"Letâs gooooooo!"
The deep, thunderous battle cry of the dwarves erupted.
From the underground bunker, dwarves poured out in waves, flooding the streets of Doomheim.
Carrying dwarven-made torches soaked in the oil of monstrous beasts, they wielded a searing flame that defied the bitter cold threatening to consume their city.@@novelbin@@
Divided into eight groups, the dwarves moved in chaotic unison, heading for their homes along the cityâs avenues.
"It seems Wulbram succeeded in persuading them," Karami observed.
"Yes," Ashies replied.
Narrowing her eyes, Skadia looked down at the scene below with disinterest, letting out a derisive snort.
"Hmph. Whatever theyâre scheming is meaningless. The dwarves will return to being slaves, living under the rule of dragons once more."
"Meaningless, you say. Are you sure about that?"
"Do you honestly believe that pitiful swarm of insects could turn the tide of this battle?"
"Of course not."
"What?"
Skadiaâs response faltered at Karamiâs unexpected answer.
"Theyâll never succeed. So why not leave them alone and let them flail about?"
"Hah! I thought you had something worthwhile to say, but itâs just the prattling of a pathetic creature. Fine. I wonât interfere with their little antics."
"Do you swear it?"
"How dare you, a mere human, demand an oath from meâ"
"Oh? Why the hesitation? Are you planning to go back on your word later? Thatâs not very becoming of you."
Skadiaâs eye twitched in annoyance.
This trembling wretch, barely peeking out from behind Ashies, had the audacity to run his mouth. She couldnât fathom why Ashies would even tolerate such a creature.
"Fine. If youâre so eager for my assurance, I will grant it. I swear not to interfere with whatever foolishness your kind is up to."
"Is that a promise?"
"Donât get too excited, insignificant insect. Once Iâve swallowed every last one of those dwarves, Iâll chew you to pieces."
Karami responded with an unfazed grin, his calm demeanor only fueling Skadiaâs irritation as her gaze shifted back to the city below.
The underground city of Doomheim, once a haven for the dwarves, was now blanketed in frost and ice.
"Hm?"
From one corner of the frozen city, a single spark of light flickered.
It was small and faint, trembling in the darkness.
Clang.