Chapter 130

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Hans arrived at the Dwarf Kingdom without difficulty. He was once again struck by the convenience of wyverns.

Perhaps because she was visiting her homeland after a long time, Ruby wore a relaxed expression.

Come to think of it, Ruby had also been through a lot. She had lost her mother to a man who wasn’t even a proper father, and, to make matters worse, had nearly been used as his tool.

Despite maintaining a brave front…

In truth, she had been terrified. While she was undoubtedly stronger, the trauma of her childhood had transformed that man, her father, into a monster in her eyes.

Ruby couldn’t possibly be unafraid.

But everything changed when she joined the Commander.

From his side, the man who called himself her father was nothing but trash.

Thanks to the Commander, she had been able to put an end to it all without difficulty. It was all thanks to him.

So, here, she would be the one to help the Commander.

Only Ruby, a native of the Dwarf Kingdom, knew its geography and circumstances.

Therefore, Ruby decided to be the Commander’s eyes and ears.

Meanwhile, Hans thought,

The Purgatory Workshop.

Just how awful of a place is it?

Hans was already worried about the future.

Hopefully, it would be better than the siege of Ares’ Bridge in the Human Kingdom.

There, a Blood Demon-level fiend had occupied the fortress with a horde of monsters. And then, it had suddenly awakened and gone berserk.

Hans’s heart had nearly leaped out of his chest.

Compared to that, the Purgatory Workshop should be easier… or so Hans hoped.

The wyvern carrying Hans and his unit members slowly landed on the Anvil of the Dwarf Kingdom.

Perhaps because they had been informed beforehand, a considerable number of Dwarves were waiting.

“It’s good to see you again, Commander Hans.”

“Ambassador Viral, it’s been a while. And who is this next to you?”

“This is the sole heir to the Dwarf Kingdom.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Bell Sapphire.”

A girl with sapphire-blue hair, befitting her name, greeted Hans with a bright smile.

She had the demeanor of a polite princess.

Hans was surprised.

Bell Sapphire.

One of the heroines from the original game and the only surviving royalty of the Dwarf Kingdom.

He knew she was around Helia’s age, but he hadn’t expected to meet her like this.

Hans couldn’t hide his surprise, but he quickly masked his expression.

Maintaining a poker face was Hans’s best technique for upholding his Commander’s dignity.

“Why has the Kingdom’s princess come all the way here?”

“To secure the Purgatory Workshop, we need the power of Sapphire, one of the four jewels.”

“The power of Sapphire?”

“Yes, the Purgatory Workshop was founded by our Sapphire lineage.”

Bell’s words revealed lore even Hans, a veteran of the game, had never heard of.

Perhaps the developers had intentionally hidden it, or maybe it was a detail that emerged when the game became reality.

In any case, if this request was successfully resolved, it would be beneficial not only for Hans but also for the Multi-Racial Alliance.

Everyone acknowledged the Dwarf Kingdom’s technological prowess.

Furthermore, the term “Steel Giant” was a common trope in fantasy mecha stories.

Even if it wasn’t a mecha, but a literal steel giant, it would still be a valuable asset, a force comparable to the Mobile Fortress.

Hans nodded.

However, unlike the siege of Ares’ Bridge, there was no information about the Purgatory Workshop.

“I’d like to hear more about the Purgatory Workshop.”

“Please come inside. May we discuss it there?”

“Let’s do that.”

Hans readily accepted Bell’s suggestion.

The Royal Knights and the Jewel’s Star, the guards protecting the Dwarven jewels, moved together.

Ruby clicked her tongue as she watched them.

Those guys, who were already monsters, have become even more monstrous.

The Jewel’s Star acted as guards for the Kingdom’s four jewels.

In the original story, they had been annihilated along with the Kingdom. But now, the Kingdom was intact, and thanks to the Royal Knights’ efforts, the investment in the Jewel’s Star had increased.

Ambassador Viral had strongly requested the training of more skilled knights.

And since the Dwarf Kingdom had nearly fallen to the demons, most Dwarves agreed. The result was the current, reinforced Jewel’s Star.

“You’re Ruby, right?”

“That’s right.”

“We’re the same age.”

“So?”

“Actually, I don’t have any friends. I’d like to be friends with you. Is that okay?”

At Bell’s question, Ruby silently turned to look at Hans, as if seeking permission.

Hans was momentarily flustered, but he nodded and said,

“That’s for you to decide. Do as you please.”

“…A friend. Wouldn’t hurt to have one.”

“Thank you! Then I’ll call you Ruby!”

“Sure. That’s enough for now.”

Bell smiled brightly at Ruby’s words, delighted.

Hans found the sight of the children getting along pleasing. If it weren’t for the current situation, this would be ideal.

“Your Highness, there’s something more important to discuss.”

“I know, Ambassador Viral.”

“My apologies.”

However, they couldn’t just chat and laugh forever. Reality was harsher than they thought.

Ambassador Viral reminded Bell of this, and she accepted it.

Hans felt a pang of sympathy, but it couldn’t be helped.

The priority was capturing the Purgatory Workshop. But after this was over, Ruby and Bell could meet again.

If that time came…

Perhaps he could give Ruby a short vacation.

Vacation, my ass.

Just go to hell.

Hans’s thoughts quickly changed.

It was because he was now standing before the Purgatory Workshop.

True to its name, the surrounding area was ablaze with hot lava.

Surprisingly, however, it wasn’t real lava.

According to Viral, it was molten metal flowing from the Purgatory Workshop.

Hans was dumbfounded.

Just how much molten metal was inside?

How could molten metal continuously flow out without stopping?

Hans slowly looked around again.

He and Ambassador Viral were standing in front of the Purgatory Workshop. It was truly hellish.

“It looks like the entrance to hell.”

“That’s not an inaccurate description.”

“We’re capturing this place?”

“It’s something we’ve been putting off. We can’t delay any longer.”

Before the appalled Hans, Ambassador Viral declared firmly.

The Human Kingdom had obtained a national treasure, and with their well-trained soldiers and knights, they were steadily expanding their territory.

The 12 Tribes, Orcs, and Elves were doing the same. Each race was striving to advance.

In this situation, the Dwarf Kingdom couldn’t remain idle.

That’s why Ambassador Viral had called for Hans.

He had heard that Hans had given the national treasure to the Human Kingdom without asking for anything in return.

Frankly, it was astonishing.

While mutual aid was expected in these dire times, giving something away without compensation was difficult, especially in life-or-death expeditions.

Yet, Hans, the Commander of the Royal Knights, had handed over the treasure.

Why?

How could he do that?

The answer was clear.

Hans wasn’t after immediate gains.

He wanted a better future, true peace for the continent.

Otherwise, how could he give away such a valuable item without asking for anything in return?

Viral couldn’t help but feel a sense of shame.

Their kingdom had to rely on such noble intentions.

While he hadn’t mentioned it, the Dwarf Kingdom had attempted to capture the Purgatory Workshop.

But they had failed. As soon as they opened the door, they were overwhelmed by the sheer number of iron golems and forced to retreat.

Fortunately, they had managed to glean a hint.

“A hint?”

“Yes. We managed to capture a few iron golems.”

“Capture… So, what exactly are they?”

“They’re not living beings. They’re weapons made of steel. Our investigation revealed that they’re controlled by electrical signals sent to their heads.”

“So, if we block those signals, we can stop them?”

“Yes, we’ll know as soon as we open the door.”

“Then I’ll open the door, Ambassador Viral, Sir Hans.”

With those words, Bell opened the door. Rusty gears and chains moved, and the massive circular iron door began to open.

Inside, there were numerous iron golems.

However, Hans’s eyes weren’t on the golems.

They were fixed on a giant sign behind them. On the sign, an arrow pointed downwards, accompanied by an inscription.

Press Here ☆

“…”

“…”

Hans silently looked at Viral and Bell, and they avoided his gaze.

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[Translator Notes]

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