"You and your kin ain't welcome here hero." A displeased tone Implore the dwarven guard.

"Listen here dwarf do you even know why we came here!" Said, Lisha

"Pff… so what if I do dang pointy elf. The king has ordered us not to. Even if ye all bragging your ticket given by that priestess of yours." Replies the dwarf.

"But—" Roland steps in only to be interfered with by Ulgar.

"Is there anything that we can do to enter your kingdom?" Ulgar appeal.

"There's only one-way human. leave and never come back." The dwarf disdain.

"I'm tired of this!" Riza utters trying to teach the dwarf a lesson only to be stopped again by Ulgar.

"Tsk…" Riza sneers stepping away.

"I apologize for my companions' behavior. But this is a delicate matter for our task. I'm sure your king might have decent validity for even a day or two."

"Aye if I could though, I like your tone human but it's the king's order. And I, me not me see me own head on a sack." The dwarf says now with a pleasing tone.

"I understand." Ulgar nods leaving the guards. "We should head ourselves some inn." He continues.

As for his companions, they too follow heading to the nearest tavern where they can perpend their next chart.

"Gahh…" Utters Riza, drinking a tankard of grog.

"Clearly those dwarfs weren't very unwelcome for us. I've seen other gnomes and people enter with their goods." Lisha said.

Ulgar looks at Roland in his distraught face clearly there must be something from him and the dwarven king. "We don't know why the king bans us from entering their kingdom. But we shouldn't let this problem trouble us."

"I got an idea. Rein, you can do illusion and alteration right." Irish entreats.

Rain shakes her head. "I'm sorry but, my magic is far consistent from those types of magic. I only specialize in invocation and abjuration. Also, the entrance is protected by powerful magic, more powerful than Starhim. I tried to discreet my magic when we are transacting with the guards but the person who cast it is even more powerful. If we use my illusion magic, we can be easily detected leading to more troubles."

Ulgar sigh, thinking for a way-out then suddenly a man intervenes. Wearing a leather gray tunic, drinking alone. "There are other ways to enter the city illegal or not... if you wish." Resuming his toast.

The Priestess of Aziru is kneeling in the grace of the dwarven king. Crowned with majestic symbols of wealth, a rather quite tall for a senile dwarf like an old sage in retire. "I beg you, King Korug. I know how you felt from the past, but we mustn't--" Ferish says projecting her image in front of the king.

"HAHAHAHAHA… how nuisance of you!" King Korug interrupts in an enrage laughter. "A word of a joke coming out from a guile human. Tell me, did you really feel the way my people are sacrificed as a pig-like. Twice had it been done, like a jackass we were in your tongue. While that miserable hero you adore left as to nothing." Crushing the goblet in his hand.

The priestess was silent, dead silent. "If I haven't been there, either of us wouldn't be so lucky. Now get out of my sight your presence disgusts me." The King said.

And so Ferish slowly fades still kneeling in front of the king.

"Interested I see. Like I said there are many ways to enter the kingdom but not everything is free." The man in gray tunic said.

"Just get to the point. If you want money, we can make a bargain." Ulgar said.

"Mhh… it's not money that I'm after but rather a more delicate thing. You see, there's a creature living in this land. A creature that scares the living folks near this town. If you can slay it I can help you with your tickets." Sipping a mug of beer.

Ulgar sighs giving a look to his companions if they agree.

"It's not much we have a choice," Riza said,

"Fine, I'm in." Lisha agrees so do the others.

"Then it settled though it's a little bit late for details." The man said swaying his eyes to the people. "We can discuss this in the morning. Oh… pardon my low fraternity for not introducing myself. Name's Lon or people call me Snitch. We'll meet at the same place same table if you want." He says, departing the inn.

"Are we sure we can trust that guy?" Irish said

"If he's playing card with us then we must prepare ourselves for when the time comes," Ulgar said going to his room.

As for the hero, he didn't say a word as he enters his room. And just when he goes to his bed, the priestess magically appears. "Lady Ferish… w-what bring you here," Roland asks in respect.

"You've been well I see. How are your friends." She asks, stepping towards the balcony.

"They're okay, Ulgar had a hard time with Lisha and Riza. But they manage by his words."

"I see…" Ferish responds staring at the night sky.

"May I ask something, those dwarfs—"

"So you notice." Ferish sigh. "Before Seth became a hero, there was a friend of his. His name is Kalen or rather King Korug of Dolvathur. To this day he bears the wound from Seth."

"Then how—" Roland interrupts.

"Much like him, they were once an apprentice of Azageis. Both training in his palm all day and all night. And when the time comes, when darkness descends on the land Seth had to make a sacrifice."

"He chooses." Said Roland sitting on his bed.

Ferish nods with his words. "Korug manages to overcome the odds, but the kingdom collapse. Much to his people, thousands drenched in blood."

Even though Ferish words are a vague detail about his past ancestors. Roland finally realizes why the king despised him so much. All he could do was listen to what Ferish is saying. "But we mustn't fumble ourselves in this time of crisis. Deep beneath the chamber of the dwarven kingdom there will it show your path." The priestess says, conjuring a blue orb dangling in her palms. "Take this… it will aid you in times of trouble." And as she gave him the orbit quickly disappears in his hand. "Take no worries, it will appear when you need it the most."

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

Disappearing from his sight, Roland's eyes stiffen with determination vowing to end this foreboding darkness. Gripping his hand staring at the night sky and said to himself. "I will, no matter the cost."

And when dawn arrives, they huddle at the exact same spot. "Early I see," Lon said.

"Just what type of creature are we hunting."

Lon chuckles. "Ever heard of a monster that turns flesh to stone."

"A Basilisk." Rein utters.

"That's right, it lives in the southeast of this land. You see, hunting one is quite difficult. Moreover, it is complicated when going up against a full-fledged Basilisk. But don't worry there is a way to sabotage this type of species… so are you in or not."

"Tell me what type of Basilisk are we—" Rein asks, with a striking face.

"I'm not exactly sure but the locals told me it was a green type." Lon interrupts. "Your friend sure has some knowledge regarding that thing. It would be wise to share it with your friends?"

All of a sudden, her companions shift towards her for information.

Rein sigh. "Basilisks are classified into four different species; the weakest of them is the green basilisks. Which is often common in dense forests where the temperature is right. Brown basilisks are a little aggressive than their lower cousin. But the red ones are more dangerous than those two for red basilisks have higher resistance to magic. Adding to its magical resistance, they also had a high-density thick scale, giving them physical armor. They can turn a person into a stone statue by just looking at them."

"Wait, what about the fourth one," Roland ask.

Rein hesitate, "I don't know much about the fourth one since we only studied those three in Maginum. Even my teacher would just call it a legend when I ask about the fourth one. The only thing I know is their black color."

"So how do we subjugate these types of monsters. Can we just bring a mirror to deflect its power?" Irish said.

"No can-do young girl," Lon replies.

"Basilisks are immune to petrification I tried it once. Not to mention they have sensitive senses."

"You mean they can detect my invisibility." Riza implore.

"Yes, they can, so don't act accordingly to your own." Rein said.

"True basilisk are to be considered when crossing with one. But they have certain weakness, particularly their eyes." Lon implies.

"You mean… By destroying their eyes, we can easily take it down," Roland said.

"Not necessary to be confident but, basilisk has a thick lens of protection. And by just closing, it can deflect magical and physical offense. That's why your skill is needed, elf girl." Lon replies sipping a beer.

After their discussion, they head to where the lair of the basilisk. Crossing small villages and creaks they head deeper letting Ulgar become more suspicious.

"We're here." Lon stops, sighting the cave about eight blocks away and seeing countless statues of people, animals, and monsters turn into stone.

"So where is it." Whisper Riza.

"It must be sleeping or…" before he could finish his word, something large is crawling towards them. It didn't attack them but rather went to the entrance of the cave guarding. A giant green serpent measuring up to nineteen feet, roaring its deadly and venomous fangs. "Don't look to its eye.

"Rein shout as they scatter.

They try to lure it away from the entrance but somehow it won't budge. Rein and Lisha hurl magic and arrows if it can go to offensive mode but for how hard they tried the serpent stays still.

"Why won't it attack us?!" Shout Riza, gripping her dagger.

Ulgar and Roland know that entering the tight cave could lead to a disaster leading to one of them being petrified even if they have holy weapons in their belt. So they quickly reinstitute their distance

"I don't know." Rein implore, conjuring a fireball. "Take this!" she shouts sending the fireball.

The explosion was loud and enough to erode little of the cave. But also awaken its rage, the serpent had enough to which it dashes outside with its yellow eyes glowing. Drooling its thick venom, locking its target towards Rein.

"I can't move." Rein said, sweating for her life. Unable to speak or move she prays that her companions would save her.

Lisha fired her powerful skill, which can decimate a foe in one blow. Yet the serpent easily maneuvers faster than the arrows could hit it. Considering the elf's ineffective range weapon, it manages to slow the pace of the serpent, enough for Ulgar and Roland to shield Rein.

Upfront, Ulgar with his large shield draws upon the holy might, boosting his strength to tank the incoming force. While behind him is Roland, like always utilizing the power of his legendary sword. Irish dashes in taking Rein to a safer distance.

Charging at each other Ulgar was bested in seconds. "Now!" He shouts to Roland. And in turn, a hurled of immense force swept the serpent, knock backing it. Just a strike of his holy weapon, it tore the armor of the basilisk, cracking the scales.

Without a moment to waste Riza, with her ability to teleport plunged her razor dagger into the serpent's eyes. Crying in pain it retreats to its den.

"I'm impressed well done." Lon claps, emerging in the shadows. "I have to say, you clearly are the hero they have spoken to." Lon smiles.

In a fit of rage, Roland sways his sword in front of Lon for not cooperating when Reins nearly chaws to death. "You used us." Roland implores.

Lon chuckles with ease. "Well, I never said about helping me in eliminating the basilisks but rather you volunteer for yourself… But no matter you did your part in incapacitating the serpent." Lon said, before walking towards the cave only to be pursued by Roland, Riza, and Ulgar.

Upon entering, they saw the creature bleeding its last breath, protecting her three eggs. Anger quickly turns to sympathy and pity to see a brutally wounded mother laying close to its offspring.

Paying no heed, Lon conjures a black quill and sends it to the basilisk head easily ending the creature's life-- a painless death. And with the death of the basilisk, their part is done, now it's Lon's turn to finish his deed.

Once Lon is finished dealing with the carcass of the basilisk, he begins his part. "You see, entering the dwarven kingdom is hard. They have special types of barriers which your friend already knows. But the only safest way to bring you in is through this." Showing them a potion.

Upon hearing his plan, they all look at each other in perplexed faces. "Are there any other way?" Ulgar said.

Lon sigh in fatigue. "This is all I can offer you, or do you want an injustice way of breaking in-- paladin?" Lon said in a serious tone. "Are you all in or not, either way, our agreement is fulfilled even if you deny it or not, considering I'm the one to offer?"

With no choice left, they simultaneously gulp the potion leading them to hallucination and finally unconsciousness.

"Tar, get the wagon" Lon smiles.

"As you wish." A halfling mage reveals himself just a few feet from Lon's side.

Ulgar was first to recover but awaken an unlikely body. He couldn't believe himself to be a dwarf same as the others. "I see you're awake," Lon says leaning on the wagon.

"What did you do!" A rather ragged tone Ulgar implore.

"Don't worry the effect will wear off eventually might be two to three days if I'm certain."

"This isn't the part of our agreement—"

"Look around you." Lon interrupts. "You're already inside Dolvathur. you should be thankful for giving you a bonus. If I had given you the details of my plan, this would never happen. But enough, our deal is done." He said, before parting their ways.

With just a blink of an eye, Lon faded as if he was just a delusion in the mind. Nevertheless, they are now inside of Dolvathur a large cavern with its own ecosystem. Unlike its other dwarven kingdom, Dolvathur is a kingdom like no other. Stretching over a mile and a height of twenty giants combine. Enough to hold five castles adding to its beauty three dolines allow sunlight to pass through enabling foliage to grow inside.

Elsewhere--

Akatosh had finally awakened in a grunting hunger. Much to his surprise his broken bones were as now healed. "Where am I?" He implores.

"So you've awakened," Amaragnum said, with a sophisticated tone. "Welcome to my other hideout, I'm surprised it is still intact for centuries."

"I see…" Akatosh reply, checking his inventory, fixing his armor, and cooking some meals.

"Eager I see," Amaragnum says, watching him preparing his things.

"Say Amaragnum, you could have taken advantage of an injured wolf," Akatosh said referring to himself.

Amaragnum chuckles for just a second and in return. "I could but even an injured wolf can be extremely dangerous and much deeper than an abyss. Don't you think?"

"Funny you ask, even I myself don't know what I am anymore."

Following the partial hours of silence, Akatosh is now ready to start another journey. "So where to," Amaragnum asks.

"To the same place, there's still an unfinished business that I haven't done."