Erwin continued to lay fire onto the Orc King’s castle, more to distract the orcs inside, for he couldn’t do too much outside the palace. He heard the repeated pleas for help from the communications crystal but he was at an impasse: if he left his tank that meant they may lose their only way out of the orc city but if he didn’t go, they’d lose the artifact. He could also just barge in with the tank but that could seriously weaken the structural integrity and cause it to bury both him and the artifact, that would benefit nobody.

However, as the pleas for help grew more and more desperate, he finally said, “Use the beacon so I can find you, I’m going in!”

There wasn’t a clear answer but soon, the communications orb changed its function, now detecting the beacon rather than communication. Then he looked at the palace and regretted that he had plugged it full of holes, that just increased the chances of it collapsing on him. However, he put such thoughts behind him, now directing his cannon towards the outer wall that was but one of many walls that obstructed his path to the infiltration team. He then began blasting away, using the tank’s momentum and weight to bulldoze through the gaping hole.

With his heart pumping with adrenaline, he focused on his task, he had to at least secure the artifact, even if it meant that everyone else would die. Even though the thought was something he’d rather not think about, his military mind put the objective ahead of everything else. It was the artifact first, then—if possible—was the saving of the survivors.

However, his tank soon came across something it couldn’t shoot down, no matter how many shells he plugged into it. So, he was forced to ditch the tank and go on ahead with his luger, assuming that this was the vault. His assumption was correct and he soon found the entrance, shooting down the orc that guarded the door. Reloading, he peeked the door and saw that the orcs just finish off the mage and archer, causing him to curse. He saw no sign of the other two but he couldn’t give them too much thought, only taking aim and firing.

Too busy celebrating their win, it was only when one of them suddenly shouted in pain that they turned to look for the source, seeing Erwin who quickly fired off more shots, some of them missing while others wounded the orcs. He reloaded as he stood still, making sure to take careful aim as he fired, going their legs to hinder their movement so he could finish them off later. Soon, most of the orcs exhibited serious wounds mostly at their knees, preventing them from charging at Erwin. However, there were a few orcs that were the armor type and these charged at Erwin, forcing him to retreat back out the hallway and back to his tank.

The orcs gave chase but when they rounded the corner, they were greeted with the muzzle of the tank which fired, obliterating them. Wasting no more time, Erwin almost hurled himself out of the hatch, sprinting back into the room. His eyes quickly scanning the room for the warhammer, he began to search the room, wincing as he came across the brutalized corpse of Valder. However, he tore his eyes away from the corpse, he had to find the warhammer. He walked some more, investigating the corner where the mage and archer had died but he still couldn’t find it. As he was beginning to lose hope, he then stumbled across an orcish corpse but not like any of the others, this one was Jormand.

With a heavy sigh, he shook his head, wondering if this was all worth it. Then, nearby, he sighted a warhammer, one of exquisite make. Remembering the description, he recognized this to be the artifact and with a sudden burst of adrenaline, he grabbed its handle, surprised at the weight of the thing. However, his adrenaline helping him lift it, Erwin turning and shuffling back to the tank, hoping to whatever being was up there that there weren’t any more orcs to deal with.

This time, fortune smiled upon him and he made it back to his tank without too much trouble, struggling for a few moments as he transferred the hammer inside his tank, he didn’t want to damage the interior. Once the hammer was safely secured in the tank, he prepared to leave, however, something stopped him. There have been several losses and just obtaining the artifact didn’t feel like enough. This was a once in a time opportunity to obtain more artifacts for humanity to use, it could be the very difference between victory and defeat.

He couldn’t ignore such a thing so once more entering the vault, he began to select what appeared to be the most useful, selecting the electric sword that was in Valder’s hands and the shield that was on the corpse of Jormand. Then remembering the mage who held most of the Surveyor’s items, he decided that he’d take it back with them, taking from her the satchel. But as he was about to leave, he noticed something in her hands, a strange looking amulet. Deciding that she had chosen it for a special reason, he placed it in the satchel. He stood up again, leaving the room at a hurried walk, his luger drawn and ready for combat.

However, for whatever reason, he didn’t encounter any orcs on his way back to the tank, although he soon found a bunch hanging around his tank. He cursed, he’d have to draw them away as there were too many for him to kill. He shouldn’t have wasted his time with the artifacts. However, he had and now he had to deal with this problem. He then looked through the various items that the Surveyor had given in aid, looking for something that could help. There was some stuff but most of them were spells that he couldn’t wield or items he didn’t know the purpose of.

He gave up looking for a helpful item, closing his eyes as he tried to think of a solution. Then, a thought struck him. He made his way back into the vault which was fortunately still empty. He checked the hallway to make sure that there were no orcs and then he entered, grabbing a golden helmet. He then hurled it across the vault chamber to the wall which his tank was just opposite of, turning and running as he did so. He ran out and dove around the corner, peeking to make sure that the orcs had gone to investigate. When he saw a group of them turn the corner heading towards the vault door, he then began to make his way around the vault itself, arriving on the other side where he saw his tank.

There were still two orcs but these he could deal with. He took careful aim and clipped one in the head and the other in his leg. Once they were down, he charged, shooting dead the one that was directly in front of him and ignoring the other as he leapt on top of his tank, throwing open the hatch and hopping in. Closing it above him, he activated the tank, the machine guns immediately bursting into life and cutting down the wounded orc. He immediately began to back out, rocking around inside the tank as it backed over the rubble. Then, it got stuck, Erwin wondering just what it was caught on. He drove forward a few inches and then reversed, but got stuck again.

As the orcs began to near, although deterred by the machine guns, Erwin maneuvered the tank so that it was facing the outside, using his main cannon to blast a path forward. He then drove out, bursting from the palace wall as he began to ride towards the nearest gate. The gate had already been closed but a few shots and the entire momentum of a speeding tank removed the obstacle, Erwin able to escape, although minus four people and a large orc horde at his back.

However, the orc horde was unable to keep chase, he was just too fast and so it was only Erwin and his tank. In order to prevent being followed, he used the map to take him through treacherous terrain as well as places where traces of his travel would soon disappear. Of course, such actions took up time and so, three months later, he was back in human territory with the Hammer of Thavrar as well as the three other artifacts he had bought. However, he didn’t dare relax just yet, even in human territory, there was still the potential of danger. Fortunately, there was none and he soon arrived at the fortress, greeted with cheers. The cheers intensified when Erwin emerged, holding up the Hammer of Thavrar, growing louder as he began to reveal the other artifacts that he had reclaimed.

But, when he exited the tank and only he alone, the cheers began to dampen, the cold realization washing over them. He was the sole survivor, the other four were dead. As the crowd digested this, Erwin jumped down, his feet landing on the earth with a thud. Leaving the artifacts lying on the top of his tank, he waved for others to transport them to a safer area, making his way towards the communication crystal.

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He soon stood before it, the mage already alerting the Elder Council of Erwin’s return.

Soon enough, the crystal lit up and the Seventh Elder’s voice spoke, “I hope to hear good news, Erwin.”

Erwin reported, “I have managed to successfully retrieve the Hammer as well as a few other artifacts which may be of some use. However, I am the only survivor.”

There was silence for a few moments before the Seventh Elder’s voice returned.

“The loss of the team is... unfortunate. They shall be remembered for their valorous sacrifice. However, the news about the retrieval of several artifacts including the Hammer is good news, you have done well Erwin. But, your task is not yet finished. When we attempt to contact the dwarves about the matter of the Hammer, I would like you to be a part of the ambassador’s escort.”

Erwin nodded.

“As you wish. When is the mission to begin?”

The Seventh Elder said, “Well we must first speak to the Librarian as well as select the proper ambassador, a month from now is when the journey shall begin. Rest now Erwin, you have earned it.”

Erwin said, “I shall do my best.”

The Seventh Elder chuckled and the communications crystal fell dark, Erwin exiting the mage tower. He decided to follow the orders of the Elder and rest, he had come to realize its importance and as of late, he wasn’t haunted as much. However, even if it had gotten better, it had not disappeared and four new voices were added to the ones which already bore him guilt.

But, Erwin managed to justify their deaths this time, they had volunteered for the job and knew what it entailed, even if some of them were a bit too young. But in such times, the young were the only assets that could be used as the experienced were too valuable or already dead. However, even with this justification, it didn’t erase the fact that Erwin might’ve been able to arrive earlier if he hadn’t been so hesitant, perhaps he might’ve saved them.

But the voices, his justifications, and his guilt soon drifted away as sleep claimed him, he had pushed himself too far this time, so much so that not even his guilt could keep him awake.

As he slept, the Alliance was busy with the preparations for a dwarvish alliance, the Seventh Elder charged with personally going to the Librarian to ask about the location of the dwarvish capital. As he sat on the boat which would take him there, he gazed absentmindedly at the great octagonal pyramid which housed the Library. He wondered just how such a place had come to be, had it always been here?

He could easily imagine that this strange structure existed since the creation of Agleon itself, enduring both time and the elements throughout the ages. Then there was its Librarian, an equally mysterious and long-lived figure if its tale was to be believed. A supposed perfect being, one who still obeyed the purpose given by its creator long ago.

Then the boat reached the perfectly circular adamant foundation of Otium, here being where the Seventh Elder went on alone. The Custodians suddenly appeared out of black gates and began to escort him, the Seventh Elder also wondering about these strange beings. Were they constructs or were they once mortal? Either way, the Librarian was a powerful individual, one could even call him a god. However, he put such thoughts aside as he entered the Library, following the path that he remembered from his last visit. He then found himself once more in that strange garden space, with the Librarian sitting opposite of him at a circular table.

He took his seat, sitting there in silence for a few moments, wondering exactly what to do. However, he didn’t have to wonder for long as the Librarian directed its gaze to him.

“I assume things have gone well.”

The Seventh nodded.

“Yes, Erwin has returned with a few extra artifacts as well as the Hammer. We are ready to begin the journey to the dwarves.”

The Librarian said, “So you need the location. Well, what are you willing to give me for that information?”

The Seventh sighed, “Well, the other artifacts that Erwin retrieved could be used as payment, we would give you one of them. But if that becomes necessary, could I at least first know what those artifacts do?”

The Librarian thought a moment and nodded.

“I suppose the value of one artifact can cover all of that rather neatly. But since there is a little bit left over, I think I shall accompany you.”

The Seventh paled.

“Surely, the value of one artifact isn’t enough to make you move personally.”

The Librarian nodded.

“You are right in thinking that. But I’m not just doing this because of the artifact, I do this more for myself, to revisit the land of the dwarves after so long. I am rather curious as to what things have changed and the knowledge that I will gain from this trip would be more than enough as payment. Besides, I needed an excuse to travel there and with you, I now have it.”

The Seventh bowed his head.

“Even so, I don’t feel right with-”

The Librarian said, “I too do things of my own volition, I do not just give and take. This just happens to be a beneficial coincidence. Now, let us see those artifacts, I assume you want this to be over with quickly.”

The Seventh nodded numbly and suddenly, a gate was brought into existence, the Librarian gesturing for him to follow before stepping through. He blinked as the sudden sunlight assaulted his eyes, although he soon got over it. He then found himself in the middle of New Haven Port, their presence disturbing the ongoings of the port. At first suspicious, the people of the port raised their weapons, unsure about this new threat. However, that was all solved when the Seventh displayed his badge as a member of the Elder Council, the people apologizing profusely for not recognizing him and offering all of their services in recompense.

However, the Seventh merely asked to see the artifacts and this was done without any fuss, the people of the port had no wish to anger one of the Elders. As for the company he kept, they decided not to ask questions, it seemed that he was a rather important individual as well.

But all of this was of no concern to the Librarian who only made his way to the artifacts, looking over the shield, the sword, and the strange amulet.

Finally, he pointed to the sword.

“This, as you likely guessed, is imbued with a spell related to electricity, all one needs to do is channel their own mana into the sword and they can wield electricity. As for what can be done with said electricity, imagination and one’s mana pool are the only limitations. With it, you can summon lightning and with enough mana, a lightning storm. The sword itself is made of mithril, an excellent conduit for mana and of reliable strength as I’m sure you know.”

He then turned to the hexagonal shield.

“This is a device solely for defense. While it itself is made of a crystal lattice whose structure is extremely sturdy—meaning that it can block most types of attacks with ease—once again with the infusion of mana, it can become the center of a far larger barrier, capable of shielding a small group of soldiers. And if it is the center of a large magic circle, it can even create a shield large enough to defend a small city. There isn’t really a limit to the size of the barrier except for the amount of mana.”

He finally turned to the small amulet, the Librarian falling silent as he beheld it.

Finally, he spoke, “This amulet is a Foci for all types of magic, it will greatly enhance the strength and efficiency of a mage’s spell, allowing them to utilize an amount of mana to accomplish the most productive outcome. It is essentially a portable enhancement circle. As for how much it enhances one’s magic, if this were given to one of the rather shoddy mages of today, it would enhance their magic to be on par with that of an Archmage, although of course, it is not a replacement for skill. And if this were to be given to an Archmage, their magic would surpass that of Ieros at his peak.”

The Seventh Elder gulped as he heard the marvelous effects of all these items. These would've been considered the weaker of artifacts but in such desperate times, they truly seemed to be gifts from the Gods.

The Seventh Elder pondered heavily on this matter, finally saying, "I think I must decide with the other Elders, would that be alright?"

The Librarian nodded.

"Of course, this is a decision that is far too large for one man. I shall give you three days to decide, I shall await you in my Library."

With that, the Librarian left through a gate, leaving the Seventh alone with the artifacts. The Seventh let loose a deep breath, one leg trembling nervously. It was partly because of the value of these artifacts and the sudden absence of the Librarian's overwhelming presence, even though the Librarian never proved to be hostile he couldn't bring himself to be comfortable in his presence. He just sighed, perhaps he'll stay here at New Haven Port for the night.