Chapter 93
The land of Lúthien that is currently left abandoned receives new people to establish their home, Duches Elleena Rothchester gave Dane the permission to used this land as soon as they arrive; she didn't expect that they would instantly get their, the travel time was supposed to be a month but Dane manage to solve this mater considering the Quest toward the Empire of graves will start after roughly 57 days, the time to establish his base would take a lot of time.
Dane took the opportunity to learn more spell to extend his skill and groom the sapling to be stronger and well-versed in magic. Nukra and Imgrim Bouldergrove hep Dane in this matter while Melgil became close with Elaria Syrune as she introduce herself as his adopted younger sister.
Melgil was learning how to manage her affairs; she saw that her beloved Dane was starting to build his empire, and they were the ones helping him achieve it. The problem they were now facing was raw materials to build a stronghold; they had weapons and artifacts, but raw materials seemed to be lacking. They needed metal and solid stone that was meant for the construction of the main castle. The land was vast and very fertile for growing produce and raising farm animals.
Hunting monster parks is easy, and gathering animals to be domesticated for farming was already managed by the Cragmir Bouldergrove family and the human families. The other Dwarf and their family started the construction of the very foundation of the castle. The construction team were all able personnel that can use magic and labored that day, while their family members, even the young ones, contributed.
Dane trained while meditating. While he orders his familiars to help the Grey Ogre hunting team in gathering all the necessary raw materials, the 3 familiars make sure to help with the gathering. The huge fifty-foot-long, one-meter-thick metallic serpent wound go into the mountain range and hunt, and because its part of the formless armor, the transfer sack that is still functioning the huge snake would hun many monster and transfer their remains back to the transfer bag, but many time it will paralyze and swallow many docile animals and returns back to the base camp with many farm animals, the 3 familiars were showing their loyalty to their master in proving their worth , the fox would increase its size and use its power to invade nest of strong monster living near thei new home, while the horned owl would divide into ten and collect valuable minerals like gold , Mitril, and other rare ores on the the vast 400 meter tall mountain range that encircle the open flat land that has a size of ten thousand acre.
It was said the place was once the largest volcano in the region. Others mentioned that a huge chaos beast fell down and created this 400-meter mountain range, that it was circular and only had a single opening where the massive beast hand created the 50-meter-wide opening, and that this is the only way inside what is now called Lúthien.,
They were hoping to salvage any item that was still useful, but the fire burned everything, and the metal and other materials were still lacking, and most dwarf races are very prideful and never ask for help from other races, even in times of need. This often led to conflicts and isolation within their communities. But Siglorr Bouldergrove wasn't like them; he saw the burden of this kind of thinking. His grandfather and father had taught him the value of cooperation and unity among all races. He knew that in order to establish his dream to have the strongest clan in the region, he needed to set aside his pride and seek alliances with other races. Siglorr understood that true strength came from working together, not from isolation and conflict.
With this mindset, he began to think outside the normal boundaries of his clan and decided to seek out merchants and even nobles in order to obtain the items he needed. Dane was in his tent for nearly five hours; his mana was constantly pulsating. Siglorr knew he was doing something amazing again. Nukra and Imgrim Bouldergrov were seated inside the tent with him as they read the writings that the grimoire book was manifesting. The book started to react when Dane was near Nukra, and the two never stopped. Cataloging all the writings as it vanishes after a few minutes,
The writings were ancient, and the two magic language accomplices couldn't let this opportunity pass them by. They didn't know the grimoire was subconsciously linked with Dane, as it helped him master a few more spells that defied common sense and usage. Because his magic element was fire and lightning, he can't gain any more elemental skills like earth, water, and wind.
And because the 5 skill slots are permanent and can't be removed, Dane needed optional spells that he could cast without sacrificing his main skill. The dimensional transfer gate is listed under the fire skill, while the assessment spell is under the healing skill. The 3 familiars are under the formless armor skill, the fourth skill is the mana engine, and the fifth is lightning.
Dane needed a skill that is related to lightning or electricity until we remembered something that he once read in a book when he was studying in college. That everything can be affected by energy, especially electrical. And lightning is the uncontrolled discharge of static, raw, powerful electricity. If he can master the use of electricity, he can make up for his shortcomings in other elements and gain authority to control these elements with the use of focused electrical currents to move the atoms and the other elements properties. While still seated in the meditative posture, he was already conducting experiments on his mind in controlling his main lighting skill into a more controlled and focused electrical current.
His real body was adjusting and was also manifesting the mind training. While even inside the tent, Nukra and Imgrim saw the soil under the mat he was sitting on was moving. Shining dust-like particles were also seen gathering from all over the place. The wind inside that tent was strong but felt like it was being controlled.,
Soon the two elders eyes grew wide seeing an unbelievable feat. The soil, rocks, and mutual dust particles all came together and floated around Dane. Even the wind was swirling in a circular motion; the dust being carried along with its move helped it to gain visual manifestation, metal ores were getting bigger, and Nukra saw gold and silver. Imgrim pointed to the growing mithril and steel ore, the soil, and the rocks containing metal particles. We were moving and floating around Dane while he was still sitting on the mat..
The same manifestation could be seen inside Dane's subconscious mind; he was happy and lucky in obtaining those two skills, never expecting they could be a huge help for him. Testing it in the mind realm is very important before attempting to use it in the physical world. What Dane was seeing inside the mind realm was 100 times larger in scale, as the element he was controlling was roughly huge, with a radius of 2 meters.
But what was happening in the real world was still very much smaller in comparison. But it was a surreal experience for those who saw a meter-sized floating mass fast swirling different materials and elements around Dane as the tent he was in was torn apart and the two elders got blown away, as Dane remained at the center.
Siglorr Bouldergrove was a few feet away, as he planned to ask Dane about any idea to solve the lack of material, when he saw his tent get blasted apart and the two elders roll away. Melgil was with Elaria Syrune as they helped around the new settlement. The energy Dane was using was known; it was electrical-based, but it wasn't scattered and affecting anybody. The strong wind was the reason the tent and the two elders got blown away, but it was his control over the amount of electricity he was using that amazed everybody.
Melgil clapped her hand, applauding her soon-to-be husband for growing even stronger. She was so happy seeing Dane was growing even stronger. Mlgil knew there were many stronger beings on the upper floor. She can't even tell the others that among the calamities on the first floor, she might be stronger than those dragons here, but they were not real primordial dragons..
The reason she remained in the far corner of the Karion West region was that when a real primordial came to her and made her kneel in utter defeat, she was ordered to stay in that place for a thousand years as punishment. That particular primordial was the weakest among its family. Waking up in a different location was the turning point in her imprisonment, as the bind that chained her was no longer there. And the moment she ate the chaos energy orb, she now serves Dane, or the Netherborn..
When Dane finally opened his eyes, he saw the tent he was in was already gone and a huge sphere of raw material dropped and burst apart. . The gold and other metal elements were already fused together. Siglorr Bouldergrove came over to Dane and congratulated him on gaining another magical skill. He smiled but didn't tell Siglorr that he was using his fifth skill that was related to lightning.
Explaining scientific knowledge to a dwarf might be a little too hard for them to fully understand, so he just thanked him. As Siglorr inspected the 1-foot-tall compressed metal ore, he smiled and asked Dane if he could help him solve a small issue. Dane stood up and dusted his clothing and went along with Siglorr as he walked away toward a more secured area. The personnel saw the two talking from a distance as they all gathered around and marveled at what their benefactor just did.
When Dane extended his hand, and the 1-foot-radius gold fused ore moved and flew toward Dane's hand effortlessly, the gold was estimated to weigh around 800 kilos. Dane transformed into a Netherborn and opened a gate toward a very well-known guild to purchase construction materials and equipment. Siglorr accompanied him, as his connection with the Netherborn is already well known in the east..
A large, peculiar, old-looking house surrounded by five huge warehouse structures made of concrete and steel beams stood at the far corner of the large fuming factories. The road leading toward the warehouse was oddly far from the rest of the factories and metal forging mills. Each district has its own ecology and unique characteristics, making it easy to distinguish one from the other. The industrial district's reputation for quality products and efficient service has made it a top choice for builders and contractors in the region.
As Dane opened his gate based on what Siglorr told him, they walked out and emerged thousands of miles back at the very heart of the vast kingdom..
The industrial district the kingdom of Solnara Cererindu , like any of the district in the huge merchant kingdom the area was protected by a tall wall separating the place from other locations. The Place is were industrial factories and forgers gather together to fabricate metal beam and manufacture construction materials , and these place is regulated by one person and that is the king himself.
This is the only district where merchants and fabricators are free to conduct their business without interference from outside forces, making it a hub of economic activity within the kingdom. The king's direct involvement ensures a smooth operation and fair trade practices for all involved in the industrial district. Many merchants are known to have established their wealth in that area.
"I know a very respectable guild that he can do business with." Siglorr gave directions and distances. As Dan opened the gate, he was surprised to see that they were facing a guild outer wall. The name was very much akin to him; the name carved on the house signage was the High Strategy guild.
"You have your reasons why you are hiding your identity from your own clan, but they are known to be honorable merchants, and with this gold we can buy the materials we need."
"And their client confidentiality is regarded by many."
"But the gold we have now will just be a down payment; we still need a lot of gold, Master Dane."
"How much then?"
"Enough to fill that warehouse."
"That much, ok. I know a place with enough gold to fill three of those large warehouses."
"As for negotiations, I better handle this, Master Dane."
"I just want them to see who is my benefactor and master." With a smile, Siglorr Bouldergrove walked proudly as many working at the industrial district saw them emerge and just come out from nowhere and walk toward the High Strategy guild. The guild members that were working that day felt a massive presence approaching them. Mary Kaye Lazarus was working when the twins Sophia and Emma burst into her office shivering and in a state of panic and scared out of their minds.
As a player, she can recall many frequencies better, especially when they get encountered. The being with this much mana quickly ran out of the house they considered their main base and came out, and she hoped she was wrong, but as she got closer, her breathing was heavy and her body was reacting to the chaos energy moving near her. She managed to get outside of their main building; many of their staff were holding their stance as Netherborn walked and behind him was also a known dwarf. Staff members that were lower level faded and lost consciousness and dropped like flies.
The guard patrolling the district saw the commotion and sent out a squadron, assuming they were being attacked. Sylveth Melrie felt it too; she quickly changed into her adult form and ordered her own mage knights to escort her toward the industrial district. Mary Kaye held firm as Netherborn, the being that decimated a dragonoid with ease, was right in front of her doorstep.
She walked toward Netherborn, using all of her mana to stay conscious, and each step she took was making her lose focus. This feeling was very different from when she saw him for the first time. Dane saw his relative was having a hard time, but he knew he must do this, as many prying eyes were watching them from afar. Netherborn stops walking as Siglorr Bouldergrove introduces his master and benefactor and then introduces himself. Siglorr Bouldergrove orchestrated this scenario and laid the foundation of what the Bouldergrove clan will soon do in the future.
"I am Netherborn, and Siglorr Bouldergrove is my head steward," Dane stated confidently, knowing that he had to play his part in this carefully orchestrated plan. As the Bouldergrove clan's benefactor, he needed to establish his presence and authority in front of all those watching. Then, just like that, he vanished.
And because he was no longer in the vicinity, everybody working at the High Strategy guild was able to move and gain some control over their bodies. Mary Kaye Lazarus could finally also move; she greeted Siglorr Bouldergrove and asked him to join her inside her office.
Sylveth Melriel, or the Crescent Magus, could easily teleport toward the industrial district, but doing this will alert not just the noble but the king himself; her dignity will be questioned. She was rather eccentric but never broke protocol. The industrial district was autonomous, so no noble or person in power can sway them, and it monopolized the production of any material. Merchants that are sellers can't just state a price on any commodity. The 15 ruling leaders of this area have used logic and reason to determine fair prices, making it difficult for outsiders to manipulate the market. Sylveth knew she would have to approach them with caution and respect if she wanted to secure the materials she needed for her experiments.
And the youngest of the youngest members is Mary Kaye, and the only forger that never joined them was the most renowned in all the east region, and that is Siglorr Bouldergrove. Unlike the other craft masters and forgemasters living inside the fortified district in the merchant kingdom that manufactures large amounts of factory-made items, Siglorr Bouldergrove takes time and dedication to fully create an item that is known to be the best in the east.
Siglorr, knowing Dane's full name, used this to buy the needed materials to build their new stronghold. And build a connection with one of Dane's relatives that was unaware who was Netherborn. The High Strategy guild manufactures building material like metal beams and concrete cement and imports other things that are allowed by the gatekeepers. The old-looking main house of this guild was rustic and has that Victorian look that adds to its charm. The guild's reputation for fulfilling the client's request is known.
They are now trying to get approval to produce electricity and gasoline-powered engines. But because magic is more widely used in the tower, they are having a hard time convincing the gatekeepers of the necessity of their new venture. Despite this obstacle, the High Strategy guild remains determined to expand their offerings and adapt to the changing times in order to continue serving their clients effectively.
Mary Kaye was a bit perplexed with what just happened. Her staff needed medical attention, but she just couldn't leave; luckily, her siblings and cousin came out to manage the situation. As they entered the Mary Kaye office room, Siglorr Bouldergrove. Was impressed with how they utilize the expansion spell on the room to make it three times bigger than what it's supposed to be and really like the outside.
Mary Kaye was very accommodating toward Siglorr Bouldergrove, as she politely asked her guest to be comfortable as he sat at the Victorian camelback sofa. As Mary Kaye prepared a simple drink , she politely asked to what pleasure she owed the visit from such a distinguished guest. Siglorr Bouldergrove explained that he had heard of Mary Kaye's reputation for exceptional services and wanted to order large amounts of material .
Siglorr took out his grandfather dimensional transfer sack bag and place a 800 kilo 24 karat gold ore on top of the coffee table. And asked the guild leader to prepare a contract as this was just a deposite and he will return and bring the rest of the payment.
Mary Kaye stopped swirling the coffee she just prepared and just served it to her guest; she marveled at the gold and asked the forge master what he needed, Siglorr smiled and told Mary Kaye
"I need lots of steel ."
"How much is a lot, Master Bouldergrove?"
"50 thousand tons of metal and cement,"
"are you willing to accept scrap or used metal?"
"Metal is metal, my lady, and I am a master forger. I can work with scrap metal as long as it's of good quality," Siglorr replied with a grin. Mary Kaye nodded, impressed by the forge master's confidence and skill.
"And what about the concrete cement?"
"enough to build a city."
Mary Kaye can't believe what she was hearing; this order will be the largest she has ever seen in her career as a guild leader. She knew that working with Siglorr would be a challenge, but the end result would be worth it.
"Are you willing to let me procure the remaining materials from my other associates?"
"as long as you can have the items here,"
"Free delivery will be a bit difficult to manage considering the distance."
"The amount will be large, Master Siglorr, 15 million gold coins. I will even deliver the item toward the location for free."
"15 million gold coins, you say?"
Siglorr tapped a serpent bracelet and asked it a question. Mary Kaye could not believe what she had just witnessed. A voice was heard coming out of the serpent bracelet. It was the voice of Netherborn; they have created a communication device. Mary Kaye was shocked. Having this device run purely on magic was a game changer in the world of trade and communication. Mary Kaye knew that this new invention would revolutionize the way business was conducted across long distances.
As Netherborn had already heard their discussion, he agreed to the payment amount and asked when they could expect the first batch. Mary Kaye said that she will have the first batch ready in 3 days. Netherbord told Mary Kaye that their guild doesn't need to deliver the items, as they will pick them up from their guild.
Mary Kaye was confused but couldn't act and speak irrationally; she just said, Fine. She thought they might use teleportation scrolls for the transfer.
Mary Kaye considered the ramifications of Netherbord's request, wondering if there was a reason they would have rather picked up the materials themselves. "They are concerned with this matter—a secret construction built maybe." Maybe there was a secret plan or security issue involved.
"My master forger will be the one who will manage all the dealing with your guild for the time being, but for the following batch, he will appoint a more suitable person."
They continued their conversation and details about the exclusive contract for about two hours. At the same time, Dane returned back to the gorge, knowing well that it has the largest gold and precious stone deposit in the two regions. And when the gatekeepers deleted the anomalies residing under the gorge floor, that gold was exposed. Nobody knew about this, so Dane, having personal knowledge about this fact, exploited the gold, and with the help of his new and improved skill, his formless armor, with now an upgraded unlimited dimensional storage space, swallowed everything that was worth something. A mountain of gold and precious stone was now in his possession.
Dane understood that even with all this power, without material wealth to secure his allies well-being, it will be useless; food alone won't be enough. You still need shelter, protection, and other resources to survive in this world. Dane could finally do more according to what he wants to do. Dane went back to the land of Lúthien and saw the elder Dwarfs were making the blueprint plan of the entire new city they will be building. Dane was greeted by the head elder managing the layout. Dane saw a circular blank space at the center facing the 30-acre castle. The master builder told Dane that this was the main open plaza. .
He asked the master builder where this is located, and the master builder told him, "You are standing on it, Lord Dane, and pointed in a direction showing where the castle would stand. Dane understood this and asked them if they can move further back as he will cast a spell. The 10 builder dwarfs moved a few meters away and saw another amazing spell manifested in front of them: a solid stone pillar suddenly rose out from the ground and became a huge gate archway with a height of eight meters and a width of 6 meters. And he embedded the spell language on it and gave it rules to follow.
The training Dane did wasn't focused on fighting, but instead it was more about control and regulation and the rule of the spell. The language was now more intricate and complex, requiring precise authorization to activate the magic embedded in the gate archway. The builder dwarfs watched in awe as Dane demonstrated his control over the spell, knowing that they had much to learn from his expertise in magic control and discipline.
Dane was using his own skill in programming and development; he sees the magic language and made it into a more efficient and effective system for casting a spell without needing to say the spell. Mana control and projection were the answer…the physical form of the dimensional gate was fully activated. By visualizing the desired location, a holographic faint transperent light will appear and open directly at the location. Those who have signed the contract can use this feature, and activating it from the other side is just as simple; each member will obtain either one of the three artifacts: first was a serpent bracelet, the olw necklace and the fox ring.
This was actually Siglorr when they were privately talking. Within those few hours Siglorr was already thinking about how to utilize Dane Power in a more strategic way. And it all went well, as the Dwarfs saw the other side of the archway was different. Many of Mary Kaye's staff saw the faint holographic semi-transparent form of a large archway. But it seems they can touch it, as in it was intangible.
The contract was signed, and Siglorr Bouldergrove felt Dane's magical frequency. He stood up and said he shall return to pick up the first batch of material. As Mary Kaye shook his hand, they exited the main guild house and saw the kingdom's soldiers standing a few meters away facing the High Strategy Guild's main building, as a known person was waiting for the guild master to receive them as guests.
Sylveth Melriel, or the Crescent Magus, was patiently waiting for Mary Kaye Lazarus, disguising her visit as a client. As soon as the main house opened and Mary Kaye came out first, Siglorr saw the Crescent Magus as he walked casually toward the open yard of the guild; he saw him a few meters from where Sylveth Melriel was standing patiently.
Sylveth Melriel saw the growth difference in Siglorr Bouldergrove's mana. One of her guards walked toward Siglorr and informed him that the Crescent Magus, Lady Sylveth Melriel, wished to speak to him privately, but the guard didn't know that the person he was talking to had a bad reputation for being hot-headed and never trusted anybody that was associated with nobles and aristocrats, as they were the reason why his clan suffered in the past.
The three-foot-nine dwarf was annoyed but only responded to the guard, saying, If your lady wish to talk to me, better send a formal invitation. Otherwise, I have no interest in conversing with her." The guard got mad and saw the dwarf's action as defiance toward their lady's authority and the guard suddenly attacked Siglorr. Sylveth Melriel didn't expect this will happen considering her guards a loyal to her,
Everybody that was on the High Strategy guild compound was shocked. As Siglorr fell backward with a cut wound on his arm, Mary Kaye responded quickly to protect her guest. But the guard's action didn't stop there; he also saw the guild leader to be arrogant just because she was part of the group that cleared the Evolve Drake quest.
The guard's resentment was showing; this was not normal. Mary Kaye had no choice but to fight back. The male guard was attacked by her skill, and earth pillars stabbed the guard on his side, piercing his armor, but it wasn't fatal. The remaining guards saw this, and even before Sylveth Melriel could do anything, the rest of the guards drew their weapons and attacked Mary Kaye and her guest .
Something was wrong. Sylveth Melriel felt some outside force was hindering her action as she stood silently. This realization came to her: the only person that could do this was somebody who was above her skill in casting curse spells. As her power was more focused and divine, she
Knew the king's right-hand mage advisor never liked her but was bound to the king's command to treat each other fairly and respond based on merit. However, she couldn't shake the feeling that he was behind this interference, trying to sabotage her efforts to get close to any information about Netherborn.
She felt the fear in her entire body as if her divine skill was being threatened by something that was beyond her own control; that fear wasn't evil nor malicious, it was something that she really can't understand. Was it fear or something else entirely?