only need to record down your name for statistics purposes. We also have some reminders about the rules and regulations for first time travellers here."
I already heard about this when I first arrived here. I just need to put in my name and find an inn quickly, or I will wander district to district finding an inn with vacancy. I already paid the manager of this merchant caravan, so I don't need to say anything anymore. The chances that I will go to them for the return trip is very low too, and even if my return date coincides with them I will try and choose a different merchant caravan when returning.
It helps widen my connections that way. I won't consign my products to them. They are very welcome to buy the goods from me, and I won't really feel much if they sell it somewhere far-away with a considerable markup. However, I won't directly ask them to help spread my products because I will earn less profit, and I won't be able to spread my face as much as when I sell by myself directly.
When the time comes when I am known throughout the dwarf kingdom, I want there to be tales about how I raised my business from being a struggling smith who travels the continent selling his wares, to people travelling from all over the continent to my 'secluded' home asking me to forge for them! Also, it's a good way to pass the time since waiting back in the village is starting to get boring. The scenery isn't really that good compared to my farmlands on the human continent.
"Excuse me, Are you Mr. Brill Smith?"
"Yes, I am. Who is asking?"
Hmm, A human. It's weird for them to visit here at the dwarf continent entrance. There is no chance that they will plot to destroy our entrance because it is guarded by the sea monsters.
The weirder part is that they know about me. I don't think I earned enough of a renown that they would know my name here on the central island, much less know me by face.
"Ah, Good, I thought I had the wrong person. The prince kindly invites you to a meeting. We have taken the liberty to arrange a place for you to stay while on the central island. Once you are done with the central island entrance formalities, please follow me."
"I see, Ok, I should be done with registering shortly."
"Please take your time."
So this was sent by the prince to observe here at the entrance. I doubt I am the one they are waiting for specifically. The prince should have scattered a wider net, so this one here should be waiting for a number of blacksmiths that the prince recruited.
Is the human prince asking for a meeting to see my progress? Hmm, Since they already know that I am here, there is no way for me to avoid it now.
"Name?"
"Brill Smith"
Since I am meeting the human royals, I might as well ask them for some help with the things I want to buy.
"I will be taking your carriage for you. This is the place where you will be staying. The stables are at the back, I will take your goat and have someone take care of it there. Please wait for a moment, someone will be coming out shortly to take you to the facilities where you can clean yourself up before meeting the prince."
"Ok."
I didn't really need to wash up since I was mostly inside the carriage. I see no reason to 'prep-up' just to meet them. However, I really need to pee, so I will take up the offer!
"Have you finished your business, sir? Well then, please come this way."
This is a nice place. It looks like a single floor mansion, though drastically smaller. This shouldn't be the residence of the prince, probably a property they rent out to others. However, they do move fast. I just arrived and they already have a place prepared.
*Knock* *Knock*
"Sir, the blacksmith, Brill Smith is here."
"Come in."
"Pardon our intrusion."
*Creak* *Open*
"Ah, Mr. Brill. It has been so long. Please take a seat."
A top class butler. As a former butler, I can tell that he is at least a few times stronger than me. I don't recognize him either, so he should be the prince's personal helper since he was a child, much like the head maid is to the princess. He might be the Head butler but I never saw him even once when I was working in the castle. I guess he never leaves the prince's side but where is the assistant maid. In the same way I was selected to be a trainee butler to the princess, there should also be a trainee maid assigned to the prince. The hero king made it like that to assign balance to his children, since it would make them too dependent if they are surrounded by very competent people.
The trainees are there to make mistakes and take the fall, so they can feel superior over them. It will build up their confidence, while allowing them to not rely on others too much, as those ‘others’ can fail their orders. It's in bad taste but it somehow works.
"So, what d'ya want?"
I need to keep it tough. I am no longer working for them. If I get soft on them then they might lower my compensation.
"Hahaha, Is there any reason to meet an old friend?"
"Here I am. If that's all then I'm leaving."
"Well, well, well, Don't be in such a hurry. Why don't we talk for a bit since it's been so long? How is business these days?"
In his mind he should be going 'Are you able to make weapons capable of wounding a dragon now?'. Making weapons that could pierce their scales is one thing but I have never seen a material hard enough that can do that.
"Out with it! I hate this bendy twisting conversation you humans keep talking with. If you want to say something then tell it to me now. Don't keep me here just so you can flaunt your vocabulary. It doesn't impress me one bit!"
"Hahaha, as hasty as ever, I see. Very well then, I found materials capable of piercing the dragon's scales along with materials that can help shield us from their attacks. I have a short supply of both, so I want to give you a few pieces to see what you are able to do with it."
"Hmmp, why didn't you say so in the first place!? Alright, send those pieces to where you're planning to detain me. I'll try to see what I can do with it once I finish buying some things."
Really? They found materials like that? Where would you even find those kinds of things? How do you even know that it would work?
"Oh, You must be very eager to be able to play with new materials, much less rare materials like these that are able to wound dragons. How about we do this, I will take care of your shopping while you head straight to work? Don't worry, I have dabbled in running a little store here at the central islan for quite some time now. I can guarantee the quality as well as the price in what you want to buy."
"Eager? Hmmp! I wonder which one of us is eager here. I will admit that I am a bit excited to see these materials of yours that can injure dragons but not to the point where I will stop someone from doing their market trip! Here! These are the things that I need right now. My limit is 100 gold coins. Now call one of your servants to 'escort' me to the workshop. Let's get this over with, so I can stroll around the market in peace afterwards."
"No need for the money, I can take care of it. It's a small matter for me. Right now, I need you to put forth your expertise to make use of the materials I have acquired."
Yes, 'expertise'. In the same way that your expertise is money. Hmm, I do have to admit that I am very curious about those materials. I wonder if it's possible for them to give me some if I do well. I'm not planning to attack the dragons anytime soon but it would certainly be a handy weapon. Also, if it's strong enough to pierce the dragon's scales then it should glide right through anything else softer than those scales.
"Klaus, please show Mr. Brill the way and send someone to buy everything on this list. I'm expecting favourable results from you Mr. Brill. Until we meet again."
Damn, that was silent. I didn't hear him open the door, even with my hearing passive bonus. Is this a show of strength by the prince saying I can be observed without me knowing? It probably isn't that complicated, and more of that he was called by his master, so he came as quickly as possible for his convenience.
I remember it was one of the lessons the Head Maid taught me. You go with your presence broadcasted when you approach without being called but always show up without being known when called upon. She said it was so they won't be startled when you approach them when not called. It has something to do with the master's privacy and the like but I always thought it was so they won't be caught off guard when they are doing something 'private'.
"This is the workshop, sir Brill. The materials given by the prince are on top of the desk at the side. There are supplies inside the warehouse, which is just beyond that door over there. The other door leads to your living quarters. Meals will be prepared and delivered to you three times a day. Clothes, both normal and work outfits, are inside the dresser in the bedroom. If you require other materials or tools, please feel free to list them on this paper and slip that paper through this slot in the door. Are there any questions?"
"This is pretty much a prison workshop. You even have a slot through the door for me to make my 'requests'. Are my meals going to be delivered through that slot too?"
"Please excuse the inconvenience. However, we mean you no harm. The slot is only for convenience. We don't want you to feel like you are being watched, so someone will come collect the note a few times a day. Hence, the need for the slot. In regards to your meal, it will be delivered to your dining table at certain times every day. You are free to leave and roam, we will not stop you. The stables are just behind the building and your carriage is inside the big warehouse beside the stables. If that is all, please excuse me. We await for your results."
He is saying this with such a gentle tone but I can feel the heavy arrogance behind his words. I feel like he is looking at me like I'm an idiot. Well, if you think about it, they could never really force me here even if they tried because if I became violent then it might harm them too when the guardian monsters take action.
I should have listed more materials in the list I gave the prince. I wonder if it's too late to add things in there? Anyway, let's get started with this weapon.
*Open*
Are these the materials? There are two crates about the size of a suitcase. One of them should be the one able to inflict damage to the dragons while the other should be the one to defend against their attack, particularly the flame breath.
*Knock* *Tock* *Knock* *Tock*
Hmm, both of them are hard but this one has scarlet lines here and there. It should be the one they expect to be able to defend against a dragon’s attacks. Ah, too long, I'll just call this red one the defensive material, the other one is the offensive material. Then this one that has a blue swirling pattern on it should be the offensive material.
There isn't enough material to make a complete set of armour. This kind of material should also be rare, so the chance that they could prepare a full set of armour to a group of knights is low. A shield, maybe? However, a shield can't exactly defend against a dragon's flames. It would just go around it. I'll try to see if I can use this as a coating when mixed with another material.
I'm not sure I could do the same with the offensive material though, since I need it to be tough enough to be able to absorb the impact of hitting a dragon's shell. The material isn't that much. I guess I could make a spear. No, the shaft would be the weak point. If I made the shaft metal, it would be heavy and if it ever breaks, they won't be able to use... Wait.
If I design the spear tip like a dagger, they could use it initially as a spear and if ever the shaft breaks, they could use it as a dagger. For the dagger, I can use the same trick as the defensive material. I will only make the edge and the tip using the offensive material.
Alright, I'll get this started. I'll also list a few more materials for myself. I'll just say that I got inspired when I used these materials, call it a spontaneous shopping urge.
"Finally, I finally completed it."
These materials are very hard. I tried to heat it up but my furnace melted on the first shade of colour the material changed to. I tried to help using my [Blacksmith] skills but I ran out of mana before I barely changed the shape. I had to ask for them to create multiple furnaces made with the highest heat resistant materials they could acquire. I would heat it up on one furnace and keep the others on standby, so I could switch the moment the one I am using is nearing melting point. I would then rotate furnaces tolet the others cool down.
Of course I assisted with my skill while forging but that has been the most mana intensive forging session I have done, especially when doing the defensive material one.
"Congratulations. The others have also made some sample products using the materials but I can say that yours have been one of the most 'upgraded' one I have seen yet. However, one of the other smiths created a better weapon using the weapon material. We will use that in our operation in the future."
"Heh, of course they did. If someone already made something to your liking, then I should be taking my leave. Thanks for the materials and getting my groceries. I have been staying here in the central island for a few months. I still have obligations back at my home, so I'll be leaving now."
"Please don't be so hasty to leave. While someone did make a better weapon, you made the better armour. We need around a hundred sets of armour. You will be rewarded well when it is done."
"A hundred? I'm sure you read in your report about how long it took me to make a single one. I'll leave you the blueprint, pay for that and find someone who will waste a hundred months working nonstop for you."
"Don't worry, you made it once, so the next time should go smoothly. You'll get better as you continue making it which will greatly shorten the production time. How about this? My father, the hero king, left us with a secret. It's a secret about the central temple here in the central island. You visit that place a lot during your breaks. I assume you want to see the inside. Once the armour is complete, I'll give you the reward, I'll even prepare enough rare materials for you to use your whole life, and I'll show you how to get deep inside the central temple. How about it?"
The hero king knew how to get inside there. Hmm, I guess it can't hurt. Also, even if they did somehow defeat a dragon with the equipment I make, they still have to deal with the sea monsters. It's not like the gates leading here to the central island are only guarded by a single dragon. Even with weapons capable of injuring them, it's another matter altogether to defeat a horde of dragons. Even more when there is a sea full of monsters coming in as backup.
"Ok, I'll do it. However, I want some mana storage items. I'm exhausting myself making just a single armour. Most of the time is wasted just waiting for me to charge back up to full mana."
"I will have it prepared. You will be receiving the materials shortly. In the meantime, here are a couple thousand gold coins. Think of it as advanced payment, a little something to motivate you. The rare materials I promised will also be sent in a couple of days. Don't worry about anything else except the production."
I might regret doing this for them but as long as I don't restart on the human continent in my next life, it won't affect me that much.
*Tap* *Tap* *Tap* *Tap* *Knock*
*Crack* *Crack* *Slide*
A stone door. This place really does give the whole ancient temple atmosphere. I'm still a bit dizzy from making all those armours but curiosity about this place was one of the motivations for me to continue swinging my hammer during these two years.
"As promised, this is the way inside the central temple. Please follow after me and don't touch anything randomly."
"Are there traps?"
"There are no traps but this place is a historical sight. We want to preserve this place so it can last for a long long long time."
There are barely any people entering this place. You have to be 'chosen' by the temple to even get access to the door. I can't believe we bypassed the 'talent portion' with a relic from the hero king. I guess the hero gets a VIP pass here since it was built by, and for, the heroes.
I should be able to find a clue in how to smack the head of that gamer god from here. Also, if the heroes made this place, they should have written clues on how to return back to our world. I am not saying I want to return but bringing in a few modern conveniences back here would really be nice. I love the 'off-the-grid' life I had up until now but it never hurts to have earth food every now and then.
However, the fact that the prince allowed me to see the inside of this temple must mean that there isn't any sensitive information here. The clue on how to get back and information about this world would probably not be there, at least not in an area where a native of this world, such as the prince and his butler, can get access to.
I'll just treat this as a sightseeing trip then.
Everything in my shopping list has already been bought, souvenirs are already purchased and the reward I got from the prince is already safely stored in my [Soul Storage]. The souvenirs are with hornbasher and with his new friends, and possible girlfriend.
I'll probably have to clean up the house when I get back. The village chief, I mean the former village chief and the villagers are helping take care of my volcano home. I wrote to them that they didn't need to do that but they are just too helpful. I hope they'll be happy with the souvenirs I got for them.
"We are here."
"Here?"
*Step* *Step* *Tack* *Tack*
This is a giant hole in the ground. It's not exactly a hole but a drawing of a hole. A giant circular room with a gigantic round slate coloured drawing on the ground. This is the 'depths' of the central temple. I was just saying that there won't be any vital information here but at least show me something.
I guess I can't expect that much. The requirement for reaching here is a talent presentation in front of the temple, after all.
"It is not what you expect, isn't it?"
"I have to agree with you. Was this place already emptied out by you?"
"Hahaha, no such thing. This place has alway been like this. The mayor of the central island should be waiting for us outside to persuade us not to tell whatever we saw here to others. The central temple would not be as lively if they knew nothing awaits them here. I don't like visiting this place, the mayor can is really persistent once someone enter this place. The mayor will repeat the warning no matter how many times you enter this place."
I see how that can get annoying. However, there really is nothing here. Could it be that this is the clue left by the hero who made this? They found nothing, not a clue nor information that could help us who appeared here from another world?
*Walk* Walk* *Walk*
Hmm? I couldn't see them before but there appears to be rows of windows just above the entrance door. It looks like a viewing platform, like those old operating theatres. Why would they design this place like this?
"It's because this place used to be where the Scholar hero teaches those who passed the test outside. It was originally used to screen out his disciples. The Scholar hero was a very long-lived elf, he didn't want boring students, so you must have a talent capable of getting the attention of his little spell for the door of the temple."
"...What are you saying?"
"The Scholar hero would sit right in that middle spot you are standing on as all of his students listen to his teaching inside this 'hole' in the ground. He would call it the abyss of knowledge as he teaches them whatever pops up in his mind. The viewing platform above is for the visitors, mostly relatives of the students. The Scholar hero would organise little presentations on what his students learned from time to time. The relatives would then be invited to watch and observe from the viewing platform upstairs."
The true identity of the central temple is a classroom?
"Right in this middle spot?"
"Yes, that has always been the position where the Scholar hero taught. It is also where all the heroes that followed like to stand. However, we, the natives of this world, always feel this eerie feeling whenever we approach it, like we are not supposed to even be near it. It must be one of the enchantments made by the Scholar hero."
"Hmm? You,...What did you say?"
"When asked about it by others, the Scholar hero would say that it is dangerous to stand there at the middle spot. It must be because of the Scholar hero's special trick he likes to do every time the presentation of his students is over."
Did he just say 'we, natives'? Is he referring to 'us' or referring to them opposite of me? Does he know? How?
*Click* *Crumble* *Crumble* *Crash*
"Ahhhhh........"
*Grab* *Crack* *Crack*
No good, the floor can't support me. Once the middle spot crumbled away the floors near it started cracking all around. I'm going to fall at this rate.
"The central spot would crumble away as the Scholar hero disappears into the abyss. It was his way of teaching his students that even he, the hero, never climbed back out of learning. Goodbye, current hero. Goodbye, Sebastian, or Brill Insanity if you prefer."
"Son of a...."
"Hero. I'm the son of the hero. The last hero."
Arghh! He really does know. How does he know? He even knows that I was 'Sebastian'! Identify? Does he have an appraisal skill!?
*Crumble* *Crumble*
No, no, no, I'm falling. Again? I'm going to die because of the Hero king's children again? Damn, I burned your sister back then before I was captured. Don't think I'll fall without a fight. Have a taste of these 'Dragon slaying' weapons you asked me to forge.
*Throw* *Throw* *Throw*
I could only make Three throwing knives due to the amount of material I have. I don't know if they are really sharp enough to pierce a dragon's scales but they are more than enough for someone like you!
*Rip* *Tear* *Thunk*
"Oh, these are made from the material I have given you. It's not much but thank you for the parting gift. I don't have anything as valuebl but let me give you something in return"
That is!? No! Is that leather armour hidden beneath his flashy clothes!?!? Did he make that from the 'gift package' of the previous heroes? No, not him but the hero king!
*Stomp* *Crack* *Crack* *Crack* *Crash*
Ah, It looks like I can't go back to the volcano home. I hope he at least take care of hornbasher. At least send him back to the village, his territory is there.
"...Send my mount back to my village!!! Iron volcano village #39!!!"
"...I'll honour that last request!!!"
I am thankful. The villagers would take care of hornbasher, and now that he has a girlfriend, he should be able to live peacefully there at the village.
I'll try to avoid the central island from now on. As long as the human royals have access to 'appraisal' abilities, I won't be able to hide from them.
Is this why the prince recruited me back then? Did he find out I was 'Sebastian' before? I wonder if he knows my skills too? I hope not, I hope that he thinks that changing my race to another is the ability I received when I arrived here in this world.
The fact that he has to recruit a large number of blacksmiths as backup must mean that he doesn't have the means to view the skills. Otherwise, he won't try to recruit some of my classmates, who were fresh out of the academy.
It would be troublesome if my rebirth ability was found but he said 'Goodbye' at the end. I'll take those words and keep them in mind.
Good bye, I hope to never see you again. I'll never approach the central island before that 'goodbye' turns to 'see you in your next life'.
Oh, please don't start me off on the human continent!!!
*Bang* *Crash* *Crash* *Crash*
