METAL ARTS.
It is the name of the most recognized and popular blacksmith shop in the city of Gignit.
A total of twenty people belonging to the dwarf race work very hard there.
They are considered the lords of the forge, who work diligently in their work morning, afternoon and night. A person would only have to approach the premises and be able to hear the characteristic sound of hammers hitting against the materials to be used, this alone denotes the creation of various weapons and armor both "Natural" and "Forged".
This facility is large enough that a lot of weapons and armor, beast parts and mineral pieces are stored for later use. It occupies what would be the equivalent of four houses. The facility has a total of ten chimneys through which the boiling steam finds its way to freedom, dispersing into the world and becoming one with the environment.
The external walls of the premises are made of stone with certain areas of wood, the windows seemed to be tinted as it was not possible to see inside.
An interesting thing about the place was that the exterior walls were sculpted in a certain way to make it look as if swords and shields were adorning them, which caught the attention of visitors.
The door is circular and revolving, simulating a large, strong shield with a sword running through it, which acted as a rotating axis.
Columns of very hot steam emerged from the chimneys again, almost roasting a few four-winged birds that were resting right on the edge of the chimneys.
At the back of the premises, a few gears were visible, turning slowly; they were embedded in the walls of the premises; they were surely essential pieces of some machinery used for work.
Upon entering the place, the first thing you could see was a large room full of weapons and armor such as, for example: a dark whip whose base for creation was the poisonous tail of a manticore.
Also that sword whose edge seemed to have the teeth of a Sawtooth Snake stuck to it.
Among the armor, a natural one stood out, made from the parts of various magical beasts; it was even possible to see a necklace of claws from some beast adorning the aforementioned armor.
Resting on the counter were a pile of papers, both neat and untidy, all the pending orders that the dwarves had to complete. A bit behind schedule, it seemed.
-How beautiful- with his tender one-eyed gaze, Macky pointed to one of the many necklaces impregnated with magic that were located at the side of the counter. The precious stone shone as if it were fire, to Macky's curious eye that was something amazing.
"I want it, please buy it for me." Her tender gaze had become the most powerful weapon to be used against a certain young, blond-haired Lord. "I'll take good care of him, I promise."
While everyone else was looking at the weapons and armor on offer, Selestia chuckled quietly, her attention to the conversation at all times. Selestia even had to cover up a tiny giggle that threatened to escape with her hand. She was not oblivious to the tenderness that Macky radiated, her brother finds it impossible to refuse the girl's requests.
"You spoil her very much, my dear brother. I think you would really make a very good father." Although she said that, she also spoiled her because she had bought the pretty sandals that Macky was wearing, as well as the dress, the earrings, the hair ornament, the ribbon that she used in a horn tied in a bow and the pretty eyepatch with a white rose adorning it.
Macky had truly become the family's favorite, the girl stole everyone's hearts.
And even though Macky keeps calling Christopher “boss,” his hard job consists of going to the academy to study, play, and do his homework, which he didn’t like.
-So this little girl is the much talked about “adopted daughter” of the young Lord- as Roger had previously commented, Macky became too fond of Christopher to the point that it was a real feat to separate her from him -she has become quite famous-.
And just at that moment a huge, gigantic drop of sweat fell down Christopher's cheeks, soaking the floor and almost forming a puddle - there's been a lot of talk about it lately, and from what I see - Dack, the dwarf, looked at the girl again, who gave him the most beautiful and genuine smile - she's as sweet as everyone says, apparently her "dad" isn't capable of contradicting her.
-That's right, Dack- Selestia joked, calling the dwarf, making him smile at seeing his new accomplice by his side –my niece is her “dad's” spoiled child, you should see how he takes care of her at home! He's so attentive to her that he forgets about all the work we have, luckily, I, HIS RIGHT HAND MAN, finished it by myself-.
Christopher did everything he could to try to hide his face behind an invisible wall, because Selestia's words were so full of venom that he felt every fiber of his body go numb. "I'm sorry, Selestia, I won't leave you with all the work anymore," he said so quietly because he was afraid of provoking his sister's anger.
-I always knew you'd be a good father- Dack added again- I can't wait for all your children to come and request an assignment, they'll surely want to use double-edged swords just like our young Lord-.
Dack is the dwarf in charge of forging the weapons requested by the boys, in this case Christopher, Mathias and Sebastian. Although the latter's job was only to sharpen and polish his Katana, who better than a dwarf to do this job?
Dack is also known as “The Redhead” due to his reddish hair and beard. -So, my young clients, how about we get down to business?-.
Dwarves are short in stature, the most one can reach is about 1.40 m. This applies to both men and women of this race. Despite their short stature, they tend to be quite strong with very well-formed muscles and all of that due to the lifestyle they lead. The materials to forge the various types of weapons and armor tend to be heavy, one needs good muscles and a lot of strength to be able to carry them.
Men like to grow long beards and braid them, the same usually happens with their hair.
For obvious reasons, women would never grow a beard, despite being of the dwarf race, they have a much more feminine body in their arsenal, but at the same time they also have it well worked.
While men's faces are rougher and harder, women's faces denote their femininity. This does not mean that they are weak, on the contrary, they are very strong like their male brothers, as they are able to lift large and heavy axes or war hammers with just one hand.
Something that characterizes them quite a bit, and is not just their height, is their unconditional love for alcoholic beverages. They are true worshipers of beer, rum and mead. In fact, they are fans of any drink as long as it is alcoholic. The fact of beating a dwarf in a contest of who can drink the most beer or any other alcoholic beverage is considered a real feat, since it is impossible to drink more than a dwarf.
Dack has his hair tied back in a ponytail and a beard with a few braids, and he wears tops with a color palette that varies between black and red. Behind his back he is protected by a steel plate that acts as a shield for his lower area. What he is wearing has no sleeves, leaving those muscular arms with the veins standing out in plain sight.
Although it would be better to say that it was only his right arm, the left arm was occupied by a kind of prosthesis made of some hard minerals that he used as an arm. He could move it with such freedom, as if it had always been part of his body.
Off-white pants held up by two rather thick belts, right now all of his clothes were covered and stained with dirt and that is due to the countless hours he has been working tirelessly perfecting all of his “works of art”.
Large, thick, dark boots with a hem that closely resembles that worn by pirates of this world.
-I was able to finish each of your requests on time and I have to say that I did a good job- bringing a kind of floating base closer to the boys whose lower surface consisted of a pile of rocks/minerals, these made the aforementioned base float. And resting on top of the base were the boys' weapons waiting to be used -Please, take a look at your weapons and verify that everything matches what was requested-.
The edge of Christopher's sword seemed to emit some glow that attracted the boys like moths seeking light. As Christopher had requested, the hilt was entirely black, for no apparent reason other than the young Lord's taste, though he had inadvertently made a wise choice of dark color.
The Cross part was the same color as the silver blade, but here was the object that turned the weapon belonging to the young Lord into a magic sword because in the middle of them, within a space created to house something, there was a gem of a strong dark brown color.
"Is this gem in our weapons?" Mathias asked with some curiosity, remembering that his request, Christopher's request, and even Sebastian's request, did not include imbuing the weapons with magic.
-It's a gift from me- answered Dack, watching as Sebastian looked at every corner of his Katana, quite satisfied and pleased. -The mission won't be easy, guys. Any of you could die-.
And I wasn't being pessimistic, rather I was being realistic, as the possibilities were extremely high - they still lack experience for this type of mission. Even more so considering that it involves entering enemy territory, or even worse, the enemy base.
Dack intensified his gaze while the boys nodded silently because every word that was said by the dwarf was 100% true - I would like you to return safely, that is why within what I can do for you, I added that gem to your weapons and transformed them into magic weapons.
Dack sighed as he brought a glass that looked like a small keg filled with beer to his mouth and drank it at breakneck speed, emptying the entire contents in less than a blink of an eye. It seemed that the beer had no effect on him at all, as he continued talking as if nothing had happened –I wouldn't forgive myself if, given the chance to do something, I didn't do it, and because of that, you all die in combat– he looked for another glass that was within reach and emptied the contents into his mouth again.
-So, Dack- Selestia who had been silent took action adding some comments to the conversation -those gems, what kind of magic do they have?- Anita followed closely behind with a few daggers in her hands, intending to buy them.
-Earth Elemental Magic- answered Dack -since they will be underground and surrounded by earth and rocks, having magical control of this element would be quite advantageous during a confrontation, with this it will not be necessary to directly perform the magic spell, they will only have to inject magic into those weapons and activate the magic in the gems. Although it still has its risks in case of using it at a bad time-.
-Even with the risks, it is a great advantage that we should not waste- now it was Mathias' turn who finally decided to give his contribution to the group because looking at his corresponding battle weapon he realized that this would suit him - this kind of magic weapons would suit me.
He looked back at the weapons he requested, a pair of gauntlets with three retractable claws, although the specifications made by Mathias made it very clear that the weapons were to be "natural."
There is a difference between “natural” and “forged” weapons.
Natural weapons retain almost 100% of the essence of the beast parts. For example, making a sword from the bone of a strong beast, which involves sharpening the bone and transforming it into a sword and adding a few things to it, such as the hilt or crosses, to the person's taste. Also, a poisonous whip made from the tail of a fearsome manticore or a giant scorpion. Gauntlets made from the pincers of a huge scorpion, among many other combinations, and even a natural weapon that is made up of parts of different magical beasts.
Forged weapons are any weapons where the use of minerals, iron, metals and even parts of hunted beasts is greater. But there is a big difference. When creating these weapons, all the materials are melted together to form one and from this the requested weapons or armor are forged.
Each weapon class has its advantages and disadvantages.
Then continuing, Mathias contemplated for a while his precious pair of gauntlets with retractable claws, the gauntlet took up half of the forearm and there superimposed a rectangular block attached to the gauntlet. Three thin and rectangular holes were located in front and from there the long claws emerged so that Mathias could hit or tear with them.
He thought it was perfect, he would try it later, so he continued and completed the idea he had previously had – I'm not that good at magic, I've always preferred hand-to-hand combat. So this pair of magic weapons is very useful for me. Although I have a question: with them would I be able to perform magic attacks without having to recite it in magic language or is the language necessary?
-Have you never used a magic weapon?- asked Dack while Mathias shook his head in the negative –I see, the use of magic weapons does not depend on any chant, you just need to send some of your magic towards the gem in order to activate it. Although there are those that activate automatically, but this one, unfortunately, is not the case- Dack stroked his beard –but remember, these are not very powerful magic weapons but their biggest disadvantage is that they absorb too much magical energy, I am truly sorry for that disadvantage but it is the best I could do in such a short period of time, I have too many orders to forge-.
-Don't worry Dack, in my opinion they are more than perfect for the occasion- this time it was Sebastian -with this addition I will be able to perform ranged attacks without the need for magic spells, or am I wrong?-.
-You're right- Dack.
-One more advantage in our favor- Christopher sheathed his sword and passed it to his small and tender companion who quickly placed the weapon behind her back.
Christopher's thoughts were absolutely correct, taking all precautions before a mission and if possible gaining the maximum possible advantage was the work of sane and sensible adventurers. No one wants to lose their life and one must do everything in their power to return safely.
Now Dack deserved a few compliments – as always, everything you create is of the highest quality, Dack, and you've only had a few days and yet your works of art are still splendid.
He used the best compliment one could say to the “redhead.” Although he was not wrong, what Dack made was considered works of art due to how well they were made. Obviously, they are dwarves, very difficult to surpass in the art of blacksmithing.
"I wonder if the weapons we ordered would have that advantage," Anita commented. "It would be good for us too."
-Well, I would think that...- Dack.
-No need to worry, girls- a voice came from the door opening behind the counter where Dack had been the whole time, and a woman of the dwarven race entered through it -or do you think I'll forget about you?
It was Alrika, Dack's forge partner - I will never leave my precious friends disarmed - she gave them a smile while pushing a base identical to where the boys' weapons rested - with Dack's help I have added the same type of gem to your weapons, you must also be sufficiently prepared and above all carry good equipment for this mission -.
-Correct me if I'm wrong, but would you also be participating?- asked Christopher. -If I'm not mistaken, you would be joining one of the attack unit teams, right?-.
-And I think your husband will go too, right?- added Selestia laughing -a marriage even in war-.
-You guys are really well informed- Alrika jokingly nodded nostalgically, letting out a sigh -that's right, I'll go with him-.
For a few moments Alrika was lost in the beautiful memories of the past. Remembering how that strange human did everything possible to get her attention. It had been difficult because at that time Alrika was quite shy, but so far she has not regretted giving herself a chance with a human.
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"We love living here, this city gave us everything. Work, friends and even someone to love." Blushing, her mind traveled to the past, to those nights where she and her husband loved each other, melting into one, filling themselves with so much love that their bodies found it impossible to bear.
Both demonstrated that racial differences could be sent to hell.
"We dwarves also want to contribute to this mission," Dack looked at his companion, sharing some of the woman's feelings. "We will make anyone who has disturbed our peace pay. No one touches our people."
For some reason Alrika had irritated her, so much so that a small portion of her killer instinct leaked out of her and found its way out. It didn't manage to make those present feel anything, however, with Macky it was a different story.
The slight hint of killer instinct was more than enough to scare her to no end, Macky was actually very scared after all she is just a little four year old who knows nothing about battles.
This was the reason why she quickly positioned herself behind the person she had grown too fond of: Christopher. She knew that he would defend her from anyone and anything that wanted to hurt her, so she intertwined her hands with Christopher's very tightly, feeling that protective aura that nothing would happen to her.
Alrika is the same height as Dack, but with physiological characteristics belonging to a woman. She had whitish hair tied in two braids that fell to her sides covering her ears. She used reddish rubber bands to hold and tie her braids.
His eyebrows were also white.
Skin stretching more towards the tan, produced by the many hours in front of the forge.
A leather necklace with a gem adorned her attractive neck, she wore something similar to a white blouse with a low neck and quite loose that highlighted her large frontal attributes. Black leather gloves with gold embroidery which served to hold the hammers more tightly and also protected her from the powerful heat of the burning metal.
A thick belt that gave the impression of not being his size since it fell a little past his hips, from it hung some containers that must have contained concoctions or some alcohol, knowing the race it must have been alcohol.
On the belt you can also see some pockets, who knows what he kept there. Attached to the belt and covering its sides and rear is a leather cape with straps and other gold embroidery.
His pants were red with some yellowish stripes running down them vertically, they looked a lot like those worn by jesters or harlequins, the second named ones tended to be assassins in disguise. Lastly, hard shoes with a metal cover on the tip of them, receiving a kick from that would not be a pleasant thing.
"I'm so sorry, little girl," he said, realizing that he had scared the little girl. Macky's tearful eyes were like a sword piercing his heart.
I had scared a little girl who had done nothing wrong – I think I scared your daughter, excuse me, little one.
Once again a heavy drop of sweat fell down young Christopher's cheek. "It's okay," Christopher said, squeezing the girl's hand tightly. "But it would be great if you could use all that energy against our enemies."
-Don't worry, I'm planning to do just that. Not one of them will escape my deadly battle axe.
-So the gems they put in our weapons are as powerful as the ones the boys have?- Anita looked at the sword in her hands, a “forged” sword, over the years she had been looking for the best sword that would suit her fighting style.
He had made the best choice with his snake whip sword made from the parts of a feathered serpent and fused with many kinds of metals.
Anita had trained a lot with members of the different units, in this case, with those who used the same type of sword - do they have the same capabilities? - while the boys observed each part of Anita's sword, with Sebastian being the one who knew the most and who had given the go-ahead.
-They have the same abilities, but a different type of magic, I was more worried about their defense- Alrika answered. -I knew that Dack would focus more on an attack magic gem, which is not bad. But anything could happen, such as running out of magic energy-.
And what was mentioned was not a joke nor nonsense - due to that and other possibilities, I opted for you to have in your weapons the ability to use defensive wind magic - it didn't sound bad at all, the girls looked more than satisfied.
Wind tends to be very powerful, a wind field used as a shield will not only repel enemy attacks, but will also be able to cut anyone who comes into contact with it – this way if your enemies are idiots they will enter the wind field and be cut, but if they are smart they will want to always keep their distance, which would give you time to come up with a plan-.
-It's even better than I expected- with just mentioning that, Anita devised a lot of attack strategies using her whip sword combined with the magic in the gem -I could form a wind shield while performing physical attacks with my sword-.
Selestia nodded, as her friend had a very good idea. That way, Anita could become a competent battlefront. It's not that she couldn't attack with magic or anything, but there was a chance that other enemies would detect the accumulation of magical energy in the area.
-The best thing you could do once you get in is to minimize the use of magic as much as possible- Dack looked serious, the boys perked up because his warning, more than that, was very wise advice. They had no doubt, they had to follow it to the letter -in all these years you have trained very hard, some of you have even had real battles to the death...-.
It was here that Selestia, Christopher and Mathias gave each other a sidelong glance. It was true, they had learned a lot from that fight. They had even become much more cautious when studying the possible abilities of their opponents.
-What I mean is that they will be able to take care of all the mercenaries who are at the same level as a PORCELAIN rank adventurer- he looked at Christopher –especially you Young Lord, you are at the most that a PORCELAIN rank can aspire to- Dack's features became serious again –even so, avoid at all costs facing mercenaries that you cannot defeat, they will surely realize who you are-.
Boys know how to detect this kind of people, it is not only their magical energy that is far superior to them, but also the intrinsic feeling that they give off.
"We will follow your advice to the letter, Dack," said Selestia.
-We could use someone with your experience, Dack- Anita.
-It's true- added Mathias -Why don't you join our unit? With you and Neledia there will be no one to stop us inside that lair-.
-I can't, guys- he replied, pretending to be fine- you know about my arm, it's impossible for me to hold anything that isn't a hammer very tightly. Besides, I have too many orders to fulfill- Dack seemed to be telling the truth, but everyone sensed that there was something else, but what would they do? There was nothing to do. All that was left was to make their own preparations.
-I see- replied Mathias, still not convinced by that -it's a pity you can't go with us-.
-Mathias- Anita called, somewhat annoyed because it seemed like her partner was being disrespectful -don't be insistent-.
-Huh?- Mathias tilted his head –I didn't mean any harm-.
"Don't worry, guys," Dack commented again. "It's more like you I'm worried about, please take care of yourselves."
They finished the conversation and proceeded to make the payment for the order.
Christopher had to pay extra for the magic chain Macky wanted. At first he thought of buying it just because the girl wanted it, but after asking what it was exactly, he didn't hesitate for a second.
–That's a magic chain, if the wearer feels that he is being attacked, the chain will activate automatically and surround its user with a field of fire that will incinerate everything within a range of a couple of meters-.
With this Macky would be safe, even if he wasn't present at least the chain would be her means of defense, it wouldn't be so easy to approach her with bad intentions. Christopher also has too much affection for the girl, she is too tender not to fall at her feet so he always pampers her in everything -Here Macky, I hope you take good care of it-.
-Do I look pretty? - Innocent destructive question. What kind of monster would be capable of saying no to such a tender girl? -Of course you are beautiful- Anita was the first -You even look like a little princess-.
Who doesn't like receiving a compliment? -When you grow up you'll be the most beautiful woman in the whole city- Macky seemed to be seeing stars at what Selestia mentioned, but it was only until Alrika mentioned the one the girl couldn't stand or at least didn't seem to like.
-By the way, Sebastian- Alrika called out –Diana had requested to forge a new Katana for her, but she has not yet come to pick it up- Sebastian's eyes twitched –I imagine she's not pretending...-.
At that moment Macky frowned and hugged Christopher's arm very tightly as if he didn't want anyone to dare touch him. The innocent jealousy of a little maiden.
-I assumed so, and if she is...- Sebastian snorted with a lot of weariness and some tiredness in his speech -we've already talked enough with her... I don't know how to make her understand that she's not ready for this mission, although...-.
-So I was planning to go- at that moment Alrika and Dack looked down, more precisely at the counter -although she is very strong- Alrika commented.
-I can confirm that she is someone very strong- said Mathias –even at that age she already had her first battle to the death, but we could not defeat our enemies-.
-I'll have to go back and talk to her, and to our parents too- Sebastian sighed again while Selestia caressed his head –none of us will allow her to participate or at least that's what she would like to say- but she said this last thing with a gentle grimace on her face, diverting all her attention to the furniture or rather to nothing.
-You really are an overprotective brother- added Alrika.
-Of course- answered Sebastian –she is the most beautiful thing we have in our family, we love her like you have no idea. I myself would give up my own life to save hers, that is why I will do whatever it takes to always keep her safe, at least until she is of age- he smiled gently again, but with bitterness remembering that moment when he had almost lost her, when she was almost eaten by a Dragon –I don't know what I would do if something were to happen to her, maybe I would go crazy-.
-I understand- Alrika replied, looking down again- you are a very good brother-.
Now everyone proceeded to go about their business and make all the necessary preparations for the mission. There was a lot to do, and among them was taking all possible measures in terms of precaution. The mission is no joke, any wrong move could lead to an unpleasant death.
...
Alrika gave a smiling sigh while Dack stroked his long beard, although the latter was rather melancholy.
Some bad and sad memories assaulted his integrity.
"You can go out now," Alrika tapped something on the counter with the toes of her boots. "Your brother and your boyfriend have left and I don't think they know you were here."
She didn't receive any response, which seemed strange to her because she thought Diana would come out all rushed and agitated saying things like "he's not my boyfriend yet" but that wasn't the case.
"Diana?" she called again, bending down and looking inside the furniture.
-Please don't be like that- it felt a little tender to see Diana shedding tears and wrinkling her forehead -Come on Diana, get out of there or you'll get covered in dust-
Alrika extended her hand and Diana automatically held it tightly. Diana could not stop shedding tears, and it was not from sadness, but rather from happiness. She knew that they loved her, but not to this extent and that they thought so highly of her. She was too touched.
-I know I'm not close enough to you to try to give you advice, but please, think carefully about what you want to do- Alrika's face reflected true seriousness regarding the matter -you heard your brother, for your family you are a light. Your brother is even willing to throw his life away to protect yours-.
Diana nodded, her eyebrows furrowed as she looked down at the ground. Being the good man that Dack was, he handed her a clean handkerchief so she could wipe away her tears.
-Don't cry, girl- said the redhead –you must be happy to be so loved-.
Alrika waited for her to at least wipe away the tears that were about to blind her –this mission is not like any you would find in the PORCELAIN rank missions, here you are in real danger of death- Diana nodded –as far as I know, with Mathias you have gone on a mission where unfortunately you have met and faced strong mercenaries and almost lost your life. So, before you do what you intended to do, think about it a little, the pain you feel for losing a loved one is not something easy to bear-.
-So go home, Diana, and at least talk to your brother - Alrika squeezed Diana's hands - I know he is very overprotective, but it is not because he thinks you are incapable or anything, rather it is because you are not yet at the age to go on this kind of missions, if it were not so risky they would surely take you -.
Diana nodded again, although now with a shy smile –I know... thank you very much for keeping me hidden... and Alrika, please take care of yourself on the mission-.
Diana turned around and left the smithy, although not as cheerfully as usual.
Dack and Alrika were left alone, their other companions were very busy doing their respective tasks and Alrika looking forward opened her mouth.
She looked a little upset. "Why did you lie to them?" She asked, annoyed. "Why did you tell them you didn't have time? You should fight for our city too, Dack, you owe them a lot too."
He slammed his fist on the desk, causing Dack to open his eyes. “What's your excuse for not helping the kidnapped people?”
-This is something confidential- said Dack in an extremely serious manner while uncrossing his arms -are you aware of the DAIMONAS that appeared seven days ago?-.
The mere mention of the most terrifying beings in the world was more than enough to make Alrika's skin crawl. For a moment, panic and fear took over her entire integrity.
Just mentioning that word was enough to make everything tense –that's right- she answered somewhat fearfully and letting out an anguished sigh –I understand that it is a secret that not many people know about, it is thanks to my husband that I am aware of it. He made me swear that I would not tell anyone, you have no idea how scared I was to know that a DAIMONAS had appeared nearby- remembering that she almost fainted –she told me that Serpio, after many hours of battle had been able to finish off the abomination, but unfortunately he did not come out of the battle very well-.
Before continuing to speak, Dack made sure that no one was listening to them. First, he looked around. Then he made sure that no one was behind the door that led to the area where everyone was working.
–What I am about to tell you, you must not tell anyone, not even your husband -.
-What are you talking about...?- Alrika called.
-Promise me- and his words were laced with rudeness, so Alrika had no choice but to nod, action enough for Dack to start talking –there is a very good reason why I will not be participating in the rescue mission, and it is much more serious than you think-.
Alrika wanted to talk, she had many questions she wanted to ask and they were all out of curiosity, but she thought it would be best to just remain silent and listen to everything.
-First of all, do you know why I lost my right arm?- asked Dack while touching his prosthesis with his left hand.
Alrika nodded somewhat strangely. “Yes, it is supposed to be because you and your brother were able to escape in time from an OMEGA-class magical beast, is that right?”
However, to Alrika's surprise, Dack shook his head.
Alrika was shocked. If that was a lie, what was the truth?
–It all happened when I lived in my village, and the thing about the OMEGA-class magical beast was to not cause panic in my village- Dack became quite melancholic and clenched his hands tightly into fists, his lips trembling because once again and with the help of his memories he lived that horrible moment where he lost his brother –what really happened... was that my brother and I did everything possible to destroy a DAIMONAS and thus prevent it from attacking the village, unfortunately we were not so lucky-.
Slowly Alrika's eyes opened, reflecting disbelief in its purest form. Right there she had an infinite desire to say a lot of things, and she had thousands of questions and she didn't know what to do to make her lips obey.
-We tried everything, we even thought about escaping, but there was a problem- Dack sighed again - In the unlikely event that we managed to escape, there was a huge possibility that DAIMONAS would head to the village and cause a massacre. Because of that possibility, we had no other option but to destroy it at all costs-.
He touched his mineral-made arm again, closing his eyes for a moment. “Even though we fought bravely, there was nothing we could do. There were only two of us against that abomination.”
-As the battle progressed, fatigue became evident and overwhelmed us, until in a moment of carelessness on my part, that thing tore off and ate my right arm. I don't remember another time where I have felt so much pain as at that moment, I fell defeated and left my brother alone fighting with the DAIMONAS, everything depended on him- he lowered his gaze -it didn't matter how, but he had to defeat the DAIMONAS-.
-I remember that my wounds were serious and emanating the deadly miasma while he was in his last days, on the other hand, the DAIMONAS seemed to have not received any damage. There was only one thing left to do, sacrifice oneself-.
Closing his eyes again he relived that moment, of his brother throwing his treasured axe towards him, his companion in countless battles, it was a huge two-handed axe with the ability to cut through ferocious beasts, made from the sharp fang of a dragon.
The huge axe fell just inches away from Dack, who didn't even flinch at this as his gaze remained focused forward, looking at his brother –Dackka- he remembered calling his brother –what are you planning to do?-.
-The duty of an older brother has always been to ensure the safety of the younger brother-Dackka had said it with a sincere smile and a tear in her eyes – you must live, Dack. So please, sing and drink in my name. Swear to me like the man you are, inherit everything that was once mine and make sure all your dreams come true.
-H-he?- Alrika.
-Yes- answered Dack even before Alrika asked her question -my brother sacrificed himself to kill the DAIMONAS. I have never seen him so determined in my life, Dackka gave up his life so that not only I could continue living but also everyone who lived in the village could be saved-.
-The DAIMONAS attacked him, knocked him down and began to devour him. With his last strength, my brother used Race Magic, concentrating and manipulating many of the minerals that were stationed throughout the area, creating a kind of dome composed of nothing but pure fire ore. Trapping himself and the DAIMONAS inside-.
Dack sighed again, full of melancholy - my brother was able to sense the energy coming from the minerals, so taking all that into account he devised that suicidal plan knowing that this type of minerals were scattered on the ground.
Dack remembered how the minerals suddenly rose above ground level, forming that hard dome that gradually increased in temperature – after that, the fire mineral combusted, exploding and incinerating the two inside, the fire mineral kept burning for at least ten hours. And for ten hours I could hear the horrifying screams of pain of that damn creature uninterruptedly, I couldn't believe that it was able to endure so much and for so long, it resisted until the end-.
-Dack- Alrika called, not understanding anything of what was happening, the story was truly tragic. Dying in such a painful way and even worse, next to a DAIMONAS. But she didn't understand the reason why he was telling her all this. -I don't understand anything, tell me, what is happening? What are you trying to tell me? Why are you telling me all this?-.
Dack sighed with anguish in his soul. Years have passed and he still can't get over his brother's death. Five days ago, Dry detected unparalleled presences located on the edges of this island. Lord Alexander and Lady Valentina, fearing the worst, sent a few from the reconnaissance division led by Tobias to study the area...
-No, please no... don't tell me that...- now things were serious, so much so that tears began to fall down the woman's cheeks.
-That's right- he answered coldly and sharply, distressed and uneasy - they discovered that they were other DAIMONAS, those damned people have managed to get here...-.
Alrika was sweating like never before in her life, her breathing became very labored and spasms plagued her entire being.
Fear did what it wanted with his body, which only dedicated itself to trembling.
Realizing his friend's situation, Dack decided to end the whole talk once and for all, in any case talking about it was not something he enjoyed and even less seeing his friend so scared -the reason why I'm not joining the mission like all of you is because of that, it's feared that those things will attack us. It is known that defeating a DAIMONAS is not an easy task, so totally apart and in secret a unit was formed totally unrelated to the distraction, attack and rescue units. This would be the fourth unit whose mission is to find and eradicate those DAIMONAS-.
Alrika's eyes widened in true horror.
-The unit is made up only of people who have already faced a DAIMONAS and have managed to survive to tell the tale, just as I have done-.