Hans arrived at the Dwarf Republic without much difficulty. He finally realized the convenience of wyverns. It has been a while since he directly visited his homeland. Ruby wore a relaxed expression.
When he thought about it, Ruby had also gone through a lot. She lost her mother to an author who wasn’t even like a father. On top of that, she almost got used as a tool by him. Still, she maintained a proud attitude.
In fact, everything was frightening. He was sure that he had the upper hand in power. Yet, the childhood trauma transformed the figure of his father into a monster. Was there any way Ruby wouldn’t be scared?
However, everything changed while being with the Commander. The father he saw next to the Commander was nothing more than trash. Thanks to that, it was easy to wrap things up. It was all thanks to the Commander.
‘So here, I can be of help to the Commander.’
Ruby was the only one familiar with the geography and circumstances of the Dwarf Republic. Therefore, she decided to be the Commander’s ears and eyes. On the other hand, Hans thought.
‘The Purgatory Workshop. Just how shitty could that place be?’
Hans was already worrying about the future. It was probably better than the siege of Ares Bridge in the Human Kingdom. There, Blood Demon-level demons were camping out with throngs of monsters.
Besides, didn’t things suddenly awaken and go crazy? Thanks to that, Hans almost died of a heart attack. Compared to that, the Purgatory Workshop might be easier… he hoped.
The wyvern that Hans and his team were riding slowly landed on the anvil of the Dwarf Republic. Was it because they had heard the news in advance? They saw quite a number of dwarves waiting.
“Nice to see you again, Commander Hans.”
“Viral Chancellor, it’s been a while. But who’s this beside you?”
“This is the only heir of the Dwarf Republic.”
“Nice to meet you, I’m Beril Sapphire.”
A girl with blue hair, fitting the name Sapphire, greeted Hans with a bright smile. The girl’s appearance was that of a polite princess. Hans was taken aback.
Beril Sapphire.
One of the heroines from the original game and the only surviving royal in the Dwarf Republic. He knew she was about the same age as Helia, but he never expected to meet her like this.
Hans couldn’t hide his surprise. However, he skillfully concealed his expression. Maintaining a poker face was the best skill Hans had to keep the Commander’s dignity intact.
“Why is the princess of the republic here?”
“To secure the Purgatory Workshop, we need the power of one of the four jewels, Sapphire.”
“We need the power of Sapphire?”
“Yes, the Purgatory Workshop was established by our Sapphire.”
Beril’s words were a setting that even Hans, a veteran of the game, had never heard of. Was it intentionally hidden by the developers? Or had parts been revealed as the game became reality?
But if they could solve this request properly, it wouldn’t be bad for Hans, or even for the Racial Alliance. The technological proficiency of the Dwarf Republic was something everyone acknowledged.
Plus, the phrase “steel giant” was often used in fantasy when a mecha appeared. Even if it wasn’t a mecha from a story, having a real steel giant would be fine.
It would mean they could acquire power comparable to a mobile fortress. Hans nodded. However, unlike the Ares Bridge siege, the problem was that there was no information about the Purgatory Workshop.
“I’d like to hear more details about the Purgatory Workshop.”
“I’ll take you inside. Can we talk there?”
“Let’s do that.”
Hans smoothly accepted Beril’s proposal. The members of the Royal Knights and the knights guarding the jewels of the Dwarf Republic moved together. Ruby clicked her tongue at the sight.
‘Those guys who were already monsters became even more monstrous.’
The Knights of Jewels acted as guards for the four jewels of the Dwarf Republic. In the original, when the Dwarf Republic fell, they fell with it. But now, the Dwarf Republic was intact.
Moreover, thanks to the achievements of the Royal Knights, the investment in the Knights of Jewels had only grown. Viral Chancellor strongly requested that more skilled knights be trained.
In fact, the Dwarf Republic was about to fall to demons, so most dwarves agreed with that sentiment. The result was the now even stronger Knights of Jewels.
“Did you say your name is Ruby?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“You’re the same age as me.”
“What of it?”
“Actually, I don’t have friends. So I’d like to be friends, if that’s okay?”
At Beril’s question, Ruby silently turned to look at Hans. Her expression seemed to be asking for permission. Hans was a bit surprised, but then nodded and said.
“That’s for you to decide. Do as you like.”
“…Having a friend wouldn’t be a bad thing.”
“Thank you! Then I’ll call you Ruby from now on!”
“Yeah. For now, that’s enough.”
Beril beamed brightly at Ruby’s words. Watching the kids develop a bond was somewhat nice for Hans. Despite the situation, it was really the right thing.
“Your Highness, there’s something more important right now.”
“I know that too, Viral.”
“My apologies.”
But they couldn’t keep laughing and chatting forever. Reality was colder than they imagined. Viral Chancellor made Beril face that, and she accepted it.
Hans felt a slight regret, but there was nothing he could do. What was important now was breaching the Purgatory Workshop. However, after this was over, Ruby and Beril would be able to meet again.
If that time ever comes.
Giving Ruby a little vacation wouldn’t be so bad.
*
Vacation my ass.
Just let everyone die outside.
Hans’s feelings shifted like reeds in an instant. It was because the Purgatory Workshop was right in front of him. True to its name, there were hot lava flames surrounding the area.
However, surprisingly, it wasn’t real lava. According to Viral, those were molten metal flowing out from the Purgatory Workshop. Hans was dumbfounded. Just how much molten metal was there?
Was it continuously flowing out without a pause? Hans slowly looked around again. He and Viral Chancellor were standing in front of the Purgatory Workshop. It truly looked like hell.
“It looks like the entrance to hell.”
“Not an incorrect expression.”
“Are we really going to conquer a place like this?”
“It’s something we have been putting off. Now we have no choice.”
In front of the disgusted Hans, Viral Chancellor asserted. The Human Kingdom had obtained the national treasure and was now mobilizing properly trained soldiers and knights to continue securing territory.
The Twelve Tribes and Orks, and Elves too. Everyone was striving to improve. Under such circumstances, the Dwarf Republic couldn’t just sit still. That’s why Viral Chancellor called Hans.
He had heard that the Human Kingdom gave away its national treasure without receiving anything in return. To be honest, it was shocking. In such a terrible situation, it was natural to help each other.
But doing it without asking for any reward is not an easy task, especially risking one’s life through expeditions. Yet the leader of the Royal Knights, Hans, had given the national treasure to the kingdom.
Why could he do that?
Why could he go that far?
The answer was clear.
Hans was not looking at the immediate gain in front of him. He desired a more profound future, true peace for the continent. If that weren’t the case, how could he give away such a precious item without demanding anything in return?
Viral felt a twinge of guilt as well. The deplorable situation of his country relying on such nobility was pathetic. In fact, he didn’t say it out loud, but the Dwarf Republic had tried breaching the Purgatory Workshop.
However, the outcome was a failure. As soon as they opened the door to the Purgatory Workshop, they were overrun by the influx of Iron Men and had to retreat. At least they had learned a hint, which was fortunate.
“A hint, you say?”
“Yes, that’s right. We succeeded in capturing a few Iron Men.”
“Capturing, huh… and what does that entail?”
“They are not living beings. They are weapons made of steel, literally. Through the investigation, we realized they move by receiving some electric signals.”
“So that means we just need to block that electric signal?”
“Yes, you’ll know right away when the door opens.”
“Then I’ll open the door, Viral Chancellor. Sir Hans.”
With those words, Beril opened the door. Rusty gears and chains moved as the massive round iron door, which had been tightly shut, began to open. Inside were many Iron Men.
However, Hans’s gaze didn’t focus on the Iron Men. It went to the gigantic sign behind the many Iron Men. The massive sign pointed downward with an arrow, accompanied by some text.
[Press Here☆]
“……”
“……”
Hans silently looked at Viral and Beril. They avoided Hans’s gaze.
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