The underground chamber was suffused with the dull crimson light bleeding out of the Rift.
The clangor of magically enchanted steel striking stone reverberated through the space, bouncing off the walls and into Cain’s ears.
He was in a fallen pillar, a contemplative look on his face.
In front of him was the map showing the series of networks of established ore veins that stretched out from this chamber further into the depths of Urbus.
With the help of the {Demon’s Eye} and the Dwarves, he was not only able to find and identify each vein, he was also able to create a priority list based on their grade and quality.
On the other side, the {Black-Hearth Dwarves} were hard at work mining up as much more as they could.
Out of all the Dwarves, the only one that had been born with a connection to the system was Gungir. Because of that, the dwarf was the most learned of the bunch.
That made conversing with him much easier as the others worked.
As he chatted away with Gungir, Cain ca to discover multiple interesting things.
For one, Gungir was also a respected artificer in the underground City of Lent that existed in the Black Mountains.
The Dwarf’s knowledge of runes, and magic, as well as crafting and even the grades of various important magical stones and ores greatly superceded his. Almost to the point where he was a bit embarrassed.
However, the Dwarf was also surprised at him as well. Compared to Gungir that had lived for almost four hundred scourge winters, or almost eight hundred Urbus years, he had only lived a few decades.
Even more impressively, he had gained all of his knowledge in just over a year.
That was certainly quite impressive.
And so, the two bonded over their shared love and intrigue for the mystical arcane and its peripheries...
Gungir pointed at the small map,
"At this rate, we should be done with this chamber in an hour or two."
Cain nodded, "It seems so."
Compared to the humans overhead, even with the help of the summons and magical tools, it would take them at least three days go get the sa amount of work done compared to the four dwarves.
Each strike collapsed an entire section of the large walls and pillars. The {Black-Hearth Dwarves} would then strengthen the broken walls with earth magic to prevent a cave in as they worked their way through gathering the ore.
It was not only quick an efficient. It was also rather interesting to witness.
Cain turned to Gungir and chuckled,
"After this, I’ll treat you all to a feast."
Gungir cackled,
"We won’t be shy then!"
"Cain the Human!"
Cain turned his head.
Beorstone waved at him from his section. The stocky {Black-Hearth Dwarf} was surrounded by boudkergthat were more than twice his size. On his shoulder, a huge slab of grey stone sat.
Gungir nodded to him,
"On with yer. The Boss’ll have a few words worth hearin’. It may be important. Probably... I’ll finish up the mapping here and see how we’ll dig out the tunnels even further."
Although he tried to hide it, Cain could tell that he was excited by how his tone kept slipping into the gruffy manner the other dwarves were fond of.
Cain chuckled then stood up and headed towards Beorstone.
The {Black-Hearth Dwarf} ran his fingers through his beard. Dropping the large stone slab to the ground, he picked his pickaxe up and handed it to Cain imdiately he arrived.
Cain instinctively took the axe in his hand. By the ti he realized what had happened, Beorstone pointed at the broken terrain right in front of him,
"Let’s see what year can do, kid!"
Murmurs spread through the cavernous chamber.
The other three had stopped their work and were now staring at them,
"The Boss has really taken a likin’ to the hooman kid." Grimdor said as he laughed boisterously.
Bilfur snorted, "If the lad’s earned the favor of the great Fuji, then there’s iron in his stones for sure."
The third Dwarf, Baldur, chuckled,
"Are you sure you aren’t taking a likin’ to the kid as well, Grimdor?"
This Dwarf was a fair bit less noticeable than the other four, mostly because its features seed almost forgettable.
Up until now, Cain hadn’t really paid him any attention.
Cain narrowed his eyes.
The only thing notable about this dwarf, was that it was completely bald. Not a single strand of hair on its dusty, gri colored scalp.
However, his beard was rather impressive. He had the most well kept beard of the five.
"Enough chattin’! Back to work, the lot of ya!" Beorstone barked loudly.
The other dwarves grumbled, but diligently went back to work.
Beorstone sighed then turned back to Cain,
"Where was I..."
Cain chuckled, "You want to dig as well?"
Beorstone snapped his fingers and nodded deeply,
"Aye. Only a real man worth his weight in stones knows the way to the heart of his world."
Beorstone pointed at the rocks,
"The nature of ground can speak to you. It tells you things if you can listen. And by listening, you will be led right to the real treasures."
Cain’s eyes widened.
What Beorstone had just said made absolutely no sense at all!
But at the sa ti, it made a lot of sense, rendering him speechless.
Beorstone roared with laughter,
"Seems like I his a spot, kid! That’s good. Now, show what yer balls are made of! Are they made of steel, or are they made of the sa stuff as those highlander sissies?!"
Cain felt sothing strange co to life within him. A burning fla roaring to life from embers.
He felt the urge to take of his shirt and start hacking at the stones until his fra glistened with sweat.
He pursed his lips and clenched his fists around the pickaxe. The grip was firm and the tool didn’t feel too heavy or too light as it sat in his arms.
It was just right...
He couldn’t help but think it might be fun.
And so, with that thought in mind, Cain swung down hard.
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