“Lapis says you’re the one I should talk to.”

Although dwarves didn’t necessarily have to fit the stereotype of being short with big beards, this guy certainly did. He was an old many with a grey beard, yet if you looked at his facial features, he probably only looked in his forties. However, for a dwarf, that could mean he was over a thousand years old. He had his feet up on a table in an area of my dungeon that had seemingly been turned into a tavern, and he had a mug in his hands.

“That depends on who is asking.” He responded grumpily.

“They say you’re a Master Blacksmith. They say that other Master Blacksmiths are only apprentices compared to you.”

“Is that what they say?” He turned and spit before taking another drink.

“I see… so it was all just words.”

“Geh!” He scowled. “What are you saying?”

“Sapphire said that the deep dwarves were great magic blacksmiths capable of creating powerful weapons.” I shrugged. “I believed her because of her talent, but perhaps she was just covering for you guys.”

There was the scrapping of several tables, and I had seemingly gotten the attention of every dwarf in this tavern. As much as Lapis was complaining about how the dwarves were bored and ready to fight, that was a bit of a fib. Bored dwarves seemed to be quite content drinking and acting boisterously. I had determined that her pleas had more to do with giving the dwarves something to do so they stopped fighting and causing trouble.

Three hundred dwarves were suddenly displaced. I had already put the miners to work harvesting materials and creating paths. Those that would be considered soldiers watched and kept them safe as they worked. Of course, I also exuded my dungeon to keep them out of trouble. As long as they didn’t wander too far away from our territory, they’d be relatively safe.

However, with the minders and guards gone, that left the blacksmiths. They were led by this guy whose name was Gabbro. He was the best, but that also meant that he was somewhat difficult. He had to believe you were worth his time before he’d offer you his services. Also, as it turned out, he was Lapis’s brother and by extension Sapphire’s biological uncle.

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“Are you talking about that niece of mine?” He frowned. “She hasn’t even been to the deep forges. How could she know a thing about the art of smithing.”

“I personally witnessed her making a silvthril blade. That blade was used to defeat a demon lord.” I grinned.

“Silvthril?” He burst out laughing. “You think silvthril is anything? I make silvthril blades for practice!”

The other dwarves burst out laughing as well, but the smile on my face didn’t leave. “Oh? Well, when the darkness attacks, it’d be those silvthril blades that could keep us safe.”

I had already long reasoned out that in a battle against the darkness, we’d need silvthril weapons and a lot of them. They were the only thing that would damage those wraiths permanently. Although I had gotten rid of the dwarf wraiths, I had no doubt she had access to more.

“Look, boy… I appreciate you helping us and all.” He held up his hands. “But a Master’s hands are something special. If we were to work with inferior goods, then we’d lose our edge. I’ve retired from doing any menial job. If you’ve got something better for me, I’ll consider it. That junk sword of yours, for example. I might be able to fix it up a bit.”

“Junk sword!” Alysia cried out, her sword body appearing in my hand suddenly. “Did he just call me a junk sword?”

“Hehe… you’re all looks, no function. Why, without that soul controlling it, it’s barely even a weapon. If you’re done being just a pretty decoration to hang on a wall, you can beg me and maybe this daddy will make you into a real sword.”

I stopped Alysia from lunging at him by pulling her back into my hand, keeping the smile on my face, while giving her a quick reassurance. I found myself somewhat agreeing with him. After her soul was temporarily pulled away from the sword, it left me wanting. It was only a testament to Alysia’s strength and ability that the sword functioned so well.

“You got to understand. The enemy is coming. This is something that involves the fate of all of us.”

He took a swing and pursed his lips thoughtfully, and then nodded to himself. “Since I’m feeling generous, I’ll lend you our apprentice blacksmiths.”

Those listening all nodded in agreement. I had already been warned that dwarves were stubborn, and these dwarves had been the most stubborn of the lot. Just because I had rescued them didn’t mean that that would change.

“You’re concerned you lost your touch,” I responded, standing up. “Never mind then. I’ll consult someone who still has the skill.”

“Oi! What did you just say?” He slammed down his drink, finally pulling his feet off the table.

“I’ll just put Sapphire on the job. She’s skilled and capable. Honestly, they should be done by someone I can trust.”

He put on a vicious grin. “You think you’re going to pull me out of retirement?”

“You have nothing to prove to me.” I shrugged, leaning back. “Although Sapphire things you’re blacksmithing skill is embellished at best.”