As soon as Rian and Ria arrived at the station in the Dwarf Kingdom via the steam train, they sensed the urgent situation. With the tunnel collapsed and their connection to the outside world cut off, the entrance to the Dwarf Kingdom was heavily guarded, and the gatekeepers were vigilant, showing a cold hostility.
Rian and Ria had expected an official welcome from the kingdom, but their expectations were off the mark. The king of the Dwarves did not appear in person, and the lower-ranking officials who greeted them were cold in their demeanor. At the Dwarven embassy, the officials acknowledged Rian and Ria's status but showed that they would approach any information or support they could offer with caution.
The Dwarven ambassador said coolly, "The kingdom's defensive situation is grave. We are in a desperate state, enough to require the support of outside forces, but it will take time to build trust." This statement implied that even though Rian and Ria were important figures, cooperation would not be immediate .
Rian emphasized his and Ria's status, explaining, "We have come here as the prince and princess of Elysium, and as important envoys of the Gnome Kingdom. The Noktus attack is imminent, and our cooperation could be a decisive help to the Dwarf Kingdom's defense. If the kingdom's defenses were to fall now, the safety of the entire continent would be threatened." However, the Dwarven official remained skeptical. "While we may judge that outside support is necessary for the kingdom's defense, we must thoroughly review their trustworthiness and objectives. Especially when it comes to protecting the safety of the kingdom, all decisions must be made with caution."
Rian and Ria, while understanding the complex political situation of the Dwarf Kingdom and their mistrust, decided to continue negotiations. Rian felt disappointment and anxiety at the Dwarves' cold attitude and their suspicion and began to think of a way to improve the situation. Ria felt Rian's anguish and put her all into finding a way to cooperate.
Considering the complex political background of the Dwarf Kingdom, Rian and Ria met with individuals connected to the political sphere through various routes to elicit cooperation. In this process, the story of the Crystal Core they had brought from the Gnome Kingdom was also mentioned. At this, the political figure was surprised and said they could not protect the Crystal Core, advising them to head to the great power of Celesta, the Kingdom of Altechna.
Brunok was greatly disappointed by the indifference and cold attitude of the Dwarf Kingdom and reacted fiercely. As a Dwarf himself, he valued pride and honor, and he was enraged at the sight of the high-ranking officials using political rhetoric to send Rian away, fearing his presence. Brunok's anger stemmed from his strong will to protect the pride and honor of the Dwarves .
Rian and Ria, understanding the situation in the Dwarf Kingdom, decided to move on to the Kingdom of Altechna. They were confident that they would receive the necessary support there, as Altechna maintained a strong alliance with Elysium. Brunok, disappointed by the Dwarves' attitude, shot up from his seat. "No, since when did Dwarves become so weak? This is driving me crazy. Rian, let's get out of here. We can't stay with these weak-willed Dwarves. As a Dwarf, I apologize."
Everyone agreed with Brunok's action and decided to leave for the Kingdom of Altechna. Whether it was a stroke of fortune or misfortune, the politically connected figure gave Rian's party a steam carriage and told them to leave quickly. Everyone frowned, but believing this choice was for the best, they decided to depart.
**
Episode : Leaving the Dwarf Kingdom Behind for Altechna
Rian, Ria, and their companions left the cold reception and indifference of the Dwarf Kingdom behind, having barely secured a steam carriage, and began their journey to the Kingdom of Altechna. As they left the gates of the Dwarf Kingdom, they had to escape from a state where the tunnel was collapsed and their connection to the outside was cut off, carrying with them expressions of despair and feelings of sorrow.
The steam carriage was not fast, but it was a piece of equipment that helped with their travel to some extent. The surrounding villages were desolate, as if cleaned out, and an unsettling atmosphere lingered. The streets were almost empty as some villagers had fled. The village inn was still open, but the closed doors of the shops created a deserted atmosphere.
Rian and Ria's party entered the inn. The inside was quiet, having lost its former bustle, but fortunately, the innkeeper was still in business. The innkeeper couldn't hide his anxious expression and made small talk about the recent events.
"Things are really chaotic these days," the innkeeper began. "The surrounding villages are all empty, and there's no one to be seen. I really don't know what's going on."
Rian and Ria listened quietly to the innkeeper, and their companions began to join the conversation.
Rian asked the innkeeper directly. "Shouldn't you be leaving this place? I heard the surrounding kingdoms are under attack and in an uproar."
The innkeeper thought for a moment before answering. "Well, if I leave here, where would the people who come looking for this place stay? I'm anxious, but I'm not going to leave. But recently, I've heard strange lumps of rock and iron are wandering about, I wonder what they are..."
Brunok nodded and replied. "Then you should be very careful. According to recent rumors, those things have been acting aggressively. We might run into trouble on our way to the Kingdom of Altechna."
Eris added in a calm voice. "It may be the result of the balance of nature and the universe being disrupted. This instability suggests that the harmony of nature has been broken. It is time for us to make an effort to restore the balance of this region."
Marielle gave a gentle smile to offer spiritual comfort. "The divine is watching over this situation and will give us the help we need. Our prayers will be a great strength in this difficult time. And if there is anyone who needs help, please let us know at any time. We will not spare our aid."
The innkeeper expressed his gratitude for Marielle's words and nodded. "The current situation is so chaotic, if there's anyone who needs help, I'll tell them to come here."
Ria continued cautiously. "We are on our way to the Kingdom of Altechna. Considering the situation there, we must have a good understanding of the route we are taking and the current dangers. It is important to gather information well and to be prepared."
Silverfang moved quietly beside Rian, carefully observing the surroundings. Brunok, thinking his animal companion seemed to understand the situation, watched Silverfang's actions closely.
The innkeeper, grateful for the party's serious attitude and their offer of help, began to prepare dinner. "I will prepare dinner. I'll make a simple but delicious meal so you can fill your stomachs, weary from the long journey."
When it was time for dinner, the food prepared in the inn's kitchen was served on the table. A stew made with good quality meat and fresh vegetables, warm bread, and simple fruits were served alongside. The fragrant smell of the stew wafting from the bowls whetted everyone's appetite, and they sat in the quiet dining area and began to eat.
Rian, taking a spoonful of stew, said to his companions. "The road to the Kingdom of Altechna tomorrow looks to be a difficult one. I hope we can handle the situation as best as we have prepared. The threat is ongoing even at this moment, so let's be thorough in our preparations."
Brunok nodded. "That's right. After dinner, I'll check if we're lacking any necessary equipment or preparations. Let's thank the innkeeper for his help and prepare for tomorrow."
Eris joined the conversation. "I pray that the harmony of nature is restored, and that everything we do helps to achieve this balance."
After dinner, the party stayed the night at the inn, preparing for the next day. The quiet night at the inn offered them a brief respite, but the external threats and the uncertain situation ahead still weighed heavily on their minds. The next morning, Rian and Ria's party departed quickly from the inn, and with the sound of the steam carriage's wheels turning, they moved forward on the path of new challenges, crises, and hope that lay before them.
***
Episode : The Refugee Camp on the Way to Altechna
Rian, Ria, and their companions, leaving the complex situation of the Dwarf Kingdom behind them, discovered a refugee camp on their way to the Kingdom of Altechna. The camp was situated by the roadside, and many people were living in makeshift tents and temporary shelters. They had gathered there to find a minimum level of safety amidst the war and chaos.
Here, there was a great disparity among the refugees depending on the belongings they had brought with them. Some were well-prepared, but many lacked even the most essential items. Many looked at each other with anxious eyes, agonizing over where they should evacuate to. The chaos of the war and the Noktus's deceptive tactics had heightened their anxiety.
Rian and Ria assessed the camp's situation and, along with their companions, began to speak with the residents.
Rian asked the residents gathered at the refugee camp, "Is it safe to stay here? I heard the Noktus attacks are ongoing. Where are you all planning to go?"
A middle-aged man replied, "We heard it's best to go to the Kingdom of Altechna. But the situation here is also dire, so only those who are prepared can make the journey. Many people had to flee without packing enough of their belongings."
Brunok added, "There are rumors that the Kingdom of Altechna is relatively safe, but the situation there could be just as tough."
Marielle offered spiritual comfort, saying, "I pray that the divine protects you all even in this chaos. We hope to overcome this crisis with the power of our faith. If there is anything we can do to help, please let us know at any time. We will not spare our prayers and support."
Rian and Ria, understanding the refugees' situation, made their way to the Kingdom of Altechna based on the information they had gathered from the conversation at the camp.
Leaving the camp, they arrived at a second one. The situation here was much worse than at the previous camp. The camp was spread out over a wide area, and a tense atmosphere hung in the air, with various races gathered together. The mood of the camp was heavy and unstable. People moved about in a disorderly fashion, and a noticeable tension flowed between those who had settled in early and those who had joined later.
Rian observed the camp's situation and said to his companions, "The situation is worse here. With so many different races gathered, conflict is inevitable. Can we help them move in a situation like this?"
Brunok looked around and replied, "The mistrust between them seems to be worse here. It looks like they're fighting to secure their own spots. We'll need to gain their trust."
Eris quietly added, "When the harmony of nature is broken, not just humans but all living things are affected. The conflict in this camp may be a result of the imbalance of nature. We will need to make an effort to restore this balance."
Marielle spoke in a calm voice, "I pray that the divine resolves the conflict here. I hope that the power of our faith can help them. If there is any help or information you need from us, please let us know at any time."
Rian and Ria, considering Eris's and Marielle's advice, attempted to speak with the camp's residents. They met with the representatives of each race, proposing a safe passage to the Kingdom of Altechna and requesting their cooperation.
Ria spoke to the residents calmly, "We are heading to the Kingdom of Altechna. It will be a safer place. We can provide the necessary support for the journey, so if there is anything we can do to help, please let us know."
The camp's residents listened carefully to Rian and Ria's party's proposal. However, the residents who had settled in early showed a cold attitude toward those who had joined later, and it was clear that this was intensifying the conflict. They were suspicious and anxious of each other.
At mealtime, the party and the residents gathered to share a simple meal. During the meal, Rian said to his companions, "No matter how difficult this situation is, we must work together. Let's do our best so that the journey to the Kingdom of Altechna can be a source of hope for them."
Brunok added practically, "After the meal, I'll check the camp's preparations and what supplies are needed. We need to figure out how we can help together and complete all preparations."
Eris said seriously, "Until the balance of nature is restored, every effort we make is important. Let's each do our part and find a harmonious solution."
After the meal, the party stayed the night at the camp, preparing for the next day.
The next day, figures in crude masks, carrying weapons modified from farming tools, were swarming toward the camp. It was not uncommon for ordinary citizens to turn into mobs in such chaotic times.
Rian and Ria's companions quickly assessed the situation, and for a safe passage, they simply subdued the masked figures and began to move quickly toward Altechna.