Saeldir stepped through the shimmering portal, feeling a familiar sense of disorientation as the Magic energies transported him back to the Elf Palace.
The air around him shifted from the cool, earthy atmosphere of the Dwarf kingdom to the serene, verdant ambiance of his homeland.
His own room on the Elf Palace, adorned with intricate tapestries and glowing with a soft, natural light, welcomed him back.
Without pausing to savor the tranquility, Saeldir hurried through the elegant corridors, his heart pounding with the urgency of his message.
Elven sentinels and courtiers turned their heads as he passed, their expressions a mix of curiosity and respect. He reached the doors of the king's throne room and took a deep breath before pushing them open.
Inside, King Gulben and Aurdis were deep in discussion, their expressions grave. The weight of their responsibility hung heavily in the air, but their eyes brightened with hope as they saw Saeldir enter.
"Saeldir," King Gulben said, his voice resonating with a mixture of anticipation and concern. "What news do you bring from Khazadrim?"
Saeldir stepped forward, bowing respectfully before he spoke. "Your Majesty, I bring good news. The Dwarf king has agreed to our request. We have successfully secured the aid of Khazadrim and their Sacred Hammer to forge the weapons we need to combat the Great Calamity."
Aurdis's eyes widened with relief. "That's wonderful news. How soon can we expect their aid?"
"The Dwarves have already begun their preparations," Saeldir replied. "Their skilled craftsmen are readying the forges, and they are fully committed to our cause. I will help them as well. The king has also granted us access to their ancient teleportation device, which will allow us to coordinate our efforts more efficiently."
King Gulben nodded, his expression relief as well. "This alliance with the Dwarves is really a good news. Their strength and craftsmanship will be invaluable in the battles to come."
Aurdis stepped forward then said. "We must ensure that our forces are prepared to support them."
King Gulben walked from his throne and placed a hand on Saeldir's shoulder. "The four of you have done well. Now, let us prepare for the next phase of our plan."
Leaving the king's chamber, Saeldir made his way to his room and teleported back to the Khazadrim kingdom. Then he found Erend, Adrien, Billy, and Adrius waiting. Their faces lit up with anticipation as they saw him approach.
"Now, what can we do?" Adrien asked.
"Now you wait until the king gives his next instruction," Saeldir said.
"What about you?" Erend asked.
"I need to help them prepare everything. The details about the weapons they need to forge to have enough power to fight the Great Calamity."
Knowing this, Erend, Adrien, Billy, and Adrius decided to explore this kingdom located under a mountain. For Erend, Adrien, and Billy, this place was truly magical. They felt like the miracles of the world were never-ending. Every time they ventured into a new place, they always encountered more magical things.
The four of them split up to do their own things. The king of the Dwarves ensured they received hospitality and security, granting them freedom to explore the kingdom.
Erend couldn't help but let his gaze wander. He seeing the bustling forges, the sound of hammers striking anvils, and the gleam of precious metals being crafted into intricate works of art.
A strange feeling stirred within him—an intense interest, almost an obsession, with the gold and gems that the Dwarves processed.
The memory of the vast treasure troves, the glittering piles of gold coins, and the shimmering gemstones filled his mind, captivating him in a way he hadn't experienced before.
He shook his head, trying to dispel the thoughts, but they persisted. It wasn't just a passing curiosity; it was a deep fascination that gnawed at him.
Erend furrowed his brow, wondering why he felt this way. He had always been focused on the mission, on protecting those who couldn't protect themselves, but now, something was different.
Then it struck him—the power of the Dragon that resided within him.
'Is my Dragon side wanted to horde this treasure?'
Dragons were known for their love of treasure, their hoarding instincts, and their insatiable desire for gold and gems. The realization sent a shiver down his spine.
Erend trying to push the thoughts aside. He needed to stay focused. They had a mission to complete, and he couldn't afford to be distracted by the Dragon's instincts.
But the allure of the treasure was strong, and he found himself wrestling with the duality of his nature—the human and the Dragon who craved wealth.
'Shit… I'm become weird with this power.'
Everywhere he looked, there were shimmering gemstones, gleaming gold, and intricately carved artifacts.
Amongst the treasures, one particular item caught his eye—a sealed box tucked away in a corner, partially obscured by other materials.
The box was unassuming in size but seemed to radiate a subtle, almost magnetic aura that tugged at Erend's attention. He found himself drawn towards it.
He approached the box. The box was covered in intricate Dwarven runes and secured with a heavy lock, suggesting that whatever it contained was incredibly valuable and rare.
A nearby Dwarf, busy sorting through a pile of precious gems, noticed Erend's sudden interest and called out to him.
"Oi, stranger! What brings ye so close to that box? It's not something we usually show outsiders."
Erend hesitated, seeing the Dwarf's scrutinizing gaze. He definitely couldn't tell the true reason for his curiosity.
"Uh, just curious," Erend replied, trying to sound casual. "I've never seen runes like these before. Thought it might be something interesting."
The Dwarf eyed him suspiciously, clearly not entirely convinced by his answer.
"That box contains Starsteel, one of the rarest and most precious metals we have. It's not something we let just anyone handle."
Erend nodded, forcing himself to step back and feign a lack of interest. "I understand. Thanks for explaining."
The Dwarf grunted and went back to his work, but Erend could still feel the pull of the box. But then he took a deep breath and tore his gaze away.
As he moved away, the allure of the Starsteel still lingered in his mind, a constant reminder of the battle he waged within himself.