Chapter 3: Molgaroth, the City That Never Sleeps (Part 1)

Part 1

Two days after the wolf incident, the group was finally approaching their destination.

Following the landlady's recommendation, Yuna had opted for a carriage, cutting the five-day journey down to just two. The price was reasonable, and the comfort was… acceptable.

The carriage's rattling softened as the icy terrain gave way to rocky ground. Up ahead, a fortified city loomed against the horizon.

The massive gates of Molgaroth, carved with the ancient triumphs of the dwarves, gleamed under the dim evening light.

Haruto peeked his head out from beneath the tarp, his gaze filled with both curiosity and admiration.

—I never thought dwarves were so detailed, but this is impressive.

Kizuna floated beside him, tilting her head as if evaluating the engravings.

—Look at those gates! Aren't they awesome, Kizu? Though… they could use a bit more sparkle.

Inside the carriage, Melodía maintained a flawless posture, her gaze lost on the horizon.

Two days of silence…

Since they had left Stonehollow, she had barely spoken. The sarcasm and need to stand out that once defined her had vanished. She only exchanged words with Yuna when absolutely necessary.

Haruto glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, debating whether to say something, but ultimately chose to stay quiet. The tension still lingered in the air, a silent shadow between them.

Sitting beside the driver, Yuna kept her eyes fixed on the road, her usual serene expression unchanged.

At last, the carriage rolled to a stop near Molgaroth's towering gates.

The driver, a middle-aged man with a weathered face, gave them a friendly smile.

—This is as far as I can take you. I don't have clearance to pass the checkpoint.

Yuna stepped down with smooth, practiced movements.

—Thank you for the ride. It was a great help.

She turned to Haruto and Melodía, who were already disembarking.

—Well, we're here.

Haruto adjusted his cloak against the cold, eyeing the enormous black gates.

—So… what now?

Melodía remained silent, her expression unreadable. Yet something flickered in her gaze—admiration? Nostalgia? Fatigue?

The driver tipped his hat slightly in farewell before turning the carriage around.

—Good luck in there. Dwarves aren't easy to deal with, but when it comes to business, they're quite friendly.

The group watched as the carriage disappeared into the distance before heading toward the gates of Molgaroth.

At the entrance, the dwarven guards stood with an imposing presence, clad in heavy armor and gripping massive battle-axes. Though they weren't hostile, it was clear they weren't the kind of people you'd want to cross.

One of them stepped forward with firm, deliberate strides. His expression was one of discipline and experience.

—Welcome to Molgaroth, city of crafters and miners.

His deep voice echoed against the mountain walls.

—State your purpose of visit. —He scanned the group, eyes sharp and assessing.

Yuna stepped forward calmly, presenting a scroll stamped with the Adventurers' Guild seal. Haruto and Melodía displayed their guild plates.

—We're travelers from Mythara, —Yuna explained—. We're seeking a master crafters and plan to purchase some local artisan goods. This document details our intent.

The guard examined the scroll in silence, scanning every detail before nodding and handing it back.

—Everything checks out. You may enter.

He paused briefly before adding with a serious tone:

—Welcome to the City of the Forge.

His gaze lingered on Haruto for a moment longer than necessary before stepping aside.

—Since you're adventurers, let me warn you about something.

The dwarf guard's voice turned graver.

—Lately, several adventurers have gone missing in the nearby tunnels. Rumors say something big is moving beneath the mountains. And whatever it is, it doesn't seem interested in negotiations.

Haruto frowned, a chill creeping up his spine that had nothing to do with the cold.

—Great. Just what we needed… —he muttered sarcastically, though there was genuine concern in his voice.

Yuna bowed her head slightly in gratitude.

—We appreciate the warning. We'll be careful.

Melodía remained silent. Her gaze was locked onto the massive gates now slowly opening, but her mind seemed elsewhere.

The group stepped through the gates of Molgaroth, immediately overwhelmed by a world of steel and fire. The rhythmic clanging of hammers echoed in the distance, and the air was thick with the scent of metal and coal.

Inside the city, the streets hummed with activity. The sound of forges filled the air, accompanied by bursts of golden sparks.

Merchants loudly hawked weapons, enchanted gems, and finely crafted tools, while the taverns overflowed with raucous laughter and songs spilling out through their open windows.

Haruto scanned the organized chaos around them, his eyes widening.

—This is on another level…

Perched on Haruto's shoulder, Simo let out a soft caw, seemingly in agreement.

Yuna, keeping her gaze focused ahead, spoke with quiet determination.

—First, we need to find a place to stay. Then, we'll gather information about Thalindra. This city is too vast to search blindly.

Kizuna floated higher, spinning mid-air before pointing at a building with enthusiasm.

—Look! That tavern looks cozy… Well, at least it's not falling apart, Kizu.

But before they could head toward it, Melodía turned away, her expression distant. Her voice was cold when she finally spoke.

—I'm going my own way. I'll be staying at the Star Lumina Inn, exclusive to light elves. I need time to think. If you need me, you know where to find me.

Yuna's eyes filled with concern. She took a step forward, hesitating before reaching out a hand.

—We should stay together, Melodía. We're a group… we're friends.

Her voice remained calm, but there was an unspoken plea beneath it.

Melodía paused for a moment, her shoulders barely shifting.

—Good luck with that. And just so we're clear… we're not friends.

With that, she walked away without another word.

The silence she left behind was heavier than the stone walls of Molgaroth.

Yuna slowly lowered her hand, disappointment clear on her face. Her gaze lingered on Melodía's figure until she disappeared into the crowd.

Haruto placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

—Let her go. She probably just needs time alone. It's nothing personal.

Yuna nodded slowly, but her expression remained clouded with doubt.

—I hope you're right…

Attempting to lift the mood, Haruto glanced at Kizuna.

—Well, I guess we're sticking to your tavern idea, huh?

Kizuna spun mid-air, regaining her usual excitement.

—Of course! Rest and information, Kizu!

Yuna took a deep breath, recomposing herself.

—Alright. Let's go.

The group made their way toward the tavern, leaving behind the lights and shadows of Molgaroth.

Above the entrance, a sturdy wooden sign swung slightly in the evening breeze, its bold, time-worn letters reading: "The Home of Axes."

As they crossed the threshold, they were greeted by the warm glow of lanterns and the scent of roasted meat and ale. A massive iron chandelier cast flickering light over the boisterous patrons, their tankards clashing together as laughter and rowdy songs filled the air.

Behind the counter, a burly dwarf with a gray beard and a friendly demeanor greeted them with a warm smile.

—Welcome to the Home of Axes. What can I do for you?

Yuna stepped forward, her voice calm and determined.

—We need two rooms and something to eat.

The innkeeper pointed toward a staircase with a mischievous grin.

—There's only one room left with a single bed, but I imagine that won't be a problem since you're a couple.

Haruto froze. His face shifted from confusion to a faint blush as he glanced at Yuna, who raised an eyebrow.

—C-Couple? —Haruto stammered, raising his hands as if trying to clear up the misunderstanding—. Uh… I think there's been a mistake…

Yuna took a deep breath before asking calmly,

—Are you sure there aren't two rooms?

The innkeeper let out a hearty laugh as he pulled out a key.

—Sorry, kids, but there's only one double bed left. The city is packed for the Forge Festival. But you're welcome to try your luck at another inn.

He shrugged with an amused smile.

—Though I doubt you'll find anything.

Haruto and Yuna exchanged awkward glances.

—W-What?! —Haruto exclaimed, shaking his head quickly to dispel any strange thoughts.

—Just one bed… —Yuna murmured, sighing.

Floating nearby, Kizuna didn't miss the opportunity.

—Oh, this is getting interesting, Kizu!

—You're not helping, Kizuna! —Haruto shot her a glare.

The innkeeper, still amused, added,

—Like I said, the city is full. But if you're creative, I'm sure you'll find a way to share.

Haruto raised his hands in surrender.

—I'll sleep on the floor. You don't even have to suggest it!

Yuna gave a faint smile.

—Alright, Haruto. The floor is yours.

The innkeeper handed them the key, watching them head upstairs with a satisfied smile.

—Couple or not, those two make a good team… —he murmured before returning to his counter.

Kizuna floated behind them with a teasing grin.

—I hope the floor is comfy, Haruto-Kyun. Though, if you want, I could materialize an air cushion for you… but I can't guarantee it'll last the whole night, Kizu!

Haruto sighed while Yuna held back another laugh.

The day was just beginning, but not all challenges came in the form of enemies.

The room was small but cozy. Through the window, the bustling main street glowed under the lanterns.

Haruto dropped his bag beside the table and looked at the bed with resignation.

—Well… at least it doesn't look that uncomfortable.

He turned to Yuna, trying to lighten the mood.

—I hope the floor is just as comfortable for you.

—Let's hope so, —she replied, crossing her arms with a smile.

Kizuna floated around, inspecting the bed with a critical eye.

—It's perfect for two, Kizu! Of course, only if you don't mind curling up, Haruto-Kyun.

Haruto rolled his eyes and ignored her.

—How about we drop our stuff and head downstairs to eat? I'm starving.

Yuna adjusted her cape before walking to the door.

—Good idea. Before Kizuna starts evaluating the mattress firmness.

The aroma of spices and roasted meat filled the tavern. Behind the counter, the innkeeper greeted them once again with a smile.

—Evening again, barkeep. What's on the menu? —Haruto asked, resting an arm on the counter.

The dwarf chuckled heartily.

—The name's Grundal. Today, we've got wild boar stew. You won't find a better one in all of Molgaroth.

Yuna inclined her head politely.

—Pleasure to meet you, Grundal. I'm Yuna, he's Haruto, and the crow following him around is Simo. Oh, and the little flyer here is Kizuna.

Grundal eyed Simo with curiosity.

—Didn't want to ask about the crow, but it looks like it's from Netheria. Haven't seen many around here lately.

Yuna shook her head.

—We don't know much about him. He just follows us everywhere.

Grundal stroked his gray beard, evaluating her answer, then turned his attention to Kizuna.

—And what about the little floating fairy?

Haruto shrugged.

—Kizuna is… Kizuna.

Kizuna puffed up her cheeks, crossing her arms.

—You could be a little more descriptive, Haruto-Kyun! I'm the manifestation of sheer brilliance, Kizu!

Grundal laughed as he set down three frothy mugs.

—Alright, four bowls of stew. Anything else?

Yuna kept her serious expression.

—Yes. We're looking for information.

Grundal raised an eyebrow.

—Interesting. And what kind of information?

—We're looking for a master crafter named Thalindra.

The barkeep let out a booming laugh that echoed through the tavern.

—Thalindra! Of course, I know who she is. That's public knowledge. Everyone in the city knows her.

Haruto and Yuna exchanged glances.

—Really? Are you sure we're talking about the same person? —Haruto asked.

Grundal nodded with a grin.

—Absolutely. Thalindra is the best artisan in Molgaroth. If she's not in her forge, she's in the mines searching for elemental stones.

—That's a relief —Yuna sighed—. Do you know where we can find her?

Grundal lowered his voice.

—Her forge is at the end of the artisans' district. But let me warn you: getting her attention won't be easy.

Haruto frowned.

—Why's that?

Grundal chuckled again, this time with a more serious tone.

—Because Thalindra is an extreme perfectionist. She only forges weapons and tools she deems worthy, and few meet her standards. She rarely takes commissions—and even fewer clients.

Yuna tilted her head, pondering.

—We need her to refine a sword and integrate an Aeresite stone.

Grundal scratched his beard.

—Good luck with that. You'll have to impress her. If your request isn't up to her standards, she won't even open the door.

Kizuna floated closer.

—Just how much of a perfectionist are we talking about, Kizu? The kind that measures every millimeter with a magnifying glass?

Grundal smirked.

—More like the kind who discards a perfect sword because the balance isn't absolutely flawless.

Haruto sighed, rubbing his forehead.

—Great. Because clearly, we weren't under enough pressure already.

Yuna kept her calm expression, but determination shone in her eyes.

—Thanks for the information, Grundal.

The dwarf nodded.

—You're welcome, kids. One last piece of advice… if you want Thalindra to take you seriously, bring her something worthwhile. Otherwise, don't even bother.

His knowing smile was the last thing he offered before returning to cleaning his mugs.

They remained silent, processing the information.

—Well, looks like our next stop is her forge, —Yuna said, turning to Haruto with a faint smile.

—Perfect. How hard could it be? —Haruto shrugged, though his tone betrayed his uncertainty.

—Oh, this is going to be fun, Kizu. I can't wait to see how Haruto-Kyun impresses a perfectionist!

Grundal arrived with a tray full of four steaming plates, placing them skillfully on the table.

—Here you go: wild boar stew with Grundal's special touch.

He set down an extra bowl of sauce along with freshly baked bread.

—Hope you like it. It's one of the house favorites.

Yuna inclined her head.

—Thank you. It smells wonderful.

Haruto wasted no time. He took a bite, and his eyes widened in surprise.

—This is amazing!

Simo cawed, clearly enjoying his share. Kizuna floated over her plate, taking small bites with an expression of pure bliss.

—Haruto-Kyun is right! This stew is absolutely delicious, Kizu!

Yuna, eating quietly, looked up and smiled at the sight of her companions.

—At least we have a moment of peace.

Haruto glanced at her from the corner of his eye.

—Yeah… peace.

His tone made it clear it wouldn't last long.

The group continued enjoying their meal as the lively sounds of the tavern surrounded them.

For a moment, the warmth of the place and the shared humor eased the tensions of the past few days, allowing them to recharge for what lay ahead.