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Spero arrives at the southern region. As he nears the Dwarves' village, he is immediately halted by hidden guards who lurk behind stones and shrubbery.

“Halt, who goes there!”, one guard calls out.

Spero observes his surroundings and notices two guards perched up a hill, holding throwing axes. He then focuses on the main guard and the dwarf standing behind him.

"King Cambyses of the Anshan Kingdom has sent me," Spero announces confidently.

The guards exchange puzzled glances before bursting into laughter,

"What do those Divine Beings want now? Do you want us to lay down some roses and wash your hair for you?", one guard mocks.

Spero lets out a weary sigh but steps closer as the guards ready their weapons.

"I've heard that you've lost some valuable weapons. I may know where they went", Spero offers, trying to regain the guards' attention.

The lead guard gives him a stern look, sheathes his dagger, and shouts something in Dwarven.

"Open the gate, we have a guest!", the lead guard commands, signaling a shift in the guards' suspicious demeanor towards a more welcoming one.

Spero is guided through the winding paths of the fortress until they reach a towering metal gate that looms before them, adorned with intricate gears and sturdy notches. With a resounding creak, the gears shift, and the gate grudgingly swings open, revealing a world of heat and industry beyond. The scent of molten metal wafts in the air, and the rhythmic clanging of hammers reverberates through the halls as the blacksmiths toil away, forging powerful weapons. Spero is led further into the heart of the fortress, where they finally reach the presence of one of the high chieftains. Looking around the room, Spero notes the vigilant watch of the guards stationed at regular intervals, all armed with formidable dwarven weapons that gleam menacingly in the dim light.

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“I have been informed that you possess crucial information that could aid us,”

Spero’s gaze flickers between the chieftain and the vigilant guards surrounding them, a three-meter distance between each guard.

“I heard that you had some unique items stolen from you”, Spero ventures, sensing tension in the atmosphere.

The chieftain responds, “It is true that we have suffered losses, items stolen from under our noses. Do you know of their current whereabouts?”

“The Reptilians were involved, but word has it that the items were subsequently taken by another party,” Spero reveals, unraveling the intricate web of deceit and intrigue that surrounds them.

“Why are you actually here?” the chieftain probes, his keen eyes scrutinizing Spero's intentions.

Spero weighs his words carefully before replying, “We both seem to be having some issues with the surrounding territories.”

“Yes, we know of your conflicts with the Arian Orcs and Reptilians.” the chieftain acknowledges, a grim reminder of the perils that lurked beyond their fortress walls.

Spero, with a confident expression, lifts his chin, "Precisely, but now the Elves of Elam are beginning to interfere. It appears they aim to expand their territory across the entire mountain range."

As murmurs erupt among the Dwarves, their leader hushes them, his tone resolute, “Those pointy-eared fools have no rightful claim to these mountains. What are you proposing?”

"If we manage to divert their attention away from your lands…", Spero suggests, “...our Kingdom would like some equipment built for us, we will pay of course, but we also seek knowledge in return."

The Dwarven leader inquires, “What information do you require?”

Spero stands tall, “How to harness the full potential of your weaponry.”

At this request, some guards bristle in anger and curse towards Spero. Seeing the tension rise, the chieftain rises from his throne, his eyes blazing with fury,

"How dare you come into our village and make such audacious demands! You possess our weapons; we could easily kill you and seize them back from Anshan ourselves."

As all the guards ready their weapons, Spero activates a shadow energy barrier around himself.

One guard steps back, a look of recognition crossing his face, “Doesn’t he look familiar, that aura is something I’ve heard of before.”

“Yeah, you're right, that red attire is hard to miss.”

Suddenly, a guard calls out, his voice booming, “Spero of the Red Sand, he's the King’s assassin!”

“You Divinians dare send an assassin to threaten me? Cease him!” the leader bellows, drawing their weapons.

But before any further action can be taken, Spero raises a hand and speaks,

“Yes, I am an assassin, but that’s precisely why I am here. Not as an enemy but as a mercenary.”

The leader, intrigued, signals all guards to halt, “We will hear your demands. Perhaps Anshan can be of use to us.”

Spero smirks confidently.