Forging Models&Whale Meat

The dwarf's approach was deliberate, each step echoing throughout the cavernous expanse of the lair. His stern gaze never left Logan, even as the other dwarves continued their jubilant celebrations. The ambient torchlight reflected off the dwarf's white beard and the crimson pendant on his forehead, giving him an ethereal glow.

Logan's heart raced. He weighed his options quickly; with the overwhelming numbers and the confined space of the lair, a straight-out battle would be suicide. Stealth was always a preferred strategy for him, but the sheer number of watchful eyes made that nearly impossible. Diplomacy seemed to be the only viable choice.

The dwarf chief finally halted a few feet from Logan. He raised the orb-like stone up, allowing the dim light to pass through it. To Logan's surprise, the stone wasn't ordinary at all. It shimmered with an inner light, casting tiny rainbows around the cavern walls.

"You," the dwarf's voice was deep, resonating throughout the chamber, "you have brought back the Heartstone to the dwarves."

Heartstone? Logan blinked, confusion evident on his face.

Seeing his confusion, the dwarf continued, "For generations, this beast stole our finest creations, and with them, the Heartstone, a sacred gem that blesses our craftsmanship. Every weapon it swallowed was an attempt to retrieve it, but none succeeded, until you."

Logan's surprise deepened. He hadn't planned any of this; it was a sheer twist of fate. "I... I didn't know," he stammered, "I'm sorry about the whale."

The dwarf chief paused, measuring Logan with a discerning gaze. "You've done us an unintended service today," he rumbled, his voice echoing off the chamber walls. "This creature has been a thorn in our side for far too long. And now, you've returned our precious Heartstone to us. It's only fitting you be rewarded."

Logan's eyebrows raised, not expecting this turn of events. He was prepared to be berated, maybe even chased out of the lair and killed brutally. But a reward?

Seeing Logan's surprise, the chief chuckled, a deep hearty sound that reverberated throughout the cavern. "Did you think we would punish you for ridding us of such a menace?" He gestured around, at the spilled weapons and the now cheering dwarves. "These are but material possessions. They can be reforged. But the Heartstone... its return is invaluable."

Logan nodded slowly, realizing the gravity of the situation. "I'm honoured," he began cautiously, "but I don't know what to ask for." Logan said deliberately as he can't ask for any of these high grade weapons which will be common in later phase of the game. Even if they award him one now, he can't equip it because of the level difference.

The dwarf chief smirked, a twinkle in his eye. "Come with me," he commanded, turning on his heel and beckoning for Logan to follow.

They navigated the winding pathways of the lair, the sounds of merriment fading behind them. Soon, they reached a large ornate door. With a wave of his hand, the chief caused the door to creak open, revealing the dazzling treasure within. Gold and gems sparkled in heaps, weapons of unimaginable power hung on the walls, and artifacts of old sat on pedestals.

"You helped return one of our most treasured items. Pick any one item from here as your reward," the chief said magnanimously.

Logan's eyes widened, taking in the sight before him. The choices were overwhelming. Each item in the treasury held power and value that would greatly aid him in his journey. After a second, Logan understood that this also one of the treasury belong to Cloud 9 King.

He took a moment, letting the weight of the decision sink in.

The chief, sensing Logan's hesitation, said, "Take your time. But remember, choose wisely. Some treasures are more than they appear."

As Logan pondered over the vast array of items, he realized that this moment, this choice, would shape his destiny in the world in ways he couldn't even begin to fathom.

Logan's footsteps echoed through the vast treasure chamber, every surface gleaming with the reflection of gold, gems, and the luminescence of countless priceless artifacts. The sheer opulence was dizzying.

Towering shelves were filled with jewels that twinkled like stars, suits of armour that whispered tales of ancient battles, and weapons that promised unmatched power to their wielder. Yet, as he wandered through the treasury, Logan found himself unsatisfied. The pull of those high-ranked weapons was undeniable, but they were not what he sought.

The dwarves' renowned forging techniques had always intrigued Logan. The idea of owning a dwarven-crafted weapon was tempting, but learning their unique forging skills held a different allure. With those skills, Logan wouldn't just earn a one-time fortune from selling a weapon; he could secure a steady stream of income. The potential for exponential growth was undeniable.

Summoning his courage, he approached the venerable chief. "Respected Chief," he began, his voice echoing slightly, "Your treasures here are unparalleled, but my interest lies in your legendary forging techniques. Is there a way I could learn or gain something in that domain?"

The chief's deep laughter resonated in the chamber, the sound rich and hearty. "Ah, young one! You surprise me. Few bypass the allure of immediate riches to seek knowledge. But let me be clear; our techniques are sacred. We promised our king they would remain a secret of the dwarves."

Logan's heart sank for a moment, but the chief continued, "However, I admire your ambition. I can offer you our forging models and a basic guidance book. They won't grant you our mastery, but they'll give you a strong foundation."

The excitement bubbled within Logan, but he forced himself to remain calm. "That would be incredible, Venerable Chief," he replied, trying to contain the eagerness in his voice.

The chief's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Hold that enthusiasm, lad. You can only choose three models, and they're limited to the golden rank. So choose with care."

Without hesitation, Logan nodded, "I understand, and I am grateful for this chance."

Satisfied, the chief led him to a secluded section of the treasury. Hidden from the main area, this section was filled with scrolls, blueprints, and a few ancient tomes. The chief handed Logan a thick book. Its cover depicted a stout dwarf forging a magnificent sword, flames dancing around him. The title 'Dwarves Way' was embossed in gold.

Logan reverently placed the book and the forging designs he chose into his inventory, feeling their weight not as a physical burden but as the weight of opportunity.

"Thank you, Chief," Logan said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. "This means more to me than you can imagine."

The chief smiled, a warm, fatherly expression. "You've done us a service that can't be repaid with mere gold or gems. But remember, lad, these are just tools. It's up to you to turn them into a legacy."

As they emerged from the treasury, the chief's tone grew serious, "And if ever you find yourself in need of a weapon unmatched by any other, seek me out. But remember, I will forge only one weapon for you."

After coming out, Logan's gaze settled on the massive carcass of the whale. The dwarves were working diligently, extracting various parts of the creature.

The chief, observing Logan's lingering gaze, chuckled. "Don't worry, I can see that curious glint in your eyes. These whales, especially of this age and kind, have a taste that's beyond compare. It would be a shame for you to leave without experiencing it."

Logan smiled sheepishly. "I've heard tales of its taste but never had the chance to try it."

But what this chief don't know is, the whale meat costs a fortune in the market. Almost one gram costs one silver. That's why, Logan is trying to extract as much as possible.

The chief motioned to one of the younger dwarves nearby, a sturdy fellow with a bushy beard and an apron smeared with whale oil. "Borin, cut a generous portion for our friend here."

Borin nodded, expertly slicing a thick slab of meat from the whale. It was a deep rich colour, marbled with thin layers of fat. Logan could almost taste the rich flavours just by looking at it.

As Borin handed the portion to Logan, wrapped in a thick leaf for freshness, the young adventurer could feel the warmth and the faint heartbeat of the recently deceased creature. "Thank you," Logan said, securing the meat in his inventory, ensuring it wouldn't spoil.

The chief grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Make sure to cook it just right. You won't regret it."

Logan nodded, his mouth already watering in anticipation. "I'll remember that."

With one last look at the dwarves, their lair, and the remnants of the whale, Logan turned to leave. The dwarves had shown him unexpected kindness and generosity, and he would always cherish this encounter.

As he made his way out, guided by the dwarves through winding tunnels and corridors, the chief's words about the Heartstone echoed in his mind.

He knew he is leaving with more than just treasures and whale meat; he wis leaving with knowledge, allies, and an experience that would stay with him throughout his adventures.