Episode 353
[Temple of Vulcan] is said to be outside the village.
It may have been somewhat ironic for the dwarf, but I thought it might be a good thing that things turned out this way.
If a temple surrounded by wild flowers had existed inside the village, it would have been a disaster in a different sense.
As I headed to the place I heard about, I thought about the altar inside the temple.
I heard that there is a mysterious flame in the center of the altar that has never been extinguished for thousands of years, and that is the [Breath of Vulcan].
I also remember the question Ludwig asked after hearing the story.
“Then how do you use the divine power called [Vulcan’s Breath]? “Do I really have to go to the temple every time I mint something?”
“Not really. “I can transfer [breath] to a special tree that only grows in this desert.”
“aha.”
This means that the tree is used like a torch and is carried to the oven in the workshop as if carrying a torch.
What is important to note is that the translated Breath of Vulcan has a time limit… … .
Once removed, no matter how perfectly you store it, it will expire after a month.
This is the reason why the dwarves of Sandstorm Dune have not been able to produce work for several months.
I summarized the brief explanation I had heard and soon arrived near the temple.
“… “I guess it’s over there.”
‘Luzard’s black scales were quite helpful in withstanding the high temperature, but as the temple got closer, even I started to feel sick.
It’s truly the hottest I’ve felt in a long time.
“… “It’s hot.”
Due to the nature of my race, I didn’t sweat, but every time I exhaled, hot air was released like a dragon’s breath… … .
To be honest, at times like this, I don’t even know how the Linchal mask was created.
Isn’t this a transformation, not a disguise?
It seems that not only is he disguised on the outside, but even his physical structure has become that of a lizardman.
I also thought that maybe it was Lise’s black magic that was more powerful than the Rinchal tribe’s mask. This is because it was not at this level when it was transformed into ‘Naru’.
‘Well, Naru was human.’
Anyway, I’ve heard that black magic is particularly good at handling transformation magic, so I’m once again impressed by Lyserradigos’ knowledge.
“I’ll have to be especially careful from now on.”
For reference, when I was a Luzard, I always planned to end my conversations with myself with ‘~kun’.
There’s no particular reason, it just suits me better… … .
‘hmm… … .’
For some reason, I thought that with his current appearance, he would look quite good with his black wings spread out when he unleashes Crowtaker’s power.
It is a power that should not be easily exercised, as one’s identity may be discovered.
I thought about it and was shocked.
‘… I need to control myself soon.’
I am by no means in a period of gale and fury.
Even though the body is still a child, the mental age is that of an adult.
I kept going while repeating this to myself, and soon a burning building caught my eye in the distance.
“… … .”
Even though it was still quite a distance away, I was overwhelmed by its size, beauty, and overwhelming artistic beauty.
What suddenly came to mind was [Sandstorm Hill].
The various buildings that stood there… … . It seemed very nice to me, but it didn’t seem like dwarves at all.
It was said that it was built hastily because it was bound to collapse frequently due to sandstorms anyway.
To be honest, when I first heard that, I didn’t even think it was a bluff, but it wasn’t at all.
Do you feel like you finally understand why they disparaged the houses on the hill so much?
Dozens of craftsmen capable of leading an era and artists who will surely be engraved in the history books after their death rush in, ponder and agonize for years, and if even one of them says, “It’s not good,” they turn it over or destroy it and start over from the beginning… … .
After going through hundreds or thousands of trials and errors like that, wouldn’t it be declared complete only after dozens of craftsmen all said in unison, “It’s perfect?”
I couldn’t think of a better compliment than this in my cheap words.
The beauty of the temple itself was amazing, but the highlight was the dragon sitting on the roof of the huge temple as if it was about to crush it.
I’ve never actually seen a dragon, but I’ve encountered similar-looking monsters.
This is the case with the Sapphire Snake I encountered in the Gem Mountains.
Its intelligence and strength may be lacking compared to a real dragon, but it was at least similar in size.
However, the sense of intimidation and trepidation I was feeling now was much greater than when I faced Gemsu at the time.
Even though it is just a stone statue.
The dragon’s eyes were sparkling red as if they were studded with rubies, and thick saliva seemed to be dripping from between its teeth at any moment.
The densely packed scales were delicate, as if they had been plucked from an actual creature.
But what impressed me the most was the crack that appeared where the dragon landed. At first, I thought it was actually a crack.
After focusing more on my eyesight, I realized that it was also part of directing.
“… … .”
He immediately glared at me and said, “Krrrrrrrrrrrrrrt!” I feel like I’m going to roar.
I realized what kind of dragon that dragon was.
The first of the 13 Dragon Kings and the god who presides over fire and furnaces, he was the one who taught metallurgy to blacksmiths in the past by giving them the [First Flame].
‘Incarnation Dragon Vulcanus… … .’
The entire temple was now surrounded by flames, and in many ways it was a transcendental sight.
The sight of a magnificent and beautiful temple burning in flames is something that only appears in mythology.
Of course, strictly speaking, it wasn’t ‘burning’ in the fire.
The temple was not made of combustible material to begin with, and even though it was engulfed in flames of that magnitude, not even a scorch mark was visible.
It’s like a scene where the laws of physics are breaking down.
When I saw something like that, I could understand the saying, ‘God was angry.’
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‘then… … .’
I pretended not to notice and quietly checked my surroundings.
There was no sense of presence.
Not only people, but monsters, beasts, and even bugs don’t seem to come around here.
It’s not unusual because the temperature is so high that it’s difficult to breathe even if you’re standing quite far away.
When I first returned and woke up as fifteen-year-old Luan Badniker… … .
I wanted a place full of fire energy to quickly fill the empty space.
A lava field, a place where a great fire occurred in the past, a place where hot springs flow, or a desert.
If only I could secure a place like that, I would have been able to build up my skills quickly… … .
‘If I had come here back then, it would have been one of two things.’
I’ve accumulated about half of the total strength I currently have in a short period of time… … .
Either I failed and my whole body was reduced to ashes.
Or, he falls into the trap of coinage and becomes a madman.
Now that I say it, there are three, but anyway.
After confirming that there were no witnesses, I immediately took action using the First Chloride Aircraft.
Chi profit… … .
As soon as I stepped onto the burning path, I burst into laughter.
Is this how a piece of meat placed on a brazier feels?
It’s an amazing feeling because it’s my first time feeling like I’m being cooked alive.
What suddenly came to mind was the lava I saw inside Ymir’s body.
‘What temperature was the lava?’
I think I heard it was around 800 degrees… … .
The heat I feel now is similar to then. Even though we haven’t gotten completely close yet.
Certainly, at this level, it would be difficult to easily access it even with equipment with acceptable heat resistance.
“… “It would have worked if it weren’t for this luzard.”
I walked slowly across the scorching sand, narrowing the distance to the temple.
The distance itself wasn’t that far, but as the temple grew bigger, it became increasingly difficult to walk.
And when we finally reached the temple… … .
The temple disappeared right in front of my eyes.
“… … .”
I stood still for a moment in a state of emptiness, and after a while, the temple appeared again in the distance.
‘aha. mirage.’
Of course, it won’t be a natural mirage.
The details of the temple I had just witnessed were so detailed that even a mirage would be difficult to imitate.
‘This must be one of the tricks Vulcan enjoyed.’
At this point, I’m curious.
Why on earth would a man who was a god be so angry?
‘This is because you can’t understand the situation if you only hear one side of the story.’
I thought of Ludwig waiting on the hill.
If it were Ludwig, perhaps he could find the clue to this strange sense of discomfort I was feeling.
* * *
While Luan left Dungeon Dune and went to the temple, Ludvik wasted no time.
He pretended to stay quietly at Konjian’s house and decided to sneak out and investigate this village.
Due to their closed and demanding nature, I didn’t think I would be able to hear their story if I asked them directly.
Naturally, the only way to collect information was by walking around… … .
Fortunately, while the sun was shining, the homeowner, Konjian, seemed to be concentrating on conceiving or creating a work of art.
Ludwig, now free, took off her stuffy dress for the first time in a long time and wandered around the small town.
‘What about Nando…? It’s so steamy.’
Konjian was not the only one immersed in work.
Since most of the village craftsmen were concentrating only on making their work, it was okay for them to walk around openly.
However, there seemed to be no one guarding the village or patrolling it regularly… … .
The building’s appearance was rather loud, so it was naturally easy to hide in its shadow.
How many different buildings did we go through?
Suddenly Ludwig felt a sense of discomfort.
‘… … .’
I didn’t immediately realize what the discomfort was, but somehow I felt like I was missing something important.
Ludwig was reflecting on his thoughts one by one, and after a while, he realized the identity of his discomfort.
‘You don’t have combat personnel?’
There are quite a few dwarf artisan groups in the south, but Sandstorm Dune is one of the most famous clans.
The brand [Sandstorm Clan] has a lot of value to it, so to say it makes my mouth hurt.
Therefore, their equipment is worth the price in the market, and of course there are many people targeting it.
Even by using coercive and illegal means.
For such people, Sandstorm Hill is a storehouse full of treasures.
‘There are no special security personnel in such a place?’
Of course, dwarves are excellent craftsmen and can also fulfill the role of warriors.
They have natural physical strength and strong muscles, so if you give them a weapon like a hammer or an ax, they will fight better than most mercenaries.
But there is no way that alone can protect the village.
… Of course, it could be an illusion, but Ludwig knows. A faint sense of discomfort like this should never be ignored.
‘There’s something there.’
After sharpening his spirit a little more, Ludwig continued to wander through the village.
Since it wasn’t a large place, it didn’t take long to search through it, and soon enough, I was able to find a strange place.
The time is lunch time.
A time when you have to work hard and fill your hungry stomach.
However, the place where the dwarfs, who were engrossed in their work, were wiping away their sweat, was not their own home.
‘… Visid’s house?’
As if they all came together, they headed to the home of Visid, the master of Sandstorm Hill… … .
What was strange was that they entered the house one by one, as if following an order.
The dwarves looked tired before entering, but immediately after coming out, they were smiling somewhat refreshed and satisfied… … .
Ludwig felt uncomfortable at that sight for some reason.
Anyway, it seemed clear that there was something in the house.
Ludwig waited patiently until all the dwarves came out, and only after all the dwarves had left did he enter Visid’s house.
“… … .”
Visid’s house was as spacious as it looked from the outside, and there was a restaurant that seemed to be used by several people.
A plate with some food left on it and a beer glass with foam on it.
Traces of food left behind by those who have just eaten… … .
‘… ‘That’s what an outsider would think if they saw it.’
Ludwig ran his hand through the foam on the beer glass and then licked it. It was sweet and had a faint strawberry scent.
‘Fruit beer.’
Naturally, this beer, which has a strong sweet taste, is not a dwarf’s favorite drink.
Dwarves are natural drinkers and have a dull sense of taste, so they tend to ignore sweet beer. Especially if you’re from the South.
In other words, there were not only dwarves here.
“… … .”
Ludwig carefully observed the dishes.
A little longer and sharper than the utensils used by dwarves. This is because of the inevitable difference in body shape.
In other words, what was here… … .
‘You’re human.’
Ludwig looked around the room for a moment and stopped in front of a drawer. It was an ordinary drawer, but the bottom part was strange.
There was no dust on the right side of the drawer, and there were faint scratches. It’s as if you can just push it and move it.
Ludwig quietly placed his hand on the dresser and closed his eyes.
“… … .”
The flow of air is faintly felt.
Could it be something like a secret room or stairs leading to the basement?
Ludwig opened his eyes and thought.
That’s it for now.
It is still too early to step into the space beyond this. Presumably, from that moment on, this secret practice will be discovered immediately.
Ludwig still didn’t know if he should reveal their identities to them.
It’s clear that the dwarves are suspicious and hiding something, but… … .
Aside from that, I’m not sure that they harbor any hostility.
‘then… What should I do from now on?’
Should I wait until Luan comes?
Or should I do some more research on my own?
Since it wasn’t something he could worry about alone, Ludwig returned to Konjian’s house.
Because there was one more person with whom I could discuss future matters.
but.
“… … .”
There was no one in the room I returned to.
A room immersed in a somewhat unpleasant silence.
Ludwig muttered with a somewhat stern expression.
“… father?”
No one answered.
In other words, Delac is gone.
