Star Forge Titan

"Thank you, thank you!" Borok rubbed his hands nervously, his facial muscles tense.

As a traditional dwarf who cares about his reputation and is stubborn, it is not easy to get him to ask for help.

But thinking of the increasingly serious problem, Borok finally gritted his teeth and said:

"The Lonely Mountain Kingdom, the homeland where we dwarves have lived for thousands of years, may be destroyed."

"What exactly is going on?" Alvin frowned.

As far as he could remember, the dwarves did carry out a large-scale migration in the future.

They no longer have an independent country, but live in other places as wanderers and refugees.

Among them, a group of dwarves even boarded a huge fleet composed of large steam airships connected together, and headed to the distant Sea of ​​Clouds, becoming a special dwarf tribe living in a completely new environment - the Sky Dwarves.

However, as to why the Dwarf Kingdom of the Lonely Mountain migrated outward on a large scale, there has never been a reliable answer to this question because there are not enough players who choose to be dwarven.

Some say the dwarves dug too deep and unleashed a terrible demon.

There is also a saying that the Dwarf Kingdom of Lonely Mountain was targeted by a greedy ancient dragon and was forced to abandon most of its property and homeland.

In short, people only know that one day the dwarf king Oriogo Goldbeard suddenly announced that he would abandon the underground kingdom of Lonely Mountain, and the entire tribe split into several branches and migrated outward.

This made many dwarves become wanderers. Although they gradually integrated into other countries later, this race also lost their own homeland.

Even their culture and traditions will gradually change over time.

Perhaps in the future, dwarves will become like other people in the country they integrate into, except for their appearance, and will no longer look like dwarves.

"The World Forging Furnace beneath Lonely Mountain is about to go out." Borok said in an especially heavy tone:

"This..." Aiwen looked a little surprised:

"You mean the world's largest magical furnace, located beneath the Lonely Mountain Kingdom?"

The Lonely Mountain Kingdom, the hometown of the dwarves, is not a country built on a mountain. To be precise, the entire area of ​​the mountain that is more than three thousand meters deep underground is where the entire Lonely Mountain Kingdom is located.

Yes, it was a hollowed-out mountain. The dwarves dug further based on the natural cavities that already existed underground until they built an underground city of unprecedented scale.

The so-called World Forge is a relic left by the legendary Titans and is also the most precious treasure of the Dwarf Kingdom.

It is rumored that the first ancestors of the dwarves were born from that huge furnace that is 1,200 meters tall and nearly 300 stories high.

The huge furnace made entirely of metal and rock stood in a large natural cavity under the lonely mountain. The lava from deep underground continuously powered the entire furnace. The raging fire burning in it had not been extinguished for thousands of years, as if a world made of flames was sealed inside.

Even modern humans find it difficult to imagine how such a huge furnace was built, and what kind of behemoths were it used to cast?

"In fact, the core flame of the World Forging Furnace began to weaken seven hundred years ago. The smelting units numbered above 300 near the top were the first to go out. Up to now, only the thirteen smelting units on the bottom layer of the entire furnace are still operating." Borok clenched his fists.

"Without the World Forging Furnace continuously absorbing and regulating the magma network around the Lonely Mountain Underground City, our hometown would be gradually engulfed by the raging molten lava from the ground."

"In fact, 30% of the country is now covered by lava. The Longbeard Council has temporarily suppressed the truth, using the excuse that the underground lava river suddenly changed its course to appease the tribe."

"Wait, I don't quite understand the power of the World Forging Furnace, but can thirteen so-called smelting units secure seventy percent of the land?" Ivan asked in astonishment.

"Yes, the power of the Titans' creations is beyond the imagination of today's civilization." Borok showed a proud expression, but then he immediately realized with embarrassment that there might be a descendant of the Titans sitting in front of him.

"It's also because of this that we've spent hundreds of years trying to figure out what went wrong with the World Forge?" Borok said shamefully.

"But I don't know how to fix that thing." Of course, Alvin was not unwilling to help them, but if he really wanted to give some advice, the most he could do was to raise his hand at a 45-degree angle and tap it hard twice to try.

After hearing his words, Borok was silent for a moment, then suddenly said:

"We can't get in." The old dwarf spread his hands.

"We are not authorized to enter the core area of ​​the World Forging Furnace. Although we cannot determine the root cause of the problem, the external areas managed by the Earth People have been checked countless times. At least we can ensure that none of the accidents recorded in the maintenance manual have occurred."

"Maintenance manual?" This extremely modern term made Alvin narrow his eyes slightly.

"It is a series of scriptures that the Earth People originally obtained from the Titans. Some also call them the Golden Scrolls."

Hearing that name, Ivan's eyes widened immediately. The old dwarf, who hadn't noticed, shrugged and continued:

"However, the nickname passed down in ancient songs is... uh... the maintenance manual."

Chapter 100: Ten Years of Crisis

The Golden Scroll is said to be the most precious treasure of the dwarves.

It is said that it contains ancient information from before the birth of this era's civilization. If someone can fully understand the golden scroll, they can see the truth of history.

Many powerful wizards were willing to pay a high price, but were rejected by the dwarven royal family who guarded the golden scroll.

Coupled with the World Forge surging with terrifying magical energy, and every Dwarf King who has partial control over the furnace, naturally no one dared to snatch the treasure.

As for the act of stealing in secret, it has occurred countless times over the past thousand years.

The dwarves even invented a series of anti-theft magic and developed a whole new product line based on it.

For example, there are bronze hound statues with a keener sense of smell than ordinary hounds, fully automatic self-tracking steel traps, and devastating hammer-wielding alert guard golems.

However, the old dwarf in front of him told Alvin that the thing was commonly known as the maintenance manual, which was used to describe its function through word of mouth.

"Time is of the essence. Sir, if you don't have anything urgent to do, could you please come with me to Lonely Mountain immediately?" Borok asked impatiently.

"Has the situation become so tense? How many hours do you estimate the World Forging Furnace can continue to operate?" Hearing the old dwarf's words, Alvin also showed a hint of nervousness.

He clearly remembered that the Dwarf Kingdom of the Lonely Mountain fell apart after the third version of the plot, but he couldn't remember the exact time.

Did I accidentally create another storm?

At this moment, Alvin's knowledge of the Titans was still very limited. The message that the last queen of the Giant Kingdom transmitted across time only recorded information related to the ritual of the foundation of the original world and a coordinate whose specific purpose was still unknown.

Besides that, the only Titan he knew was probably the fourth version of the world boss in the game who shouted "Flesh and blood are weak, the machines ascend!" and then used a deus ex machina to bring down the entire guild.

Therefore, if there really was information or items left by the Titans in the World Forge, then even if he couldn't find a way to repair it, he had to go and check it out before the device was completely destroyed.

"A...hour?" Borok was stunned for a moment, then he snapped his fingers slightly, looking like he was calculating something.

"There are only about 87600 hours left."

“…” Alvin’s eyes widened.

"You mean... ten years?"

"Yes, there are only less than ten years left." Borok said worriedly:

"That's okay." Alvin held his forehead and deeply felt the difference in the perception of time length among different races.

For dwarves, whose average lifespan is over two hundred years, ten years is roughly equivalent to one or two years in human terms.

The destruction that will come within 'a year' is indeed an imminent disaster.

But for Alvin, ten years is a long time. After this period of time, even if the World Forging Furnace is really beyond repair, he will probably be able to directly suppress the lava flow around the Lonely Mountain Kingdom.

After all, the solution to the problem doesn’t necessarily have to be technology, violence can also be used!

Even if I didn't have advanced technology like the World Forging Furnace at that time, I at least had the strength to make Iwa-chan cry with one punch.

"I can't leave Linde for the time being. There's a high possibility that something terrible will happen here." Ivan shook his head and said seriously:

Now, he didn't have any direct information, so he didn't know whether these words could convince the old dwarf in front of him.

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Borok's expression immediately became extremely serious.

"Sir, if you need any help, I can immediately summon all the dwarves around Lutetia. If in your name, I am sure even those self-exiled Bloodforgers will gladly come and serve!" The old dwarf said excitedly, and countless stories he had heard in the past popped up in his mind, such as the legendary anecdotes of his ancestors following the giants to fight evil creatures.

As for the Bloodforgers, they are those who have committed crimes that destroy the honor of the dwarven society.

After receiving legal punishment, they often choose to exile themselves away from the Lonely Mountain Kingdom, then cut short their beards that symbolize the honor of the dwarves, bare their upper bodies, and without any armor, frantically challenge all kinds of powerful beasts or evil beings.

He only seeks death in a glorious war to atone for his past sins.

Because of this blood-soaked fighting style, they are called Blood Forgers, meaning people who forge armor with blood.

Coupled with the bloodthirsty rage caused by their desire for death, the self-exiled dwarves have the notoriety of "butchers".

"No, no, no, I don't plan to reveal my identity for the time being." Alvin waved his hands repeatedly with a headache.

Although the saying "one arrow pierces the clouds, thousands of troops rush to meet you" is very impressive, it also depends on the specific situation.

His current strength is limited, and the troubles that may be caused by the title of descendant of Titan are far beyond what he can handle.

Moreover, considering those who were hiding in the darkness, Alvin was even more certain that maintaining the vest of 'young alchemist' was the more appropriate choice for the actual situation.

No matter who the other party is, they may look down on a low-level transcendent but will never ignore the existence of a descendant of the Titans.

After hearing Ivan's decision, Borok wanted to say something, but then he looked helpless.

"Indeed, the great Titan has been gone for too long, and even among us dwarves, not all of us believe in the information recorded in those traditions."

Then the old dwarf's face immediately became serious.

"In the name of the Father of Forge, I swear to uphold the secret I have heard today."

Alvin was a little surprised. This was an oath made in the name of God. Even if the gods had been silent for many years, they would use their divine power to ensure that this oath could not be repented.

In this way, there is no need to worry about the old dwarf leaking the secret.

But in the future, when facing dwarves, he must be careful to hide the characteristics of his own magic.

Ivan secretly noted this and then looked up at Borok. After learning about the relationship between the Titans and the dwarven ancestors, he was somewhat embarrassed to find that he was not as free to bargain with them as he had previously planned.

However, considering the value of the various treasures left by the vampire count who had "generously donated" him, if the dwarf workshop was willing to accept these things that could not be immediately converted into cash as payment, he would not need to worry too much about the price.

After saying this, the old dwarf immediately showed an expression of understanding. Even though he was a stubborn dwarf, after having been a businessman for many years, he still understood this little trick.

As a result, the two sides quickly reached an agreement.

Both sides feel that they have not lost anything, this is a win-win situation.

Borok asked the young dwarf who was his apprentice to go to the warehouse to move the mithril ingots. He seemed to want to say something, with an expression of wanting to speak but not being able to.

"What's wrong?" Noticing this, Alvin took the initiative to ask

"You need so many rare metals. I guess you are planning to cast some large object. I wonder if I have the honor to watch." Borok kept rubbing his hands, looking greedy.

Are you kidding? That's the workmanship of the descendants of Titans!

Seeing Borok's look, Alvin couldn't help but smile. He had long known that dwarves were like gourmets seeing delicious food in front of casting technology, and they couldn't control themselves at all, so he was not surprised at the other party's current performance.

"Of course." The black-haired boy said happily:

"Come to think of it, I originally planned to exchange technology for materials."

"Oh this! This is really..." Borok was stunned for a moment, then realized that maybe, probably, perhaps, possibly...

What a big loss!!!

Chapter 101 Star Antimony Alloy

The old dwarf rolled his big copper bell-like eyes unwillingly, and then thought of another way.

"Aha, besides the rare metals sold in the store, I also have some personal collections. I wonder if you are interested?"

"Oh?" Alvin looked interested.

So soon, Borok came out with a small box.

It's really hard for this old dwarf. He is obviously not good at speaking in a roundabout way, but he has to pretend to be used to it.

The box didn't look big, probably only holding something no bigger than the size of a palm, but judging from Borok's cautious look, the things inside must be quite expensive.

This made Alvin feel a little more expectant.

"Although we dwarves are not very good at refining this thing, if we use it in casting, we can often greatly improve the performance of the material." Borok said as he opened the small box in his hand.

Inside the box, a soft silk cushion quietly holds a few exceptionally beautiful crystals.

This black transparent crystal shines with a faint light inside, just like the stars dotting the dark night sky.

Alvin subconsciously held his breath. Of course he recognized what the thing in front of him was.

Star antimony is a rare material that requires extremely advanced alchemy to produce. Although it looks like a gem, it actually has metal-like properties.

Therefore, star antimony can be mixed with other rare metals to create special alloys specifically used to cast high-level magical weapons.

At the same time, it can also be used as a special catalyst, added to the potion during the cooking process to increase the success rate and efficacy of the potion.

"Here is sixteen grams of antimony. Although the total amount is very small, it should be more than enough to use as an additive." As he said this, Borok looked at Ivan with anticipation.

"...This is really an offer that is hard to refuse." The black-haired boy shook his head with a dumb laugh.

However, he was also somewhat pleased to realize that, with the inclusion of rare materials like star antimony, he could create a very strong special alloy.