Half-step Purgatory

Durin stroked the black cat on the armrest of his chair, sitting on the black leather sofa. Through the glasses perched on his nose, his gaze passed over the long table in front of him and settled on the man kneeling on the carpet:
"I understand, you've made money in Naples, your business has been very successful, and you've led a happy life. You've had those secret police, friends in both the law and the underground, and even the Royal Family speaking on your behalf."
"You don't need a friend like me, I know that. You're afraid of owing me a favor, and you don't want to get involved in troubles."
"But now you come to me and say, 'I beg you, Mr. Durin of the Corleon family, please help me seek justice, so that my life and my family will not suffer and sink into despair.'
Yet, in your eyes, I was nothing more than a second-rate artist involved in movies and music. Even at the brink of death, you still show me such disrespect, not even willing to call me by my title... Keeper of Secrets."

Durin's Diary

By the afternoon, after a dazzling meal, Durin and Anta, along with a group of youngsters, arrived near the excavation site, where there was an observation deck that offered a commanding view of part of the excavation site.


Hearing that their lord had arrived, several key personnel responsible for the excavation came over to greet Durin.


Five core members, a human, a Dwarf, a Halfling, and two Grassland Elves.


The human introduced himself as Indiana Jones, a Doctor of Archaeology from the Sidney Union, a Half-Elf, who appeared to be in his forties, tall and well-built. He extended his hand enthusiastically, "Hello, Lord Durin, it's an honor to be involved in such a vast archaeological project."


"It looks like you are quite dedicated. Have you found anything?" Durin asked with a smile as he shook his hand.


"I'm just an energetic contributor. You should ask my friend." He introduced the Dwarf with a smile, "Rot Ironanvil, my old friend."


Chapter 85: Tickets from the Past