After arriving in Bargnor, the capital of the Dwarf Kingdom, Rian's party was guided by Hagraks to the Dwarven forge. The forge was located in the heart of the Dwarf Kingdom, and its shelves were packed with weapons and tools imbued with Dwarven technology and craftsmanship. As they reached the entrance, a giant blast furnace, the pride and symbol of the Dwarves, rose up before them. All around, heated metals glowed, and large bellows, ceaselessly breathing fire, moved busily.
Hagraks greeted the party with a bright smile.
Hagraks: "This is the forge where our Dwarven technology and pride are forged. You will be able to find all the materials and tools you need here. Our craftsmen are second to none when it comes to creating the sturdiest and most precise works."
Rian listened to Hagraks's words and looked around. The heat and the smell of metal in the forge stung his nose, and the sound of Dwarven craftsmen hammering metal filled the space. With every powerful strike of the Dwarves' hammers, his own heart pounded heavily. He marveled at the vibrant work before him, while also feeling anew the weight of the responsibility he carried.
Rian: "I hope the reason we came here is not in vain... We must do our best to meet the expectations of the people we are meant to lead."
Ria sensed her brother's resolve and gently took his hand.
Ria: "Don't worry, brother. Just by coming this far, we've already taken a huge step. We're all together, so we will definitely succeed."
Brunok, with a proud expression, approached a Dwarven craftsman who was holding a heavy hammer—his friend and a famous artisan of the forge, Logram. Brunok felt a certain way every time he came here. It was a sense of nostalgia, as if he were connected to his roots, and at the same time, a pride in standing here with his companions.
Brunok: "Logram! Same as ever, my friend. Fighting with the flames again today?"
Logram's face lit up when he saw Brunok.
Logram: "Brunok! It's been a while! I heard you were coming, good to see you. These must be your companions, right? If there's anything you need from our forge, just say the word. I'll make it for you with the best quality."
Brunok smiled and said to his companions.
Brunok: "Logram is the most skilled artisan in the forge. He'll be able to help us with the tools and materials we need."
Rian approached Logram and extended his hand in greeting.
Rian: "Hello, Logram. We are looking for materials and tools to solve a problem related to the Crystal Core. We believe Dwarven technology will be a great help."
Logram listened to Rian and looked at him with a thoughtful gaze.
Logram: "The Crystal Core... that sounds like a rather complex problem. But don't you worry. I'll show you the best materials and tools I have. Follow me this way."
Logram guided the party deep into the forge. The place was filled with intricate machinery unique to the Dwarves, powerful weapons, and a variety of materials. Giant sledgehammers, precise gears, steel plates and pipes—all the necessary materials were gathered here.
Eris watched the machines the Dwarves were operating with fascination and admiration. She had lived amidst the flow of nature and magic, but seeing the Dwarves handle machines with such precision gave her a new realization.
Eris: "The Dwarven forge has a different kind of charm from magic. It's truly amazing that all these machines can move so precisely without magic. That nature and machine can be this harmonious... I am learning a new perspective."
Eris dreamed of a moment when machine and magic, which had walked different paths, would finally achieve harmony. She felt that this moment could be the first step on that path.
Brunok, along with Logram, began to inspect the tools and materials, picking out what they needed. He lifted heavy iron pieces to test their strength and reconfirmed with his companions if the materials were what they needed.
Brunok: "We need a few things to stabilize the Crystal Core and reinforce the mechanical soldiers. These steel plates and gears are very sturdy and good. And we should also take this reinforced steel cable and this defensive shield."
Logram quickly understood Brunok's requests and began to sort the items he wanted.
Logram: "This shield is a reinforced shield that can even withstand a dragon's flame. It'll suit what you're looking for. And this gear was used in war machines; it should be compatible with the device needed to control the Crystal Core's energy."
Ria nodded, realizing that the prepared items were essential for solving the Crystal Core problem. She marveled at the depth of the Dwarves' technology while also feeling her own task becoming clearer.
Ria: "Thank you for preparing everything we need, Logram. With the help of the Dwarves, I think we can solve this problem."
Marielle smiled as she observed the vibrant atmosphere of the forge. She believed that the divine order was at work even amidst the lively heat of this place.
Marielle: "This is a truly amazing place. It feels as if it has been blessed by the divine. Seeing the Dwarves work so diligently, I feel that the divine will also acknowledge their efforts."
Rian's party began to load the materials and tools from the forge onto a cart one by one. The Dwarves swiftly moved the heavy iron pieces with their rough hands, and the party continued their work with their help. The steam engine whirred, ready to haul the cart loaded with materials.
Brunok, after making a final check of the loaded materials, firmly shook Logram's hand.
Brunok: "Thanks, Logram. Your help will be a great strength to us. I'll be sure to repay this debt."
Logram laughed heartily and gripped Brunok's hand tightly.
Logram: "We Dwarves always stand with our brothers. I wish you success, Brunok. And all of you as well."
Rian expressed his gratitude to the Dwarves of the forge.
Rian: "Thank you very much. With your help, we believe we can overcome this crisis."
As Rian left the forge, he glanced back for a moment. He saw the Dwarves, hammering away, engrossed in their work again. Their fervent passion and their will, burning like a flame, gave Rian great strength as well.
Rian: "The passion and dedication they showed, and the help we received—we won't let it be in vain. We will definitely succeed."
After loading all the necessary materials, the party left the forge. Thanks to the powerful technology and warm cooperation of the Dwarves, they had gained confidence and finished their preparations for the journey to solve the Crystal Core problem.
Rian: "All preparations are complete now. The cooperation of the Dwarves and Gnomes will be a great strength to us. Now, everyone, let's depart. Our mission starts now!"
The cart set off, receiving the lively cheers of the Dwarves. Rian's party set off again to resolve the crisis related to the Crystal Core and to quell the chaos in the Gnome Kingdom. A new challenge awaited them, but the materials and confidence they had gained from the Dwarven forge would be a great source of strength.
***
Episode : The Subterranean Assault
Rian's party, leading a cart loaded with materials from the Dwarf Kingdom, headed for the train station in Bargnor. This railway, once the center of trade and technological exchange between the Gnomes and Dwarves, had been specially reactivated for this mission. The steam train prepared by the Dwarves was ready to open the way once more after a long time, belching steam with the sound of an engine burning hot as a furnace.
Eris felt a mix of emotions as she looked at the heat and roar emanating from the powerful machine. While she was keenly aware of how different the machine's intense power was from nature, she also had faith that this power would be a great help in the fights to come.
Eris: "The power of this train is truly incredible. But I'm still a little uneasy. You never know when a power so disconnected from nature might go haywire."
Brunok laughed at Eris's words, showing his confidence in Dwarven technology.
Brunok: "Don't you worry, Eris. Dwarven tech is reliable. This train will get us to the Gnome Kingdom without any problems. And I'm sure these materials will solve our problem."
Rian gripped his greatsword, steeling his resolve as he loaded the cart of materials onto the train. These materials were not just objects; they were the key that would bring them new hope.
Rian: "Our goal is clear. We're going to use these materials to solve the Gnome Kingdom's problem. Everyone ready?"
Ria agreed with her brother's decision and nodded, her expression confident once more.
Ria: "Of course, brother. This time, we'll definitely succeed."
Marielle also nodded, clasping her hands as if in prayer. In her heart, the belief that they could overcome any difficulty as long as they were together had taken root.
Marielle: "The divine will help us, too. All preparations are complete, so let's gather our strength and move forward."
The steam train sounded its whistle and departed. As it entered the tunnel, with light and darkness alternating, the party was lost in their own thoughts. They prepared for the challenges to come, recalling the coordinated attacks they had practiced.
A short while later, the train arrived at the Kronex station in the Gnome Kingdom. Rian was the first to disembark, surveying the station. In the still-chaotic station, several Gnomes were bustling about, moving materials and supplies. Rian gestured to his companions and began to move the materials.
Rian: "Let's hurry and move the materials. We don't have much time."
The party began to unload the materials from the train one by one. Rian held his greatsword, guarding their surroundings as he worked. Brunok, along with Silverfang, checked to see if the cart was being properly organized. But as they were moving the materials, the ground began to tremble slightly.
Rian: "What is this...?"
Before Rian could finish his sentence, the ground split open, and giant creatures surged up from below. They looked like relatives of the Gnomes but were much rougher and more feral. Their red, glowing eyes were filled with an aggressive energy, and they threatened the party, destroying their surroundings mercilessly.
Brunok immediately gave an order to Silverfang and drew his firearm. At his touch, Silverfang instantly entered a battle stance.
Brunok: "Damn these things, the assault has begun! Everyone, prepare for battle!"
Rian swung his greatsword and stepped in front of the party.
Rian: "Everyone, form a defensive line! Ria, support us with magic!"
Ria quickly extended her hand and activated her ice magic. A blue light erupted, and the resulting ice wall stopped the creatures in their tracks. Rian used the opening to quickly close in and sweep them away with his greatsword.
Ria: "Brother, more are coming from the right!"
Rian switched his weapon to twin blades and dealt with the enemies with even greater agility. He moved quickly and nimbly, evading the creatures' attacks while simultaneously delivering deadly counters.
Brunok, with Silverfang, harassed the enemy from a distance, precisely targeting their weak spots. Following Brunok's command, Silverfang moved quickly and brought down the creatures at their ankles, and Brunok, not missing the moment, fired at their vital points.
Brunok: "Silverfang, block the enemy on the right!"
At Brunok's command, Silverfang paralyzed the creature's movements, and Brunok took it down with a single powerful shot.
Marielle cast a protective barrier from a safe position, defending her companions. Her barrier blocked the creatures' attacks, allowing Rian and Ria to fight safely.
Marielle: "Rian, watch out! An attack is coming from behind!"
Rian immediately turned, blocking the attack with his greatsword, and at that moment, Marielle cast a healing spell on him, restoring his stamina.
Eris used her shamanistic magic to disrupt the enemies' energy, controlling the flow of the battlefield. She chanted spells to weaken the creatures' combat power and manipulated the battlefield so her allies could gain an advantageous position.
Eris: "We have to stop them from breaking through the barrier!"
Rian's party put the results of their coordinated attack practice to use, each member carrying out their role with certainty as they fought. The brilliant joint assault of Rian and Ria, the precise sniping of Brunok and Silverfang, the stable support of Marielle, and the strategic disruption magic of Eris all blended together exquisitely.
As the battle was gradually wrapping up, Rian swung his greatsword and cut down the last remaining creature. Confirming the end of the battle, Rian caught his breath and looked around at his companions.
Rian: "Is everyone okay?"
Ria approached her brother with a smile.
Ria: "Yeah, brother. We did really well! Our roles matched up perfectly."
Brunok stroked Silverfang's head and laughed, pleased.
Brunok: "Good job, Silverfang. It would've been a lot harder without you."
Marielle bowed her head, offering a prayer of thanks for her companions.
Marielle: "The divine protected us. I'm so glad everyone is safe. The strength we have together has shone brightly."
Eris spoke with a confident expression, sensing the shamanistic power.
Eris: "The coordination we practiced finally clicked perfectly. At this rate, we'll be able to face even greater threats."
Rian's party organized the materials again, realizing their cooperation had become even more solid. They were ready to trust each other and fight together on their journey ahead.
Rian: "Alright, now let's finish moving the materials and move on to the next step. We still have a lot of work to do."
The party serviced the cart again and headed for their next destination. A difficult path still lay before them, but their cooperation and will would make them even stronger.
Rian and his companions hardened their resolve once more and moved forward to quell the chaos in the Gnome Kingdom.